An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from the literal meaning of its words. Idioms are commonly used in everyday language and are often specific to a culture or language, making them tricky for non-native speakers to understand. They add color and expressiveness to communication but cannot be interpreted word-for-word.
For example, the idiom “kick the bucket” literally refers to kicking a bucket, but its figurative meaning is “to die.” Understanding idioms requires knowing their intended meaning in context.
Here are 10 common idioms with their meanings and example sentences:
- A piece of cake
- Meaning: Something very easy to do.
- Example: The math test was a piece of cake; I finished it in ten minutes.
- Bite the bullet
- Meaning: To endure a painful or difficult situation with courage.
- Example: I didn’t want to confront her, but I had to bite the bullet and address the issue.
- Break the ice
- Meaning: To start a conversation in a social situation to make people feel more comfortable.
- Example: He told a funny joke to break the ice at the awkward meeting.
- Spill the beans
- Meaning: To reveal a secret or disclose information.
- Example: Come on, spill the beans—who’s getting the promotion?
- Under the weather
- Meaning: Feeling unwell or sick.
- Example: She’s been under the weather, so she won’t join us for dinner tonight.
- The ball is in your court
- Meaning: It’s your turn to make a decision or take action.
- Example: I’ve sent you the proposal; now the ball is in your court.
- Barking up the wrong tree
- Meaning: Mistaking or approaching something incorrectly.
- Example: If you think I’m the one who broke the vase, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
- Let the cat out of the bag
- Meaning: To reveal a secret, often unintentionally.
- Example: She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
- Hit the nail on the head
- Meaning: To describe exactly what is true or correct.
- Example: You hit the nail on the head when you said the project needed more funding.
- When pigs fly
- Meaning: Something that will never happen.
- Example: He’ll clean his room regularly? Yeah, when pigs fly!
These idioms are widely used in English and help convey ideas vividly. If you’d like more idioms or examples in a specific context, let me know!
