What is an Idiom?
An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal interpretation. Idioms are commonly used in everyday language to convey complex ideas in a simple way.
Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To work late into the night.
Explanation: Originally referring to burning oil in lamps for light, it now represents working hard, especially studying or working on a project late at night.
Bite off more than you can chew
Meaning: To take on more responsibility than you can handle.
Explanation: Just like eating too much food that you can’t chew, it means accepting too many tasks or challenges at once.
Break the ice
Meaning: To initiate conversation in a social setting.
Explanation: Originally used in navigation when ships would break ice to move forward, it now means easing tension in a new or uncomfortable situation.
Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To describe something accurately or make a valid point.
Explanation: Like striking the exact point on a nail, it signifies being precise or correct.
Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To reveal a secret accidentally.
Explanation: This idiom comes from markets where cats were sometimes sold instead of pigs in bags, revealing the truth when the bag was opened.
The ball is in your court
Meaning: It is your turn to take action or make a decision.
Explanation: Taken from tennis, where the ball must be played back after it lands in your court, it means it’s your responsibility now.
A blessing in disguise
Meaning: Something bad at first that turns out to be good.
Explanation: Though initially viewed as unfortunate, the outcome proves to be beneficial.
Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: To be very expensive.
Explanation: This idiom symbolizes a heavy cost, as if losing a limb, to emphasize high expense.
Kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: To accomplish two tasks with a single action.
Explanation: It suggests efficiency by solving multiple problems with one effort.
Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling unwell or sick.
Explanation: Sailors originally used it to describe feeling seasick during stormy weather; now, it’s used for general illness.
