Free English idioms guide
English idioms, in plain English
The idioms native speakers actually use, each with a simple meaning and real example sentences. Browse by topic or search for the one you just heard.
Work & business idioms
Idioms you will hear at the office, in meetings and in business news: deadlines, teamwork, jobs and getting things done.
- burn the midnight oilTo work or study until very late at night.
- call it a dayTo stop working on something, either for today or for good.
- cut cornersTo do something cheaply or quickly by skipping steps, often lowering the quality or safety.
- go the extra mileTo make more effort than is expected of you.
- on the ballQuick to understand and react, and well aware of what is happening.
- back to the drawing boardUsed when a plan has failed and you must start again with a new idea.
- snowed underHaving so much work or so many tasks that you can hardly manage.
- pull your weightTo do your fair share of the work in a group.
- get crackingTo start doing something quickly, without wasting more time.
- raise the barTo set a higher standard than before.
- think outside the boxTo think in a new, creative way instead of following the usual approach.
- move the goalpostsTo unfairly change the rules or targets after something has already started.
- pass the buckTo make someone else responsible for a problem instead of dealing with it yourself.
- rule of thumbA simple, practical guide based on experience rather than exact calculation.
- get the ball rollingTo start an activity or process so that others can continue it.
- learn the ropesTo learn the basic skills and rules of a new job or activity.
- hit the ground runningTo start something new with energy and be effective immediately.
- keep someone in the loopTo keep someone informed about what is happening.
- up to speedHaving the latest information or the skills needed to do something well.
Money idioms
How English talks about being rich or broke, prices, spending and saving.
- cost an arm and a legTo be very expensive.
- break the bankTo cost more money than you can afford.
- in the redOwing money, or spending more than you earn.
- in the blackMaking a profit, or having money rather than debts.
- make ends meetTo have just enough money to pay for the things you need.
- save for a rainy dayTo keep some money for a time in the future when you might need it.
- bring home the baconTo earn the money that supports a family or household.
- foot the billTo pay for something, often something expensive or that others have used.
- break evenTo earn exactly as much as you spend, making no profit and no loss.
- cash cowA product or business that brings in a steady, reliable profit.
- live hand to mouthTo have only just enough money to survive, with nothing saved.
- pinch penniesTo be very careful about spending money, sometimes too careful.
- go DutchTo share the cost of something, such as a meal, with each person paying for themselves.
- throw money down the drainTo waste money on something that brings no benefit.
- from rags to richesFrom being very poor to being very rich.
- born with a silver spoon in your mouthBorn into a rich family with many advantages.
- rolling in itVery rich.
- a dime a dozenVery common, so not special or valuable.
- there's no such thing as a free lunchYou can't get something for nothing; there is always a hidden cost somewhere.
- a penny saved is a penny earnedSaving money is as valuable as earning it.
- tighten your beltTo spend less money because you have less than before.
Idioms about time
Idioms about being early or late, doing things quickly, waiting and how often something happens.
- once in a blue moonVery rarely.
- in the nick of timeJust before it is too late.
- at the eleventh hourAt the last possible moment.
- around the clockAll day and all night, without stopping.
- like clockworkSmoothly and exactly as planned, or very regularly.
- better late than neverIt is better to do something late than not to do it at all.
- time fliesTime seems to pass very quickly.
- at the drop of a hatImmediately, without needing time to think or prepare.
- time is moneyTime is valuable, so you should not waste it.
- so far so goodEverything has gone well up to now.
- the early bird catches the wormPeople who act early or arrive first have the best chance of success.
- in the long runOver a long period of time, or in the end.
- for the time beingFor now, but probably not permanently.
- kill timeTo do something unimportant while you are waiting for something else.
- behind the timesOld-fashioned, or not aware of modern ideas and methods.
- in the blink of an eyeExtremely quickly.
- make up for lost timeTo do something a lot or quickly because you could not do it earlier.
- a race against timeA situation where you must do something very quickly before a deadline.
- on the dotAt exactly the time mentioned.
Idioms about feelings
Ways to say you are happy, sad, nervous, angry or calm without naming the feeling directly.
- on cloud nineExtremely happy, usually because something wonderful has just happened.
- over the moonVery pleased and happy about something.
- walking on airFeeling extremely happy and excited, as if nothing could go wrong.
- down in the dumpsFeeling sad, low or without energy.
- butterflies in your stomachA nervous, fluttering feeling you get before something important or exciting.
- get cold feetSuddenly become too nervous to do something you had planned or agreed to do.
- on edgeNervous, tense and unable to relax.
- see redSuddenly become very angry.
- bent out of shapeAnnoyed or upset, often more than the situation deserves.
