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.
An idiom’s figurative meaning is different from the literal definition of its individual words. Idioms 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 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.
Why are idiomatic expressions challenging?
They can be difficult because their meanings aren’t always clear at first glance. This is especially true for non-native speakers, as idioms often carry symbolic or figurative meanings. As a result, English learners often find them unusual and tricky to grasp.
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: Not outstanding in quality or rarity; average, ordinary.
Example: The restaurant's food was run-of-the-mill, nothing extraordinary but still decent. Read more ➺
Meaning: Launch a direct and aggressive attack at someone’s most vulnerable point.
Example: In the final debate, she didn’t hold back—she went for the jugular and exposed her rival's biggest flaw. Read more ➺
Meaning: Encourage someone to do something risky or foolish.
Example: His friends kept egging him on to jump into the freezing lake. Read more ➺
Meaning: Summarized in a very short and clear way, using only the most essential details.
Example: In a nutshell, the meeting was about improving customer service. Read more ➺
Meaning: Sleeping deeply and unresponsive to external stimuli.
Example: After the long hike, he was dead to the world by 9 PM. Read more ➺
Meaning: An extraordinary quality not easily defined, described or expressed.
Example: Despite his plain appearance, he has je ne sais quoi that draws everyone in. Read more ➺
Meaning: Make no effort at all to help or contribute.
Example: Emma did not lift a finger while Jason organized the entire event on his own. Read more ➺
Meaning: A special quality that makes someone or something stand out, such as an amazing talent.
Example: Despite his quiet demeanor, the rookie had the X factor that turned the game around. Read more ➺
Meaning: To pay money that is owed or required, especially when one is reluctant to do so.
Example: After a long argument, he finally ponied up the cash for the group dinner. Read more ➺
Meaning: A quick and highly effective solution to a complex problem.
Example: Many believe that AI is a silver bullet for improving healthcare systems. Read more ➺
View the complete list of all idioms we have on our website. Read more ➺
