You’ve probably heard some strange expressions and wondered what they really mean. Idioms are quirky phrases that don’t always make sense if you take them literally. But they add color to our conversations and writing. In this article, we’ll look at 20 common idioms, explain what they mean, and show them used in example sentences. You’ll learn the origins of these quirky sayings and how to use them yourself. Idioms are an important part of daily English, so read on to improve your understanding. Unpacking their meanings gives us a glimpse into the stories and images that shape how we communicate.
What Are Idioms?
An idiom is a type of phrase or expression that has a meaning that can’t be deciphered by defining the individual words. An idiom is a phrase that means something different from the literal meanings of its individual words. It has a figurative meaning that goes beyond the literal definition. You use idioms all the time in casual conversation without even realizing it. The word “idiom” is derived from the ancient Greek word “idioma,” which means “peculiar phraseology.”
Idioms add color, personality and humor to our everyday language. They allow us to express thoughts more vividly than using literal definitions alone. Mastering idiomatic expressions makes your English sound more natural and fluent.
For example, the idiom “let the cat out of the bag” doesn’t literally mean allowing a cat to escape. It figuratively means to accidentally reveal a secret. Understanding the contextual meaning is key to using idioms properly.
Why Does Idiom Matter
Idioms matter because they add color and depth to our language. They allow us to express ideas in creative, vivid ways. Without them, conversations would feel flat and boring. Idioms carry shared cultural meaning. When used correctly, they help foster connection and understanding between people. They’re like inside jokes that an entire community is in on.
Using idioms makes you sound like a native speaker. It shows verbal mastery and confidence in the language. Conversations flow more smoothly and feel more engaging when idioms are sprinkled in.
20 Common Idioms With Their Meanings and Sentences
Idioms are just colorful expressions that mean something different from their literal meanings. Let’s unwrap 20 common ones you’ll hear all the time.
Under the weather
The idiom “under the weather” means to feel unwell, sick or in poor health. It’s a lighthearted way of saying you’re not feeling your best physically.
Example Sentences
- I was under the weather last week with a nasty cold, so I had to miss a few days of work.
- Deji hasn’t been herself lately; he seems a bit under the weather.
- Even though he was under the weather, Segun still showed up for his son’s baseball game.
- I’m feeling a little under the weather today, so I’ll skip my usual jog around the park.
- Don’t worry about Grandma; she’s just been under the weather with a stomach bug and should recover soon.
Set the record straight
“Set the record straight” means to correct misinformation or provide accurate facts about something that has been misrepresented or misunderstood. It implies setting the facts right and clearing up any confusion.
Example Sentences
- The CEO held a press conference to set the record straight about the company’s financial situation.
- After rumors spread about their breakup, the celebrity couple gave an interview to set the record straight.
- The politician wanted to set the record straight regarding his stance on environmental policies.
- When the product details were incorrectly listed online, the company issued a statement to set the record straight.
- My friend felt the need to set the record straight after I misunderstood the details of our conversation.
Cold feet
The idiom “cold feet” refers to feeling nervous, hesitant or having doubts about doing something, often right before a major life event or commitment. It suggests getting last-minute jitters or losing your nerve.
Using It in Sentences
- My friend got cold feet right before proposing to his girlfriend at their anniversary dinner.
- She had cold feet about quitting her stable job to start her own business.
- The bungee jumper suddenly got cold feet while standing on the platform’s edge.
- Despite months of training, the boxer had cold feet before the big fight.
- You can’t back out now; don’t get cold feet about moving across the country!
Walk on eggshells
To “walk on eggshells” means to behave very cautiously or carefully around someone or in a particular situation to avoid causing offense or provoking anger. It refers to treading delicately, as one would have to when literally walking on eggshells to avoid cracking them.
Example Sentences
- Whenever Joseph’s boss was in a bad mood, the whole office had to walk on eggshells around him.
- After her surgery, we all had to walk on eggshells to avoid disturbing her recovery.
- In that tense political climate, diplomats had to walk on eggshells with their statements.
- My parents always had to walk on eggshells when discussing my older brother’s divorce.
- With her short temper, I always feel like I’m walking on eggshells when talking to Aunt Marie.
