150 Useful Idioms With Examples, Sentences & Meanings

An idiom in English, is an expression or phrase whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. For instance, a piece of cake, not literally, but something that is easy to do. However, students often fail to figure out the difference between proverbs and idioms. But, one should know that proverbs are well-known for stating a piece of advice or general fact. For example, a picture worth a thousand words is a proverb, a general truth.

Now, let us consider the idiom ‘bite off more than you can chew’. What you meant is that you are trying to do something too hard for you. While, you can order essays online for in-depth insights into various idioms, in the meantime, read this blog to learnmorethan useful and common idioms with examples and meanings.

This Blog Includes:

1. What is Idiom? – Meaning and Definition
2. Why Use Idioms in Sentences?
3. List of Common Idioms with Examples and Meanings
4. List of Most Difficult Idioms Examples
5. List of Unique Idioms to Improve Your Vocabulary
6. List of Commonly Used Idioms for Competitive Exams
7. List of Most Popular Idioms Examples for Students
8. List of Idioms for Happiness with Examples
9. List of Idioms for Money with Examples
10. List of Idioms for Great Ideas with Examples
11. Difference Between Idioms and Phrases
12. 50+ List of Idioms with Meaning: Free PDF
13. FAQs

What is Idiom? – Meaning and Definition

A set of words, or, to put it another way, a phrase, that has a meaning beyond the words’ literal meanings are known as idioms in English. The Cambridge Dictionary defines an idiom as “a group of words in a fixed order that has a particular meaning that is different from the meanings of each word on its own.” Whereas, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines an idiom as “a statement in the usage of a language that is distinctive to itself either in having a meaning that cannot be deduced from the conjoined meanings of its constituents.” For example, up in the air for “undecided”) or in its grammatically unconventional word usage (like, give way).

Why Use Idioms in Sentences?

The fact that one cannot just rely on the meaning of individual words to grasp what the full phrase means is the sole thing that makes studying idioms a time-consuming process.

Idioms should not be utilised in writing for academic or professional purposes. In a more lighthearted setting, idioms may add personality to your work or speaking. Idioms can also be used to convey sarcasm or puns.

The only issue is that it would be meaningless or have no impact on a group of individuals who are unfamiliar with the idiom you are implying. Therefore, you should always make sure that the audience you are using idioms with can understand their meaning.

Also Read: Top 10 Idioms for Help You Should Know!

List of Common Idioms with Examples and Meanings

Have you come across some common English language idioms while watching TV shows or movies? As idioms do not always make literal sense, students should be familiar with their meanings and how to use them. This may appear to be a lot of work, but idioms are fun!So, here’s a list of the top 100 common idioms examples and their meanings:

English language Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentences
Beat around the bush	To avoid talking about what’s important	Don’t beat around the bush, tell me exactly what happened here in my absence.
Cold Feet	Lose the courage to do something	Raj always gets a cold feet while presenting
Under the weather	Not feeling good	Due to back-to-back trips, I am feeling under the weather.
Get your act together	Get organized and do things effectively	If you want to pass the exam, you need to get your act together and start studying.
Hit the sack	Go to sleep	I’m exhausted; I’m going to hit the sack early tonight.
Apple of my eye	Someone or something that is cherished and loved above all else.	Her youngest son is the apple of her eye.
Kill two birds with a stone	To accomplish two tasks with a single effort.	By cycling to work, she kills two birds with one stone—she saves money and gets exercise.
Your guess is as good as mine	I do not know	When will the package arrive? Your guess is as good as mine.
Good things come to those who wait	To have patience	She waited years for the promotion, but good things come to those who wait.
Back against the wall	Stuck in a difficult circumstance with no escape	With no money and rent due tomorrow, I had my back against the wall.
Up in arms	Being grumpy or angry about something	The community is up in arms about the plan to cut down the park’s trees.
Scrape the barrel	Making the most of the worst situations or things	We’re really scraping the barrel by hiring someone so inexperienced.
Burn your boats/bridges	Doing something that makes it impossible to go back to the original state.	Quitting your job without a backup plan is like burning your bridges.
Break fresh/new ground	Doing something that has never been done before	The scientist broke new ground with her innovative cancer research.
Sell like hot cakes	Quick sellout	The new iPhone is selling like hot cakes.
Run around in circles	Putting efforts into something that is not a worthwhile result	We spent all day running around in circles trying to fix the problem.
On cloud nine	Being very happy	She was on cloud nine after hearing she got the job.
Left out in the cold	Being ignored	The new policy left freelancers out in the cold.
Blow hot and cold	Alternate inconsistently between moods and actions	He keeps blowing hot and cold about whether he wants to take the job.
Cut corners	Doing something in an easier and least expensive manner	The builders cut corners, which is why the house started falling apart.
Boil the ocean	Taking up an almost impossible or overly ambitious project	We don’t need to boil the ocean; let’s focus on one issue at a time.
Keep an ear to the ground	Staying informed about everything	Keep an ear to the ground for any news about the merger.
Eat like a horse	Eating too excessively	After his workout, he ate like a horse at dinner.
A snowball effect	The aspect of momentum in every event and how they build upon each other	Her small business grew into a huge company thanks to the snowball effect of word-of-mouth marketing.
Knit One’s Brows	Someone who pulls their eyebrows together when frustrated	He knit his brows as he tried to solve the complicated puzzle.
Pie in the Sky	An unrealistic or impossible goal or dream	Her dream of winning the lottery is just pie in the sky.

