actions speak louder than words
What you do is more important than what you say.
Example: You keep promising to help, but remember that actions speak louder than words.
100 Common English Idioms with Meanings and Examples
A list of 100 common English idioms, each with a short meaning and an example sentence. These are the idioms you study in the IdiomPal app.
add insult to injury
Make a bad situation even worse.
Example: My car broke down in the rain, and to add insult to injury, I realized I'd left my phone at home.
as cheap as chips
Very inexpensive.
Example: I managed to find these designer sunglasses at a local market, and they were as cheap as chips.
the ball is in your court
It is your responsibility to make the next move.
Example: I've offered you a very generous contract; now the ball is in your court to decide whether to sign it.
barking up the wrong tree
Accusing the wrong person or following a wrong path.
Example: If you think I'm the one who leaked the secret, you are definitely barking up the wrong tree.
beat around the bush
Avoid talking about the main topic.
Example: Please stop beating around the bush and tell me directly whether I got the promotion or not.
the best of both worlds
A situation with all the advantages of two different things.
Example: By working from home three days a week, I feel like I have the best of both worlds.
the best thing since sliced bread
An excellent new invention or idea.
Example: My grandmother thinks that the automatic dishwasher is the best thing since sliced bread.
better late than never
Doing something late is better than not doing it at all.
Example: He finally submitted his assignment three days past the deadline, but better late than never.
bite off more than you can chew
Take on a task that is way too big.
Example: I think I bit off more than I could chew by agreeing to lead three different projects at once.
bite the bullet
Decide to do something difficult or unpleasant.
Example: I hate going to the dentist, but I just need to bite the bullet and make an appointment.
a blessing in disguise
A good thing that seemed bad at first.
Example: Losing that job turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it led to a better career.
break a leg
A way to wish someone good luck.
Example: I know you're nervous about your stage debut tonight, so I'll just say: break a leg!
break the ice
Say or do something to make people feel relaxed.
Example: The host told a funny story at the beginning of the party to help break the ice among the guests.
to call it a day
Stop working on something.
Example: We've been working on this code for ten hours; it's time to call it a day and get some rest.
cost an arm and a leg
Something that is very expensive.
Example: While the new smartphone is impressive, it's going to cost an arm and a leg to buy it unlocked.
cut corners
Do something poorly to save time or money.
Example: The construction company tried to cut corners on materials, which led to serious safety issues later.
cut somebody some slack
To not judge someone too severely.
Example: Andrew is going through a tough time lately, so please try to cut him some slack at work.
the devil is in the details
Small things can cause big problems.
Example: The overall plan for the wedding looks great, but the devil is in the details like seating arrangements.
don't give up your day job
You are not very good at this.
Example: That magic trick was pretty terrible—you definitely shouldn't give up your day job just yet.
the early bird gets the worm
The first to arrive gets the advantage.
Example: I arrived at the department store at 6 AM for the sale because the early bird gets the worm.
easy does it
Do something carefully and slowly.
Example: Easy does it! We need to move this heavy piano very slowly to avoid scratching the floor.
the elephant in the room
An obvious major problem that no one wants to discuss.
Example: The fact that the company is losing millions of dollars is the elephant in the room that no director wants to mention.
every cloud has a silver lining
Every bad situation has some good aspect.
Example: I was disappointed when my flight was cancelled, but every cloud has a silver lining as I got to see an old friend.
get a taste of your own medicine
Being treated the same way you treat others.
Example: The office bully finally got a taste of his own medicine when the new manager assigned him all the grunt work.
to get out of hand
To become out of control.
Example: What started as a small argument quickly began to get out of hand when more people joined in.
to get something out of your system
Do something so you no longer feel the need to do it.
Example: I went for a long run to get all my frustration out of my system after a stressful day.
to get your act together
Organize yourself to work effectively.
Example: You really need to get your act together if you want to graduate from university on time.
to give someone the benefit of the doubt
Believe someone without proof.
Example: I wasn't sure if his excuse was true, but I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt anyway.
to give someone the cold shoulder
Intentionally ignore someone.
Example: Ever since our disagreement last week, Sarah has been giving me the cold shoulder in the hallway.
to go back to the drawing board
Start over because a previous attempt failed.
Example: Our marketing campaign didn't generate any new leads, so it's time to go back to the drawing board.
good things come to those who wait
Patience is rewarded.
