Commonly used Idioms Idiom: a manner of speaking that is n | English language

Commonly used Idioms

Idiom: a manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language.

Every language has its own collection of wise sayings. They offer advice about how to live and also transfer some underlying ideas, principles and values of a given culture / society. These sayings are called "idioms" - or proverbs if they are longer. These combinations of words have (rarely complete sentences) a "figurative meaning" meaning, they basically work with "pictures".
This List of commonly used idioms and sayings (in everyday conversational English), can help to speak English by learning English idiomatic expressions. This is a list, which contains exactly 66 of the most commonly used idioms and their meaning.


Smart Idioms

A hot potato

Speak of an issue (mostly current) which many people are talking about and which is usually disputed.

A penny for your thoughts

A way of asking what someone is thinking

Actions speak louder than words

People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.

Add insult to injury

To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation.

An arm and a leg.

Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money.
At the drop of a hat
Meaning: without any hesitation; instantly.

Back to the drawing board.

When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.
Ball is in your court
It is up to you to make the next

decision or step

Barking up the wrong tree
Looking in the wrong place. Accusing the wrong person.

Be glad to see the back of.

Be happy when a person leaves.
Beat around the bush
Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.

Best of both worlds

Meaning: All the advantages.
Best thing since sliced bread
A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan.

Bite off more than you can chew

To take on a task that is way to big.
Blessing in disguise
Something good that isn't recognized at first.

Burn the midnight oil

To work late into the night, alluding to the time before electric lighting.
Can't judge a book by its cover
Cannot judge something primarily on appearance.

Caught between two stools.

When someone finds it difficult to choose between two alternatives.
Costs an arm and a leg
This idiom is used when something is very expensive.

Cross that bridge when you come to it
Deal with a problem if and when it becomes necessary, not before.

Cry over spilt milk.
When you complain about a loss from the past.

Curiosity killed the cat
Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation.

Cut corners.
When something is done badly to save money.

Cut the mustard [possibly derived from "cut the muster"]
To succeed; to come up to expectations; adequate enough to compete or participate.

Devil's Advocate
To present a counter argument

Don't count your chickens before the eggs have hatched
This idiom is used to express "Don't make plans for something that might not happen".

Don't give up the day job.

You are not very good at something. You could definitely not do it professionally.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Do not put all your resources in one possibility.

Drastic times call for drastic measures
When you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions.
Elvis has left the building
The show has come to an end. It's all over.
Every cloud has a silver lining

Be optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.

Far cry from.

Very different from.

Feel a bit under the weather
Meaning: Feeling slightly ill.

Give the benefit of the doubt
Believe someone's statement, without proof.
Hear it on the grapevine.

This idiom means 'to hear rumors' about something or someone.
Hit the nail on the head
Do or say something exactly right.

Hit the sack / sheets / hay
To go to bed.

In the heat of the moment
Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment.

It takes two to tango.

Actions or communications need more than one person.

Jump on the bandwagon
Join a popular trend or activity.