Idioms are a part of our daily speech, but some can still be confusing, even for native English speakers. So, follow along as we discuss 100 common idioms and their meanings.
What Is an Idiom?
An idiom is a group of words that create a figurative rather than literal phrase, and the meaning can’t be deduced from the words. In other words, the phrase has a meaning that, when taken literally, doesn’t make any sense. For example, “It’s raining cats and dogs” is an idiom. It means there is a lot of rain; however, it isn’t literally raining cats and dogs.
100 Idioms and Their Meanings
You may be surprised to learn there are at least 25,000 idioms in the English language. Some are more common than others. Let’s look at 100 common English idioms and their meanings.
1. Under the Weather
When you feel under the weather, you aren’t feeling well. You might be sick or just feeling tired and not yourself.
Sentence Example: I can’t join you today; I feel under the weather.
2. Cold Feet
You’ve got cold feet when you are afraid to do something, especially something you thought you would do.
Sentence Example: The groom had cold feet before the ceremony, so he was allowed to see the bride to help calm his nerves.
3. Apple of My Eye
Apple of my eye is an expression you use to say someone is very special to you; in fact, you may cherish them more than anyone.
Sentence Example: Her son is the apple of her eye.
4. Set the Record Straight
To set the record straight is to share the real facts after misleading information was given.
Sentence Example: When the man heard everyone gossiping about his friend, he set the record straight by explaining what really happened.
5. Kill Two Birds With One Stone
When you accomplish two tasks with one action, you kill two birds with one stone.
Sentence Example: The woman killed two birds with one stone when she made a meal for her family and doubled the recipe to bring a meal to her sick neighbor.
6. Snowed Under
Snowed under has nothing to do with snow and everything to do with being quite busy. You are snowed under when you have so much homework you must skip hanging out with friends.
Sentence Example: Mike was snowed under with proposals at work and had to eat dinner at the office to get through them all.
7. To Break Someone’s Bubble
To break someone’s bubble means you let them know that their idea or thought is not accurate or true.
Sentence Example: Jane broke her coworker’s bubble when she told him no one would like his new idea of a four-day workweek.
8. Walk On Eggshells
When you are very careful with your words or actions to avoid causing a problem or upsetting someone, you walk on eggshells.
Sentence Example: She has to walk on eggshells when her friend is in a bad mood.
9. Make Two Ends Meet
When discussing finances, people sometimes say it’s hard to make two ends meet, meaning money is tight.
Sentence Example: With the loss of a job, he found it hard to make two ends meet.
10. To Be at Loggerheads With Someone
Imagine two people in a strong disagreement, and you’ll understand what it is to be at loggerheads with someone.
Sentence Example: The two were constantly at loggerheads about which baseball team was better.
11. Pretty Penny
A pretty penny means someone paid a lot for something.
Sentence Example: She paid a pretty penny for her new car.
12. Call It a Day
To call it a day means to end an action. For example, after working 8 hours on a task, you might say you are calling it a day when you stop.
Sentence Example: After shoveling snowy driveways around the neighborhood until dark, the boys decided to call it a day.
13. On Top of the World
When someone is on top of the world, they feel fantastic.
Sentence example: The couple was on top of the world as they enjoyed their honeymoon.
14. Time Is Money
Time is money refers to the fact that although time isn’t tangible, it is a valuable asset.
Sentence Example: Time is money, so charge not only for your product but also for the time it takes to produce it.
15. Get Out of Hand
“Get out of hand” means something has gone beyond anyone’s control or comfort level. A situation is unmanageable.
Sentence Example: We better stop the party before things get out of hand.
16. Better Late Than Never
Sometimes, you get something done past a due date or expected time, and you might say it’s better late than never, meaning at least it got done.
Sentence Example: Dinner was not finished until near bedtime, but it’s better late than never.
17. Stick To Your Guns
When you stick to your guns, you don’t budge on your beliefs.
Sentence Example: Remember, if anyone tries to change your mind about how you will do your job, you must stick to your guns.
18. Leave No Stone Unturned.
You leave no stone unturned when you try everything possible to find something or fix a situation.