Important Tip to Learn IdiomsIt is comparatively easier to remember words unlike idioms because idioms (phrases) contain 3 or more words. And, remembering a chain of words and then speaking them in the correct sequence is not easy. But, one thing you can do is to repeat the idiom and its meaning a few times loudly and then use it in 2 to 3 different sentences.

List of Most Difficult Idioms Examples

Idioms are used as figurative language, i.e., the use of words imaginatively and unusually. If you want to know some interesting idioms and phrases in English, check out the list given below:

1. In for a penny, in for a poundMeaning: That someone is intentionally investing his time or money for a particular project or task.Example: When Athlead was booming, Jim was in for a penny and in for a pound, that’s how dedicated he was.

2. A bird in the hand is better than two in the bushMeaning: An opportunity in hand, currently, is better than a prospect in the future, because time never repeats itself.Example: The detective apprehended 3 criminals and saw another one running but didn’t chase him, because she knew a bird in one hand was better than two in the bush.

3. Chip off the old blockMeaning: A person is similar in behaviour or actions to his parents.Example: When grandmother saw her grandson collecting coins like her son used to do, she knew he was a Chip off the old block.

4. Do unto others as you would have them do unto youMeaning: Treat people the same way you want to be treated.Example: I felt Peter was a little cold today towards that homeless man, he should do unto others as he would have them do unto him, because who knows about time.

5. Don’t cry over spilt milkMeaning: Don’t cry over what has happened as it can not be fixed.Example: Walter failed his examination but his dad came and said just one thing, “Son, Don’t cry over spilt milk.”

6. Every cloud has a silver liningMeaning: Bad things one day eventually lead to good things.Example: See, yesterday you were so morose as your phone was stolen but look at you today, you got a promotion. Is it rightly said that every cloud has a silver lining?

7. Beside yourself with joyMeaning: To be extremely happy.Example: I can see that you are beside yourself with joy on being selected for the job, congratulations.

8. Fair and squareMeaning: Being direct or fair.Example: To tell you fair and square, I did everything that I was meant to do, but I still feel unfulfilled.

9. Having an Ace up the sleeveMeaning: Have an advantage that is currently being withheld for future purposes.Example: Brian kept quiet at the board meeting, who knew he had an Ace hidden up his sleeve the whole time?

10. A black sheepMeaning: Being a disgrace to the family.Example: They don’t talk about Olive anymore, turns out he was the Black sheep for the family, and he married someone else while he was still married to his fiancé.

11. Hook, line and sinkerMeaning: Doing something or trying to achieve something with thoroughness and passion.Example: I have set my mind to go through the spreadsheets by Monday and I am working for it, Hook, line and sinker.

12. Looking to your laurelsMeaning: Do not be lost in your achievements and lose sight of what is supposed to happen.Example: Look on your laurels but do not rest on them.

13. Bear a grudgeMeaning: To continue to feel angry or unfriendly toward someone or something because of a particular past incident.Example: I Bear a grudge against him for not taking me into confidence.

14. By the skin of your teethMeaning: To just barely get by or make it.Example: Lester made the dance team By the skin of his teeth, you see the audition gates were about to get closed.

15. Down for the countMeaning: Tired; giving up.Example: My pet dog is down for the count after playing the whole day with the frisbee.

16. Draw the lineMeaning: To stop before a point where something okay gets not okay.Example: Hey buddy, that’s enough, Draw the line before someone comes and beats you to a pulp.

17. Easier said than doneMeaning: Not as easy as it appears to be.Example: Listen, losing weight is easier said than done, many people lack commitment.

18. Break a legMeaning: Saying good luck to someone.Example: Hey Barry, it’s time for you to get on the stage and present your monologue, break a leg.