- blow off steamDo something active or noisy to get rid of stress, anger or energy.
- keep your chin upStay positive and brave when things are difficult.
- pull yourself togetherControl your emotions and start behaving calmly again.
- get something off your chestTell someone about a worry or problem so you feel better.
- get something out of your systemDo or express something you strongly want to, so the feeling goes away.
- hang in thereKeep going and don't give up during a difficult time.
- a chip on your shoulderA lasting feeling of resentment because you think you have been treated unfairly.
- wouldn't be caught deadWould never do, wear or be seen somewhere because you find it embarrassing or unpleasant.
Success & failure idioms
Idioms for winning, losing, getting lucky, giving up and trying again.
- bite the bulletMake yourself do something unpleasant or difficult that you have been avoiding.
- bite off more than you can chewTry to do more than you are able to manage.
- by the skin of your teethOnly just, by a very small margin.
- miss the boatLose a chance by acting too slowly.
- throw in the towelGive up and admit that you cannot succeed.
- get your act togetherStart organising yourself and behaving in a more effective way.
- go down in flamesFail suddenly and completely, often in a very public way.
- no pain, no gainYou have to work hard or suffer a little to achieve something worthwhile.
- leave no stone unturnedTry every possible way to find something or solve a problem.
- give someone a run for their moneyCompete very strongly against someone who is expected to win.
- a blessing in disguiseSomething that seems bad at first but later turns out to be good.
- that ship has sailedThe chance to do something has gone and will not come back.
- easy does itDo it slowly and carefully.
- it's not rocket scienceIt is not difficult to understand or do.
- like riding a bikeDescribes a skill you never forget, even if you haven't used it for a long time.
- cut the mustardBe good enough to meet the required standard.
- a far cry fromVery different from something, often much better or worse.
- the whole nine yardsEverything that is possible or available; the full amount.
- like pulling teethExtremely difficult, especially when trying to get someone to do or say something.
- slow and steady wins the raceWorking steadily and patiently is better than rushing.
- live and learnSaid when you have learned something from a mistake or surprising experience.
- the best of both worldsA situation where you get the advantages of two different things at once.
- pull out all the stopsMake the greatest possible effort to achieve something.
- give it your best shotTry as hard as you can, even if you might not succeed.
Communication idioms
Idioms about talking, listening, secrets, gossip and saying exactly what you mean.
- break the iceTo say or do something that helps people relax and start talking when they first meet.
- beat around the bushTo avoid talking about the main point, usually because it is awkward or unpleasant.
- spill the beansTo tell people a secret or reveal information too early.
- pull someone's legTo joke with someone by telling them something untrue as a friendly trick.
- you can say that againUsed to say that you completely agree with what someone has just said.
- speak of the devilSaid when the person you are talking about appears or calls at that moment.
- hit the nail on the headTo describe a situation or problem exactly right.
- cut to the chaseTo get to the most important point without wasting time on details.
- long story shortUsed before giving a quick summary instead of all the details.
- a penny for your thoughtsA friendly way to ask someone who seems quiet what they are thinking about.
- ring a bellTo sound familiar, as if you have heard it before.
- all earsReady and eager to listen carefully.
- it's all Greek to meSaid when something is impossible for you to understand.
- tongue in cheekSaid or done as a joke, even though it may sound serious.
- put your foot in your mouthTo say something by accident that embarrasses or upsets someone.
- shoot the breezeTo chat in a relaxed way about unimportant things.
- your guess is as good as mineUsed to say that you do not know the answer any more than the other person does.
- actions speak louder than wordsWhat you actually do shows more about you than what you say.
- a picture is worth a thousand wordsAn image can explain something more quickly and clearly than a long description.
- play devil's advocateTo argue against an idea, even if you agree with it, to test it or start a discussion.
- on the same pageAgreeing about or understanding something in the same way as other people.
- read between the linesTo understand a hidden meaning that is not said directly.
- get the wrong end of the stickTo misunderstand a situation or what someone has said.
- word of mouthInformation passed from person to person by talking, not through advertising or media.
Idioms about problems
How English describes trouble, tough choices, getting caught and things going from bad to worse.
- between a rock and a hard placeIn a difficult situation where every choice is bad.
- the last strawThe final problem that makes a situation impossible to accept any longer.
- add insult to injuryMake a bad situation even worse for someone.
- to make matters worseUsed to introduce something that makes an already bad situation worse.
- get out of handBecome difficult or impossible to control.
- in hot waterIn trouble, usually because you did something wrong.
- in deep waterIn serious trouble or a situation that is too difficult to handle.
- make a mountain out of a molehillTreat a small problem as if it were a very serious one.
- on thin iceIn a risky situation where one more mistake could cause serious trouble.
