{"id":147403,"date":"2024-01-05T10:19:30","date_gmt":"2024-01-05T15:19:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/idioms\/"},"modified":"2025-05-24T08:42:59","modified_gmt":"2025-05-24T12:42:59","slug":"idioms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/english\/idioms\/","title":{"rendered":"144 English Idioms"},"content":{"rendered":"

We use idioms<\/strong> in our native language all the time, without even realizing it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Idioms are phrases that\u00a0have a meaning beyond their individual words. <\/strong>They tell a story, or paint a picture, rather than just\u00a0saying<\/em> what they mean.<\/p>\n

For example, if someone says, “time to hit the hay!” they’re actually saying it’s time to go to bed. But nothing about hitting hay is relevant to bedtime. At least not in 2024\u2014I don’t think anyone has slept on hay for a long, long time.<\/p>\n

For someone who’s learning the English language, this can be a real challenge. There’s no way to figure out what they mean when you’re in the middle of a conversation. You just have to\u00a0know\u00a0<\/em>them.<\/p>\n

For our friends who are new to the English language, we’ve created this list of 144 extremely common English idioms.<\/p>\n

And if you’re a native English speaker who’s just curious about how many idioms you actually used in everyday life\u2014prepare to be amazed at how much space these occupy in your brain.<\/p>\n

We’ve previously covered a few of these on our YouTube channel<\/a> if you prefer to learn through video:<\/p>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

English Idioms About Feelings<\/h2>\n

\"Spilled<\/p>\n

1. Hit the hay<\/h3>\n

If someone says they’re going to hit the hay, it means they are going to bed. It reflects a need for rest, possibly due to emotional exhaustion or weariness.<\/p>\n

After a long day at work, I can’t wait to hit the hay<\/strong> and get some good sleep.<\/em><\/p>\n

2. Bite the bullet<\/h3>\n

To bite the bullet is to endure a painful or difficult situation with courage and resilience, often involving facing uncomfortable emotions or challenges.<\/p>\n

I had to bite the bullet<\/strong> and apologize even though I didn’t think I was wrong.<\/em><\/p>\n

3. Cry over spilled milk<\/h3>\n

Crying over spilled milk means to dwell on past mistakes or misfortunes, often implying that it’s unproductive to worry about things that cannot be changed.<\/p>\n

There’s no use crying over spilled milk<\/strong>; let’s focus on finding a solution.<\/em><\/p>\n

4. Jump on the bandwagon<\/h3>\n

When someone jumps on the bandwagon, they adopt a popular trend or activity, often influenced by the emotions or opinions of others.<\/p>\n

Many people are jumping on the<\/strong> fitness bandwagon<\/strong> this year, inspired by their friends’ healthy lifestyles.<\/em><\/p>\n

5. Feel under the weather<\/h3>\n

Feeling under the weather means to be unwell or not in good health, expressing a physical condition that can influence one’s emotional state.<\/p>\n

I won’t be able to make it to the party tonight; I’m feeling a bit under the weather<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

6. Throw in the towel<\/h3>\n

If someone throws in the towel, they give up or surrender, often due to emotional exhaustion or the feeling that the effort is no longer worth it.<\/p>\n

After hours of trying to fix the computer, I finally threw in the towel<\/strong> and called for professional help.<\/em><\/p>\n

7. In the same boat<\/h3>\n

Being in the same boat means sharing a similar situation or predicament with others, usually involving common emotions or challenges.<\/p>\n

We’re all in the same boat<\/strong>, dealing with the stress of upcoming exams.<\/em><\/p>\n

8. On cloud nine<\/h3>\n

Being on cloud nine indicates a state of extreme happiness or euphoria, often resulting from positive emotions or experiences.<\/p>\n

Winning the championship had me on cloud nine<\/strong> for weeks.<\/em><\/p>\n

9. Burn the midnight oil<\/h3>\n

Burning the midnight oil means working late into the night, often due to strong determination or intense emotions related to a project or goal.<\/p>\n

I had to burn the midnight oil<\/strong> to meet the deadline for my presentation.<\/em><\/p>\n

10. Get over something<\/h3>\n

Imagine something happens that upsets you, but as time goes on, you stop feeling as strongly about it. This means that you\u2019ve gotten over it<\/em><\/strong>:\u00a0you no longer worry about it and it no longer affects you in a negative way.<\/p>\n

It took a while, but I finally got over<\/strong> breaking up with Chandler.<\/em><\/p>\n

11. Over the hill<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re getting older (especially over 50) and can\u2019t be as physically or socially active as you used to be, you might say you\u2019re over the hill<\/strong><\/em>. Be careful with this idiom, though, since it\u2019s rude to say it about someone else.<\/p>\n

I had to slow down after my knee surgery, but I don\u2019t think I\u2019m over the hill<\/strong> just yet.<\/em><\/p>\n

12. Hit the books<\/h3>\n

Literally,\u00a0hit the books<\/em><\/strong> means to physically hit your reading books, but this phrase is actually used to say that you\u2019re going to study.<\/p>\n

Sorry, but I can\u2019t watch the game with you tonight. I have to hit the books<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

13. Hit the sack<\/h3>\n

The literal meaning of this would be physically hitting or beating a sack (a large bag), but idiomatically, it means you\u2019re going to bed. You can also say hit the hay.<\/em><\/p>\n

It\u2019s time for me to hit the sack<\/strong>.\u00a0I\u2019m so tired.<\/em><\/p>\n

