Idioms
An idiom is a group of words, a saying, or a phrase with a symbolic rather than literal meaning that is accepted in common usage. It is a form of artistic expression characteristic of a movement, period, individual, medium, or instrument.
An idiom’s figurative meaning is different from the literal definition of its individual words. They convey concepts that are difficult to grasp solely through word reading. For example, the phrase “when pigs fly” means something will never happen, a meaning that isn’t obvious without context or explanation.
Many different idioms exist, and people use them commonly in all languages. Translating them into other languages can be challenging because some meanings may be lost. Still, equivalents that fill in the gaps between languages exist. The English language has an unlimited number of idiomatic expressions.
Idiomatic expressions are the building blocks of civilization and language. They help language grow and evolve. The richness of such phrases makes communication dynamic and engaging. These colorful expressions add vivid imagery to everyday speech and offer fascinating insights into how words are used and what the speaker is thinking. There is a sense of fun and mystery about them.
Why are idiomatic expressions challenging?
They can be hard to understand because their meanings aren’t always clear right away. This is especially true for people learning English, since these expressions often have hidden or symbolic meanings. That’s why many learners find these kinds of phrases strange and confusing at first.
Top 10 Everyday Expressions
This is a list of the top ten most common English phrases and idioms used globally. We have provided their meaning and examples for teachers and students. Students also explain the meaning of idiomatic expressions in competitive exams. The popularity of an idiom can vary from region to region. However, this list is generally popular worldwide.
Meaning: a controversial issue or situation that is awkward to deal with.
Example: Addressing the issue of bullying in our school has become a hot potato. Read more ➺
Meaning: something that is easy to do
Example: Learning English is a piece of cake as long as you do it with our website. Read more ➺
Meaning: very rarely
Example: I go to visit my grandfather only once in a blue moon; he lives in a remote farm house. Read more ➺
Meaning: easy option
Example: Taking care of my younger sister is no bed of roses; she is very silly. Read more ➺
Meaning: raining very heavily
Example: I wanted to go to play outside, but it was raining cats and dogs yesterday. Read more ➺
Meaning: something that will never happen or is impossible.
Example: William will keep quiet only when pigs fly. Read more ➺
Meaning: one who presents a counter argument
Example: Hey Jack! You're always playing devil's advocate! Give it a rest and mind your own business. Read more ➺
Meaning: miss the chance.
Example: Peter wanted to enter the drawing competition, but he was too late to enter, and he missed the boat. Read more ➺
Meaning: someone very precious or dear
Example: Every kid in the world is the apple of their parents' eye(s). Read more ➺
Meaning: to stop talking
Example: I don't want to hear another sound out of you. Now do as you're told and zip your lip. Read more ➺
Download as PDF fileNew Phrases to Learn
Meaning: Withdraw from a defensive or alert position, especially military or security-related.
Example: The soldiers were ordered to stand down after the threat was neutralized. Read more ➺
Meaning: Refers to an animal used to carry loads or perform heavy labor, such as a donkey, mule, or ox.
Example: The donkey served as a beast of burden, hauling sacks of grain up the steep hill. Read more ➺
Meaning: Respond sharply and publicly to criticism or insult, especially in a witty or cutting way.
Example: She clapped back at the critic with a sarcastic tweet. Read more ➺
Meaning: Expresses annoyance at something unfortunate happening.
Example: The train left two minutes before I arrived — just my luck. Read more ➺
Meaning: Stop a repeated bad behavior.
Example: After years of smoking, he finally broke the habit. Read more ➺
Meaning: Make a short or planned trip to see someone or someplace, usually for social or polite reasons.
Example: We decided to pay a visit to Grandma over the weekend. Read more ➺
Meaning: Become extremely enthusiastic or infatuated, often in an irrational or obsessive way.
Example: Fans go gaga over every new photo their favorite celebrity posts. Read more ➺
Meaning: Annoy someone to the point of frustration or anger.
Example: His constant humming was starting to drive me nuts during the meeting. Read more ➺
Meaning: A balance between two conflicting options.
Example: She made a trade-off between job security and a higher salary. Read more ➺
Meaning: Used to express disbelief or annoyance at something that seems unreasonable, unfair, or ridiculous.
Example: Give me a break, you expect me to finish all this work by noon? Read more ➺
View the complete list of all idiomatic phrases we have on our website. Read more ➺
