Top 100 English Idioms

To start a conversation or make people feel more comfortable

Example: He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.

Something very easy to do

Example: The exam was a piece of cake for her.

To be exactly right about something

Example: You hit the nail on the head with that suggestion.

Very rarely, almost never

Example: I only see my old friend once in a blue moon.

Feeling sick or unwell

Example: I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.

To face a difficult situation bravely

Example: I had to bite the bullet and tell my boss the truth.

To be very expensive

Example: That new car costs an arm and a leg.

Good luck (especially before a performance)

Example: Break a leg on your presentation tomorrow!

To study hard

Example: I need to hit the books before the final exam.

To reveal a secret

Example: She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.

Extremely happy

Example: She was on cloud nine after getting the job.

It's your decision or responsibility now

Example: I've made my offer, so the ball is in your court.

To reveal secret information

Example: Don't spill the beans about the surprise!

In good times and bad times

Example: My best friend has supported me through thick and thin.

Something that will never happen

Example: He'll clean his room when pigs fly.

Very common, not special

Example: Those kinds of jobs are a dime a dozen.

To avoid talking directly about something

Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened.

To do something poorly to save time or money

Example: They cut corners on the construction and now the building has problems.

To become difficult to control

Example: The party got out of hand when too many people arrived.

To go to bed

Example: I'm tired, I think I'll hit the sack early tonight.

It's not complicated or difficult

Example: Cooking pasta isn't rocket science, anyone can do it.

To miss an opportunity

Example: I missed the boat on buying that house when it was cheap.

Alert, competent, and efficient

Example: You need to be on the ball during the interview.

To joke or tease someone

Example: I was just pulling your leg, I didn't really mean it.

The person we were just talking about appears

Example: Speak of the devil, here comes John now!

The final problem that makes you give up

Example: When he was late again, that was the last straw.

Time passes very quickly

Example: Time flies when you're having fun.

To become upset or angry

Example: Don't get bent out of shape over such a small mistake.

To make a bad situation even worse

Example: To make matters worse, it started raining.

Feeling sick or unwell

Example: I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.

We'll deal with that problem when it happens

Example: Don't worry about the future, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

To understand something difficult

Example: I can't wrap my head around this math problem.

You can't judge someone by their appearance

Example: She looks quiet, but you can't judge a book by its cover.

I don't know either

Example: Where did he go? Your guess is as good as mine.

Something good that seemed bad at first

Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise - I found a better one.

Visual information is more powerful than words

Example: The photo showed everything - a picture is worth a thousand words.

What you do is more important than what you say

Example: He says he cares, but actions speak louder than words.

To make a bad situation worse

Example: To add insult to injury, they charged me extra fees.

Looking in the wrong place or accusing the wrong person

Example: If you think I took your keys, you're barking up the wrong tree.

To take on more than you can handle

Example: I think I bit off more than I can chew with this project.

To work late into the night

Example: I had to burn the midnight oil to finish the report.

To stop working for the day

Example: We've done enough, let's call it a day.

Not as good as something or someone

Example: This restaurant can't hold a candle to the one downtown.

Unable to choose between two options

Example: I'm caught between two stools - I can't decide which job to take.

No matter what happens

Example: I'll be there come rain or shine.

Being too curious can get you into trouble

Example: Don't ask too many questions - curiosity killed the cat.

Get to the point without wasting time

Example: Let me cut to the chase - we need more funding.

Don't make plans based on something that hasn't happened yet

Example: Wait until you get the job offer before celebrating - don't count your chickens before they hatch.

Don't risk everything on one opportunity

Example: Apply to multiple universities - don't put all your eggs in one basket.

There's something good in every bad situation

Example: I lost my job, but every cloud has a silver lining - now I can start my own business.

To feel slightly ill

Example: I'm feeling a bit under the weather, so I'll stay home today.

To believe someone's statement without proof

Example: I'll give him the benefit of the doubt this time.

To start over from the beginning

Example: The plan failed, so we need to go back to the drawing board.

To make extra effort

Example: She always goes the extra mile to help her students.

Stay strong, don't give up

Example: Hang in there, things will get better soon.

To begin a journey or leave

Example: It's getting late, we should hit the road.

In summary, briefly

Example: In a nutshell, we need to increase sales.

Both people are responsible for a situation

Example: The argument wasn't just his fault - it takes two to tango.

To join a popular activity or trend

Example: Everyone is jumping on the bandwagon of this new diet.

Stay positive and optimistic

Example: Keep your chin up, you'll find another job soon.

To accomplish two things at once

Example: By shopping at the mall, I can kill two birds with one stone - buy groceries and visit the bank.

Don't disturb a situation that could cause trouble

Example: The issue is resolved, so let sleeping dogs lie.

To tell something briefly

Example: To make a long story short, we decided to move.

You need to work hard to achieve something

Example: The workout is tough, but no pain, no gain.