19. Up a creek without a paddleMeaning: In an unlucky situation.Example: Dan tried to dine and dash yesterday at a Chinese place but he was stopped by the waiters, guess he was up a creek without a paddle yesterday.

20. Give it a whirlMeaning: To give something a try.Example: I am terrified of skydiving, but I think once in my life, I will give it a whirl.

21. Fish out of waterMeaning: To be out of your comfort zone.Example: Tom felt like a fish out of water when his girlfriend took him to a Star Wars convention in LA.

22. In the fast laneMeaning: A life filled with excitement.Example: When Chris turned forty, he decided to live his life in the fast lane and quit his job for his hobbies.

23. Go the extra mileMeaning: To make an extra effort.Example: He was willing to go the extra mile for the love of his life, Mia.

24. Snug as a bug in a rugMeaning: Warm and cosy.Meaning: The baby looks as snug as a bug in a rug next to her mother.

25. Step up your gameMeaning: To start performing betterExample: Jennifer better step up her game if she wants to make big in Basketball.

26. To not see the wood for the treesMeaning: To be so involved in trivial matters that you don’t get the important facts.Example: He always argues on the silliest topics, it’s like he can’t see wood for the trees.

27. Lose your marblesMeaning: To go insane.Example: Our mailman has lost his marbles, every day he drops Mr. Smith’s mail on our door.

28. Straight from the Horse’s mouthMeaning: Directly from the person involved.Example: Listen to the news straight from the horse’s mouth, his factory burned down right in front of his eyes.

29. Crying WolfMeaning: To ask for help when you don’t need it.Example: You have been a crying Wolf so many times that no one believes you now.

30. Palm offMeaning: Pass off something as genuine when it is spurious.Example: This shopkeeper always palms off old stock to the customers.

31. Has bigger fish to fryMeaning: Has more important work to do.Example: Please don’t bother me today with any calls, I have bigger fish to fry.

32. Look before you leapMeaning: Calculate the risks before advancing towards a possibility.Example: You can’t just sell all of your shares when the market is low, look before you leap, Trump is coming tomorrow, and the shares may grow.

33. On thin iceMeaning: In a precarious or risky situation.Example: Andy played hooky from work for a week saying he was sick, and now his boss said that he is on thin ice.

34. Play devil’s advocateMeaning: To argue, just for the sake of it.Example: He was not agreeing to back off as if he was playing devil’s advocate.

35. Rain on someone’s paradeMeaning: To spoil a moment.Example: He told his wife that he didn’t want to rain on her parade, but they had to shift their vacation dates.

36. Take a rain checkMeaning: Postpone a plan.Example: He asked me whether I would like to have dinner with his family, but I had a thing so I said, rain check.

37. Take it with a grain of saltMeaning: Don’t take it too seriously.Example: She tells great tales but we take whatever she says with a grain of salt.

38. Like a cakewalkMeaning: So easy task.Example: Everyone took hours to write the code but Adam did it like a cakewalk.

39. Throw caution to the windMeaning: Take a risk.Example: The caretaker threw caution to the wind by taking a sick baby outside.

40. Penny-wise and Pound foolishMeaning: Careful in trivial matters but wasteful or extravagant in large matters.Example: That man eats Ramen noodles daily for dinner, but for his dog, he throws a big party. He is indeed penny-wise and pound-foolish.

41. The whole nine yardsMeaning: Everything, all the way.Example: I want to know everything there is to know about this merger, the whole nine yards of the deal.

42. The best thing since sliced breadMeaning: A really good invention.Example: Bluetooth is officially the best thing since sliced bread.

43. Bite off more than you can chewMeaning: Take on difficult work that is beyond your capabilities.Example: Andrew told his boss that he would triple the sales but in reality, he bit off more than he can chew and now all of us are in trouble.

44. Play by the earMeaning: To improvise.Example: I just went to Canada and did everything playing by the ear, no itinerary, no schedules.

45. Ignorance is blissMeaning: You are better off not knowing some things.Example: His wife always asked him what it was he did late at night, turned out, he was insider trading. But she knew nothing about this so she won’t be convicted, sometimes ignorance is bliss.

46. Put something on iceMeaning: To put something on hold.Example: As per the boss’ order, Michael has put his personal matters on ice.

47. You can say that againMeaning: That’s absolutely true.Example: “The Earth is bleeding”, you can say that again, pal.

48. Bite the bulletMeaning: To get something over with because it is inevitable.Example: Vik was diagnosed with second-stage cancer but he didn’t want to get chemotherapy. By the will of his wife, he bit the bullet.