Example: It took five years for his business to become profitable, proving that good things come to those who wait.
hang in there
Don't give up.
Example: I know the training is exhausting, but hang in there; you'll be a certified pilot's mate soon.
to hit the nail on the head
Describe exactly what is causing a situation.
Example: The consultant really hit the nail on the head when she identified our lack of communication as the main problem.
to hit the sack
Go to bed.
Example: It's already past midnight and I have an early meeting tomorrow, so I'm going to hit the sack.
ignorance is bliss
Better not to know about bad things.
Example: I didn't want to hear about the problems in the company because sometimes ignorance is bliss.
in a nutshell
Summarized in a few words.
Example: In a nutshell, the project failed because we didn't have enough time to test the software thoroughly.
it takes one to know one
You have the same bad quality as the person you are criticizing.
Example: You're being incredibly selfish!—Well, it takes one to know one, doesn't it?
it's not rocket science
It is not complicated or difficult to understand.
Example: Replacing a light bulb is easy; it's not rocket science, even for someone who isn't handy.
to jump on the bandwagon
Follow a trend or activity that is popular.
Example: A lot of people are starting to invest in cryptocurrency just to jump on the bandwagon without doing any research.
to keep one's chin up
Stay positive in a difficult situation.
Example: Even though you didn't win the competition, you should keep your chin up because you performed exceptionally well.
to kill two birds with one stone
Accomplish two things at once.
Example: I can kill two birds with one stone by dropping off the dry cleaning while I'm out for my morning jog.
the last straw
The final problem that makes a situation intolerable.
Example: That insult was the last straw.
to leave no stone unturned
Look everywhere or try everything.
Example: The police promised the family they would leave no stone unturned in their search for the missing child.
to let sleeping dogs lie
Avoid interfering in a situation that is currently stable.
Example: I know you're still upset about what happened, but it's probably best to let sleeping dogs lie for now.
to let someone off the hook
Allow someone to escape punishment.
Example: The manager decided to let him off the hook for being late since it was his first time.
to let the cat out of the bag
Accidentally reveal a secret.
Example: I was planning a surprise party for my sister, but my brother accidentally let the cat out of the bag.
to make a long story short
Summarize frequently given details.
Example: To make a long story short, we got lost on the way to the wedding and missed the entire ceremony.
to make matters worse
To increase the severity of a bad situation.
Example: To make matters worse, it started to rain.
to miss the boat
To be too late to take advantage of an opportunity.
Example: I waited too long to buy the concert tickets and now they're all sold out; I really missed the boat.
neck of the woods
A particular neighborhood or area.
Example: What brings you to this neck of the woods? I haven't seen you around here in years!
no pain, no gain
Effort is required to achieve progress.
Example: My muscles are so sore after that gym session, but I guess it's true: no pain, no gain.
not one's cup of tea
Something that you do not like or are not interested in.
Example: I appreciate the invitation to go mountain climbing, but it's just not my cup of tea.
off the top of one's head
Without giving much thought or checking facts.
Example: Off the top of my head, I think the meeting starts at 2 PM, but I should double-check the calendar.
on the ball
Alert and efficient.
Example: The new assistant is really on the ball; she's already organized all the files I needed for today.
on thin ice
In a risky or uncertain situation.
Example: You are on thin ice with the boss after missing three consecutive deadlines this month.
once in a blue moon
Very rarely.
Example: My brother lives in another country, so I only get to see him once in a blue moon.
out of someone's league
Too good or high-class for someone.
Example: I'd love to ask her out on a date, but I'm afraid she's completely out of my league.
a picture is worth 1000 words
Pictures convey information effectively.
Example: I could try to describe the view, but as they say, a picture is worth 1000 words.
a piece of cake
Something that is very easy to do.
Example: I studied so hard for the exam that the actual questions were a piece of cake.
to play devil's advocate
Argue against an idea to test it.
Example: I actually agree with your plan, but let me play devil's advocate for a moment to see if we've missed anything.
to play something by ear
Handle a situation as it develops.
Example: The weather forecast is uncertain, so let's just play it by ear and decide on our plans tomorrow morning.
to pull someone's leg
To joke with or tease someone.
Example: He said he won the lottery yesterday, but I'm pretty sure he was just pulling my leg.
pull yourself together
Control your emotions and behave calmly.
