English Idioms: Most Common Expressions

1. A BLESSING IN DISGUISE

Something that appears bad at first but ends up having good results

Missing that plane turned out to be a blessing in disguise because I got to spend more time with my
family.

2. A STONE’S THROW

Something is very close or near

Luckily the wedding is just a stone’s throw from our hotel so we can walk there.

3. ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

What you do is more important than what you say; someone’s words may not be trustworthy

Person A: “John keeps saying he wants to take me out for dinner, but then he never does!”

Person B: “Actions speak louder than words.“

4. ADD FUEL TO THE FIRE

When someone does something to make a bad situation worse

When Sarah started laughing during the argument, it really added fuel to the fire!

5. ADD INSULT TO INJURY

To make a bad situation worse

As if breaking my arm isn’t bad enough, to add insult to injury I have to pay £1,000 in hospital fees as I
didn’t have travel insurance!

6. ALL EARS

To be eagerly waiting to hear about something

Person A: “I have to tell you about what happened on our trip to Spain…”

Person B: “I’m all ears!”

7. AT A CROSSROADS

To be at a point in your life when you need to make an important decision

I was at a crossroads when I was offered a job in the US, but my boyfriend wanted to stay in London.
 8. BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE

To be wrong or misguided about the reason for something

He thinks the company’s problems can be solved just by firing the sales team, but he’s barking up the
wrong tree.

9. BEAT ABOUT THE BUSH

To talk about unimportant things because you’re avoiding a particular topic

Stop beating about the bush! Are you planning to quit university, or not?

10. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

It’s better to do something late than not at all

Person A: “Sorry I missed your birthday! There’s a card in the post.”

Person B: “Don’t worry. Better late than never!”

11. BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE

To be in a difficult situation where both options are bad

Person A: “If I go to the wedding mum will be upset, but if I don’t go then I’ll be letting down the rest of
the family!”

Person B: “Sounds like you’re caught between a rock and a hard place.”

12. BITE OFF MORE THAN ONE CAN CHEW

To do too much or take something on that is too difficult

Person A: “I’m going to start that weekend job at the museum on top of my full-time job because I really
need the money.”

Person B: “Sounds like a lot of work! Don’t bite off more than you can chew.”

13. BLOW OFF STEAM

To do something that helps you get rid of stress, energy or anger

After my meeting with the boss, I went for a run to blow off steam.

14. BOG-STANDARD

Something that is very ordinary or basic, nothing special

Despite the excellent reviews, we thought the restaurant was just bog-standard.
 15. BURY ONE’S HEAD IN THE SAND

To refuse to think about or confront serious issues or situations

Martin just buries his head in the sand when it comes to his financial problems.

16. BY THE SKIN OF ONE’S TEETH

To narrowly succeed in doing something

The traffic was terrible so we only made the plane by the skin of our teeth!

17. CALL A SPADE A SPADE

To state the truth about something even if it’s unpopular or unpleasant

I know he’s your brother, but let’s call a spade a spade: he’s pretty lazy.

18. CALL IT A DAY

To stop working on something

It’s almost 9pm. I think we should call it a day and finish the report tomorrow.

19. CHEAP AS CHIPS

When something is inexpensive or good value for money

It doesn’t look it, but our new sofa was (as) cheap as chips!

20. CHINESE WHISPERS

Information or rumours that have been passed on by many people and are no longer reliable

John and Maggie from the office haven’t actually announced they’re getting a divorce. It’s probably just
Chinese whispers.

21. CHIP ON ONE’S SHOULDER

To hold a grudge/be angry about something that happened in the past, or to be arrogant and think too
highly of oneself

Whenever we mention his childhood, he gets really angry. He’s got a chip on his shoulder about it.

The new sales guy at the office has a real chip on his shoulder. He’s not even that good!

22. CLAM UP
To become silent or stop talking

When Bill came into the room, Jenny just seemed to clam up. I think she likes him!

23. COLD FEET

To get nervous or to have second thoughts about doing something

He’s getting cold feet about the wedding, but I told him that was perfectly normal.

