An idiom is a phrase that cannot be understood through its individual words. It often uses figurative language, allusions, and atypical use of language. Idioms often require real-world context and experience to understand.
a
- A blessing in disguise“A blessing in disguise” refers to the idea that something negative can have a positive outcome.
- A chip off the old block“A chip off the old block” is used to refer to someone who is similar to a person who was influential in their life.
- Actions speak louder than words“Actions speak louder than words” refers to the fact that acts are more meaningful than statements.
- A dime a dozen“A dime a dozen” refers to something that’s so common and plentiful that it’s practically worthless.
- A method to the madness“A method to the madness” is an interesting English-language idiom that refers to someone’s tactics. They might seem “mad,” or unworkable, but there is a purpose to everything they’re doing.
- A penny for your thoughts“A penny for your thoughts” is a figurative way of asking someone to rejoin a conversation and gain their perspective on a topic, usually because they have been quiet.
- A perfect storm“A perfect storm” is a common English idiom that is usually used as a metaphor to describe a worst-case scenario.
- A picture is worth a thousand words“A picture is worth a thousand words” suggests that a picture contains far more in its colors and content than 1,000 words ever could.
- A snowball’s chance in hell“A snowball’s chance in hell” is an interesting English idiom that refers to a situation in which one has very little chance of succeeding.
- A storm in a teacup“A storm in a teacup,” also sometimes said as a “tempest in a teacup,” is an English idiom. It refers to an event that’s been exaggerated out of proportion with its truth.
- A taste of your own medicine“A taste of your own medicine” is an English idiom that’s used to describe one person’s desire for another to experience something negative.
- At the Drop of a hatTo do something at the “drop of a hat” means that one is going to immediately do whatever it is they need to do.
b
- Back to the drawing board“Back to the drawing board” is a common English idiom that’s used to refer to someone’s decision to rethink a plan or decision.
- Barking up the wrong tree'Barking up the wrong tree' is an English-language idiom. It’s used to describe a situation in which someone is pursuing an incorrect assumption.
- Beat a dead horse"Beat a dead horse" is an idiom that describes someone's attempt to complete or achieve something that is futile or wasted.
- Beat around the bush"Beat around the bush” suggests someone is avoiding saying something. They're likely trying not to address a necessary topic.
- Benefit of the doubt"Benefit of the doubt" is used to refer to a situation in which one person is willing to give another a chance before judging them.
- Bent out of shape"Bent out of shape" is used to refer to how upset or angry someone is about something that's bothering them.
- Bigger fish to fry“Bigger fish to fry” is a common English idiom that’s used to describe one’s belief that they have more important things to do.
- Birds of a feather flock togetherBirds of a feather flock together refers to similarities within groups that allow the indiviudals to connect and feel safe with one another.
- Bite off more than you can chew“Bite off more than you can chew” is used to describe the possibility that someone has taken on more than they can manage.
- Bite the bullet“Bite the bullet” is used when speaking about something difficult or unpleasant. You bite the bullet when you do that unpleasant thing.
- Break a leg“Break a leg” is commonly used in the world of theatre as a way of wishing a performer or group of performers good luck.
- Break the ice“Break the ice” is an idiom used to describe the process of overcoming initial social awkwardness.
- By the skin of your teethThe idiom "By the skin of your teeth" is a way of saying that you only just got by.
c
- Call it a day“Call it a day” is a simple idiom that is used when someone wants to inform others they’re done working for the day.
- Comparing apples to oranges"Comparing apples to oranges” is used when someone is wanting to refer to the obvious differences between two things.
- Cost an arm and a leg“Cost an arm and a leg” refers to a high cost, something astronomically expensive that is compared through this phrase, to give up an arm or a leg.
- Cross that bridge when you come to it“Cross that bridge when you come to it” is used to suggest that it's not necessary to do or worry about something until it happens.
- Cut some slack“Cut some slack” is an idiom that’s used to refer to increased leniency, freedom, or forgiveness.
- Cutting corners“Cutting corners” is a simple English idiom that suggests someone is taking a shortcut or an easy way out instead of putting the right amount of time into a task.
d
- Dead as a doornail“Dead as a doornail” has been used for several centuries to refer to something that’s completely and irrevocably dead.
- Don’t count your chickens before they hatch"Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” means don’t act on a good outcome that hasn’t actually occurred yet.
- Don't cry over spilt milk“Don’t cry over spilt milk” is used to remind someone that there’s no point crying over something that has already happened.
e
- Easy does it“Easy does it” is a simple idiom. It suggests that someone shouldn’t get or remain upset about something going on in their life.
- Elephant in the room"The elephant in the room" is used to refer to an important topic, problem, or issue that needs to be addressed but has yet to be.
- Extend an olive branch“Extend an olive branch” is used when someone wants to end a confrontation or an argument.
g
- Get out of hand“Get out of hand” is a common English idiom. It suggests that something has gotten out of control.
- Get something out of your system"Get something out of your system" means to satisfy a lingering urge or emotion by expressing or acting on it, often to achieve relief. It refers to doing or saying something a person has been bottling up so they no longer feel the need to keep it inside.
- Get your act together“Get your act together” is a common English idiom used to tell someone to stop messing around and focus.
- Give someone the cold shoulderTo “give someone the cold shoulder” is an English-language idiom that’s used to describe one person ignoring or showing contempt for another.
- Go down in flames“Go down in flames” is an English idiom that means to spectacularly or disastrously fail suddenly and dramatically. It originates from the imagery of an object catching fire and crashing, symbolizing a complete collapse.
- Go on a wild goose chase“Go on a wild goose chase” is an English idiom that’s used to describe a purposeless task, doomed to failure.
h
- Hang in there"Hang in there" is an English idiom that’s used to encourage someone to persevere through a tough situation.
- Have your head in the clouds“Head in the clouds” is an English idiom that refers to someone being absent-minded, distracted, or always dreaming.
- Hit the sack“Hit the sack” is a common English idiom. It’s used to describe someone’s desire to go to bed or to inspire someone else to do the same.
i
- It's a piece of cake“It’s a piece of cake” is used to refer to something that’s simple or easy.
- It’s not rocket science“It’s not rocket science” is a common English idiom that’s used to emphasize how simple something is, especially compared to rocket science.
- It's raining cats and dogs"It is raining cats and dogs" is an English idiom. It is used to describe a very heavy rain but not one that's associated with animals.
- It takes one to know one“It takes one to know one” is an English idiom. It’s used when one person wants to point out that what they’re being accused of is actually reflected in the accuser.