Sentence Example: The boys left no stone unturned as they searched for the missing bike.
19. Clouds on the Horizon
Clouds on the horizon mean there is expected doom or negativity coming. It’s used when everything is going well, but someone feels something bad is coming to upset the good feeling.
Sentence Example: Though everyone was excited to celebrate his accomplishment, they feared there were clouds on the horizon.
20. A Blessing in Disguise
A blessing in disguise is a situation that looks bad but will turn out to be a good thing. For example, when someone loses a job that causes them great stress, one might say it’s a blessing in disguise since that stress is now gone.
Sentence Example: After they missed the flight, they realized it was a blessing in disguise since the next flight allowed them to have a row to themselves.
21. Blue in the Face
Blue in the face means you are talking or arguing with someone, possibly to share advice or persuade them, and it’s going nowhere.
Sentence Example: You can talk to me until you are blue in the face, but you won’t change my mind.
22. In a Nutshell
In a nutshell, is a way of saying you will use as few words as possible to explain something.
Sentence Example: It’s a long story; however, in a nutshell, they really enjoyed the time together.
23. Weather the Storm
To weather the storm means you make it through a difficult situation and do it well.
Sentence Example: It was a rough year financially, but the couple weathered the storm, and brighter days are coming.
24. Let someone off the hook
Letting someone off the hook means giving them a break or relieving them of something they are responsible for.
Sentence Example: It was Mike’s responsibility to do the dishes tonight, but Dad let him off the hook so he could hang out with his friends.
25. Like Riding a Bicycle
Have you noticed how once you learn to ride a bike, you never forget, even if it’s been a long time? That’s where we get the phrase, like riding a bicycle. It refers to being able to do something naturally, even if it’s been a very long while since you did it before.
Sentence Example: After not riding a horse for years, he took to it today like riding a bicycle.
26. It’s Not Rocket Science
When an idea isn’t difficult to understand, you might say it’s not rocket science.
Sentence Example: Putting this bike together shouldn’t be so challenging — it’s not rocket science.
27. That Ship Has Sailed
That ship has sailed means there won’t be another chance or opportunity.
Sentence Example: He wanted to play in the minor leagues, but that ship has sailed.
28. Pull Someone’s Leg
When you pull someone’s leg, it means you’re not serious, or you are joking around.
Sentence Example: Don’t take it so seriously; I’m only pulling your leg.
29. No Pain, No Gain
Sometimes in life, you must feel some pain, physically or emotionally, to reach a goal. No pain, no gain means without any pain, you won’t gain results.
Sentence Example: The coach told him no pain, no gain, so it’s time to run some laps.
30. Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve
To wear your heart on your sleeve means you openly show your emotions rather than hiding them.
Sentence Example: We always know when she is sad because she wears her heart on her sleeve.
31. Takes Two to Tango
You can say it takes two to tango when it’s clear that an event or situation isn’t only one person’s fault.
Sentence Example: Everyone blames the husband for the divorce; however, it takes two to tango.
32. Come Rain or Shine
Come rain or shine means something is happening no matter what. Nothing will stop it from happening.
Sentence Example: Come rain or shine, we are starting our road trip tomorrow.
33. Curiosity Killed the Cat
Curiosity killed the cat means that sometimes checking something out or trying to find information only leads to disappointment and problems.
Sentence Example: Curiosity killed the cat, so you might want to avoid looking into it any further.
34. Get Wind of Something
To hear a rumor or unexpected information means you got wind of something.
Sentence Example: I just got wind that Suzie is moving back to town.
35. Raining Cats and Dogs
Raining cats and dogs means there is a lot of rain.
Sentence Example: It’s raining cats and dogs today, so grab your raincoat.
36. Bark up the Wrong Tree
To bark up the wrong tree means searching for information in the wrong place or asking someone who has no idea how to respond.
Sentence Example: You are barking up the wrong tree if you think she has the answers you need.
37. A Penny for Your Thoughts
A penny for your thoughts means you are genuinely curious about what someone is thinking.
Sentence Example: You look distressed, and I’d give a penny for your thoughts.