24. (THE) COLD SHOULDER

To deliberately ignore someone

I got the cold shoulder from Anna at the party. I guess she’s still annoyed with me.

25. COULDN’T CARE LESS

To show indifference to something or a total lack of interest

I couldn’t care less if Harry comes out tonight or not! I don’t really like the guy.

26. CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT

A warning that being inquisitive or curious can get you into trouble

Person A: “Where are you going at this time of night?”

Person B: “Curiosity killed the cat!”

27. CUT A LONG STORY SHORT

To get to the point, to not include unnecessary detail

To cut a long story short, she has to move back to the US until her new visa comes through.

28. CUT CORNERS

To do something in the easiest way possible (usually not very well) in order to save time or money

We had to cut corners to get the project done within our budget and by January.

29. CUT TO THE CHASE

To get directly to the point when speaking, to not give unnecessary detail

I have to leave in a minute so can you cut to the chase? What exactly do you want me to do?
 30. DIG ONE’S HEELS IN

To refuse to do something or change your mind, especially when people are trying to persuade you

I wanted to go on the earlier train, but Mary dug her heels in so we had to get the later one.

31. DOG EAT DOG (ALSO ‘CUT THROAT’)

A situation that is very competitive, where people are willing to harm each other’s interests to get ahead

The music industry is dog eat dog these days.

I’d stay out of the legal sector. It can be a cut throat business.

32. DON’T PUT ALL YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET

A warning not to put all your resources or efforts into just one thing

Although you’ve made an offer on this house, I would still visit some others. You don’t want to put all
your eggs in one basket.

33. DON’T RUN BEFORE YOU CAN WALK

A warning not to try something difficult before you understand the basics

If you’re not very good at swimming, I’d stay in the shallow end and keep close to the side. You don’t
want to run before you can walk.

34. EASY DOES IT

To slow down or do something slowly/carefully

Easy does it! Those boxes you’re holding are very fragile.

35. EAT A HORSE

To be extremely hungry

I am so hungry I could eat a horse.

36. (The) ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

An important and obvious topic that everyone knows needs to be discussed, but that isn’t brought up or
mentioned

David leaving the company was the elephant in the room during that meeting – no one wanted to bring
it up!

37. EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING

I might have lost my job, but at least I don’t have that awful journey into work every day. Every cloud…!

38. FACE THE MUSIC

To accept responsibility for something bad you have done

I’m meeting Hannah tonight and it’s the first time I’ll have seen her since our argument. I guess I’ll finally
have to face the music.

39. FIND ONE’S FEET

To adjust or settle into a new environment or situation

I’ve only been at the new company for a month so I’m still finding my feet.

40. (A) FISH OUT OF WATER

When someone is (or feels) out of place in a situation

Judy was like a fish out of water at the kids’ party. I don’t think she likes children at all!

41. FOLLOW IN SOMEONE’S FOOTSTEPS

To do the same as someone else did before you (often a family member)

All the men in my family are doctors so I’ll probably follow in their footsteps and go into medicine too.

42. FREAK OUT

To become very angry, scared or excited (can be negative or positive)

I freaked out when I saw The Rolling Stones perform. I’d wanted to see them my whole life!

That Goth at the club freaked me out a bit because he was dressed like a vampire!

43. FULL OF BEANS

Someone who is energetic, lively or enthusiastic

You’re full of beans this evening! You must have had a good day at work.

44. GET OFF ONE’S BACK

When someone won’t stop criticising, bothering or telling you what to do

I wish she would get off my back about the meeting! I know I have to send the agenda out, but I’ll do it
in my own time.
 45. GET OUT OF HAND

To become difficult to control

The protest got out of hand and the police had to intervene when some demonstrators broke down a
fence.

46. GET OVER SOMETHING

To overcome or move on from a difficult situation

Moving out of the city for a while might help you get over Harry. (This could be the breakup of a
personal relationship/marriage, or the person’s death)

47. GET UP/OUT ON THE WRONG SIDE OF BED

To wake up in a grumpy or bad mood for no obvious reason

You’re very argumentative today! Did you get up on the wrong side of bed, or something?

