120 Helpful English Idiom Examples Everybody Ought to Know
Idiomatic expressions, generally known as idioms, add shade and curiosity to writing and speech. Lots of them aren’t intuitive, although, particularly for youths and multilingual learners of all ages. We’ve put collectively an inventory of a number of the commonest English idioms, full with meanings and examples. Use them for Idiom of the Day classes, or create a bulletin board of English idiom examples.
Plus, get a free Google Slide deck of all these English idiom examples to make use of along with your college students by filling out the shape on this web page.
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What are English idioms?
Idioms are expressions which have a that means that isn’t instantly apparent from the phrases themselves. Each language has them, and fluent audio system use them casually with out even excited about them. However for younger college students or these studying English as a second language, these phrases may be actually complicated.
The that means of some idiom examples may be fairly apparent. For example, the phrase “blessing in disguise” means very a lot what it seems like: one thing good that appears disguised as one thing unhealthy at first. However different idiom examples are way more obscure, corresponding to “beat across the bush” or “on cloud 9.” There’s simply no option to cause out their precise that means.
That’s why it may be very useful to show idiom examples to younger youngsters or those that are studying English as a international language (EFL). Share these idiom examples along with your college students to deepen their understanding and use of American English idioms very quickly flat!
Frequent English Idiom Examples for Children
Actions communicate louder than phrases
That means: What you do is extra essential than what you say you’ll do
Instance: Tai says he cares in regards to the setting, however he’s at all times shopping for bottled water as a substitute of utilizing a reusable container. Actions communicate louder than phrases.
Add gasoline to the fireplace
That means: To make issues worse
Instance: Celia added gasoline to the fireplace by accusing the opposing staff of dishonest.
Add insult to harm
That means: Do one thing to make a foul scenario worse
Instance: Studying she failed her science take a look at on the identical day her greatest buddy moved away added insult to harm.
All ears
That means: Desirous to take heed to what somebody has to say
Instance: The category was all ears when Ms. Ali talked about a option to earn additional credit score on the take a look at.
Something however
That means: In no way
Instance: After they heard in regards to the pop quiz, the scholars have been something however excited.
On the drop of a hat
That means: Instantly, immediately
Instance: Zari and Oscar like to journey; they typically set off on the drop of a hat for someplace new and unique.
Beat across the bush
That means: To keep away from saying what you imply, actually because it will be troublesome or uncomfortable
Instance: Don’t beat across the bush. Simply inform me why you’ll be able to’t come to my party on Friday.
Bend over backward
That means: To strive very onerous to do one thing, even when it causes you issues
Instance: I’ve been bending over backward to plan this social gathering on the final minute.
Chew the bullet
That means: To do one thing that’s uncomfortable or not enjoyable and get it over with
Instance: After placing it off for a number of days, Alex determined to chew the bullet and begin work on the historical past venture.
Blessing in disguise
That means: An apparently unhealthy factor that seems to be good not directly
Instance: Dashaun was disillusioned he couldn’t go to the social gathering, however after everybody who attended obtained meals poisoning, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Bone to select
That means: To be indignant at somebody about one thing and need to discuss it
Instance: I’ve obtained a bone to select with you! It’s essential to cease leaving your junk throughout my desk.
Break a leg
That means: Good luck! Typically used within the theater earlier than a play or efficiency.
Instance: Is your piano recital tonight? Nicely, break a leg!
Break the ice
That means: To do or say one thing that can make folks really feel extra snug
Instance: OK, since none of us have met earlier than, let’s introduce ourselves and break the ice by sharing our favourite ice cream taste.
Burn your bridges
That means: To do one thing that makes it not possible to return to the way in which issues have been earlier than
Instance: For those who insult your boss while you resign, you’ll burn your bridges with that firm.
By the pores and skin of your tooth
That means: Simply barely accomplish or escape one thing
Instance: Slipping in simply earlier than midnight, Luka prevented breaking curfew by the pores and skin of her tooth.
Name it a day
That means: To cease engaged on one thing and plan to select it up once more later
Instance: After working for 3 hours on her science honest venture, Sofia determined to name it a day.
Change of coronary heart
That means: To alter your opinion about one thing
Instance: Ms. Ramirez was against permitting canine in school, however she’s had a change of coronary heart.
Chip off the outdated block
That means: An individual who’s much like a mother or father not directly
Instance: Kayden likes to play chess as a lot as his dad does. He’s an actual chip off the outdated block.