14. Through thick and thin<\/h3>\n

When you\u2019re loyal to someone, you support them no matter what happens, good or bad. This is an idiom you can use to say so.<\/p>\n

Roger and Sally made it to their 50th anniversary because they stood by each other through thick and thin<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

15. Off the chain<\/h3>\n

If you watch \u201cAmerica\u2019s Got Talent,\u201d you may have heard host Mel B exclaim that an act was \u201coff the chain!<\/strong>\u201d<\/em> That means it was especially exciting or impressive\u2014usually in a good way, though the expression can also mean \u201cout of control.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Spice Girls concert was off the chain!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

16. On the ball<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re on the ball<\/em><\/strong>, it means that you\u2019re very quick to understand things or react quickly (and correctly) to a situation.<\/p>\n

Wow, you\u2019ve already finished your assignments? They aren\u2019t due until next week. You\u2019re really on the ball<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

17. Face the music<\/h3>\n

If someone tells you to face the music<\/strong><\/em>,\u00a0they want you to deal with the reality of a situation and accept all the consequences.<\/p>\n

You need to face the music<\/strong>. You failed because you didn\u2019t study, so you need to take the class again next semester.<\/em><\/p>\n

18. Ring a bell<\/h3>\n

When someone says something that you may have heard before, but don\u2019t remember entirely, you can use this phrase to let them know it\u2019s familiar but you may need a reminder.<\/p>\n

That name rings a bell<\/strong>, but I can\u2019t quite remember where I know her from.<\/em><\/p>\n

19. Blow off steam<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re experiencing some strong feelings and need to calm down, you can blow off steam<\/em><\/strong> by doing something to get rid of the stress.<\/p>\n

If my mom gets mad, she\u2019ll usually go on a run to blow off some steam<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

20. Cut to the chase<\/h3>\n

When somebody tells you to cut to the chase<\/em><\/strong>, it means that you\u2019ve been talking too long and you need to get to the point. Be careful how you use this idiom; it could be rude or disrespectful if used with someone like a boss or teacher.<\/p>\n

Hi, guys. We don\u2019t have much time here, so I\u2019m going to cut to the chase<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Here’s a great video that teaches you 10 must know English idioms in six short minutes:<\/p>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

English Idioms About Money<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

21. Pitch in<\/h3>\n

This phrase may once have had a literal meaning to do with farm work (think pitchfork), but it isn\u2019t used that way now. Figuratively speaking, it means to contribute (give) or to join in.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s all pitch\u00a0in<\/strong> a few dollars so we can buy Sally a really good present for her\u00a0birthday.<\/em><\/p>\n

22. Cutting corners<\/h3>\n

Cutting corners refers to trying to save money by finding cheaper or quicker ways of doing something, often with the risk of sacrificing quality.<\/p>\n

We need to finish this project on time, but let’s be careful not to cut corners<\/strong> and compromise its quality.<\/em><\/p>\n

23. Break the bank<\/h3>\n

If something breaks the bank, it means it is extremely expensive or costs more than one can afford.<\/p>\n

I’d love to go on a luxury cruise, but the prices for those trips would break the bank<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

24. Foot the bill<\/h3>\n

To foot the bill is to pay for something, usually a substantial expense.<\/p>\n

Since it was my idea to eat at the expensive restaurant, I’ll gladly foot the bill<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

25. Cash cow<\/h3>\n

A cash cow is a business or investment that generates a steady and significant income.<\/p>\n

Investing in real estate has proven to be a cash cow<\/strong> for many entrepreneurs.<\/em><\/p>\n

26. Out of pocket<\/h3>\n

If someone is out of pocket, it means they have spent their own money, usually for work-related expenses.<\/p>\n

I had to cover the travel expenses out of pocket,<\/strong> but I’ll be reimbursed later.<\/em><\/p>\n

27. Pinch pennies<\/h3>\n

Pinching pennies involves being frugal or saving money by cutting unnecessary expenses.<\/p>\n

While in college, I had to pinch pennies<\/strong> to make ends meet on a tight budget.<\/em><\/p>\n

28. A drop in the bucket<\/h3>\n

If something is a drop in the bucket, it is a very small amount compared to what is needed or expected.<\/p>\n

Donating a few dollars to charity is good, but it’s just a drop in the bucket<\/strong> compared to the overall need.<\/em><\/p>\n

29. Rolling in dough<\/h3>\n

Rolling in dough means having a lot of money or being wealthy.<\/p>\n

Ever since he started his own business, he’s been rolling in dough<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

30. Throw money down the drain<\/h3>\n

To throw money down the drain is to waste money on something that is not worthwhile or doesn’t bring any value.<\/p>\n

Buying that expensive gadget turned out to be throwing money down the drain<\/strong>; I never use it.<\/em><\/p>\n

31. Look like a million bucks<\/h3>\n

Bucks<\/em> here is a slang term for \u201cdollars.\u201d If someone tells you that you look like a million bucks<\/em><\/strong>, it means you look absolutely fabulous!<\/p>\n

Wow, Mary, you look like a million bucks<\/strong>.\u00a0I love your dress!<\/em><\/p>\n

32. Born with a silver spoon in one\u2019s mouth<\/h3>\n

This refers to someone who comes from a wealthy and successful family.<\/p>\n

John was born with a silver spoon in his mouth<\/strong>, so he doesn\u2019t know what it\u2019s like to work hard.<\/em><\/p>\n