Kill two birds with a stone
“Kill two birds with one stone” means accomplishing two things with a single action or effort. It refers to achieving multiple goals or objectives simultaneously through one task.
Examples Using the Idiom
- I killed two birds with one stone by cooking a big batch of food, dinner for tonight and leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
- By taking an online course, she killed two birds with one stone, learned new skills and got certified.
- Carpooling with neighbors helps kill two birds with one stone: saving money on gas while reducing emissions.
- When you donate clothes you don’t need anymore, you kill two birds with one stone, decluttering your home and helping those in need.
- Investing in a treadmill desk lets you kill two birds with one stone by exercising while working from home.
Through thick and thin
“Through thick and thin” means staying loyal and supportive to someone or something no matter what difficulties or challenges arise. It signifies an unwavering commitment during good and bad times.
This idiom expresses the idea of remaining steadfastly dedicated, whether circumstances are favorable (“thick”) or unfavorable (“thin”). It’s about sticking by someone’s side through ups and downs.
Example Sentences
- My best friend has been there for me through thick and thin; I know I can count on them.
- The company proved its resilience by weathering through thick and thin during the economic recession.
- A true sports fan supports their team through thick and thin, celebrating wins and tolerating losses.
- Despite their marital problems, they vowed to stay together through thick and thin for the kids.
- A military unit’s camaraderie means soldiers look out for each other through thick and thin.
Beat around the bush
To “beat around the bush” means to avoid getting to the main point or not speaking directly about something. It implies wasting time by delaying or being circuitous instead of addressing the core issue.
Examples
- Stop beating around the bush, and just tell me what’s bothering you.
- The politician kept beating around the bush instead of answering the tough questions directly.
- Don’t beat around the bush with your boss; be upfront about needing that raise.
- My friend spent 20 minutes beating around the bush before finally asking me for a loan.
Break a leg
This quirky idiom, which means ‘good luck,’ originated in the theatre world. It’s used to wish someone well before they go on stage.
The phrase is actually an abbreviated version of the old saying “break a leg derived from the German ‘I hope you have as much luck as if you were to break a leg.'” In theatre folklore, wishing good luck can jinx a performance, thus the counterintuitive wish.
Example sentences
- I’m so nervous about my big audition tonight, but my drama teacher told me to break a leg!
- Before stepping on stage, the lead actress’s co-star whispered “break a leg” in her ear for encouragement.
- My nephew is making his singing debut tonight. I texted him to break a leg and can’t wait to cheer him on.
- The comedian took a deep breath, his friend mouthed, “Break a leg”, and he strode onto the brightly lit stage.
- In the dressing room, the ballerinas gathered in a circle chanting “Break a leg! Break a leg!” before their Swan Lake performance.
Steal someone’s thunder
To “steal someone’s thunder” means to take the credit or spotlight away from someone else’s achievements or successes, usually by upstaging them in some way. It suggests robbing them of the opportunity to shine.
Examples In Use
- Sarah had been planning her surprise party for weeks, but her sister stole her thunder by accidentally letting the secret slip.
- The new employee tried to steal his manager’s thunder by presenting his own ideas before the big meeting.
- Despite training for months, the runner’s victory was overshadowed when a spectator stole his thunder by running across the finish line.
- Don’t steal my thunder by revealing the ending; I want everyone to be surprised when they read my novel!
- The comedian was furious when the opening act stole his thunder by telling some of the same jokes.
Leave no stone unturned
The idiom “leave no stone unturned” means to do everything possible to achieve something or find what you are looking for. It implies making a thorough effort and exploring every possibility until the task is complete.
Using it in Sentences
- The detectives left no stone unturned in their investigation to find the missing child.
- If you want to get into your dream college, you need to leave no stone unturned in preparing for the entrance exams.
- The company left no stone unturned in its marketing campaign to promote the new product launch.
- To find the historical artefact, the archaeologists left no stone unturned at the excavation site.
- When researching a cure, the scientists vowed to leave no stone unturned in their experiments.
Clouds on the horizon
The idiomatic phrase “clouds on the horizon” refers to potential problems or difficulties that may arise in the future. It suggests warning signs or indications of upcoming challenges.
