Common Idioms
Common Idioms
Common Idioms
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.
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.
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.
17. BOG-STANDARD
Something that is very ordinary or basic, nothing special.
Despite the excellent reviews, we thought the restaurant was just bog-
standard.
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?
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!
48.EAT A HORSE
To be extremely hungry.
I am so hungry I could eat a horse.
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…!
97. NO-BRAINER
An easy decision, something you don’t need to think too hard about.
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.
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?