49. Go back to the drawing boardMeaning: Start over.Example: It is not too late to go back to the drawing board and assess your mistakes.

50. Stick to your gunsMeaning: To maintain your position or opinion despite opposition or criticism.Example: Even though everyone disagreed, he stuck to his guns and defended his decision.

51. Beating Around the BushMeaning: To talk about unnecessary things. Example: When I asked my secretary about the missing file and documents, she was beating around the bush.

52. Be in a Tight CornerMeaning: Being in a difficult situation. Example: Radha’s low grades despite her constant efforts have put her in a very tight corner.

53. At the 11th HourMeaning: At the last moment. Example: While leaving for Shimla, Harshit kept his mobile phone charger in the bag at the 11th hour.

54. Swan SongMeaning: The last piece of work of an artist before his/her death. Example: This painting was M.F Hussain’s swan song.

55. Wild Goose ChaseMeaning: Futile Chase Example: Catching the two thieves together on a jam-packed road was no less than a wild goose chase for the policeman.

56. Bury the HatchetMeaning: Ending a quarrel to make peace.Example: My father buried the hatchet by equally dividing the pasta between me and my sister.

57. To Bell the CatMeaning: To face a risk.Example: He belled the cat when he was trying to escape the prison.

58. Turn a deaf earMeaning: To ignore what someone is saying. Example: Whenever her mother complained of her excessive use of her mobile phone, Anu turned a deaf ear.

59. At SeaMeaning: Confused Example: I was at sea while choosing a lehenga for my sister’s wedding at Manish Malhotra’s store.

60. To be in the doldrumsMeaning: To be in a low spiritExample: When I got to know about the increasing cases of COVID-19 in my area, I was in the doldrums.

61. Hit the booksMeaning: Going to studyExample: I won’t be able to come for dinner as I have to hit the books for my half-yearly examinations.

62. Twist someone’s armMeaning: To convince someoneExample: I was not planning to come to the party but by reminding me of all the good food you twisted my arm!

63. Stab someone in the backMeaning: To betray a close personExample: My uncle trusted his driver so much but he stabbed him in the back when he saw all the money bags.

64. Go cold turkeyMeaning: To quit or stop addictive or dangerous behaviourExample: No one could believe that my father left eating sweets! He went cold turkey when the doctors told him that he had diabetes.

65. Ring a bellMeaning: Sounds familiarExample: Why does this name ring a bell in my head? Was this girl in my school?

66. Cut to the chaseMeaning: Getting to the important pointExample: As the submissions were to be made tonight, the boss cut to the chase and asked us to start working.

67. Blow off steamMeaning: Experiencing strong feelings like anger or stressExample: Shina went running to blow off steam as she had a huge fight with her mother.

68. Face the musicMeaning: Face the realityExample: Shikha asked her husband to not run away from the problem and just face the music once!

69. To have sticky fingersMeaning: ThiefExample: The cashier had a sticky finger, he stole around $2000 and ran away from the bank.

70. Break the bankMeaning: To be very expensiveExample: I had to break the bank to buy these shoes!

71. Face the musicMeaning: Confront the unpleasant consequences of one’s actions.Example: We have done it and now it’s time to face the music!

72. It is always darkest before the dawnMeaning: Things will get betterExample: I know you have gone through the worst, but remember it is always darkest before the dawn.

73. Jump the gunMeaning: To act on something promptly before the right timeExample: I think I jumped the gun by sending the e-mail before they told me the time.

74. Wear your heart on your sleeveMeaning: Expressing yourself too openlyExample: She wears her heart on her sleeve and often gets hurt.

75. Cut no iceMeaning: Fail to make an impactExample: Your poetry cuts no ice with me

76. Light at the end of the tunnelMeaning: Seeing signs of improvement in the futureExample: I see the light at the end of the tunnel for my relationship with her

77. Through thick and thinMeaning: Through good and bad timesExample: Books and music stay by your side through thick and thin.

78. Cry for the moonMeaning: To ask for something that is rather difficultExample: You are crying for the moon for this concert’s tickets!

79. Read between the linesMeaning: Understanding the real message behind somethingExample: If you try to read between the lines, her song is actually about Nizagara

80. Don’t give up a day’s jobMeaning: You are not very good at something or you could not do it professionallyExample: I love painting, but I shouldn’t give up a day’s job just yet.

Also Read: 9+ Best Idioms for Angry You Should Know

List of Unique Idioms to Improve Your Vocabulary

Here are the most common 20 idioms with their meanings and sentences:

1. A left-handed complimentMeaning: Saying something insulting in the form of appreciative words.Example: Her words on my blog seem like a left-handed compliment.

