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.
Its symbolic sense differs from the definition or literal meaning of the words that make it. Idioms convey a figurative meaning that is difficult to understand solely by interpreting the words literally. For instance, “beyond the pale” means something is “over the line” or improper. You can only know that by being able to infer the phrase’s meaning based on context or if someone explains it to you.
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.
So why are idiomatic expressions difficult?
They are difficult because their meanings are not always easy to understand. This is particularly the case for non-native speakers of the language in question, since their intentions are typically symbolic. Due to this characteristic, English learners find them strange and hard to understand.
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: Used to wish someone a happy birthday, expressing the hope that they will experience many more joyful birthdays in the future.
Example: Many happy returns of the day, John! Hope your birthday is wonderful. Read more ➺
Meaning: Reviving past work: Refers to an artist revisiting or reviving elements of their earlier work.
Example: The director was accused of reheating nachos by remaking the classic film without adding new elements. Read more ➺
make someone’s hair stand on end
Meaning: To cause someone to feel very frightened or terrified.
Example: Reading the ghost story late at night made his hair stand on end. Read more ➺
Meaning: Describes a skill that, once learned, is never forgotten, even after a long period without practice.
Example: After years away from the piano, she found playing again was like riding a bike. Read more ➺
Meaning: Paying an excessive or exorbitant amount for something.
Example: They had to pay through the nose for last-minute concert tickets. Read more ➺
Meaning: New York City: Informally, "Big Apple" refers to New York City.
Example: After graduating, she moved to the Big Apple to pursue her acting career. Read more ➺
Meaning: To be attentive to one's manners and behavior.
Example: At the formal dinner, she was reminded to mind her p's and q's. Read more ➺
Meaning: To suffer the consequences of one's actions without assistance.
Example: After realizing his mistake, he had to stew in his own juice without expecting any help. Read more ➺
Meaning: A critical or disastrous situation arising from the powerful convergence of multiple factors.
Example: The economic downturn, coupled with rising unemployment and inflation, created a perfect storm for the nation's financial crisis. Read more ➺
Meaning: Be in a very dangerous situation or state; to be very close to death, failure, etc.
Example: The company's future is hanging by a thread after the recent financial crisis. Read more ➺
View the complete list of all idioms we have on our website. Read more ➺
