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Top 10 Common English Idioms and Their Meanings

Online Niel November 4, 2024

Common English Idioms for Everyday Use: This article will help students learn about some of the most common idioms they can use in everyday life, along with their meanings.

Top 10 Most Commonly Used English Idioms and Their Meanings: Idioms are phrases or expressions with a figurative meaning that differs from the literal meaning of the words used. They are often rooted in culture, history or folklore. Using idioms correctly can make English sound more authentic and fluent. This article explores some of the most common idioms, their meanings, and tips on how to use them naturally.

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Common English Idioms and Their Meanings

Idioms	Sense	Example
Break the ice	To initiate conversation in a social setting to ease discomfort.	“At parties I tell jokes to break the ice.”
A piece of cake	Something easy to do.	“Completing the project was a breeze.”
Give a fair explanation	To describe something accurately.	“You hit the nail on the head with this living room wallpaper color; it looks better than I expected!”
Let the cat out of the bag	To accidentally reveal a secret.	“Mom let the cat out of the bag and told us that Karen is engaged.”
Bite the Bullet	To do something difficult or unpleasant but necessary.	“I’m going to bite the bullet and ask my boss for a raise.”
Hit the Sack	To go to sleep.	“I’ve got a busy day tomorrow, so I think I’ll give it a go.”
Burn the midnight oil	To work late into the night.	“The semester is almost over and we’re all burning the midnight oil before exams.”
The ball is in your court	It’s up to you to make a decision.	“What do you think we should do with the project? The ball is in your court.”
Throw in the towel	To give up or surrender.	“After losing the election, he threw in the towel on his political career.”

Why should students learn idioms?

Idioms add flavor and personality to language. Using them in your everyday conversations shows that you understand the nuances of English and helps build rapport with native speakers. For English learners, idioms can be challenging at first, but practicing them will help make conversations more engaging.

We will continue to add more expressions that are most commonly used in everyday life. By this time, students can take a look at these expressions and try to use them in their daily conversations. Using idioms in your daily conversations can be a fun part to do.

Tips for learning and using idioms

Learn a few at a time: Don’t try to memorize hundreds of idioms at once. Try to learn one step at a time.
Practice with native speakers: If possible, practice using the expressions with native English speakers to make sure you use them correctly.
Use visual associations: Pairing the phrase with a picture or image can help students learn phrases much more easily.
Read and watch content in English: Watching movies, TV shows, or reading books in English exposes you to how idioms can be used in real-life situations.

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