33. To go from rags to riches<\/h3>\n

\u201cRags\u201d here refers to old, tattered clothes. This means you\u2019ve gone from being poor to having a lot of money.<\/p>\n

Jim Carrey went from rags to riches<\/strong>. He was once living in a van, but eventually became one of the highest-paid comedians in the world.<\/em><\/p>\n

34. Pay an arm and a leg for something<\/h3>\n

Use this one when you have to pay a lot of money for something. You can also say that something \u201ccosts an arm and a leg.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nowadays, you have to pay an arm and a leg<\/strong> just for a tank of gas.<\/em><\/p>\n

35. To have sticky fingers<\/h3>\n

If you have sticky fingers<\/em><\/strong>, you probably steal a lot. This whimsical idiom suggests that other people\u2019s valuables stick to you when you touch them.<\/p>\n

The manager fired the cashier because\u00a0he had sticky fingers<\/strong>. He stole more than $200 in a month.<\/em><\/p>\n

36. To give someone a run for their money<\/h3>\n

If you are competing with someone and you feel like you really had to work hard to outdo them, you can say they gave you a run for your money:<\/p>\n

Joe really\u00a0gave me a run for my money<\/strong>\u00a0in the chess tournament. He almost beat me!<\/em><\/p>\n

37. To pony up<\/h3>\n

This means you need to pay for something or settle a debt.<\/p>\n

Pony up<\/strong>\u00a0and give me the $5 you owe me.<\/em><\/p>\n

38. To ante up<\/h3>\n

Ante up<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0comes from the game of poker, where players bet their money before<\/em>\u00a0the cards are dealt.\u00a0Over time, the idiom has come to refer to any type of payment someone owes\u2014not just in poker.<\/p>\n

You\u2019d better ante up<\/strong>\u00a0and give me that $10 I loaned you last week.<\/em><\/p>\n

39. To up the ante<\/h3>\n

A similar idiom to\u00a0ante up<\/em> is up the ante<\/em><\/strong>, which means \u201craise the stakes.\u201d When people\u00a0up the ante<\/em>, they bet more money than the person before them. This is used similarly in everyday conversation, when someone raises a bet or agrees to do more.<\/p>\n

I wanted to place a $10 bet on the soccer match, but\u00a0Daniel upped the ante<\/strong>\u00a0and raised the bet to $50.<\/em><\/p>\n

40. Break even<\/h3>\n

This is the term you use when you\u2019ve spent a certain amount of money, then earned roughly the same amount to balance it out.<\/p>\n

The trip to the beach cost me $100, but\u00a0I almost broke even<\/strong>\u00a0after winning $90 in a contest.<\/em><\/p>\n

41. Break the bank<\/h3>\n

This refers to something that is overly expensive\u2014something that requires more money than you have.<\/p>\n

Taking a week-long vacation\u00a0would break the bank<\/strong>. There\u2019s no way I could afford to do it.<\/em><\/p>\n

42. To be close-fisted<\/h3>\n

To be close-fisted<\/em><\/strong> (or closefisted<\/em>) is to be reluctant to spend any money, almost like you\u2019re physically gripping it in your fist. Other words for this could be stingy<\/em> or cheap<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Carl is so close-fisted<\/strong>, he won\u2019t even buy snacks for the Christmas party.<\/em><\/p>\n

43. To go Dutch<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is used when everyone pays for their own meal at a restaurant. (Note that this may be perceived as offensive to or by Dutch people.)<\/p>\n

Usually we go Dutch<\/strong> when we eat out, but this time I paid for her food since it was her birthday.<\/em><\/p>\n

44. Shell out money<\/h3>\n

This means you hand out money to pay for something. It uses \u201cshell\u201d in the sense of shelling peas from a pod.<\/p>\n

I wish I hadn\u2019t gotten that new car now that I\u2019m shelling out $1,000<\/strong>\u00a0a month in payments.<\/em><\/p>\n

45. Midas touch<\/h3>\n

This idiom comes from the story of King Midas, who turned everything he touched into gold. It\u2019s used to say that someone is very successful in their business ventures and has an easy time making money.<\/p>\n

Jane really has the Midas touch<\/strong>. Every business she starts becomes very successful.<\/em><\/p>\n

46. Receive a kickback<\/h3>\n

If you receive a kickback<\/em><\/strong>, it means you are receiving money illegally, like a bribe.<\/p>\n

The police chief was arrested after it was revealed that he was receiving kickbacks<\/strong>\u00a0to ignore certain crimes.<\/em><\/p>\n

47. Living hand to mouth<\/h3>\n

This means you\u2019re barely earning enough to survive: any money that comes into your hand is immediately spent on food to put in your mouth.<\/p>\n

The family\u00a0has been living hand to mouth<\/strong>\u00a0ever since their father lost his job.<\/em><\/p>\n

48. To be loaded<\/h3>\n

If someone is loaded,<\/em><\/strong> it means they have a lot of money.<\/p>\n

Billy paid his Harvard Law School tuition with cash.\u00a0His family is loaded<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

49. Make ends meet<\/h3>\n

This refers to making enough money to cover the necessities, like buying food and paying the bills.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t make much from my job as a cashier, but\u00a0I\u2019m able to make ends meet<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

50. As genuine as a three-dollar bill<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is an American idiom that is used to say something is fake. The U.S. never made three-dollar bills, so there\u2019s no such thing as a genuine three-dollar bill.<\/p>\n