Come rain or shine
That means: It doesn’t matter what
Instance: She reveals as much as assist on the meals pantry each single Saturday, come rain or shine.
Prices an arm and a leg
That means: To explain one thing that could be very costly
Instance: A brand new PlayStation prices an arm and a leg, so that you’d higher begin saving now if you wish to purchase one.
Crack a window
That means: Open a window barely
Instance: It’s so stuffy in right here. Can somebody please crack a window for some contemporary air?
Cross your fingers
That means: To want somebody luck or hope for one thing to occur
Instance: Headed to your audition? I’ll cross my fingers that you simply get the half you need!
Reduce corners
That means: Sacrifice high quality to save lots of time, cash, or effort
Instance: Don’t minimize corners on this venture—it’s price 50% of your grade!
Reduce any individual some slack
That means: To ease up on somebody, to permit them some leeway or one other probability
Instance: Although Jake was late together with his English essay, Ms. Davis determined to chop him some slack since she knew he’d had the abdomen flu.
Reducing corners
That means: To do one thing rapidly and badly with a view to save time or cash
Instance: Liza minimize corners on her math homework so she may watch TV and ended up getting many of the solutions flawed.
Dime a dozen
That means: Quite common
Instance: On this seaside, seashells are a dime a dozen, particularly at low tide.
Drag your ft
That means: To be reluctant to do one thing
Instance: Rohan knew he wanted to begin his analysis paper, however he simply saved dragging his ft.
Draw a clean
That means: To put out of your mind one thing
Instance: Keiko studied onerous for the take a look at, however when it got here time to reply the query, she drew a clean.
Drop the ball
That means: To make a mistake
Instance: Aisha stated she’d make the poster for our venture, however she forgot. She actually dropped the ball on this one.
Ear to the bottom
That means: To be nicely knowledgeable or attempt to study extra about occasions
Instance: Maintain your ear to the bottom and see should you can study extra about their plan.
Each cloud has a silver lining
That means: Irrespective of how unhealthy one thing appears, there’s often an excellent facet to it as nicely
Instance: Jamal was disillusioned that his soccer sport was canceled, nevertheless it gave him time to go to the films together with his mates, and his mother identified that each cloud has a silver lining.
Get off my again
That means: Used to ask somebody to cease bugging you about one thing
Instance: I instructed you I’d mow the garden this weekend—now get off my again!
Get out of hand
That means: To turn out to be troublesome to manage
Instance: Ms. Rodriguez instructed her college students they may chat whereas they labored, so long as the noise stage didn’t get out of hand.
Get one thing out of your system
That means: Do the factor you’ve been wanting to take action you’ll be able to transfer on
Instance: Mr. Patel knew his college students have been desirous to check out the brand new playground gear, so he instructed them to go forward and get it out of their system earlier than they began class.
Get your act collectively
That means: Behave correctly, or set up your ideas so you are able to do one thing efficiently
Instance: After the third time he was late to class, Connor’s trainer instructed him he wanted to get his act collectively and begin displaying up on time.
Get your ft moist
That means: To take a small step in an effort to study or do one thing new
Instance: Earlier than becoming a member of the cross-country staff, Melanie obtained her ft moist by operating just a few native 5K races.
Give it a whirl
That means: To strive one thing
Instance: I’ve by no means made a cake from scratch, however I’m prepared to provide it a whirl.
Give somebody the advantage of the doubt
That means: To belief what somebody says, even should you’re not fully certain what they’re saying is true
Instance: Charlotte wasn’t certain Amelia was actually late as a result of she missed the bus, however she determined to provide her the advantage of the doubt.
Give somebody the chilly shoulder
That means: To disregard somebody, often since you’re upset or indignant with them
Instance: Will and Jessica have been mad at Emma, in order that they determined to provide her the chilly shoulder till she apologized.
Return to the drafting board
That means: To start out one thing over once more with a very new thought
Instance: When her science experiment failed utterly, Hailey knew it was time to return to the drafting board.
Go the additional mile
That means: To do greater than you’re required to do
Instance: Minh went the additional mile and actually impressed the choice committee.
Intestine feeling
That means: A response based mostly on an emotional response as a substitute of cause
Instance: I would like this venture to work out, however I’ve obtained a intestine feeling we’re doing issues the flawed manner.
