Idioms and phrases

• shares • • • • An Without further ado, here are 200+ popular idioms, each followed by its meaning and an example sentence (marked ‘ S’). 1. Stir up a hornets’ nest Hornets are the largest eusocial wasps, and their sting can be really painful. Given this, who would want to poke a stick in hornet’s nest and stir it? That would be unnecessary pain and trouble. S: It’s not that the management is not aware of few false bills here and there, but they don’t call it because it would expose many and stir up a hornet’s nest. 2. An eye for an eye In ancient Mesopotamia, one of the offences in king Hammurabi’s penal code was damaging someone’s eye. If found guilty of this offence, convict’s eyes used to be damaged in a tit-for-tat punishment. You, of course, don’t live in Hammurabi’s Mesopotamia, but if you smash someone’s windshield because they’ve smashed yours, you’ve just taken an eye for eye. S: I’ll return damage to my car by damage to his car. An eye for an eye. 3. Back against the wall Back in the days, when a military unit was in a difficult situation in war, it was said to have its back against the wall. In modern times though, you don’t need to be in military to have your back against the wall. S: With banks baying for his blood over default in payments, he has his back against the wall. Explore eBook & Course 4. Barking up the wrong tree Hunting dog chases a monkey, but the monkey escapes into a tree. The dog, standing underneath the leafy branches, keeps on barking whil...

A-Z of English Idioms: 150 Most Common Expressions What are the most common English idioms used today? This post lists the 150 most popular idiomatic expressions to help you sound more like a native English speaker! Our A-Z of idioms gives you the meaning of each expression, along with example sentences. Don’t forget to download your free pdf copy of this guide and to practise your skills with the exercises at the end! What you will learn: • • • Quick intro An idiom is a phrase or group of words that, when taken together, has a meaning that is different from that of each individual word. To put it another way: idioms cannot be understood literally. For example, ‘ Once in a blue moon’ means ‘when something happens rarely’. So the example sentence: ‘I eat McDonalds once in a blue moon’ doesn’t make any sense when the words are taken literally (you only eat McDonalds when there is a blue moon?!). But when you understand the meaning of the idiom, the sentence makes perfect sense (you don’t often eat McDonalds). Idioms are very important when learning English because they are used a lot in everyday communication and can help you sound more like a native. To speak and understand conversational English better, learning the correct use of idioms is essential. Idioms also help give character to the language; making it more colourful and interesting. In this study guide, we’re going to walk you through the most common 150 English idioms used today, with their meanings and example se...

As native speakers, we use them without even thinking about where they come from; but to a student trying to learn English, they can be deeply confusing. Knowing a bit about the origins of these sayings is helpful in cementing these language nuggets in the mind. In this article, we’ll look at a number of these interesting idioms and teach you where the expressions came from – and more importantly, how to use them. Learning a language is a little like learning an instrument; and just like an instrument, there are some fiddly bits!. 1. Play it by ear Meaning: Playing something by ear means that rather than sticking to a defined plan, you will see how things go and decide on a course of action as you go along. Example: “What time shall we go shopping?” “Let’s see how the weather looks and play it by ear.” Origins: This saying has its origins in music, as “playing something by ear” means to play music without reference to the notes on a page. This sense of the phrase dates back to the 16th century, but the present use only came into being in mid-20th century America, primarily referring to sports. These days, the expression has lost this focus on sports and can be used in any context. 2. Raining cats and dogs Meaning: We Brits are known for our obsession with the weather, so we couldn’t omit a rain-related idiom from this list. It’s “raining cats and dogs” when it’s raining particularly heavily. Example: “Listen to that rain!” “It’s raining cats and dogs!” Origins: The origins...

Before I shifted my house, I had a full list of idioms in English that I printed out and referred to whenever I put pen to paper. This was about a decade ago, around the time I finished college. Now, I frequently look up idioms online. If I like an idiomatic phrase in a movie or show, I quickly jot it down in my pocket-sized notebook or a sticky note. You could say I’m obsessed with idioms. But, it’s a healthy obsession to be honest. Because idioms add life to your writing and help you succinctly explain things, there’s no reason not to use them. Interested in coloring your writing with idioms? Let’s give a bookmark-worthy list of idioms alongside why you should be as obsessed with idioms. On we go. What is an idiom? Idioms are phrases or expressions that don’t literally mean what the individual words in the phrase stand for. Idioms emerge from an incident or past story. Overtime, however, they lose their meaning and become figurative. For example: a piece of cake The literal meaning of this is cake slice (lava cake, anybody?). But, when you use it as an idiom, you mean something that’s easy to do — that’s this phrase’s figurative meaning . With the formal idioms definition out of the way, let’s look at some examples of idioms that you’ve probably already heard or used before: Fun fact: There are an estimated 25,000 idioms in English language. Talk about variety! Why do we use idioms? The short answer is: idioms add life to your writing. But exactly how do these groups of ...