Those supposed designer bags they sell on the street are as genuine as a three-dollar bill<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

51. In the red<\/h3>\n

In a traditional ledger book, debits (losses) are noted in red ink. To be in the red<\/em><\/strong> is to lose more money than you make.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m in the red<\/strong>\u00a0this month after paying that speeding ticket.<\/em><\/p>\n

52. In the black<\/h3>\n

The opposite of being in the red<\/em> is being in the black<\/em><\/strong>, which means that you\u2019ve made more money than you spent.<\/p>\n

After working a couple of small jobs over the weekend, I earned an extra $500 and\u00a0am back in the black<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

English Idioms with Body Parts<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

53. Cost an arm and a leg<\/h3>\n

If something costs an arm and a leg, it means it is very expensive, potentially causing financial strain and emotional stress.<\/p>\n

Going on that luxury vacation would be amazing, but it would cost an arm and a leg<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

54. All ears<\/h3>\n

If someone is all ears, it means they are eagerly listening and paying full attention.<\/p>\n

When the teacher mentioned a surprise, the students were all ears<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

55. Heart of gold<\/h3>\n

Having a heart of gold means being kind, generous and compassionate.<\/p>\n

Despite facing hardships, she has a heart of gold<\/strong> and always helps those in need.<\/em><\/p>\n

56. Keep an eye on<\/h3>\n

To keep an eye on someone or something means to monitor or watch attentively.<\/p>\n

The security guard has to keep an eye on<\/strong> the surveillance cameras throughout the night.<\/em><\/p>\n

57. Head in the clouds<\/h3>\n

Having your head in the clouds means being dreamy or not paying attention to reality.<\/p>\n

Instead of focusing on the lecture, she often has her head in the clouds<\/strong>, daydreaming about her upcoming vacation.<\/em><\/p>\n

58. Kick the bucket<\/h3>\n

To kick the bucket is a euphemism for dying or passing away.<\/p>\n

He lived a long and fulfilling life before finally kicking the bucket<\/strong> at the age of 95.<\/em><\/p>\n

59. Under one’s thumb<\/h3>\n

If someone is under another person’s thumb, it means they are under that person’s control or influence.<\/p>\n

Despite being the boss, he keeps his employees under his thumb<\/strong>, making all the decisions himself.<\/em><\/p>\n

60. Put one’s foot in one’s mouth<\/h3>\n

Putting one’s foot in one’s mouth means saying something unintentionally embarrassing or tactless.<\/p>\n

I really put my foot in my mouth<\/strong> when I accidentally revealed the surprise party before it happened.<\/em><\/p>\n

61. Twist someone\u2019s arm<\/h3>\n

To twist someone\u2019s arm<\/em><\/strong> would be rather painful if you took it literally, but it really means they\u2019ve been convinced to do something they wouldn\u2019t have done otherwise.<\/p>\n

I wasn\u2019t going to go to the party, but my friends twisted my arm<\/strong> and got me to go.<\/em><\/p>\n

62. Stab someone in the back<\/h3>\n

While it still hurts, the idiomatic meaning of this phrase is not nearly as painful as literally being stabbed. What this actually means is to hurt someone who trusted you by betraying them.\u00a0<\/p>\n

I can\u2019t believe she would cheat and stab me in the back<\/strong> like this! I really trusted her.<\/em><\/p>\n

63. Lose your touch<\/h3>\n

No, this doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ve lost your physical sense of touch. To lose your touch<\/em><\/strong> actually means to lose a skill you once had.<\/p>\n

She used to be the best hairstylist in town, but she\u2019s really losing her touch.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

64. Sit tight<\/h3>\n

This does not mean you sit down and hold your body as tightly as you can. If a person tells you to sit tight<\/em><\/strong>, what they really want you to do is\u00a0wait patiently.<\/p>\n

Sit tight<\/strong> while I go see if Mr. Henkel is ready to see you.<\/em><\/p>\n

65. Eyeball it<\/h3>\n

Sometimes you don\u2019t need an exact measurement: a rough estimate is good enough. When you estimate an amount of something based on how it looks, you can say you\u2019re eyeballing it<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve made this recipe often, so I didn\u2019t bother to measure out a cup of rice; I just eyeballed it<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

66. Rule of thumb<\/h3>\n

If you hear someone say as a rule of thumb<\/em><\/strong>, they mean that it\u2019s a general, unwritten rule learned from experience, as opposed to exact guidelines.<\/p>\n

As a rule of thumb<\/strong>, you should always pay for your date\u2019s dinner.<\/em><\/p>\n

67. Keep your chin up<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re having a hard time, a supportive friend might tell you to keep your chin up<\/strong><\/em>. This means they are encouraging you to stay positive and not let difficult circumstances get you down.<\/p>\n

I know it\u2019s hard having a sick family member, but keep your chin up<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

68. Find your feet<\/h3>\n

If you find yourself in a new situation, like living in a new country and having to get used to a new college, you could say you need to find your feet<\/strong><\/em>. It means that you\u2019re still adjusting and getting used to the new environment.<\/p>\n

I only moved to France two months ago, so I\u2019m still finding my feet<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

69. Play it by ear<\/h3>\n

If someone says they\u2019re playing it by ear<\/strong><\/em>, it means they\u2019re responding to circumstances as they develop without having a plan, like a musician jamming without a musical score.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t ask me where I see myself in five years. I\u2019m playing<\/strong> life by ear<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