38. Judging a Book by Its Cover
When you judge a person before getting to know them or only on a first impression, you judge a book by its cover.
Sentence Example: Don’t judge a book by its cover; she isn’t as strong as she looks.
39. Rain on One’s Parade
To rain on one’s parade is to ruin their event or steal the attention away from them.
Sentence Example: Joe needs so much attention and is constantly raining on everyone’s parade.
40. The Devil Is in the Details
When a task seems simple, but you know it must be more complicated than it seems, you might say the devil is in the details. On the surface, it looks easy, but as you get further into it, you know it will be hard or concerning.
Sentence Example: Getting ready for the overseas trip sounded easy; however, they soon learned the devil is in the details.
41. Go on a Wild Goose Chase
When you waste time searching for something that can’t be found, you go on a wild goose chase.
Sentence Example: They went on a wild goose chase looking for their friend in the wrong city.
42. Having a Monkey on Your Back
Having a monkey on your back means there is an issue, burden, or addiction that is causing problems in your life.
Sentence Example: Sadly, drugs are the monkey on his back, and he can’t get his life together.
43. Hear It From the Horse’s Mouth
To hear it from the horse’s mouth means you get information from the original source, usually a person.
Sentence Example: I won’t believe the wedding is canceled until I hear it from the horse’s mouth.
44. See Eye to Eye
You are both in agreement when you see eye to eye with someone.
Sentence Example: The two brothers could never see eye to eye on anything.
45. A Piece of Cake
When something is a piece of cake, it’s easy.
Sentence Example: The algebra test was a piece of cake since I studied for weeks.
46. Get Your Act Together
Getting your act together means organizing your life and making necessary changes to help you achieve your goals.
Sentence Example: Sharon got her act together and accomplished great things.
47. Know Which Way the Wind Blows
To know which way the wind blows means someone is gathering information to make an informed decision or waiting to see what happens before deciding.
Sentence Example: Wait and see which way the wind blows before deciding if you should go to the party.
48. You Can Catch More Flies With Honey Than Vinegar
When you catch more flies with honey than vinegar, you get what you want by being kind rather than unkind or unfriendly.
Sentence Example: You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar, so remember to be kind to the wait staff.
49. Worth Its Weight in Gold
When something or someone is valuable and helpful, they are worth their weight in gold.
Sentence Example: My new seat heater is worth its weight in gold since it keeps me warm all day.
50. Cup of Tea
When something is your cup of tea, you like it; when it is not, you do not. The phrase is usually used negatively, meaning one does not like something.
Sentence Example: Driving in the city is not my cup of tea.
51. Beating a Dead Horse
When someone is beating a dead horse, they are still discussing a situation that is done.
Sentence Example: There’s no sense beating a dead horse; she’s made up her mind.
52. Speak of the Devil
You say speak of the devil when discussing someone, and they suddenly show up or call.
Sentence Example: Well, speak of the devil, we were just talking about him and he walked in.
54. Cut Corners
When you cut corners, you leave out steps to make things easier; however, when cutting corners, the result isn’t as good as it could be.
Sentence Example: You could tell the builders cut corners by the cracks in the ceiling.
54. Through Thick and Thin
Through thick and thin means you continue no matter what the situation is, even when times are tough.
Sentence Example: The couple stuck together through thick and thin for 50 years.
55. Beat Around the Bush
To beat around the bush is to talk around the main point rather than get to the point.
Sentence Example: I am trying to get an answer from him, but he keeps beating around the bush with unnecessary details.
56. Off the Hook
Off the hook means you are no longer responsible for something.
Sentence Example: You are off the hook for chores tonight.
57. Once in a Blue Moon
Once in a blue moon refers to something happening only once in a while.
Sentence Example: He calls me once in a blue moon, but not very often.
58. Let the Cat Out of the Bag
When you let the cat out of the bag, you reveal some information that was being kept secret.
Sentence Example: It was a surprise party until she accidentally let the cat out of the bag.
59. On Thin Ice
You might tell someone they are skating on thin ice when pushing something too far or taking too much of a risk.