Example: You need to pull yourself together and focus on the task at hand before the presentation begins.
put all your eggs in one basket
Depend on one single person or plan.
Example: Don't put all your eggs in one basket by investing your entire savings into a single company's stock.
to rain on someone's parade
Spoil someone's plans or mood.
Example: I don't want to rain on your parade, but the outdoor concert might be cancelled due to the storm.
to rock the boat
Disturb a stable situation.
Example: The team is working very well together right now, so please try not to rock the boat with new demands.
to save something for a rainy day
Save for a future time of need.
Example: Instead of spending your entire bonus at once, you should save some of it for a rainy day.
to see eye to eye
To agree with someone.
Example: My business partner and I don't always see eye to eye on marketing strategies for the company.
to shed light on something
Explain or clarify something.
Example: The latest research findings help to shed light on how the virus actually spreads between animals.
to sit on the fence
Remain neutral or undecided.
Example: You can't sit on the fence forever; you eventually need to choose which side of the argument you support.
to sit tight
Wait patiently and take no action.
Example: The market is very volatile right now, so my advisor told me to just sit tight and wait for things to calm down.
to smell a rat
Suspect that something is wrong.
Example: When the mysterious investor refused to meet in person, I started to smell a rat and pulled out of the deal.
so far so good
Everything is going well up to now.
Example: We've completed the first half of the project without any major issues—so far so good!
someone wouldn't be caught dead
Someone would never do something.
Example: My fashion-conscious friend wouldn't be caught dead wearing such an outdated style of clothing.
someone's heart is in the right place
Someone has good intentions.
Example: He can be a bit clumsy with his words, but his heart is in the right place and he truly wants to help.
someone's jaw drops
Someone is extremely surprised.
Example: My jaw dropped when I saw the spectacular fireworks display over the city harbor last night.
someone's pride and joy
Someone's most valued possession or person.
Example: That restored vintage motorcycle is his pride and joy, and he spends every weekend polishing it.
someone's true colours
Someone's real character.
Example: He seemed very friendly at first, but he showed his true colours when he refused to share the credit for our work.
something rings a bell
Sound familiar.
Example: The name of the restaurant rings a bell, but I can't quite remember where I heard it before.
speak of the devil
Said when someone appears just as you were talking about them.
Example: Speak of the devil! We were just talking about how much we missed seeing you around the office.
to spill the beans
Reveal a secret.
Example: We were trying to keep the gender of the baby a secret, but my mother accidentally spilled the beans.
to steal someone's thunder
Take credit for someone else's achievement.
Example: I was about to announce my engagement, but my cousin stole my thunder by announcing her pregnancy first.
to stick to one's guns
Maintain one's position despite opposition.
Example: Despite the heavy pressure from his peers, he decided to stick to his guns and refuse to participate in the prank.
to take something with a pinch/grain of salt
Don't take something too seriously.
Example: You should take everything that gossip magazine says with a grain of salt as most of it is exaggerated.
to take the mickey
To tease or make fun of someone.
Example: I knew they weren't being serious and were just taking the mickey out of my new haircut.
there are plenty more fish in the sea
There are many other opportunities available.
Example: Don't worry; there are plenty more fish in the sea.
there's a method to someone's madness
There is a sensible reason for strange behavior.
Example: It looks chaotic, but there's a method to my madness.
there's no such thing as a free lunch
Nothing is entirely free.
Example: There's no such thing as a free lunch.
through thick and thin
Through good times and bad times.
Example: They stayed friends through thick and thin.
to throw caution to the wind
Take a reckless risk.
Example: He threw caution to the wind and quit his job.
to twist someone's arm
Persuade someone to do something they don't want.
Example: I'll go if you twist my arm.
under the weather
Feeling slightly ill.
Example: I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.
up in the air
Uncertain or undecided.
Example: Our vacation plans are still up in the air.
we'll cross that bridge when we come to it
Deal with a problem only when it happens.
Example: We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
to wrap your head around something
Understand something complex.
Example: I can't wrap my head around this problem.
you can say that again
I totally agree with you.
Example: This food is amazing.—You can say that again!
you can't have your cake and eat it too
You cannot possess two conflicting things.
Example: You can't have your cake and eat it too.
you can't judge a book by its cover
Outward appearances can be misleading.
Example: You can't judge a book by its cover.
you live and you learn
Learn from your experiences and mistakes.
Example: I made a mistake, but you live and you learn.
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