70. Knuckle down<\/h3>\n

To knuckle down<\/strong><\/em> is to work hard or seriously at a task. If you tend to procrastinate, then you know when it\u2019s time to do this.<\/p>\n

My essay is due tomorrow morning! I have to knuckle down<\/strong> and get it done tonight.<\/em><\/p>\n

If you want to learn a few more English idioms about the body, see this post:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/english\/english-idioms-about-health\/<\/p>\n

English Idioms About Food<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

71. Spice things up<\/h3>\n

To\u00a0spice things up<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0means to make them more interesting or exciting.<\/p>\n

Instead of just buying Sam a birthday gift, let\u2019s\u00a0spice things up<\/strong>\u00a0by taking him out for dinner.<\/em><\/p>\n

72. A piece of cake<\/h3>\n

A\u00a0piece of cake<\/strong><\/em> refers to a task or job that\u2019s easy to do, like eating a delicious piece of cake! If you don\u2019t prefer cake, you can also say it\u2019s easy as pie<\/em>.<\/p>\n

I expected the English test to be difficult, but it was a piece of cake<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

73. Cool as a cucumber<\/h3>\n

Cucumbers have a refreshing taste and leave you with a cool, calm feeling. If you\u2019re cool as a cucumber<\/em><\/strong>, you\u2019re someone who\u2019s very calm and relaxed.<\/p>\n

My friend is nervous about taking his driving test, but I\u2019m cool as a cucumber<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

74. A couch potato<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A\u00a0couch potato<\/em><\/strong> refers to someone who spends a lot of time sitting on the couch, watching TV.<\/p>\n

After my uncle retired from his job, he became a\u00a0couch potato<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

75. Bring home the bacon<\/h3>\n

To\u00a0bring home the bacon<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0means to make an income or earn a living to support your family.<\/p>\n

Ever since her father was injured, she\u2019s been working two jobs to\u00a0bring home the bacon<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

76. In hot water<\/h3>\n

When someone is\u00a0in hot water<\/em><\/strong>, they\u2019re in a bad situation or serious trouble.<\/p>\n

Kevin is in hot water<\/strong> after committing tax fraud.<\/em><\/p>\n

77. Compare apples and oranges<\/h3>\n

Apples are very different from oranges in both appearance and taste. This idiom is used to suggest that such different things are best considered for their own merits.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m not sure which I enjoy more\u2014pottery or dancing. It\u2019s like\u00a0comparing apples and oranges<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

78. Not one\u2019s cup of tea<\/h3>\n

If something is\u00a0not your cup of tea<\/em><\/strong>, it\u2019s an activity you have no interest in, don’t do very well or don\u2019t enjoy.<\/p>\n

Camping is really\u00a0not my cup of tea<\/strong>,\u00a0so I\u2019m going to\u00a0visit my friend in New York\u00a0instead.<\/em><\/p>\n

79. Eat like a bird<\/h3>\n

How much does a bird eat? Not very much, right? To eat like a bird<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0is to eat very little.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t trouble yourself cooking such a big meal. I\u00a0eat like a bird<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

80. Eat like a horse<\/h3>\n

Now, a horse is much bigger than a bird. You\u2019d be right to guess that to\u00a0eat like a horse<\/em><\/strong> is to eat a lot.<\/p>\n

My mother has to cook a lot of food when my brother comes to visit. He\u00a0eats like a horse<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

81. Go cold turkey<\/h3>\n

To go cold turkey<\/em><\/strong> means to suddenly stop a (usually dangerous) behavior, such as drinking alcohol. A person who suddenly quits something addictive can suffer from pale skin and goosebumps, making them look like a cold, uncooked turkey.<\/p>\n

I quit smoking cold turkey<\/strong> and never felt the need to go back.<\/em><\/p>\n

82. Butter someone up<\/h3>\n

To\u00a0butter someone up<\/em><\/strong> is to flatter someone in order to win their favor.\u00a0<\/p>\n

I\u2019m going to butter up<\/strong> my mom so she lets me hang out with my friends later.<\/em><\/p>\n

83. Food for thought<\/h3>\n

Food for thought<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0refers to something that\u2019s worth thinking carefully about.<\/p>\n

Your proposal gave us a lot of food for thought<\/strong>. We\u2019ll get back to you with a decision in a few days.<\/em><\/p>\n

84. A smart cookie<\/h3>\n

Here\u2019s an easy one.\u00a0A smart cookie<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0is an intelligent person.<\/p>\n

It shouldn\u2019t be hard for a smart cookie<\/strong>\u00a0like you to learn Spanish.<\/em><\/p>\n

85. Packed like sardines<\/h3>\n

Packed like sardines<\/strong><\/em> describes a place or situation that\u2019s very crowded, such as a concert hall or sports event.<\/p>\n

Were you at the football game last night? We were packed like sardines<\/strong> in the stadium.<\/em><\/p>\n

86. Spill the beans<\/h3>\n

To\u00a0spill the beans<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0is to accidentally or prematurely give out information that\u2019s supposed to be kept secret.<\/p>\n

Owen\u00a0spilled the beans<\/strong> to Joyce about her surprise party, so she knows what\u2019s happening.<\/em><\/p>\n

87. A bad apple<\/h3>\n

If you have a basket of apples and one of them is rotten, the rot can spread quickly to the rest. Idiomatically, a bad apple<\/em><\/strong> is a person who creates problems or is a bad influence on the other people in a group.<\/p>\n