In a risky or dangerous situation

Example: He's on thin ice with his boss after being late again.

To decide how to act based on the situation

Example: We don't have a plan yet, let's play it by ear.

To say something embarrassing or inappropriate

Example: I really put my foot in my mouth when I mentioned her ex-boyfriend.

To understand the hidden meaning

Example: If you read between the lines, you'll see she's not happy.

To agree with someone

Example: We don't always see eye to eye, but we respect each other.

To be undecided or neutral

Example: Stop sitting on the fence and make a decision.

An obvious problem that everyone avoids discussing

Example: The budget deficit is the elephant in the room.

Everything, all of it

Example: We went the whole nine yards for the wedding.

To give up or quit

Example: After failing three times, he threw in the towel.

To ignore something intentionally

Example: The teacher turned a blind eye to the students talking.

Secretly or illegally

Example: He was paid under the table to avoid taxes.

Uncertain or undecided

Example: Our vacation plans are still up in the air.

To show your emotions openly

Example: She wears her heart on her sleeve, so you always know how she feels.

I completely agree

Example: This weather is terrible. You can say that again!

A very small amount compared to what is needed

Example: The donation was nice, but it's just a drop in the bucket.

Someone in an uncomfortable situation

Example: At the fancy party, I felt like a fish out of water.

People can't change their basic nature

Example: He promised to be on time, but a leopard can't change its spots.

A lot of fuss about something unimportant

Example: The argument was just a storm in a teacup.

To experience the same bad treatment you gave others

Example: Now you know how it feels - a taste of your own medicine.

Eating healthy prevents illness

Example: I eat fruits daily - an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

To start over from the beginning

Example: The plan failed, so we're back to square one.

To stop yourself from saying something

Example: I had to bite my tongue during the meeting.

To cost too much money

Example: This vacation won't break the bank.

To destroy relationships or opportunities

Example: Don't burn bridges with your old employer.

Just barely, by a very small margin

Example: I passed the exam by the skin of my teeth.

The ability to eat anything without getting sick

Example: He has a cast iron stomach - he can eat anything.

To be upset about something that can't be changed

Example: There's no use crying over spilled milk - let's move on.

Don't raise a false alarm

Example: If you keep saying you're sick when you're not, people won't believe you when you really are - don't cry wolf.

More difficult than it sounds

Example: Losing weight is easier said than done.

The show is over, it's finished

Example: The concert ended - Elvis has left the building.

Everyone will have success at some point

Example: Don't worry, every dog has its day.

To respond to an attack with a similar attack

Example: Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire.

To experience what you've done to others

Example: Now you're getting a taste of your own medicine.

To organize yourself and start behaving properly

Example: You need to get your act together if you want to succeed.

To ignore someone intentionally

Example: She gave me the cold shoulder after our argument.

To fail spectacularly

Example: The project went down in flames.

To have two good things that are normally impossible to have together

Example: You can't have your cake and eat it too - you need to choose.

To have great success or luck

Example: She hit the jackpot with her new business idea.

In trouble

Example: He's in hot water with his parents for coming home late.

The world is smaller than you think (when you meet someone unexpectedly)

Example: I ran into my old teacher in Paris - it's a small world!

To start too early

Example: Don't jump the gun - wait for the official announcement.

To keep something away or under control

Example: Exercise helps keep illness at bay.

To forget past disagreements

Example: Let's let bygones be bygones and start fresh.

To take advantage of a good opportunity

Example: The market is good now, so make hay while the sun shines.

Not very intelligent or mentally unstable

Example: He's not playing with a full deck if he thinks that will work.

Unexpectedly, suddenly

Example: She called me out of the blue after years of no contact.

To argue the opposite side for discussion

Example: Let me play devil's advocate - what if the plan fails?

To calm down and behave normally

Example: Pull yourself together and focus on the task.

Raining very heavily

Example: It's raining cats and dogs outside.

Important things take time

Example: Learning English takes time - Rome wasn't built in a day.

To have a casual conversation

Example: We were just shooting the breeze about old times.

To take attention away from someone

Example: Don't steal her thunder - this is her moment.

Don't believe it completely

Example: Take his advice with a grain of salt - he's not an expert.

To have advantages of two different things

Example: Working from home gives me the best of both worlds.

People who act early get advantages

Example: I arrived early - the early bird catches the worm.

To take a risk

Example: She threw caution to the wind and quit her job to travel.

To be angry about something that happened in the past

Example: He has a chip on his shoulder about not getting promoted.

In a difficult situation with no solution

Example: Without my phone, I'm up a creek without a paddle.

Something in the past that can't be changed

Example: That argument is water under the bridge now.

When one bad thing happens, more follow

Example: First my car broke down, then I lost my wallet - when it rains, it pours.

You are exactly right

Example: Your analysis hit the nail on the head.