Examples in Sentences
- The company is doing well currently, but there are clouds on the horizon with increased competition.
- Although their relationship seems happy now, I can see clouds on the horizon with their differing life goals.
- The meteorologists have warned about clouds on the horizon, predicting severe thunderstorms later this week.
- Despite today’s political stability, analysts point to clouds on the horizon with rising tensions abroad.
- While our financial situation is secure for the moment, my spouse and I notice clouds on the horizon with looming medical bills.
Call it a day
The idiomatic phrase “call it a day” means to stop working on something or end your activities for the rest of the day. It signals you’re ready to quit or have had enough for one day.
Examples Using the Phrase
- I’ve been coding for 10 hours straight. I think I’ll call it a day and pick it up again tomorrow.
- We’ve made great progress on the project, but it’s getting late. Let’s call it a day and regroup in the morning.
- After cleaning the whole house, I’m exhausted. Time to call it a day and relax.
- You’ve studied hard all day. Why don’t you call it a day and take a break?
- The sales team has made over 100 calls today. I’d say it’s okay to call it a day.
Blue in the face
The idiom “blue in the face” refers to someone who has become flushed or breathless from anger, excessive effort or exertion. It implies that they have tried extremely hard to do or explain something, often to no avail.
Example Sentences
- My dad yelled himself blue in the face, trying to explain the math problem, but I still didn’t understand.
- No matter how much I pleaded with her, she just wouldn’t budge; I argued until I was blue in the face.
- The politician spoke until he was blue in the face but failed to sway the opposing party.
- Seyi lectured her kids blue in the face about cleaning their rooms, yet the mess remained.
- Even after the coach turned blue in the face, screaming instructions, the players weren’t executing the plays properly.
A blessing in disguise
“A blessing in disguise” refers to something that initially seems negative or problematic but actually turns out to be beneficial or advantageous. It’s an unexpected positive outcome from a seemingly bad situation.
Examples
- Losing my job was a blessing in disguise; it motivated me to start my own business, which is now thriving.
- The flat tire seemed unfortunate, but it was a blessing in disguise as it made us stop and discover that beautiful hiking trail.
- Getting rejected from my dream college was a blessing in disguise since I ended up at a better program that was a perfect fit.
- The rainy weather ruining our picnic plans turned out to be a blessing in disguise; we had a cozy game night instead.
- His failed business venture was a blessing in disguise that led him to discover his true passion for teaching.
Cost an arm and a leg
“Cost an arm and a leg” is an English idiom, meaning something is outrageously or exorbitantly expensive. It refers to prices being so high that you’d have to sacrifice important body parts to afford it!
Example Sentences
- That luxury sports car costs an arm and a leg, way out of my budget.
- Those concert tickets are going to cost me an arm and a leg, but it’s my favorite band, so I’ll splurge.
- The new iPhone costs an arm and a leg, so I’ll stick with my old model for now.
- Hiring a celebrity for your event is going to cost you an arm and a leg.
- Going to that fancy resort for vacation would cost an arm and a leg; let’s look for cheaper options.
Beating a dead horse
The idiom “beating a dead horse” refers to persisting with something that is no longer useful or effective. It implies a futile effort that is being pursued despite clear evidence that it won’t lead anywhere.
Examples in Sentences
- Deji kept ranting about the same issue at work even after it was resolved. He was just beating a dead horse at that point.
- There’s no point in trying to convince Abimbola; she’s made up her mind. You’ll just be beating a dead horse.
- The team spent hours debating that strategy despite everyone agreeing it wouldn’t work. They were beating a dead horse.
- Don’t beat a dead horse by arguing with your parents about that curfew rule. They won’t budge.
- Continuing to plead your case to the judge after being sentenced is just beating a dead horse. Accept the ruling and move on.
Let the cat out of the bag
The idiom “let the cat out of the bag” means to accidentally or inadvertently reveal a secret or a piece of confidential information. It implies that the secret is now out in the open and can no longer be contained or kept hidden.
Examples in Sentences
- You’d better be careful around Mariam; she has a habit of letting the cat out of the bag when she has had a few drinks.
- I was going to surprise you with the news, but I see Emmanuel has already let the cat out of the bag about my promotion.