2. Once in a blue moonMeaning: Not very oftenExample: I visit her place once in a blue moon

3. Call a spade a spadeMeaning: Talking franklyExample: I will not lie about it and call a spade a spade.

4. Flesh and bloodMeaning: Referring to someone in the family or human natureExample: It’s flesh and blood to feel such strong emotions at this time.

5. Jam on the brakesMeaning: Press brakes of a vehicle suddenlyExample: I had to jam on the brakes when I saw the deer.

6. Notch upMeaning: To win or create a recordExample: One Direction notched up the finale with their amazing voice!

7. A slap on the wristMeaning: Just a small punishmentExample: You will get a slap on the wrist for painting this wall but don’t dare to do it again.

8. Knee Jerk ReactionMeaning: A quick responseExample: The statement was just a knee-jerk reaction.

9. Once bitten, twice shyMeaning: Afraid of doing something againExample: Once bitten twice shy, he can’t ski.

10. Forty winksMeaning: A short napExample: I will be just in for forty winks, I promise.

11. Up for grabsMeaning: Available for everyoneExample: This pizza slice is up for grabs!

12. Old as the hillsMeaning: Someone very oldExample: The man looks as old as the hills.

13. Back to square oneMeaning: Start all over againExample: Your mistake brought us back to square one.

14. Round the bendMeaning: CrazyExample: My neighbour is around the bend, don’t try to mess with her.

15. Against the clockMeaning: RushedExample: I have to hurry for the meeting, I am against the clock.

16. Black and blueMeaning: Something bruisedExample: What happened? Your eyes look black and blue.

17. Have the bluesMeaning: SadExample: After meeting her, I am feeling the blues.

18. Be glad to see the back ofMeaning: Happy when someone leavesExample: Tomorrow, I will be glad to see the back of her.

19. BlackoutMeaning: FaintExample: I blacked out after two drinks.

20. Get in ShapeMeaning: To become strong or fitExample: I need to make a proper schedule to get in shape before the graduation ceremony.

Do Check Out:

• Idioms for Life: 7 Useful Phrases for Wisdom
• 11+ Best Idioms for Friendship in English for Everyday
• Idioms for Success That You Should Know!

List of Commonly Used Idioms for Competitive Exams

1. Close-fisted Meaning: To be meanExample: As known for being close-fisted when it came to lending money to his friends.

2. To square the circleMeaning: To attempt something impossibleExample: Trying to convince her strict parents to let her go on a solo backpacking trip was like trying to square the circle.

3. The ball is in your court Meaning: It refers to the fact that it’s time for action nowExample: She did her best and the ball is now in your court.

4. To pick and chooseMeaning: To make a careful selectionExample: She can’t just pick and choose which tasks she wants to do.

5. Clean Bill of Health Meaning: A person or a system or organisation has been examined and found in good condition, without facing any significant problems or issues.Example: The company’s financial statements and issued a clean bill of health.

6. Stress outMeaning: To become extremely anxious, overwhelmed, or mentally strainedExample: She’s been really stressed out lately because of her heavy workload.

7. She is no chicken Meaning: She is older than she saysExample: Despite her age, she is no chicken when it comes to taking on challenging tasks and responsibilities.

8. Clean SwipeMeaning: Winning without facing any defeat.Example: The ruling party made a clean sweep in the election, winning all the seats in the parliament.

9. To Catch One’s Eye Meaning: To attract attentionExample: Her vibrant red dress and confident demeanour were enough to catch anyone’s eye as she walked into the room.

10. Care killed the catMeaning: Don’t fret and worry yourself to deathExample: She couldn’t resist opening the mysterious package despite the warning label and care killed the cat.

11. To burn the candle at both ends Meaning: Expend energy in two directions at the same timeExample: Seems like he’s been burning the candle at both ends, trying to balance his responsibilities.

12. Good wine needs no bushMeaning: No need to advertise something goodExample: Handcrafted wines spread far and wide, proving that good wine needs no bush.

13 To kick the bucket Meaning: To die Example: He was truly prepared to kick the bucket on his feet rather than live on his knees.

14. If the cap fits, wear itMeaning: If the remarks refer to you, then accept the criticismExample: Well, if the cap fits, wear it. You’ve been known to misplace things too.

15. To make bricks without straw –Meaning: To do something without proper materialsExample: Trying to complete this project with such limited resources feels like trying to make bricks without straw.

16. A Bolt from the BlueMeaning: Something completely unexpected that surprises youExample: Getting a job offer from that prestigious company was like a bolt from the blue.