Sentence Example: You need to get your grades up, or you’ll be on thin ice at the end of the semester.
60. Throw Caution to the Wind
When you know a situation is dangerous or risky and go for it anyway, you throw caution to the wind.
Sentence Example: Rather than check the weather first, they threw caution to the wind and headed out on the road trip.
61. Elephant in the Room
When there is a topic or situation that everyone in the room knows about, yet no one is discussing it, the topic is the elephant in the room. It’s usually an uncomfortable feeling.
Sentence Example: There was an awkward silence as no one talked about the obvious elephant in the room.
62. The Ball Is in Your Court
When the ball is in your court, it’s your turn to make the next move.
Sentence Example: She tried all she could to save the relationship and eventually told him the ball was in his court.
63. By the Skin of Your Teeth
The phrase by the skin of your teeth means that you barely got by or completed something.
Sentence Example: With two minutes to spare, they made it to their flight by the skin of their teeth.
64. Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
The idiom “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” means you shouldn’t risk everything for one event. For example, if investing money, you should put small amounts into several stocks rather than all your money into one.
Sentence Example: He put all his eggs in one basket and now has no cash left.
65. Nail Down
To nail down is to get confirmation.
Sentence Example: We need to nail down a date for the dress rehearsal.
66. Spill the Beans
To spill the beans is to give up some information you are holding onto.
Sentence Example: Please spill the beans about where they are hiding.
67. Jump on the Bandwagon
When a person isn’t interested in something until everyone else is, they jump on the bandwagon.
Sentence Example: He never enjoyed jazz music, and now he has jumped on the bandwagon and gone to jazz concerts.
68. Playing Devil’s Advocate
When you play devil’s advocate, you present an argument to someone’s case (even if you are on their side) so they can see both sides and come up with the best answer.
Sentence Example: Tell me what you plan on doing, and I’ll play devil’s advocate to help you make the right choice.
69. Take a Rain Check
You might say you’ll take a rain check when you have to cancel or can’t commit and want to reschedule.
Sentence Example: I can’t meet you for dinner tonight, but I will take a rain check.
70. Take It With a Grain of Salt
To take something with a grain of salt is not to take it literally or assume all the facts are correct.
Sentence Example: He doesn’t know what he is talking about, so take what he says with a grain of salt.
71. The Last Straw
The last straw is when a person has had enough. It’s a way of telling someone if they do or say a particular thing one more time, there will be consequences.
Sentence Example: For her, the last straw was when he refused to get a job.
72. Hook, Line, and Sinker
When someone believes something easily, even if the facts are incorrect, it’s said that they fell for it hook, line, and sinker.
Sentence Example: I can’t believe she fell for that story, hook, line, and sinker.
73. Chip off the Old Block
The phrase chip off the old block means a child looks or acts just like one of the parents.
Sentence Example: my boy loves sports since he is a chip off the old block.
74. At the Drop of a Hat
At the drop of a hat, you will stop everything as soon a certain person needs you.
Sentence Example: She runs to him at the drop of a hat.
75. Snowball Effect
A snowball effect is when something keeps escalating or increasing as time goes on.
Sentence Example: It was a snowball effect after John was promoted, and before we knew it, he owned the company.
76. Calm Before the Storm
The calm before the storm refers to a slow or quiet period before expected busyness or chaos.
Sentence Example: They enjoyed the calm before the storm as they awaited their holiday house guests.
77. Go Back to the Drawing Board
After completing a process and finding out it isn’t working well, you return to the drawing board to start again.
Sentence Example: The plan is not working, so we need to go back to the drawing board and make a new one.
78. Second Wind
When you have lost motivation or energy, then suddenly get it back, you’ve got your second wind.
Sentence Example: We were all asleep, and then he got his second wind and wanted to get up.
79. Steal Someone’s Thunder
To steal someone’s thunder is to take away someone’s moment or claim praise that is due to someone else.
Sentence Example: I didn’t mean to steal your thunder, but I couldn’t wait to tell Joe about the get-together.
80. A Black Sheep
A black sheep is a family member or a group member who stands out since they do things differently than every other group member.