Cling in there
That means: Don’t quit, carry on making an attempt
Instance: “I’m sorry you’re having a tough day,” Lucas instructed Olivia. “Cling in there. I’m certain issues shall be higher tomorrow.”
Hit-or-miss
That means: One thing that could be good generally and unhealthy different occasions; unreliable
Instance: Anna was a bit hit-or-miss when it got here to remembering to take out the trash on Thursdays.
Hit the sack/hit the hay
That means: To go to mattress
Instance: “9 o’clock!” stated Mia’s dad. “It’s time to show off the TV and hit the sack.”
Hook, line, and sinker
That means: Fully tricked or deceived
Instance: I instructed my trainer the canine ate my homework, and she or he fell for it hook, line, and sinker.
In the identical boat
That means: To be in the identical unhealthy scenario as different folks
Instance: We’re all in the identical boat right here; let’s assist one another out and repair the issue.
It’s not rocket science
That means: Used to explain one thing that isn’t sophisticated or troublesome
Instance: All it’s important to do is put the books again on the suitable shelf. It’s not rocket science!
Final straw
That means: The final in a sequence of occasions that causes somebody to expire of endurance
Instance: “That’s the final straw!” stated Elena after her little brother’s ball landed in her cereal bowl. “Go play exterior!”
Let somebody off the hook
That means: To not maintain somebody accountable for one thing
Instance: Logan was caught operating within the hallway, however Ms. Walker let him off the hook as a result of she knew he was late for the bus.
Miss the boat
That means: To be too late for one thing that’s already began or is over
Instance: Sarah needed to hitch the lacrosse staff, however she was too late to enroll and missed the boat.
On cloud 9
That means: Extraordinarily completely happy about one thing
Instance: When Wyatt discovered he’d gotten an ideal rating on each his math and science exams, he was on cloud 9 for the remainder of the day.
On the ball
That means: To be fast and alert, coping with issues instantly
Instance: Alice obtained all her homework performed and practiced her clarinet earlier than dinner. She’s actually on the ball right now!
On the identical web page
That means: To agree with somebody
Instance: I feel you and I are on the identical web page—we each agree that recycling is essential.
On skinny ice
That means: In a dangerous scenario or place
Instance: When Mrs. Chen needed to ask Ava and Noah to cease speaking for the fourth time that day, she warned them each that they have been on skinny ice.
Out of the blue
That means: Instantly and with out warning
Instance: All the pieces was going effective when out of the blue, Joey stated they have been actually mad about one thing.
Out on a limb
That means: To take a danger for somebody or one thing
Instance: I’m going to exit on a limb and provides them the additional funding they’re asking for.
Penny on your ideas
That means: What are you excited about proper now? What are your ideas on the subject?
Instance: You’ve been quiet for a very long time now. Penny on your ideas?
Play it by ear
That means: To determine issues out as you go
Instance: We didn’t get a schedule prematurely, so we’ll simply need to play it by ear because the day goes alongside.
Pull somebody’s leg
That means: To tease somebody or attempt to idiot them
Instance: No, the cafeteria isn’t actually gifting away free ice cream. I used to be simply pulling your leg!
Pull your self collectively
That means: To calm your self down while you’re very upset
Instance: I do know you’re upset that your staff misplaced the sport, however you have to pull your self collectively and go congratulate the winners.
Run in circles
That means: To strive very onerous however have little or no success
Instance: We’re simply operating in circles right here. We’d like a plan earlier than we do any extra work.
Second wind
That means: A contemporary burst of power
Instance: Quinn thought she was too drained to go to the social gathering after taking part in soccer all afternoon, however then she obtained a second wind.
See eye to eye
That means: Agree with somebody about one thing
Instance: Irrespective of how lengthy they argued, they couldn’t appear to see eye to eye about portray the room orange.
Sleep like a log
That means: Sleep very soundly with out waking
Instance: After a protracted day on the seaside, Jayma slept like a log that night time.
Slip your thoughts
That means: To neglect one thing
Instance: I meant to do the laundry, nevertheless it completely slipped my thoughts.
Begin off on the flawed foot
That means: To start out a relationship or exercise badly
Instance: After beginning off on the flawed foot, Robin and Hayden lastly found out how you can work collectively.
Take a rain examine
That means: To postpone a plan till one other time
Instance: I’d like to play basketball after college, however I’ve obtained to go dwelling to mow the garden. Can I take a rain examine?