- The politician’s aide let the cat out of the bag regarding the new tax policy during an unguarded interview moment.
- Try not to let the cat out of the bag about their anniversary party plans; it’s meant to be a surprise!
- If you let the cat out of the bag to your colleagues about my resignation before I’m ready to announce it, there will be consequences.
The phrase paints a vivid picture of a cat jumping out unexpectedly from a bag it was being hidden in. With the cat now free and the secret out in the open, the metaphor captures how unintentionally revealing sensitive information can be difficult to take back or contain once it’s out there.
Elephant in the room
The idiom “elephant in the room” refers to an obvious truth or major issue that everyone is aware of but no one wants to discuss. It’s a big, unavoidable problem that people are intentionally ignoring or avoiding.
Examples
- At the company meeting, no one brought up the elephant in the room, their recent round of layoffs.
- The high divorce rate is the elephant in the room that family counselors can’t ignore.
- My friend’s alcoholism was the elephant in the room that we all danced around during his birthday party.
- Climate change is the giant elephant in the room that politicians keep avoiding to discuss substantive policies.
- The tension between the business partners was the elephant in the room that made the negotiations awkward.
The idiom paints a vivid picture of how a huge elephant would be impossible to overlook if it were present, just like a glaring issue that dominates a situation. Using it highlights the absurdity of ignoring an obvious problem or truth. It’s a call to face the “elephant” directly.
Let sleeping dogs lie
The idiom “let sleeping dogs lie” means that you should avoid stirring up or provoking a situation that is currently calm or causing no problems. It’s generally wise advice to leave well enough alone and not meddle in matters that could potentially awaken trouble or conflict.
Examples Using the Idiom
- My brother wanted to bring up our parents’ divorce again at the family dinner, but I told him to let sleeping dogs lie. No need to dredge up painful memories.
- The company had some controversial policies last year, but they’ve made positive changes. I’d let sleeping dogs lie rather than rehash old issues.
- Tope was going to confront her neighbor about their loud music, but I suggested letting sleeping dogs lie since they’ll likely be moving out next month anyway.
- Let’s let sleeping dogs lie and not reopen that failed business negotiation from last quarter. We’re better off focusing on new opportunities.
- Though I disagree with Funsho’s parenting approach, I should probably let sleeping dogs lie unless his daughter’s safety is compromised.
The key is recognizing when it’s better to avoid poking a metaphorical sleeping dog that could wake up and create an unnecessary controversy or conflict. Sometimes, the wisest choice is simply letting things be.
Pull the last straw
This idiom refers to the breaking point or final straw that makes someone lose their patience or temper completely. It originates from the idea of a camel having bundles of straw piled on its back until the addition of one final straw causes its back to break from the excessive weight.
Examples
- Tito had been tolerating his coworker’s tardiness for months, but when she showed up two hours late again, that was the last straw. He confronted her firmly.
- Sarah’s kids had been misbehaving all day, but when they spilt milk all over the new carpet, that pulled the last straw. She sent them to their rooms.
- The politician’s campaign was already struggling, but his insensitive comment about minorities proved to be the last straw for many voters.
- I put up with my old computer freezing constantly, but when it deleted my thesis draft, that pulled the last straw. I bought a new one that week.
- Paying late fees was annoying enough, but when the gym raised membership rates again, that was the final straw. I canceled my membership immediately.
Essentially, this idiom refers to that final incident or issue that pushes someone past their limit of tolerance or patience on a matter. It’s that metaphorical one last piece of straw added to the pile that breaks the camel’s back.
The Importance of Learning Idioms in English
Understanding idioms can improve your conversational English skills. Idioms are commonly used in spoken or written speech. Idioms can help improve your conversational abilities because they show native speakers that you understand the cultural meaning and context behind the idiom you’re using.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 20 common idioms with their meanings and example sentences to help you start sounding like a native English speaker! Idioms are tricky because you can’t just translate the words literally. But the more you expose yourself to them by reading, watching shows, and talking with others, the more these expressions will make sense. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t pick them up right away. Keep practicing and be patient with yourself. The English language has so many of these quirky phrases, but learning them bit by bit will help you communicate more naturally.