[Essay Example], 1574 words GradesFixer. 2022-11-10 (2023)

An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning, which is different from its literal meaning. Idioms are used commonly in spoken and written language, and they can add color and depth to our communication. Some idioms have become so widely used that they are considered part of the English language.

Here are some of the most commonly used idioms in English:

1. "Break a leg" - This idiom is often used to wish someone good luck before a performance or presentation. It originated in the theater, where actors would literally wish each other "break a leg" as a way of saying "good luck." The phrase is thought to have originated because actors believed that having a broken leg would bring them good luck.

2. "Bite the bullet" - This idiom means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination. It is thought to have originated from the practice of having soldiers bite on a bullet during surgery to help them endure the pain.

3. "Cost an arm and a leg" - This idiom is used to describe something that is very expensive. It suggests that the cost is so high that it would require the sacrifice of a limb.

4. "Get cold feet" - This idiom means to lose confidence or courage, especially just before doing something important. It is often used to describe someone who gets nervous before a big event, such as a wedding or a presentation.

5. "Pull someone's leg" - This idiom means to tease or trick someone in a playful way. It suggests that the person is being pulled by their leg in a joking manner.

6. "See eye to eye" - This idiom means to agree with someone or to have the same opinion. It suggests that two people are looking at each other at the same level and seeing things in the same way.

7. "Spill the beans" - This idiom means to reveal a secret or to disclose information that was meant to be kept confidential. It suggests that the secret is being spilled out, like beans from a container.

8. "The ball is in your court" - This idiom means that it is now someone else's turn to take action or make a decision. It is often used in sports to indicate that it is the other team's turn to serve or hit the ball.

   See Also

   🐈 Most commonly used idioms. 100+ Commonly Used English Idioms (PDF). 2022-11-14

9. "The elephant in the room" - This idiom refers to a problem or issue that is obvious but is being ignored or avoided. It suggests that there is an elephant in the room that everyone can see, but no one wants to talk about.

In conclusion, idioms are a rich and colorful part of the English language. They add depth and meaning to our communication, and they can help us express ourselves in a more creative and imaginative way.

50 Most Common English Idioms and Phrases (With Examples)

In this article you will find 100 most commonly used English idioms that we hear across our daily life. All ears Explanation: very concentrated or keen to listen to the other person who has your full attention. Speak of the devil Explanation: The person we were talking about showed up. Peter called me a liar! Because of their metaphoric nature, people use them to make the language more colorful especially to express something briefly and imaginatively. Example: The college acquires new laboratory equipment. Example: My father buried the hatchet by equally diving the pasta between me and my sister.

50 Most Common English Idioms: [Essay Example], 1574 words GradesFixer

Example: He plans to clean his house every week, but he will probably do it only when pigs fly. Eat like a bird Explanation: to eat very little. Ball is in your court — it is up to you to take the next step. Getting a taste of your own medicine Meaning: Being treated the way that you have been treating others 20. Currently, she lives in Indiana with her husband and two sons.

Over 100 English Idioms with Examples and Meanings

Example: I just went to Canada and did everything by the ear, no itinerary, no schedules. But, one thing you can do is to repeat the idiom and its meaning a few times loudly and then use it in 2 to 3 different sentences. Example: In view of the seriousness of the crime, the civil society is pressing up on a fast track decision from the court. Zip your lip Explanation: To remain a secret or silent. Going on a wild goose chase Meaning: doing something that is pointless 24. An idiom is a group of words that are used as a common expression whose meaning is not easily deduced from the literal words within. Beat around the bush Meaning: Avoid sharing your true viewpoint or feelings because it is uncomfortable 5.

100 American Idioms: Popular US Expressions Explained

Bread and butter Explanation: earnings of a person; indicate when a person earns for a living. That baby looks as snug as a bug in a rug cuddled up next to his mother. Doing something at the drop of a hat Meaning: Doing something at the moment of being asked 12. Example: This painting was M. Oh, speak of the devil, there she is.

150 Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences & Meanings

Old habits die hard. Mastery of idioms is a challenging, yet essential, part of the language learner's journey because of how commonly they are used. Sleep on it, and get back to me tomorrow. What you meant is that you are trying to do something that is too hard for you. Example: To make a long story short, I had a wonderful time during my vacation.

Most Frequently Used Idioms in English

Example: Tom felt like a fish out of water when his girlfriend took him to a Star Wars convention in LA. Bite the bullet Meaning: To get an unfavorable situation or chore over with now because it will need to get finished eventually 7. Easier said than done! Piece of cake Meaning: A task or job that is easy to complete 33. John asked Sarah whether she would go to the movies with him. Trying to get a new job these days is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

40 Commonly Used and Popular English Idioms

She is sick and tired of her dog chewing up her shoes every day. Example: The manager fired his employee because he had sticky fingers. Break the bank Meaning: To be very expensive Example: I had to break the bank to but these shoes! Example: The absence of Pres. By combining words that have completely different individual meanings, we get idioms. Whenever you do that then it means you have a bone to pick with someone. You should get used to meaning and usage of idioms. The last straw Meaning: The last difficulty or annoyance that makes the entire situation unbearable 38.

100+ Commonly Used English Idioms (PDF)

Example: Such a beautiful portrait of a little girl represents how a picture is worth a thousand words. By the skin of your teeth Meaning: Just barely making it 10. To be part of things that are very different in their intrinsic existence. Like a cakewalk Meaning: So easy task. Half-way through the movie, I concluded that its humor was not my cup of tea.

The 100 Most Frequently Used Idioms

Make a long story short Explanation: Tell something briefly. Close but no cigar close but failed at the end You got a 79% on the test. He just said that in the heat of the moment. I made a key decision to make an important decision I made a key decision to finish college. Fit as a fiddle Meaning: Being in good health 19. Example: I told John that he could shave his head, over my dead body. Through thick and thin Meaning: Through good and bad times Example: Books and music stay by your side through thick and thin.