Common Idioms

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A-Z of English Idioms: 150 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 SANDWICH SHORT OF A PICNIC


A humorous way of saying someone is stupid or is a bit mad.
He brought only shorts and t-shirts when he went to Sweden in the winter – I
think he might be a sandwich short of a picnic!

3. 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.

4. ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS


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

5. 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!

6. 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!

7. ALL EARS
To be eagerly waiting to hear about something.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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?

11. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER


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

12. BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE


To be in a difficult situation where both options are bad.

13. BITE OFF MORE THAN ONE CAN CHEW


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

14. BITE THE BULLET


To decide to do something that is difficult or unpleasant, but necessary.
You’re going to have to bite the bullet and tell your ex-(girlfriend) that you
need the apartment back.

15. 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.

16. BOB’S YOUR UNCLE


To say that a set of instructions or task is simple or easy.

17. BOG-STANDARD
Something that is very ordinary or basic, nothing special.
Despite the excellent reviews, we thought the restaurant was just bog-
standard.

18. BOTCH/BODGE JOB


Work that has been done badly, in a clumsy, lazy way.
The original builders did such a bodge job of our kitchen that we had to get it
completely redone.

19. BUDGE UP
An informal way of asking someone to move to make room for you.
Could you budge up a bit so I can sit down?

20. BUILDER’S TEA


Strongly-brewed English breakfast tea with milk.
I’ll have a builder’s tea, please.

21.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.

22. BUST ONE’S CHOPS


To work very hard on something, or to harass someone.
I was busting my chops all night to get that report finished!
Stop busting my chops! I’ll mow the lawn later.

23. 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!

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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!
27. 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.

28. 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.

29. 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!

30. 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.

31. (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.

32. COST A BOMB


When something is very expensive.
That Italian meal cost a bomb! We won’t be going back there, unless we win
the lottery!

33. COST AN ARM AND A LEG


When something is very expensive.
The new bar in town was really fancy, but my drink cost an arm and a leg!

34. COUCH POTATO


A lazy person who doesn’t do much exercise and spends a lot of time on the
sofa watching television.
My husband has turned into a couch potato since he lost his job.
35. 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.

36. CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT


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

37. 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.

38. 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.

39. CUT SOMEONE SOME SLACK


To avoid being critical or judgmental of someone (even if they deserve it)

40. 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?

41. 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.

42. 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.

43. DON’T GIVE UP THE DAY JOB


Used in a humorous way to tell someone they’re not very good at something.

44. 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.

45. 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.

46. DESPERATE TIMES CALL FOR DESPERATE MEASURES


In a very challenging situation you need to take extreme actions.
She moved to Australia after she found out about her husband’s affair. I
suppose desperate times call for desperate measures!

47. EASY DOES IT


To slow down or do something slowly/carefully.
Easy does it! Those boxes you’re holding are very fragile.

48.EAT A HORSE
To be extremely hungry.
I am so hungry I could eat a horse.

49. (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!

50. EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING (often just: EVERY CLOUD…)
Even a bad situation may have a positive aspect to it.
I might have lost my job, but at least I don’t have that awful journey into
work every day. Every cloud…!

51. 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.

52. 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.

53. FINGER IN EVERY PIE


To be involved or have influence in many things (often has a negative
association).

54. (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!

55. FIT AS A FIDDLE


To be in good physical health
He’s in his 90’s, but he’s fit as a fiddle!

56. 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.

57. 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!

58. 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.
59. 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.

60. 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.

61. 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)

62. GET SOMETHING OUT OF ONE’S SYSTEM


Do something you have wanted to do so that you can then move on from it.
I don’t drink much anymore; I got it out of my system when I was at
university!

63. 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?

64. 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!

65. 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.

66. GLAD TO SEE THE BACK OF


To be happy that you no longer have to deal with someone.
I was very glad to see the back of John because he made the atmosphere in
the office so uncomfortable.
67. 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!

68. GO COLD TURKEY


To suddenly and completely stop using an addictive substance.
I gave up smoking by going cold turkey; it was difficult but it was also the
only thing that worked for me.

69. 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.

70. GO THE EXTRA MILE


To make more effort than is expected or necessary.
Frank is a great asset to our team as he always goes the extra mile.

71. (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…!

72. GREEN FINGERS


To be good at gardening, able to make plants grow.
I’ve heard you have green fingers – we’ll have to get your advice about our
garden!

73. 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.

74. HAVE EYES IN THE BACK OF ONE’S HEAD


To be able to see or sense what’s going on all around you, when you can’t
physically see everyhing.
You need eyes in the back of your head when you have two small children!
75. HEAD OVER HEELS (IN LOVE)
To be extremely in love with someone.
They’re head over heels in love with each other!

76. 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?

77. HIT THE BOOKS


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

78.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.

79. HIT THE ROAD


To leave somewhere or start a journey.
It’s getting late so I’m going to hit the road.

80. HIT THE SACK


To go to bed in order to sleep.
It’s been a long day so I’m going to hit the sack. Night night!

81. HOLD YOUR HORSES


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

82. IGNORANCE IS BLISS


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

83. IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE


To say something isn’t very complicated.
You just need to fill in the form and you’ll get an e-ticket. It’s not rocket
science!

84. JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON


To join an activity, trend or opinion that has become popular.
Everyone thinks Boris is going to win the election so they’ve jumped on the
bandwagon.

85. JUMP SHIP


To leave or abandon a difficult situation.
I don’t think the company is going to survive. We should probably jump ship!

86. 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.

87. 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.

88. LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED


To do everything you can to achieve something.
During firm’s the financial audit they left no stone unturned.

89. LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE (often just: LET IT LIE)


To leave a situation as it is, in order to not make it worse.
Don’t bring up what happened at Alison’s party again. You should just let
skeeping dogs lie.

