- Why Idioms Matter
Idioms are phrases where the combined meaning differs from the individual words. Mastering them helps you:
- Understand native speakers better
- Sound more natural in conversation
- Avoid confusing literal translations
- Essential Everyday Idioms
- Time-Related Idioms
|
Idiom |
Meaning |
Example |
|
Hit the sack |
Go to bed |
“It’s late, I’m going to hit the sack.” |
|
Once in a blue moon |
Very rarely |
“I eat fast food once in a blue moon.” |
|
Under the weather |
Feeling sick |
“She’s under the weather today.” |
- Food Idioms
|
Idiom |
Meaning |
Example |
|
Piece of cake |
Very easy |
“The test was a piece of cake!” |
|
Spill the beans |
Reveal a secret |
“Who spilled the beans about the party?” |
|
Cool as a cucumber |
Very calm |
“He stayed cool as a cucumber during the crisis.” |
- Common Body Part Idioms
|
Idiom |
Meaning |
Example |
|
Cost an arm and a leg |
Very expensive |
“This phone cost me an arm and a leg.” |
|
Get cold feet |
Become nervous |
“He got cold feet before the wedding.” |
|
Pull someone’s leg |
Joke with someone |
“I’m just pulling your leg!” |
- Animal Idioms
|
Idiom |
Meaning |
Example |
|
Let the cat out of the bag |
Reveal a secret |
“She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise.” |
|
Hold your horses |
Wait/be patient |
“Hold your horses! We’re not ready yet.” |
|
Night owl |
Someone who stays up late |
“My brother is a real night owl.” |
- Practice Exercises
- Match idioms to their meanings:
- “Break a leg” a) Good luck
- “Hit the books” b) Start studying
- “Bite the bullet” c) Endure something painful
- Fill in the blanks:
- “Don’t worry about the test, it’ll be _____!” (very easy)
- “This car repair is going to _____.” (be very expensive)
- Create sentences:
Use “under the weather” and “spill the beans” in original sentences.