- grasp at strawsTry any possible solution, even weak ones, because you are desperate.
- face the musicAccept the unpleasant results of something you have done.
- Achilles' heelA weak point that can cause someone or something to fail.
- a slap on the wristA very mild punishment, often milder than people think is fair.
- catch someone red-handedDiscover someone at the moment they are doing something wrong.
- bury your head in the sandIgnore a problem and hope it will go away.
- back to square oneBack at the start, after an attempt has failed.
- in a tight spotIn a difficult situation that is hard to get out of.
Idioms about people & relationships
Idioms about friends, family, love, arguments and the kind of people we meet.
- see eye to eyeTo agree with someone or share the same opinion.
- like two peas in a podVery similar in appearance or character.
- give someone the cold shoulderTo ignore someone or treat them in an unfriendly way on purpose.
- stab someone in the backTo betray someone who trusted you.
- through thick and thinLoyally, in both good times and difficult times.
- it takes two to tangoBoth people involved in a situation, especially a problem, share responsibility for it.
- bury the hatchetTo stop arguing with someone and become friends again.
- burn your bridgesTo do something that makes it impossible to go back to a previous situation or relationship.
- a chip off the old blockA person who is very similar to their parent in character or behaviour.
- a heart of goldA very kind and generous nature.
- down to earthPractical, realistic and easy to talk to, not proud or pretentious.
- the salt of the earthA good, honest and reliable person, often a simple, hard-working one.
- cut someone some slackTo be less strict or critical with someone because of their situation.
- give someone the benefit of the doubtTo believe someone is honest or right even though you cannot be sure.
- let someone off the hookTo free someone from a duty, blame or punishment.
- in the same boatIn the same difficult situation as other people.
- hold out an olive branchTo make an offer of peace to end an argument or disagreement.
- twist someone's armTo persuade someone to do something they are not sure about.
- steal someone's thunderTo take attention or praise away from someone, often by doing what they planned first.
- a taste of your own medicineThe same bad treatment that you have given to other people.
- get on like a house on fireTo like each other and become friendly very quickly.
- hit it offTo like someone and get on well with them from the first meeting.
- head over heelsCompletely and deeply in love.
- get on someone's nervesTo annoy someone, especially by doing something again and again.
Health idioms
Idioms for feeling ill, feeling great, being tired and getting better.
- under the weatherFeeling a little ill or unwell.
- feel like a million bucksFeel extremely well, healthy or attractive.
- fit as a fiddleVery healthy and strong.
- as right as rainCompletely well again, especially after an illness or problem.
- on the mendGetting better after an illness or injury.
- back on your feetHealthy or successful again after an illness or difficult period.
- get a second windSuddenly feel new energy to continue after being tired.
- a clean bill of healthA report that someone is healthy, or that something is in good condition.
- sick as a dogVery ill, especially when vomiting.
- black and blueCovered in bruises.
- go under the knifeHave a surgical operation.
Idioms about decisions & risk
Idioms about choosing, hesitating, taking chances and changing your mind.
- the ball is in your courtIt is now your turn to make a decision or take action.
- jump on the bandwagonTo join something because it has suddenly become popular or successful.
- sit on the fenceTo avoid choosing a side in an argument or decision.
- play it by earTo decide what to do as things happen, without making a fixed plan.
- take a rain checkTo politely say no to an invitation now, but suggest doing it another time.
- throw caution to the windTo stop worrying about risks and do something bold.
- cross that bridge when you come to itTo deal with a possible problem only if and when it actually happens.
- look before you leapThink carefully about the possible results before you act.
- don't put all your eggs in one basketDon't depend on one plan or thing, in case it fails.
- up in the airNot yet decided or certain.
- skin in the gameA personal risk or investment in something, so you gain or lose depending on the result.
- six of one, half a dozen of the otherTwo choices are basically the same, so it doesn't matter which you pick.
- strike while the iron is hotTo act quickly while you have a good opportunity.
- push the envelopeTo go beyond the usual limits by trying new or risky things.
- the devil is in the detailsSmall details that seem unimportant can cause big problems.
- fortune favours the boldPeople who are brave and take risks are more likely to succeed.
- jump the gunTo do something too early, before the right time.
- better safe than sorryIt is wiser to be careful now than to risk a problem later.
- go out on a limbTo take a risk by saying or doing something that others may not support.
- take the plungeTo finally do something important or risky after thinking about it for a while.
- call the shotsTo be the person who makes the important decisions.
Weather & nature idioms
Idioms built on rain, storms, sunshine, trees and the sea, used for everyday situations.
- raining cats and dogsRaining very heavily.
- every cloud has a silver liningSomething good can come out of even a bad situation.