John\u2019s the bad apple<\/strong>: he gets his friends to do dangerous and illegal things.<\/em><\/p>\n

88. Bread and butter<\/h3>\n

Bread and butter are some of the most basic food items that one can live on. The idiom\u00a0bread and butter<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0refers to a job that makes the money you need to live and afford basic necessities like food, housing, etc.<\/p>\n

Fishing is the\u00a0bread and butter<\/strong>\u00a0of the friendly people I met on the island last summer.<\/em><\/p>\n

89. Buy a lemon<\/h3>\n

To\u00a0buy a lemon<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0means to buy something (usually a motor vehicle) that doesn\u2019t work well and is therefore worthless.<\/p>\n

The car looked so new and shiny. I had no way of knowing I was buying a lemon<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

90. A hard nut to crack<\/h3>\n

Is it easy to crack open a nut? Well, a hard nut to crack<\/em><\/strong> refers to a person who\u2019s difficult to get to know or get information out of. (Also appears as\u00a0a tough nut to crack.)<\/em><\/p>\n

I want to know what secret she\u2019s hiding, but she\u2019s a hard nut to crack.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

91. Have a sweet tooth<\/h3>\n

Do you like eating cakes, candy and other sweet-tasting food? If you do, then you can say you\u00a0have a sweet tooth<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

I definitely have\u00a0a sweet tooth<\/strong>: I need dessert every night.<\/em><\/p>\n

92. Full of beans<\/h3>\n

If someone is full of beans, they are energetic, lively and enthusiastic.<\/p>\n

Despite the long journey, the kids were full of beans<\/strong> when they arrived at the amusement park.<\/em><\/p>\n

93. In a nutshell<\/h3>\n

To explain something in a nutshell means to describe it briefly and concisely.<\/p>\n

In a nutshell<\/strong>, the new policy aims to streamline the decision-making process.<\/em><\/p>\n

94. Bring home the bacon<\/h3>\n

Bringing home the bacon means earning a living or providing financial support for one’s family.<\/p>\n

As the sole breadwinner, he works hard to bring home the bacon<\/strong> for his family.<\/em><\/p>\n

95. The icing on the cake<\/h3>\n

The icing on the cake refers to something additional that makes a good situation even better.<\/p>\n

Winning the championship was great, but getting a scholarship was the icing on the cake<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

96. Sell like hotcakes<\/h3>\n

If a product or item is selling like hotcakes, it means it is selling very quickly and in large quantities.<\/p>\n

The new smartphone is selling like hotcakes<\/strong>, with people lining up to get their hands on it.<\/em><\/p>\n

97. Out of the frying pan into the fire<\/h3>\n

Moving from one difficult or challenging situation to an even worse one is described as going out of the frying pan into the fire.<\/p>\n

Leaving my stressful job only to join a company in financial trouble felt like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

English Idioms About Weather<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

98. Under the weather<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re feeling under the weather<\/em><\/strong>, you\u2019re not your usual self and could be feeling a little sick.\u00a0<\/p>\n

I was feeling under the weather<\/strong>, so I called my work and told them I wasn\u2019t coming in.<\/em><\/p>\n

99. A storm is brewing<\/h3>\n

This idiom is used in anticipation of trouble. Usually it means there\u2019s been some kind of sign that this trouble is coming.<\/p>\n

She decided to go ahead with their wedding, even though all they\u2019ve been doing lately is arguing. I can sense a storm is brewing<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

100. Calm before the storm<\/h3>\n

The air may be still before a storm actually hits. To say there is a\u00a0calm\u00a0before the storm<\/em><\/strong> is basically saying that things may be peaceful now, but it won\u2019t last.<\/p>\n

They had a bit of a honeymoon phase, but that was just the calm before the storm.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

101. Weather a storm<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s not exactly enjoyable to sit through a storm, so it makes sense that this idiom refers to enduring something that is difficult.<\/p>\n

They really had to weather the storm<\/strong> while they waited for more people to be hired to help.<\/em><\/p>\n

102. When it rains, it pours<\/h3>\n

Bad luck tends to come in batches. This idiom illustrates the phenomenon with the idea that any rain will become a downpour.<\/p>\n

First he was laid off, then his wife got into a car accident. When it rains, it pours.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

103. Chasing rainbows<\/h3>\n

Have you ever tried to chase a rainbow? If you have, you know catching it is an impossible task. This is why someone pursuing a very difficult goal is said to be chasing rainbows<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s not very artistic, but he insists on being a professional painter. He\u2019s always chasing rainbows<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

104. Rain or shine<\/h3>\n

If you are dedicated to getting something done no matter what, you are willing to do it rain or shine<\/em><\/strong>. This is one of the rare idioms that\u2019s also often used literally, for outdoor events that will take place whether it rains or not.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re having our soccer tournament tomorrow, rain or shine<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

105. Under the sun<\/h3>\n

This idiom refers to everything on Earth and is usually used as part of a superlative.<\/p>\n

Gili Trawangan must be one of the most beautiful islands under the sun<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

106. Every cloud has a silver lining<\/h3>\n

A silver lining<\/em><\/strong> is the little bit of good that can be found in every situation, like sunlight peeking from behind a cloud.<\/p>\n

Sure, you took the wrong trail, but you got to see a beautiful waterfall.<\/em>Every cloud has a silver lining!<\/strong><\/p>\n

107. A rising tide lifts all boats<\/h3>\n

Boats of all sizes float at the same level: if the water rises, all the boats rise with it. Usually this idiom refers to how a stable economy often benefits everyone.<\/p>\n