The ball is in your courtroom
That means: The choice or subsequent step is as much as you
Instance: Nick’s mother instructed him he may both be a part of the basketball staff or join karate class, so he had to decide on one. “The ball is in your courtroom,” she stated.
The entire 9 yards
That means: All the pieces, all the way in which
Instance: Grace and Nora went the entire 9 yards to ensure Hannah’s party was actually particular.
Assume in your ft
That means: To react rapidly in a tough or fast-moving scenario
Instance: Dani excels at basketball as a result of she’s so good at pondering on her ft.
By means of thick and skinny
That means: When issues are good and in addition after they’re unhealthy
Instance: Sophie and Chloe had been greatest mates since first grade, sticking collectively via thick and skinny.
Time flies while you’re having enjoyable
That means: While you’re having an excellent time, you don’t discover how rapidly the time is passing
Instance: “Recess is over already?” stated Ben. “I suppose time flies while you’re having enjoyable!”
To get bent out of practice
That means: To get upset about one thing
Instance: I didn’t imply to step in your foot—there’s no have to get bent out of practice about it.
To make a protracted story brief
That means: To offer the fundamental details about one thing as a substitute of a protracted clarification
Instance: To make a protracted story brief, Liam tripped over his shoelace and that’s how he broke his wrist.
Below the desk
That means: To do one thing secretly, typically used to consult with working for pay unofficially (and illegally)
Instance: Gabi knew she shouldn’t, however she took a job working beneath the desk so she didn’t have to fret about paying taxes.
Below the climate
That means: To be sick
Instance: Miguel received’t be on the Scout assembly right now as a result of he’s feeling a bit beneath the climate.
Up in arms
That means: Very indignant about one thing
Instance: After they heard the plans to chop down the outdated oak tree, the townspeople have been up in arms.
Up within the air
That means: Unsure or unsettled
Instance: Till we all know if it’s going to rain or not, our weekend plans are up within the air.
We’ll cross that bridge after we come to it
That means: If that drawback comes up, we’ll cope with it then, not proper now
Instance: We would have a snow day on Monday, however we’ll cross that bridge after we come to it.
Wrap your head round one thing
That means: To grasp one thing sophisticated or shocking
Instance: It’s onerous to wrap your head round simply how massive the universe is.
You’ll be able to say that once more
That means: I utterly agree with what you simply stated
Instance: “This pizza is one of the best meals I ever ate!” exclaimed Mateo. “You’ll be able to say that once more!” Dylan agreed.
Your guess is nearly as good as mine
That means: When you don’t have any thought what the reply is to a query or drawback
Instance: “Are you aware how you can clear up quantity 4 in our math homework?” Maria requested. “Your guess is nearly as good as mine,” David replied, shrugging his shoulders.
Animal English Idiom Examples
A fish out of water
That means: Somebody in an uncomfortable place or scenario
Instance: It was Allison’s first day at her new college, and she or he felt like a fish out of water.
All bark and no chew
That means: Full of massive speak however not prepared to take significant motion
Instance: Don’t be afraid of him when he will get mad. He’s all bark and no chew.
Ants in your pants
That means: Can’t sit nonetheless
Instance: “Cease wriggling whereas I’m braiding your hair!” Kehlani’s mother stated. “You’ve ants in your pants this morning.”
Barking up the flawed tree
That means: To be on the lookout for solutions within the flawed place
Instance: James thought Christopher was the one who broke the vase, however he was barking up the flawed tree.
Be a fly on the wall
That means: To observe one thing occur with out anybody realizing you’re there
Instance: Nico wished he might be a fly on the wall when his sister found the toad he’d left in her shoe!
Greater fish to fry
That means: Extra essential issues to do
Instance: Don’t waste my time with foolish little issues right now. I’ve obtained larger fish to fry.
Rooster out
That means: To be too afraid to do one thing
Instance: She stood on the excessive diving board for nearly 10 minutes, however in the long run, Dionne chickened out and got here again down the ladder as a substitute of leaping.
Cry wolf
That means: To lie about one thing to get consideration or assist
Instance: For those who hold crying wolf, nobody will consider you while you’re actually harm.
Don’t depend your chickens earlier than they hatch
That means: Don’t rely upon one thing earlier than it occurs
Instance: I do know you’re certain you’re going to get the lead within the spring play, however don’t depend your chickens earlier than they hatch.
Eagle eye
That means: Shut or cautious watch on one thing
Instance: Ever since I broke a glass, my dad and mom hold an eagle eye on me once I’m washing dishes.