Sentence Example: My uncle is the family’s black sheep and is often starting arguments.
81. Cut the Mustard
To cut the mustard is to be successful and sometimes go beyond what was expected.
Sentence Example: She really cut the mustard as she climbed the ladder at an all-male company.
82. Hit the Sack
When you hit the sack, you are going to bed.
Sentence Example: I am exhausted and going to hit the sack.
83. Like Two Peas in a Pod
Two peas in a pod are two people with a lot in common.
Sentence Example: Sara and Melissa are two peas in a pod, enjoying wine tastings every weekend.
84. A cock and a bull story
A cock and a bull story is a tale that is full of false facts. It’s usually told to deceive people.
Sentence Example: It is hard to believe him since everything he says is a cock and a bull story.
85. Fit as a Fiddle
When someone is in good health, they are fit as a fiddle.
Sentence Example: She worked hard at the gym for a year and is now fit as a fiddle.
86. Adding Insult to Injury
When you add insult to injury, you are hurting someone when they are already hurt or making a bad situation even worse.
Sentence Example: She was already upset, and he kept adding insult to injury, hurting her more.
87. Break a Leg
When you say break a leg to someone, you are wishing them good luck and success.
Sentence Example: Break a leg at your performance tonight.
88. Burn the Midnight Oil
When you work late into the night, reading, studying, or doing a job, you are burning the midnight oil.
Sentence Example: I need to burn the midnight oil to complete my homework.
89. The Whole Nine Yards
The whole nine yards means you have everything in a situation.
Sentence Example: We bought the house and the land, the whole nine yards.
90. Cry Over Spilled Milk
When someone says there is no need to cry over spilled milk, it’s the same as saying what’s done is done. It’s over, and it’s time to move on.
Sentence Example: You tried your best, and now it’s done, and crying over spilled milk won’t change anything.
91. When Pigs Fly
The phrase when pigs fly means you feel a certain thing will never happen.
Sentence Example: He’ll fix the front steps when pigs fly.
92. Hit the Nail on the Head
You hit the nail on the head when you say or do something exactly right.
Sentence Example: He hit the nail on the head with the precise answer when answering my question.
93. In the Same Boat
When you share similar situations with someone, you are in the same boat.
Sentence Example: She has been suffering from seasonal allergies, and I let her know I am in the same boat.
94. Burn Bridges
When you burn bridges, you treat people in a way that will make it difficult to return to them or the situation.
Sentence Example: He burned so many bridges that he now has no friends left in that town.
95. A Dime a Dozen
When something is a dime a dozen, it’s common and easy to obtain.
Sentence Example: Common books like that are a dime a dozen.
96. Bite the Bullet
When it’s time to bite the bullet, it’s time to get something over with.
Sentence Example: I must bite the bullet and call the dentist to fill this cavity.
97. Cut (Someone) Some Slack
When you cut someone some slack, you are giving them a break and not being critical of them.
Sentence Example: Let’s cut him some slack today since he is so tired.
98. Easy Does It
If you hear someone say, “Easy does it,” it means slow down.
Sentence Example: Easy does it, darling, you are going too fast.
99. Hang in There
To hang in there means you should not give up. Many people use this idiom as an encouragement.
Sentence Example: Hang in there my friend, we are almost done.
100. Missed the Boat
When somebody says, “You missed the boat,” that means you are either too late or missed out on something.
Sentence Example: He overslept and missed the boat for the opportunity to sit in the front row.
Other Idioms
- Chip on your shoulder
- Throw in the towel
- Caught between a rock and a hard place
- Bite the bullet
- Cost an arm and a leg
- Fish out of water
- Head in the clouds
- Kick the bucket
- Hit the hay
- Have a bone to pick
- On cloud nine
- Burn the midnight oil
- Cost an arm and a leg
- Steal someone’s thunder
- Throw caution to the wind
- Turn over a new leaf
- Play it by ear
- Read between the lines
- Go the extra mile
- hit the ground running
- To be in the driver’s seat
- To have all your ducks in a row
- To throw someone under the bus