When the economy showed the first signs of recovering, everyone started investing and spending more. A rising tide lifts all boats.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

108. Raining cats and dogs<\/h3>\n

When it’s raining cats and dogs, it’s raining very heavily.<\/p>\n

We had to postpone the outdoor event because it started raining cats and dogs<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

109. Come rain or shine<\/h3>\n

No matter the weather conditions, if something happens come rain or shine, it means it will occur without fail.<\/p>\n

We’ll have the picnic, come rain or shine<\/strong>; I’ve been looking forward to it for weeks.<\/em><\/p>\n

110. Snowed under<\/h3>\n

Being snowed under means being overwhelmed or inundated with a large amount of work or responsibilities.<\/p>\n

I can’t go out this weekend; I’m completely snowed under<\/strong> with work.<\/em><\/p>\n

111. Break the ice<\/h3>\n

To break the ice means to initiate a conversation or ease tension in a social situation.<\/p>\n

Sharing a funny story helped break the ice<\/strong> at the awkward family reunion.<\/em><\/p>\n

112. Throw caution to the wind<\/h3>\n

If someone throws caution to the wind, they take risks without worrying about the consequences.<\/p>\n

Feeling adventurous, she decided to throw caution to the wind<\/strong> and take a spontaneous road trip.<\/em><\/p>\n

113. In the eye of the storm<\/h3>\n

Being in the eye of the storm means being in the center of a difficult or chaotic situation.<\/p>\n

Despite the chaos around her, she remained calm in the eye of the storm<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

For even more weather-related English idioms, check out these posts:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/english\/english-weather-idioms\/<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/english\/<\/p>\n

English Idioms About Nature<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

114. Get into deep water<\/h3>\n

This idiom is pretty close to the literal meaning: being in deep water<\/em><\/strong> means you\u2019re in a tricky situation that is hard to escape.<\/p>\n

He got into deep water<\/strong> when he borrowed a lot of money from a loan shark.<\/em><\/p>\n

115. Up in the air<\/h3>\n

If someone tells you that things are up in the air<\/em><\/strong>, it means that a situation is uncertain or unsure. It\u2019s as though a ball has been tossed upward, and no one knows exactly where it will land.<\/p>\n

Our plans for this weekend are up in the air<\/strong> until Jen tells us when she gets off of work.<\/em><\/p>\n

116. Pour oil on troubled waters<\/h3>\n

If you pour oil into the sea, it has a calming effect on the waves. You shouldn\u2019t do that in reality, but you can use this idiom to say that you\u2019re trying to soothe the tension following an argument.<\/p>\n

She hated seeing her two best friends arguing, so she got them together and poured oil on troubled waters<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

117. Make waves<\/h3>\n

Much like dropping a stone into a pond to make ripples, to make waves<\/strong><\/em> is to cause trouble or change things in a dramatic way.<\/p>\n

She likes to make waves<\/strong> with her creative marketing campaigns. They get a lot of attention from customers.<\/em><\/p>\n

118. Go with the flow<\/h3>\n

To\u00a0go with the flow<\/strong><\/em> is to allow things to happen and accept them as they are, like a leaf floating along on the surface of a river.<\/p>\n

Just go with the flow<\/strong> and see what happens!<\/em><\/p>\n

119. Lost at sea<\/h3>\n

Just as you\u2019d be overwhelmed if you were stranded in the ocean, to be lost at sea<\/strong><\/em> is to feel unsure about what to do or that you don\u2019t have any purpose or plan.<\/p>\n

I feel lost at sea<\/strong>. I just don\u2019t think this is the career path for me.<\/em><\/p>\n

120. Sail close to the wind<\/h3>\n

This means to act just within the limits of what\u2019s legally or socially acceptable. You may try to push boundaries and could sometimes cross the line.<\/p>\n

A lot of people don\u2019t like him because he sails too close to the wind<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

121. Make a mountain out of a molehill<\/h3>\n

A molehill is very small, so if you act like it\u2019s the size of a mountain, you are exaggerating the severity of the situation.<\/p>\n

She shouted at him for being five minutes late. She really made a mountain out of a molehill<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

122. Gain ground<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re gaining ground<\/em><\/strong>, you\u2019re making good progress. This can mean physically crossing ground quickly, as in a race, or it can be figurative.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve really gained a lot of ground<\/strong> in our group project, and I think we\u2019ll finish on time.<\/em><\/p>\n

123. Walking on air<\/h3>\n

Use this if you feel very excited or happy. \u201cOver the moon,\u201d \u201con cloud nine,\u201d \u201cin seventh heaven\u201d and \u201cin good spirits\u201d are a few more expressions you can use to talk about happiness<\/a>.<\/p>\n

She\u2019s been walking on air<\/strong> since she found out that she\u2019s pregnant.<\/em><\/p>\n

124. Once in a blue moon<\/h3>\n

A blue moon<\/a> comes every two to three years, so saying that something happens once in a blue moon<\/strong><\/em> is saying that it happens very rarely.<\/p>\n

She only comes to visit\u00a0once in a blue moon<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

125. Many moons ago<\/h3>\n

This is one of those English expressions that\u2019s a little bit formal or dated. You\u2019ll most likely hear it in stories, or when someone is trying to create a dramatic effect. It means that something happened a long time ago.<\/p>\n

Many moons ago<\/strong>, we used to be two very close friends. Now we\u2019ve gone separate ways and lost contact.<\/em><\/p>\n