17. In Cold Blood Meaning: DeliberatelyExample: In cold blood, she betrayed her closest friend, revealing all of their secrets to the world without a hint of remorse.

18. To bite the dustMeaning: To be defeated in battleExample: The ambitious project eventually bit the dust due to a lack of funding and support.

19. Behind the scenes Meaning: Something that happens in privateExample: Behind the scenes, the dedicated team of engineers worked tirelessly to ensure the flawless execution of the event.

20. To cause bad bloodMeaning: To create feelings of resentment, hostility, or animosityExample: Spreading rumours about others eventually caused bad blood between her and the rest of the office.

21. To backbite a person Meaning: To speak negatively about someone in their absenceExample: Sarah often backbites her colleagues, spreading rumours about them when they are not around.

22. Bag and baggageMeaning: The idiom is used to indicate the entirety of someone’s belongingsExample: They left nothing behind, departing with their bag and baggage.

23. To have no backbone Meaning: Used to describe someone who lacks courageExample: He never takes any action to improve his situation; it’s clear that he has no backbone.

24. To take up armsMeaning: To prepare for battle or engage in a conflictExample: The labour union decided to take up arms against unfair working conditions.

25. On pins and needles Meaning: To be anxious or agitatedExample: She was on pins and needles when I went on for the first time.

26. Below the beltMeaning: To pass a disrespectful, insulting or unethical commentExample: One candidate resorted to personal attacks and hit below the belt by bringing up his opponent’s family issues.

27. Roll up your sleeves Meaning: To prepare for hard work, mainly physical taskExample: She rolled up her sleeves and helped the team instantly.

28. The other side of the coinMeaning: To look at different aspects of a situationExample: Teams might elevate the sales rate but the other side of the coin is overburdening the employees.

29. Rock the boat Meaning: Doing something that causes problemsExample: We already have too much homework; let’s not rock the boat and get more!

30. Take with a pinch of saltMeaning: When someone tells you something based on their opinion, rather than facts or evidence.Example: Take his advice with a pinch of salt, he is not very experienced in this field.

31. Call it a night Meaning: Halt your evening or nighttime activities. Example: Probably best to call it a night for today!

32. Clean as a whistleMeaning: Something/someone who is free from dirtExample: Like a fresh start, everything was clean as a whistle.

33. Two heads are better than one Meaning: Refers to the idea that having more than one person participate in an activity improves the quality. Example: Since two heads are better than one when it comes to solving problems.

34. A Rising tide lifts all boatsMeaning: It is associated with economic growth, wealth, and prosperity.Example: How a rising tide lifts all boats, as it helps the major corporate sector employees save money.

35. Like a cat on hot tin roof Meaning: In an uneasy or nervous stateExample: She’s waiting for the doctor to call with her test results, so she’s been like a cat on a hot tin roof all day.

List of Most Popular Idioms Examples for Students

Here are the most popular 30 idioms with their meanings and sentences:

1. Soot from the hipMeaning: To speak bluntly or rashly without thinking carefullyExample: Don’t feel bad about what he said. He has a habit of shooting from the hip, but he means no harm.

2. Shoot oneself in the footMeaning: To harm one’s own cause inadvertentlyExample: Foolishly harm one’s own cause, as in He really shot himself in the foot, telling the interviewer all about the others who were applying for the job he wanted.

3. In cold bloodMeaning: If you do something violent and cruel in cold blood, you do it deliberately and in an unemotional way.Example: In a purposely ruthless and unfeeling manner, as in The whole family was murdered in cold blood.

4. Draw first bloodMeaning: If you draw first blood, you cause the first damage to an opponent in a conflict or contest.Example: To be the first to gain an advantage or score against an opponent. I drew first blood in the tournament and quickly dispatched my opponent.

5. Ace up one’s sleeveMeaning: A secret or hidden advantage that you can use when you need itExample: Cheating at a card game by hiding a favourable card up one’s sleeve. I have an ace up my sleeve for this race—my stamina.

6. Play your cards rightMeaning: To behave or work in a way that gives you an advantage or improves your odds of success.Example: Play your cards right in college and you’ll get a great job after you graduate.

7. Egg on your faceMeaning: If you’ve egg on your face, you look stupid and face embarrassment because of something you’ve done.Example: Terry had an egg on his face after boasting that the examinations were really easy, but ended up failing most of his papers.

8. Kill the goose that lays the golden eggsMeaning: To destroy something that gives you a lot of money to get immediate returnsExample: Tearing down the top attraction in the theme park, “The Haunted House”, would be akin to killing the goose that lays the golden egg.

