What are Idioms?

An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a meaning different from the literal interpretation of the words. Idioms are colorful expressions that make our language more interesting and expressive. They often tell us something about the culture and history of a language.

For example, when someone says “it’s raining cats and dogs,” they don’t mean that cats and dogs are actually falling from the sky! Instead, this idiom means that it’s raining very heavily.

How to use Idioms?

Idioms can be used in both spoken and written English to make your language more colorful and engaging. Here are some tips for using idioms:

  1. Understand the context: Use idioms in appropriate situations and settings.
  2. Don’t change the words: Idioms work best when used exactly as they are.
  3. Learn the meaning first: Make sure you understand what the idiom means before using it.
  4. Practice using them in sentences: This helps you understand how they fit into conversation.

 Common Idioms and Their Meanings

Animals

  • A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush –Having something for certain is better than taking a risk for more
  • Let the cat out of the bag –To reveal a secret accidentally
  • Like a fish out of water- Feeling uncomfortable in a situation
  • The early bird catches the worm –The person who arrives first has the best chance of success

Weather and Nature

  • Break the ice –To start a conversation or ease tension in a social situation
  • Under the weather – Feeling sick or unwell
  • Every cloud has a silver lining- Every difficult situation has a positive aspect
  • Come rain or shine- No matter what happens

Body Parts

  • All ears – Listening attentively
  • Cost an arm and a leg- Very expensive
  • Give someone a hand- To help someone
  • Keep your head up- Stay optimistic

Colors

  • Once in a blue moon- Very rarely
  • Green with envy- Very jealous
  • Out of the blue- Unexpectedly
  • Red-handed- Caught doing something wrong

Food

  • Apple of my eye – Someone very special to you
  • Piece of cake – Something very easy to do
  • In a nutshell- To explain something briefly
  • Spill the beans- To reveal a secret

Image Courtesy

Worksheet on Idioms