25
Common English Idioms
for Students of English
Learn Colorful and Useful English Vocabulary!
Increase your vocabulary and speak more natural English by studying the
idioms and expressions below. These are some of the most common
expressions in English. Study the example sentences which show how
idioms are used in context when you speak English. Have fun!
English Expression 1. as easy as pie means "very easy" (same as
"a piece of cake")
Example: He said it is a difficult
problem, but I don't agree. It seems as easy as pie to me!
English Expression 2. be sick and tired of
means "I hate" (also "can't stand")
Example: I'm sick and tired
of doing nothing but work. Let's go out tonight and have fun.
English Expression 3. bend over backwards
means "try very hard" (maybe too much!)
Example: He bent over backwards
to please his new wife, but she never seemed satisfied.
English Expression 4. bite off more than one can chew
means "take responsibility for more than one can manage"
Example: John is so far behind in
his studies. Besides classes, he plays sports and works at a part-time
job. It seems he has bitten off more than he can chew.
English Expression 5. broke
means "to have no money"
Example: I have to borrow some
money from my Dad. Right now, I'm broke.
English Expression 6. change one's mind
means "decide to do something different from what had been decided
earlier"
Example: I was planning to work
late tonight, but I changed my mind. I'll do extra work on the
weekend instead.
English Expression 7. Cut it out!
means "stop doing something bad"
Example: That noise is really
annoying. Cut it out!
English Expression 8. drop someone a line
means "send a letter or email to someone"
Example: It was good to meet you
and I hope we can see each other again. Drop me a line when you
have time.
English Expression 9. figure something out
means "come to understand a problem"
Example: I don't understand how to
do this problem. Take a look at it. Maybe you can figure it out.
English Expression 10. fill in for someone
means "do their work while they are away"
Example: While I was away from the
store, my brother filled in for me.
English Expression 11. in ages
means "for a very long time"
Example: Have you seen Joe
recently? I haven't seen him in ages.
English Expression 12. give someone a hand
means "help"
Example: I want to move this desk
to the next room. Can you give me a hand?
English Expression 13. hit the hay
means "go to bed" (also "hit the sack")
Example: It's after 12 o'clock. I
think it's time to hit the hay.
English Expression 14. in the black
means "the business is making money, it is profitable"
Example: Our business is really
improving. We've been in the black all year.
English Expression 15. in the red
means "the business is losing money, it is unprofitable"
Example: Business is really going
poorly these days. We've been in the red for the past three
months.
English Expression 16. in the nick of time
means "not too late, but very close!"
Example: I got to the drugstore
just in the nick of time. It's a good thing, because I really
need this medicine!
English Expression 17. keep one's chin up
means "remain brave and keep on trying"
Example: I know things have been
difficult for you recently, but keep your chin up. It will get
better soon.
English Expression 18. know something like the back of your hand
means "know something very, very well"
Example:
If you get lost, just ask me for directions. I know this part of town
like the back of my hand
English Expression 19. once in a while
means "sometimes, not very often"
Example: Have you been to the new
movie theater? No, only see movies once in a while. I usually
stay home and watch TV.
English Expression 20. sharp
means "exactly at a that time"
Example: I'll meet you at 9
o'clock sharp. If you're late, we'll be in trouble!
English Expression 21. sleep on it
means "think about something before making a decision"
Example: That sounds like a good
deal, but I'd like to sleep on it before I give you my final
decision.
English Expression 22. take it easy
means "relax"
Example: I don't have any special
plans for the summer. I think I'll just take it easy.
English Expression 23. to get the ball rolling
means "start something, especially something big"
Example: We need to get this
project started as soon as possible. I'm hoping you will help me get
the ball rolling.
English Expression 24. up to the minute
means "the most recent information"
Example: I wish I knew more about
what is happening in the capital city. We need more up to the minute
news.
English Expression 25. twenty-four/seven
means "every minute of every day, all the time"
Example: You can access our web
site 24/7. It's very convenient!
|