Idioms
An idiom is a group of words, a saying, or a phrase with a symbolic rather than literal meaning that is widely recognized and used in everyday language. It is a form of artistic expression characteristic of a movement, period, individual, medium, or instrument.
An idiom’s figurative meaning is different from the literal definition of its individual words. They convey concepts that are difficult to grasp solely through word reading. For example, the phrase “when pigs fly” means something will never happen, a meaning that isn’t obvious without context or explanation.
Many different idioms exist, and people use them frequently 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 help language grow and evolve. The richness of such phrases makes communication dynamic and engaging. These colorful expressions add vivid imagery to everyday speech and offer fascinating insights into how words are used and what the speaker is thinking. There is a sense of fun and mystery about them.
Why are idiomatic expressions challenging?
They can be hard to understand because their meanings aren’t always clear right away. This is especially true for people learning English, since these expressions often have hidden or symbolic meanings. That’s why many learners find these kinds of phrases strange and confusing at first.
Top 10 Everyday Expressions
This is a list of ten unique English idioms and phrases used in America. Each entry includes its meaning and example sentence, making it a valuable resource for both teachers and students. These idiomatic expressions are often discussed by students in competitive exams. While the popularity of an idiom can vary from region to region, the ones in this list are widely recognized throughout the United States.
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: a person who argues the opposite side to test an idea.
Example: I don't actually disagree, but let me play devil's advocate to see if your plan can handle criticism. 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: fake cry or insincere display of sadness.
Example: He shed crocodile tears after being caught cheating, pretending to be sorry. 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 fileNew Phrases to Learn
Meaning: Something that is unfinished, unresolved, or still needs attention.
Example: The project isn't ready yet — there's still one loose end to tie up before launch. Read more ➺
Meaning: Suddenly stop or halt an action, plan, or process. (figurative)
Example: After the budget cuts, management jammed on the brakes and suspended all new projects. (figurative) Read more ➺
Meaning: To progress rapidly and successfully; to do extremely well.
Example: After the new app launched, the developers go great guns, attracting thousands of users in a week. Read more ➺
Meaning: A person whose overly good or polite behavior is annoying or insincere.
Example: The other kids avoided her because she was always correcting everyone and acting like a goody-goody. Read more ➺
Meaning: From a past time until now.
Example: She moved to the city in 2018, and ever since she has worked in digital marketing. Read more ➺
Meaning: To look sad, disappointed, or unhappy. (figurative)
Example: Everyone could tell she had a long face after hearing the bad news. Read more ➺
Meaning: Figurative sense: to move, act, or behave frantically and without coordination—like a panicked chicken.
Example: Everyone burst into laughter when Maya started doing the funky chicken at the wedding party. Read more ➺
Meaning: To be involved in several activities or projects at the same time.
Example: She's launching a podcast, finishing a course, and pitching clients—she clearly has many irons in the fire. Read more ➺
Meaning: Caught in a helpless or vulnerable situation when unready or unprepared for it.
Example: The rival crew filmed him outside the store, and he was caught lacking with no one around to help. Read more ➺
Meaning: Used to describe something that is very complex in a ridiculous or silly way.
Example: The inventor proudly displayed a Heath Robinson machine that used ropes, bells, and buckets just to make a cup of tea. Read more ➺
View the complete list of all idiomatic phrases we have on our website. Read more ➺