9. An arm and a legMeaning: If something costs an arm and a leg, it costs a lot.Example: I want to buy a house by the beach, but it may cost me an arm and a leg.

10. Behind one’s backMeaning: If you do something behind someone’s back, you do it secretly without their knowledge (used negatively).Example: My colleague is nice to me but I don’t trust him because I know he talks negatively about me behind my back.

11. Stab someone in the backMeaning: Harm someone who trusts you.Example: Don’t trust George; he’s been known to stab his friends in the back.

12. Take a back seatMeaning: If you take a back seat, you choose not to be in a position of responsibility or power.Example: The founder of the company decided to take a back seat and let the board members run the business.

13. Back to the drawing boardMeaning: If you go back to the drawing board, you make a fresh start or try another idea because the earlier one didn’t succeed.Example: It looks like my plans to kill the weeds in the garden failed. I am back to the drawing board.

14. Right off the batMeaning: If you do something right off the bat, you do it immediately.Example: Nathan was in the mood for a cheeseburger, so he hopped into his car and bought some fast food. After unwrapping the burger, he took a bite and right off the bat he knew that something was wrong; it didn’t taste right.

15. Heart misses (skips) a beatMeaning: If your heart misses a beat, you feel excited or nervous.Example: Her heart missed a beat when she heard her name called out in the list of finalists, or When the bear appeared in front of us, my heart skipped a beat, or My heart stands still at the very thought of flying through a thunderstorm.

16. Have your heart in your mouthMeaning: If you’ve your heart in your mouth, you’re feeling extremely nervous.Example: You sure don’t seem relaxed—in fact, it seems like your heart is in your mouth.

17. Not the only fish in the seaMeaning: Not the only suitable thing or person one can findExample: When Bob walked out on Sally, all we could tell her was that he was not the only fish in the sea, or Bill knew she wasn’t the only pebble on the beach but he was determined to win her over.

18. Not your cup of teaMeaning: If you say that someone or something is not your cup of tea, you mean that they’re not the kind of person or thing you like.Example: We couldn’t decide which movie to watch, so we ended up settling on a comedy. Halfway through the movie, I concluded that its humour was not my cup of tea.

19. A piece of cakeMeaning: If something is a piece of cake, it’s easy to do.Example: The boy found the project to be a piece of cake because it was incredibly easy.

20. Call it a dayMeaning: If you call it a day, you stop what you’re doing because you’re tired of it or you’ve not been successful.Example: I think we have done enough work today, I am feeling tired now, let’s call it a day.

21. The pot calling the kettle blackMeaning: Accusing someone of faults that you haveExample: I can’t believe that you are upset because I was late. That is the pot calling the kettle black. Peter called me a liar! That is the pot calling the kettle black.

22. Call a spade a spadeMeaning: To speak the truth even if it’s unpleasantExample: That dress made her look fat, let’s call a spade a spade before she goes out wearing it and embarrasses herself.

23. A bolt from the blueMeaning: A sudden, unexpected eventExample: Let us hope the pandemic disappears. It came as a bolt from the blue in 2020.

24. In the same boatMeaning: If two or more persons are in the same boat, they’re in the same difficult situation.Example: If you lose your job, I’ll lose mine. We are both in the same boat.

25. Miss the boat/ busMeaning: To miss an opportunityExample: He missed the boat when he did not apply for the job in time.

26. Over my dead bodyMeaning: If you say something will happen to your dead body, you mean you dislike it and will do everything you can to prevent it.Example: I told John that he could shave his head, over my dead body.

27. Make one’s blood boilMeaning: To make someone extremely angryExample: When I hear stories of cruelty to animals, it makes my blood boil.

28. Bounce something off someoneMeaning: If you bounce something off someone, you discuss ideas or plan with someone to get their view on it.Example: I caught the rubber ball when it bounced off the wall. The light bouncing off of that mirror is blinding me—can we close the curtains?

29. Bell the catMeaning: To undertake a risky or dangerous task.Example: Someone has to bell the cat and tell the commissioner that his own started the violence.

30. Pour out one’s heartMeaning: To express openlyExample: I can’t pour my heart out to you if you are too distracted by everything around you.

List of Idioms for Happiness with Examples

Idioms for happiness vividly express joy. “On cloud nine” describes extreme delight, while “over the moon” conveys excitement. “Walking on air” signifies feeling light and elated, and “tickled pink” means being thrilled. “Happy as a clam” highlights contentment and satisfaction.