Forbidden Fruit And the Lord God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die." (Genesis 2:16-17) 'Forbidden fruit' is something that is greatly desired but forbidden. In this sense, it can have negative results. Fall from Grace The phrase comes from the story of the disobedience of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, which resulted in their fall from immortality in the Michelangelo (Public Domain) By the Sweat of Your Brow & Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust Part of Adam's punishment was to work the ground, which would always be a hardship. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return (Genesis 3:19). Most often part of funeral rituals, "ashes to ashes" is the cycle of life. My Brother's Keeper Then the Lord said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" "I don't know," he replied. "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9) This is a rhetorical question from the story of Peter Paul Rubens (Public Domain) As Old as Methuselah Methuselah lived 969 years. In the genealogies of Genesis, it may be understood that the Patriarchs had longevity before God limited the age of humans to 120 years. To be as old as Methuselah is to be very old. Fire & Brimstone This is what God rained down on the Land of Milk & Honey This is the description of the land of...

• v • t • e An i.e. the words together have a meaning that is different from the dictionary definitions of the individual words (although some idioms do retain their literal meanings – see the example " kick the bucket" below). kick the bucket" to mean " to die"– and also to actually kick a bucket. Furthermore, they would understand when each meaning is being used in context. To evoke the desired effect in the listener, idioms require a precise replication of the phrase: not even articles can be used interchangeably (e.g. " kick a bucket" only retains the literal meaning of the phrase but not the idiomatic meaning). Idioms should not be confused with other e.g., " the man of steel"); e.g., " faster than a speeding bullet"); or e.g., " more powerful than a locomotive"). Idioms are also not to be confused with Notable idioms in English [ ] This is a Idiom Definition/Translation Notes Source(s) A situation or information that is unpleasant but must be accepted (US) Anything that is common, inexpensive, and easy to get or available anywhere. A controversial issue or situation that is awkward or unpleasant to deal with a sandwich short of a picnic Lacking intelligence A hidden or secret strength; an unrevealed advantage A small but fatal weakness in spite of overall strength. Listening intently; fully focused or awaiting an explanation. Clumsy, awkward. an arm and a leg Very expensive or costly; a large amount of money Anything causing trouble, discord, or jealousy. When someth...

Idioms are phrases or proverbs whose meanings cannot be directly translated. Because of this, students must familiarize themselves with these phrases through a bit of memorization and practice. While learning idioms might seem difficult and time-consuming, it’ll help you to speak in more interesting ways and sound more natural among native English speakers. You’ll also find learning idioms helpful for enjoying pop culture where many characters use idioms as they speak. We’ve put together the 100 most common idioms, provided meanings and an example of each one being used in a sentence below. If you have a favorite idiom that we don’t have on our list. Share it in the comments below! • Break the ice Meaning: To get the conversation going. Provide a conversation prompt. Example: Starting class with a joke or subjects students like will help to break the ice. • A dime a dozen Meaning: Very common: quite ordinary Example: I thought it was something special but it turns out they're a dime a dozen. • Beat around the bush Meaning: To avoid saying something Example: Don't beat around the bush. Just tell me what happened. • Back against the wall Meaning: Forced to do something that you would rather not. Example: I really don't want to do this but my back is against the wall. • Bite the bullet Meaning: Doing something you don't want to but also expressing that you're making a proactive choice. Example: I'm going to go ahead and bite the bullet rather than waiting around. • Wrap one's...

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • In these videos, Britannica explains a variety of topics and answers frequently asked questions. • Check out these retro videos from Encyclopedia Britannica’s archives. • In Demystified, Britannica has all the answers to your burning questions. • In #WTFact Britannica shares some of the most bizarre facts we can find. • In these videos, find out what happened this month (or any month!) in history. • Britannica is the ultimate student resource for key school subjects like history, government, literature, and more. • While this global health crisis continues to evolve, it can be useful to look to past pandemics to better understand how to respond today. • Britannica celebrates the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment, highlighting suffragists and history-making politicians. • Britannica Presents Earth’s To-Do List for the 21st Century. Learn about the major environmental problems facing our planet and what can be done about them! • Britannica presents SpaceNext50, From the race to the Moon to space stewardship, we explore a wide range of subjects that feed our curiosity about space! © Matjaz Slanic/iStock.com An idiom is a phrase that is common to a certain population. It is typically figurative and usually is not understandable based solely on the words within the phrase. A prior understanding of its usage is usually necessary. Idioms are crucial to the progression of language. They function...

In the United States, you’ll certainly come across your fair share of English expressions, idioms, and common proverbs . Some of the most common expressions in English sound profound, while others sound silly and darn right outlandish. While they can seem strange at first, especially if you consider their literal meanings, you’ll soon find that they play a big role in the English language. So what is idiom? Although English idioms don’t make sense at first, these unique expressions (together with proverbs) add substance and humor to our conversations. The Oxford Dictionary defines the word “ idiom ” as a: “group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words (e.g. over the moon, see the light).” This means that English idioms should not be taken literally, because their meaning is metaphorical. You don’t really wish someone would “break a leg,” do you? And it’s not actually “raining cats and dogs,” is it? On the other hand, proverbs – which are equally important to learn in English – are “short, well-known sayings, stating a general truth or piece of advice.” Famous p roverbs in English like, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” have neither a metaphorical meaning nor a literal one. Still, their meaning is greater than the meaning of the individual words put together. List of English Idioms, Proverbs & Expressions English idioms aren’t easy to understand at first, especially if you’re speaking English as a second langu...