48. GET ONE’S ACT TOGETHER

To take action in order to be more effective

I haven’t got any work done this morning – I really need to get my act together!

49. GIVE SOMEONE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT

To believe or trust what someone tells you (even though it might not be true)

Hannah said she missed the exam because her car broke down. I’m not sure that was the case, but let’s
give her the benefit of the doubt.

50. GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD

Start planning something again because earlier attempts were unsuccessful

The client didn’t like our original concept so let’s go back to the drawing board!

51. GO DOWN THAT ROAD

To take a particular course of action, both literally and figuratively

Let’s not go down that road again! It always leads to an argument.

52. (The) GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER (ON THE OTHER SIDE)

To mean a person is never satisfied with their own situation, they always think others have it better

I always think the countryside looks nicer than the city, but I guess the grass is always greener…!
 53. HANG IN THERE

To persist with something, to not give up

Hang in there! I know it’s tough but you’re almost halfway through the course.

54. HEARD IT ON THE GRAPEVINE

To hear news about something from someone else, not directly

I heard (it) on the grapevine that you and Alex are splitting up. Is that true?

55. HIT THE BOOKS

To start studying seriously

After dinner I’m really going to hit the books. Not much time left before my exams!

56. HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD

To be completely right or correct about something

I think Lucy hit the nail on the head when she said there’s no such thing as an ideal school. There are
pros and cons to all of them.

57. HIT THE ROAD

To leave somewhere or start a journey

It’s getting late so I’m going to hit the road.

58. HOLD YOUR HORSES

Another way of saying ‘Wait a moment’ or ‘don’t rush’

Person A: ‘The train’s at 9. Grab the bags, find your shoes and call a taxi!’

Person B: ‘Hold your horses! We’ve got plenty of time.’

59. IGNORANCE IS BLISS

Sometimes it’s better not to know all the facts about something

Person A: “Did you know that cake you just ate was 600 calories?”

Person B: “I didn’t…ignorance is bliss!”

60. JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON

Everyone thinks Boris is going to win the election so they’ve jumped on the bandwagon.

61. JUMP SHIP

To leave or abandon a difficult situation

I don’t think the company is going to survive. We should probably jump ship!

62. KEEP ONE’S CHIN UP

To encourage someone to stay positive in a difficult situation

It’s been a difficult month for you but keep your chin up! It will get easier.

63. KILL TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE

To achieve two things at once

I could pick up the dry cleaning on my way the doctors. That way we’d be killing two birds with one
stone.

64. LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED

To do everything you can to achieve something

During firm’s the financial audit they left no stone unturned.

65. LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG

To reveal a secret by accident

Their engagement was meant to be a secret, but Adam let the cat out of the bag!

66. LOSE ONE’S TOUCH

No longer able to do something as well as you could before

I tried to chat a girl up at the bar the other night, but she just ignored me. I must be losing my touch!

67. MISS THE BOAT

To be slow and not take an opportunity when it’s offered to you

I would call the company back now about the job and not wait until the morning. You don’t want to miss
the boat!

68. NIP (SOMETHING) IN THE BUD

I’ve noticed that people are starting to arrive late for work. I think we need to have a meeting about it
and nip this in the bud before it becomes a real problem.

69. NOT ONE’S CUP OF TEA

Something you don’t like or are not interested in

She’s a great cook, but the meal she made really wasn’t my cup of tea. It was far too spicy.

70. OFF ONE’S HEAD

Someone who acts very strangely, seems crazy or insane

You must be off your trolley if you think I’m going to climb up there! It’s way too high!

71. ONCE IN A BLUE MOON

Something that happens rarely

I eat McDonalds once in a blue moon, when I feel like a treat!

72. PIECE OF CAKE

Something that is very easy

My English exam was a piece of cake.