Here are some common idioms examples for happiness:

• On Top of The World: She was on top of the world after he agreed to marry him.
• In Seventh Heaven: I was in seventh heaven when I saw my appraisal letter.
• Over The Moon: When she sent me chocolates and a note, I was over the moon.
• Walking on Air: He’s been walking on air ever since he got the job.
• On Cloud Nine: She was on cloud nine when she saw her result.

Also Read: Top 10 Idioms For Excitement That You Should Know!

List of Idioms for Money with Examples

Idioms for money reflect its significance in daily life. Phrases like “money talks” emphasise its power, while “raking it in” suggests substantial earnings. “Break the bank” means spending excessively, and “penny for your thoughts” highlights curiosity about someone’s opinions or ideas.

Here is the list of the top idioms examples related to money, along with their meanings:

1. Break the Bank: To spend a lot of money or exceed one’s budget.
2. Rolling in Dough: To be very wealthy or have a lot of money.
3. Penny-Pincher: Someone who is extremely frugal and careful with their money.
4. Cash Cow: A consistent and reliable source of income or profits.
5. Broke the Bank: To deplete all available funds; to spend more than expected or affordable.
6. Cost an Arm and a Leg: Something that is very expensive.
7. In the Black: To be financially successful
8. On a Shoestring Budget: Operating with very limited funds or resources.
9. Money Talks: The power and influence that come with having a lot of money.
10. Rob Peter to Pay Paul: To take from one source to pay off another, often resulting in a cycle of debt or financial instability.

Also Read Best Idioms for Surprise and Shock

List of Idioms for Great Ideas with Examples

Idioms offer a creative way to describe great things and ideas, conveying their value and impact. Phrases like “a cut above the rest” or “the best thing since sliced bread” highlight excellence, innovation, and brilliance in memorable, expressive terms.

Here are most common idioms examples that convey the idea of greatness, along with their meanings:

• The Bee’s Knees: Her performance in the play was simply the bee’s knees
• The Cream of the Crop: Only the cream of the crop made it to the final round of the quiz.
• A Cut Above the Rest: His culinary skills were a cut above the rest, making him the top chef in town.
• Have the World at One’s Feet: After winning the championship, he seemed to have the world at his feet.
• In a League of One’s Own: Her dedication to her craft put her in a league of her own among her peers.
• Rise Above the Crowd: Her ability to stay focused helped her rise above the crowd and achieve her goals.
• Second to None: The quality of their customer service is second to none in the industry.
• Stand Head and Shoulders Above: Her innovative approach to problem-solving allowed her to stand head and shoulders above her colleagues

Difference Between Idioms and Phrases

Idioms and phrases are key parts of English, but they differ in meaning and use. Idioms have figurative meanings beyond their words, while phrases are literal and straightforward. Knowing the difference helps improve communication and language skills. Here is a table showing the difference between idioms and phrases to enhance your understanding.

Aspect	Idioms	Phrases
Definition	Figurative expressions with meanings different from their literal words.	Group of words with a literal meaning when combined.
Example	“Break the ice” (to start a conversation).	“A sunny day” (describes a day with sunshine).
Flexibility	Fixed expressions; wording cannot be altered.	Flexible and can be rearranged or modified.
Context	Requires contextual understanding to interpret meaning.	Directly understood without needing additional context.
Purpose	Adds color and depth to language.	Provides clarity and structure to sentences.

50+ List of Idioms with Meaning: Free PDF

To enhance your vocabulary and prepare for exams, it’s beneficial to keep a list of idioms handy. Regularly practicing and incorporating these expressions into your daily conversations can significantly improve your communication skills and understanding of language. The button below gives a list of idioms tailored for competitive exams. Download this pdf now!

List of Idioms Everyone Should Know: Download PDF

FAQs

Ques: What are idioms?

Ans: Idioms are expressions that are difficult to understand by examining the meanings of their constituent words alone. We frequently utilize colloquial language. Your friend is avoiding having a frank conversation with you if they are “beating around the bush.”

Ques: What are some Idioms for Kids?

Ans: There are some kid-friendly idioms:It’s raining cats and dogs is an idiom: Meaning: it is raining very hard.

Ques: What are Idioms and phrases with examples?

Ans: Get your act together, it means you need to improve your behaviour/workPull yourself together, it means calm down I’m feeling under the weather, it means I’m sickIt’s a piece of cake, it means it’s easy Break a leg, it means good luck

Ques: Where to not use any idiom?

Ans: Idioms should not be utilised in writing for academic or professional purposes.

Ques: What are the 4 types of idioms?

Ans: The 4 types of idioms are pure idioms, binomial idioms, partial idioms, and prepositional idioms.

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