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. Idioms 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 make the language evolve. The great intensity of idioms makes a language dynamic and interesting. Phrases bring a remarkable illustration to daily speech and offer compelling insights into the use of languages, words, and the speaker’s thought process. There is a sense of fun and mystery about idioms.
Why are idiomatic expressions challenging?
They can be difficult because their meanings aren’t always clear at first glance. This is especially true for non-native speakers, as idioms often carry symbolic or figurative meanings. As a result, English learners often find them unusual and tricky to grasp.
Top 10 Common Idioms
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 fileLatest Idioms
Meaning: Surprisingly, as odd as it may sound; used to introduce an unexpected or unbelievable fact.
Example: Strange to tell, the cat found its way home from over 50 miles away. Read more ➺
Meaning: Take full advantage of the present moment without worrying about the future.
Example: She decided to seize the day and booked a last-minute trip to Italy. Read more ➺
Meaning: Fail to produce the intended effect or fail to impress the audience.
Example: Her joke fell flat and no one in the room laughed. Read more ➺
Meaning: Become suddenly and uncontrollably angry or emotional.
Example: When she heard the news, she went off the deep end and started yelling at everyone. Read more ➺
Meaning: Expresses defiance or rebellious refusal, often used to rudely dismiss or reject someone's demand or authority.
Example: If you think I'm apologizing, you can eat my shorts. Read more ➺
Meaning: Make contact briefly to update or check in.
Example: Let's touch base next week about the marketing plan. Read more ➺
Meaning: A sudden feeling of repulsion toward someone you were attracted to, often triggered by a specific behavior.
Example: She was into him until he started chewing with his mouth open — that gave her the ick instantly. Read more ➺
Meaning: A morally correct and virtuous course of behavior.
Example: After his release from prison, he promised to stay on the straight and narrow for his family's sake. Read more ➺
Meaning: Return to a previous location or state: To go back to a place or condition one was in before.
Example: I circled back to the house to get my briefcase Read more ➺
many a slip between the cup and the lip
Meaning: Even when success seems near, unexpected events can still prevent it.
Example: The wedding was planned, but the sudden breakup proved there's many a slip between the cup and the lip. Read more ➺
View the complete list of all idioms we have on our website. Read more ➺