90. LET SOMEONE OFF THE HOOK


To avoid being punished for something or to avoid doing something.
It was my turn to do the washing-up, but mum let me off the hook because I
wasn’t feeling well.

91. 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!

92. LOOK LIKE A MILLION DOLLARS


To look very good, often due to what you’re wearing.
You look like a million dollars in that black dress!

93. LOSE ONE’S TOUCH


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

94. 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!

95. NIP (SOMETHING) IN THE BUD


To stop something at an early stage, before it has a chance to develop.

96. NO PAIN, NO GAIN


You need to suffer or work hard to get what you want or deserve.

97. NO-BRAINER
An easy decision, something you don’t need to think too hard about.

98. 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.

99. OFF ONE’S TROLLEY/ROCKER/NUT/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!

100. OFF THE TOP OF ONE’S HEAD


From memory, without a lot of thought or consideration.
Off the top of my head I think we’re expecting about 18 guests for the party, but I’ll check to
make sure.

101. ON THE BALL


To be alert, quick to understand and react to things.
You really need to be on the ball in this job because it’s fast-paced with lots happening all the
time.

102. ON THE PULL


To go out with the intention of finding someone to have fun.
Those lads on the dance floor look like they’re on the pull tonight!

103. ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW


To live in a way that is honest and moral, to stay out of trouble.
He was very wild for many years, but he seems to have grown up and he’s on the straight and
narrow now.

104.ONCE IN A BLUE MOON


Something that happens rarely
I eat McDonalds once in a blue moon, when I feel like a treat!
105. PIECE OF CAKE
Something that is very easy
My English exam was a piece of cake.

106. (AND) PIGS MIGHT FLY


Something that will never happen or is very unlikely.

107. PITCH IN
To join in, contribute or help with something.
If we all pitch in we can get Charlie a really nice birthday present.

108. PLAY IT BY EAR


To plan something in an improvised way (instead of planning ahead), deciding what to do as the
plan develops.

109. 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!

110. 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.

111. RAISE ONE’S GAME


To make an effort to improve at something or perform better.
You’ll need to raise your game if you’re planning on beating Anna’s time in the half marathon.

112. RING A BELL


When something seems familiar or you’ve heard it before.

113. 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.

114. 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.

115.SCRATCH SOMEONE’S BACK


To do someone a favour in the hope that it will be returned, can relate to corruption (commonly
used as: You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours).
My boss got caught taking free holidays from a company client! I think it was a case of “you
scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours”.
116. 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.

117. 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?

118. SHOOT FROM THE HIP


To speak honestly and directly or to react to a situation very quickly without thinking it through.

119. 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.

120. SIT TIGHT


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

121. SLEEP ON IT
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?

122. 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.

123. SO FAR, SO GOOD


To express satisfaction with how a situation is progressing.

124. (A) SPANNER IN THE WORKS


Something that prevents or disrupts an event from happening.
We had invited everyone round for a BBQ today, but the rain has really thrown a spanner in the
works!

125.SPEAK OF THE DEVIL


Said when the person you are talking about appears unexpectedly.
Did you hear about what happened to Michael? …Oh speak of the devil, here he is!

126.SPILL THE BEANS


To reveal information that was secret.
We are throwing David a surprise birthday party, but please don’t spill the beans!
127.SPLASH OUT
To spend a lot of money on something
We splashed out on new phones for the whole family.

128.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.

129.STEAL SOMEONE’S THUNDER


To take attention or praise away from someone else’s accomplishments by outdoing them with
your own.

130.STICK TO ONE’S GUNS


To refuse to change your mind or beliefs about something.
I really respect Sarah. She always sticks to her guns, even if others disagree.

131.STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH


Information straight from the person who saw, heard or experienced the event.

132.TAKE THE MICKEY


To make fun of someone, or to take liberties.
Dave’s a laugh, but he always taking the mickey out of you down the pub.

133.TAKE (SOMETHING) WITH A PINCH OF SALT


To doubt the accuracy of what someone is telling you.
I would take Sam’s motoring advice with a pinch of salt. He doesn’t actually know much about
cars.

134. (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!

135.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.

136.THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS


Where you can enjoy the advantages of two different things at the same time – an ideal situation.
He lives in England during the summer and lives in Australia during the winter months so he
gets the best of both worlds.

137.THE LAST/FINAL STRAW


The last in a series of bad things to happen, when your patience has run out.
When the dog destroyed their antique furniture it really was the final straw. After that, they
decided to give poor Rex away.
138.THROUGH THICK AND THIN
To continue to support someone even during difficult times.
John and Chloe have stayed together through thick and thin.

139.TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN


When you’re enjoying something time seems to move faster and you don’t notice the passing of
time.
I can’t believe it’s 10pm already! Time flies when you’re having fun!

140.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!

141.UNDER THE WEATHER


Not feeling very well, a little sick
Sarah’s not going to come out tonight. She’s had a busy week and is feeling under the weather.

142.UP IN THE AIR


A decision or plan is uncertain or unsure.

143. WASTE NOT, WANT NOT


If you use what you have to the full, then you won’t desire or need more.

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


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

145.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.

146.WOULDN’T BE CAUGHT DEAD


Dislike or would never do something.
I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing those shoes – they’re so ugly!

147.WRAP ONE’S HEAD AROUND SOMETHING


To understand something that is complicated or shocking.
I can’t wrap my head around why Megan would leave London for Rotherham!

148.YOU CAN SAY THAT AGAIN


To agree with someone.

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


Warning not to judge someone or something just based on appearance.
150.YOUR GUESS IS AS GOOD AS MINE
To have no idea about something.

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