- weather the stormTo get through a difficult period without serious damage.
- the calm before the stormA quiet, peaceful time just before a period of trouble or great activity.
- come rain or shineWhatever happens, no matter the conditions.
- when it rains, it poursWhen one bad thing happens, other bad things often happen at the same time.
- a storm in a teacupA lot of anger or worry about something that is not important.
- have your head in the cloudsTo be dreamy and not pay attention to practical things.
- a bolt from the blueSomething completely unexpected and sudden, often surprising news.
- make hay while the sun shinesMake the most of a good opportunity while it lasts.
- the tip of the icebergA small, visible part of a much bigger problem.
- out of the woodsOut of danger or difficulty, though often not completely yet.
- can't see the wood for the treesTo be so focused on small details that you miss the bigger picture.
- nip something in the budTo stop a problem early, before it grows bigger.
- turn over a new leafTo change your behaviour and start acting in a better way.
- the grass is always greenerOther people's situations always seem better than yours, even when they are not.
- go with the flowTo relax and accept what happens instead of trying to control it.
- make wavesTo cause trouble or attract attention by challenging how things are done.
- a perfect stormA very bad situation caused by several problems happening at the same time.
- get wind of somethingTo hear about something secret or private, often by accident.
- a snowball effectA situation where something small grows bigger and faster as it continues.
Food idioms
Cakes, cookies, beans and cucumbers: food idioms that have nothing to do with eating.
- a piece of cakeSomething that is very easy to do.
- take something with a pinch of saltTo not completely believe something because it may not be true or accurate.
- cry over spilt milkTo be upset about something bad that has already happened and cannot be changed.
- compare apples and orangesTo compare two things that are too different to be compared fairly.
- out of the frying pan into the fireFrom a bad situation into an even worse one.
- go cold turkeyTo stop a bad habit suddenly and completely, instead of slowly.
- the best thing since sliced breadAn excellent new idea, product or person, often said with some humour.
- have your cake and eat itTo want two good things that cannot both be had at the same time.
- not your cup of teaNot something you like or enjoy.
- cool as a cucumberVery calm and relaxed, especially in a stressful situation.
- a couch potatoA lazy person who spends a lot of time sitting and watching TV.
- food for thoughtSomething that makes you think seriously about a subject.
- a smart cookieA clever person who is good at understanding things and solving problems.
- the icing on the cakeSomething extra that makes a good situation even better.
- sell like hotcakesTo sell very quickly and in large numbers.
- full of beansFull of energy and enthusiasm.
- butter someone upTo be very nice to someone so that they will do something for you.
- a hard nut to crackA difficult problem to solve or a person who is difficult to understand or persuade.
- a bad appleOne bad person who has a bad effect on the rest of a group.
- have a sweet toothTo love eating sweet food like cake, chocolate and sweets.
- bread and butterThe main work or activity that gives someone or a business most of its income.
- in a nutshellIn a very short and simple way, using few words.
- packed like sardinesPressed very close together in a crowded space.
Animal idioms
Cats, dogs, horses and birds: common idioms that use animals to describe people and situations.
- kill two birds with one stoneTo achieve two things with one action.
- let the cat out of the bagTo tell a secret by accident.
- bark up the wrong treeTo have the wrong idea about something or look for an answer in the wrong place.
- the elephant in the roomAn obvious problem that everyone knows about but nobody wants to talk about.
- straight from the horse's mouthDirectly from the person who knows the facts best.
- hold your horsesWait a moment and don't act too quickly.
- a wild goose chaseA long, useless search for something that is hard or impossible to find.
- don't count your chickens before they hatchDon't be sure of a good result before it actually happens.
- a bird in the hand is worth two in the bushIt is better to keep something you have than risk it for something better you may not get.
- birds of a feather flock togetherPeople who are similar in character or interests tend to spend time together.
- curiosity killed the catBeing too curious about other people's business can get you into trouble.
- let sleeping dogs lieAvoid talking about an old problem because it could cause trouble again.
- every dog has its dayEveryone gets a moment of success or luck at some point.
- a dark horseA person who surprises others with hidden talents or unexpected success.
- plenty more fish in the seaThere are many other people or chances available, especially after a relationship ends.
- have bigger fish to fryTo have more important things to deal with.
- you can lead a horse to waterYou can give someone a chance or advice, but you can't force them to use it.
- flog a dead horseTo waste effort on something that has no chance of success.
- the black sheepA person who is seen as different from, or a disappointment to, their family or group.
- open a can of wormsTo start dealing with something that creates many new, complicated problems.
- like a fish out of waterUncomfortable because you are in a situation that is new or strange to you.
- the lion's shareThe largest part of something.
- when pigs flyNever; used to say something will not happen.