126. Castle in the sky<\/h3>\n

This one sounds a bit like something from a fairytale, which makes sense since it is a daydream or hope that\u2019s not likely to come true. Building castles in the sky<\/em> refers to fantasizing about an unrealistic future.<\/p>\n

Seeing the world used to be a castle in the sky<\/strong> for most people, but globalization is helping people travel more easily.<\/em><\/p>\n

127. Down to earth<\/h3>\n

To be\u00a0down to earth<\/strong><\/em> is to be modest, practical, unassuming and unpretentious.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s my favorite professor; he\u2019s so down to earth<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

128. Salt of the earth<\/h3>\n

If you are the salt of the earth<\/em><\/strong>, you are a good and honest person.<\/p>\n

My father is the salt of the earth<\/strong>. He works hard and always helps people who are in need.<\/em><\/p>\n

129. The tip of the iceberg<\/h3>\n

The majority of an iceberg is below the surface of the water. If someone says something is the tip of the iceberg<\/strong>,<\/em> it means that there\u2019s a lot more going on than what\u2019s immediately obvious.<\/p>\n

Exceptionally long drought periods are just the tip of the iceberg<\/strong> when it comes to the global impact of climate change.<\/em><\/p>\n

130. Bury your head in the sand<\/h3>\n

This one means that you\u2019re trying to avoid a particular situation by pretending that it doesn\u2019t exist. It refers to a popular myth that ostriches would stick their heads in the sand to \u201chide\u201d when frightened.<\/p>\n

Stop burying your head in the sand<\/strong>. You haven\u2019t been happy with him for years, so why are you staying together?<\/em><\/p>\n

131. Let the dust settle<\/h3>\n

This means you are allowing a situation to become calm after something exciting or unusual has happened.<\/p>\n

You just received big news. Let the dust settle<\/strong> before you make any decisions.<\/em><\/p>\n

132. Clear as mud<\/h3>\n

Mud is not a transparent substance, so this means that something is actually not clear at all.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He\u2019s a great scientist, but I find his explanations in class are as clear as mud<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

133. As cold as stone<\/h3>\n

Stones can be very cold. If you say that someone is just as cold, you\u2019re saying that they are unemotional or not empathetic. Cold as ice<\/em> has the same meaning.<\/p>\n

She never smiles. She seems as cold as stone<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

134. Between a rock and a hard place<\/h3>\n

This means that you are faced with a choice between two equally unsatisfactory options.<\/p>\n

I can understand why she couldn\u2019t make up her mind about what to do. She\u2019s really between a rock and a hard place<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

135. Nip something in the bud<\/h3>\n

This is to stop a bad situation from becoming worse by taking action at an early stage of its development.<\/p>\n

Managers should know how to nip performance issues in the bud<\/strong>, or they\u2019ll only get worse.<\/em><\/p>\n

136. To hold out an olive branch<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re holding out an olive branch<\/em><\/strong>, you\u2019re extending a hand of friendship and offering peace to a rival.<\/p>\n

After years of rivalry with her cousin, she decided to hold out an olive branch<\/strong> and invite her to lunch.<\/em><\/p>\n

137. Beat around the bush<\/h3>\n

This means you spend a long time getting to the main point of what you\u2019re actually trying to say.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t have much time, so stop beating around the bush<\/strong> and tell me what actually happened.<\/em><\/p>\n

138. Out of the woods<\/h3>\n

This means the worst part of a difficult situation is over, and the end goal is in sight.<\/p>\n

The surgery went very well, so he\u2019s officially out of the woods<\/strong>. He just needs to recover now.<\/em><\/p>\n

139. Can\u2019t see the forest for the trees<\/h3>\n

This means someone is unable to see the whole situation clearly because they\u2019re looking too closely at small details.<\/p>\n

He’s worried about the flowers, but the rest of the wedding has been beautiful. He just can\u2019t see the forest for the trees<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

140. Barking up the wrong tree<\/h3>\n

This means that efforts have been put into something that won\u2019t produce the desired outcome. Picture a dog barking to scare a squirrel out of a tree…but the squirrel is hiding in a different tree.<\/p>\n

If you think she\u2019s going to lend you money, you\u2019re barking up the wrong tree<\/strong>. She never lends anyone anything.<\/em><\/p>\n

141. Branch out<\/h3>\n

To branch out means to diversify or expand into new areas, much like the branches of a tree.<\/p>\n

The company decided to branch out<\/strong> into international markets to reach a wider audience.<\/em><\/p>\n

142. Turn over a new leaf<\/h3>\n

If someone turns over a new leaf, it means they make a positive change in their behavior or lifestyle.<\/p>\n

After the difficult breakup, she decided to turn over a new leaf<\/strong> and focus on self-improvement.<\/em><\/p>\n

143. The grass is always greener on the other side<\/h3>\n

This idiom implies that other people’s situations or circumstances often seem better than one’s own.<\/p>\n

Don’t be fooled by appearances; the grass is<\/strong> not always greener on the other side<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

144. Bear fruit<\/h3>\n

If a plan or effort bears fruit, it means it becomes successful and produces positive results.<\/p>\n

The conservation project has been ongoing for years, and now it’s starting to bear fruit<\/strong> with an increase in wildlife populations.<\/em><\/p>\n

If you want to learn some more animal-related English idioms, read this post:<\/p>\n

34 Common Animal Idioms in English<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n