73. PITCH IN

To join in, contribute or help with something

If we all pitch in we can get Charlie a really nice birthday present.

74. PULL SOMEONE’S LEG

Tease or joke with someone by saying something that’s not true

You’re pulling my leg! I don’t believe you met Elton John at the pub!

75. PULL ONESELF TOGETHER

To regain control of your emotions after you’ve been upset, to calm down

You need to pull yourself together! Stop worrying about work so much.

76. RAISE ONE’S GAME

You’ll need to raise your game if you’re planning on beating Anna’s time in the half marathon.

77. RING A BELL

When something seems familiar or you’ve heard it before

Person A: “Do you know Hannah Stewart?”

Person B: “That name does ring a bell, but I can’t think why.”

78. ROCK THE BOAT

To do or say something that could cause a problem or disturbance

The kids are all getting along fine at the moment so let’s not rock the boat.

79. RULE OF THUMB

Judging a situation by experience rather than an exact assessment

As a rule of thumb, you should use two cups of water for one cup of rice.

80. SEE EYE TO EYE

To agree with someone

We don’t see eye to eye when it comes to politics, but I do like her as a person.

81. SHED LIGHT ON (SOMETHING)

To reveal information about something or to clarify something

You were in the office on Tuesday when the incident took place so perhaps you could shed some light on
it for us?

82. SIT ON THE FENCE

To adopt a position of compromise, take neither stance on an issue, not yes or no

There are a lot of people still sitting on the fence over Brexit.

83. SIT TIGHT

To wait patiently

Sit tight! The nurse will be with you in just a moment.

To delay making a decision for a short period of time

You don’t have to decide straight away. Why don’t you sleep on it and let us know in the morning?

85. SMELL A RAT

To suspect someone is a traitor, behaving illegally or is up to no good

I thought I could smell a rat when john refused to give me a straight answer about his sales figures! Now
we know he’s been stealing from the company.

86. SPILL THE BEANS

To reveal information that was secret

We are throwing David a surprise birthday party, but please don’t spill the beans!

87. STAB SOMEONE IN THE BACK

To betray or hurt someone who trusts you

This industry is so competitive; it’s easy to get stabbed in the back by your closest colleagues.

88. (A) TASTE OF ONE’S OWN MEDICINE

When someone does something unpleasant and the same is wished on him/her

My boss is a real bully. Someone should give her a taste of her own medicine!

89. THE BALL IS IN YOUR COURT

It is up to you to take the initiative or make the next move

I’ve told you how I feel about the wedding so the ball’s in your court now.

90. THROUGH THICK AND THIN

To continue to support someone even during difficult times

John and Chloe have stayed together through thick and thin.

91. TWIST SOMEONE’S ARM

To convince someone to do what you want them to

I didn’t want to go out tonight, but Ruth twisted my arm!

92. UNDER THE WEATHER

Sarah’s not going to come out tonight. She’s had a busy week and is feeling under the weather.

93. UP IN THE AIR

A decision or plan is uncertain or unsure

Person A: “Are they still getting married?”

Person B: “We don’t know as it’s all up in the air at the moment.”

94. WE’LL CROSS THAT BRIDGE WHEN WE COME TO IT

To deal with something when it happens rather than worrying about it before

Person A: “What if there’s bad traffic on the motorway?”

Person B: “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it“.

95. WILD GOOSE CHASE

A hopeless pursuit, something that is unattainable

We were told that if we searched the library archives we might get some answers, but it turned out to
be a wild goose chase.

96. YOU CAN SAY THAT AGAIN

To agree with someone

Person A: “It’s absolutely boiling in here!”

Person B: “You can say that again!”

97. YOU CAN’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER

Warning not to judge someone or something just based on appearance

Person A: “I’ve only met Richard a couple of times, but he seems a bit shy.”

Person B: “You can’t always judge a book by its cover. He’s actually a really outgoing guy once you get to
know him!”

98. YOUR GUESS IS AS GOOD AS MINE

To have no idea about something

Person B: “Your guess is as good as mine!”