Elephant within the room
That means: A big, apparent challenge or drawback that individuals are avoiding mentioning or coping with
Instance: After ready for Joseph to clarify his bright-green hair all via dinner, his mother lastly determined it was time to deal with the elephant within the room.
For the birds
That means: Nugatory or no good
Instance: These low-cost pens are for the birds; they barely work in any respect.
Get your geese in a row
That means: To get issues organized or make plans
Instance: I’ve so many issues to get performed right now! I have to get my geese in a row earlier than I get began.
Glad as a clam
That means: Very content material with a scenario
Instance: Give her a e-book, some scorching chocolate, and a heat blanket, and she or he’s completely happy as a clam.
Maintain your horses
That means: Decelerate, cease and take into consideration what you’re doing
Instance: “Maintain your horses!” their dad stated. “You’ll be able to’t go swimming till you placed on sunscreen.”
It’s raining cats and canine
That means: To rain very onerous
Instance: I hope you introduced your umbrella. It’s raining cats and canine on the market!
Pig out
That means: To eat a complete lot abruptly
Instance: Come over for dinner and we’ll pig out on pizza and ice cream.
The early fowl will get the worm
That means: Those that arrive first have one of the best probability for fulfillment or obtain one of the best issues
Instance: Grayson and Jayden confirmed as much as discover one of the best seats within the room already taken. “The early fowl will get the worm!” stated Maya with a smile.
When pigs fly
That means: One thing that can most likely by no means occur
Instance: Would I ever go sky-diving? When pigs fly!
Wild goose chase
That means: A mindless or hopeless try and do one thing
Instance: They regarded throughout for a replica of the brand new online game, however in the long run it turned out to be a wild goose chase.
Meals English Idiom Examples
Dangerous egg
That means: An individual who causes hassle or is dishonest
Instance: A lot of the group have been type and sincere, however just a few unhealthy eggs precipitated hassle for the remainder.
Beef up
That means: To make one thing stronger
Instance: My trainer really helpful I beef up my essay with stronger examples to help my primary level.
Bread and butter
That means: An individual’s primary supply of earnings
Instance: Khalil loves taking part in together with his band on the weekends, however giving guitar and piano classes is his bread and butter.
Butter up
That means: To flatter or reward somebody to get their assist or help
Instance: Malik is being very nice to me impulsively. I feel he’s making an attempt to butter me up and get me to vote for him for sophistication president.
Cherry on high
That means: To make one thing that’s already good even higher
Instance: We received free tickets to the live performance, however the cherry on high was studying we’d additionally scored backstage passes!
Cool as a cucumber
That means: Calm and serene, typically in a troublesome scenario
Instance: Whereas everybody else panicked in regards to the pop quiz, Inez was cool as a cucumber.
Cream of the crop
That means: The easiest of a bunch
Instance: Everybody is aware of that Harvard and Yale solely settle for the cream of the crop.
Cry over spilled milk
That means: To really feel sorry over one thing that has already occurred, despite the fact that it’s not useful
Instance: It’s too unhealthy you broke your cellphone, however there’s no use crying over spilled milk.
Egg in your face
That means: To be embarrassed or look silly
Instance: Amaya instructed everybody the staff was certain to win, so after they failed to attain a single purpose, she wound up with egg on her face.
Icing on the cake
That means: One thing that makes an excellent scenario even higher
Instance: The band was excited to study they’d earned a spot within the regional competitors. Discovering out it will happen at Disney World was the icing on the cake.
In a nutshell
That means: A fast abstract of a subject; a quick clarification
Instance: In a nutshell, this venture requires college students to analysis and current details about a present world chief.
Piece of cake
That means: Extraordinarily simple
Instance: Placing the brand new desk collectively was a bit of cake.
Happy as punch
That means: Extraordinarily completely happy about one thing
Instance: Tia is happy as punch about going to Hawaii for spring break.
Promote like hotcakes
That means: To promote rapidly and in massive quantities
Instance: The newest iPhone mannequin is promoting like hotcakes!
Spill the beans
That means: To offer away a secret
Instance: Isabella’s shock social gathering was ruined when Sarah spilled the beans just a few days earlier than.
Take it with a grain of salt
That means: Be skeptical; don’t take one thing too actually
Instance: Liza thinks Rohan can do no flawed, so take what she says about him with a grain of salt.
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