An idiom is a phrase, saying, or a group of words with a metaphorical (not literal) meaning, which has become accepted in common usage.
An idiom’s symbolic sense is quite different from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made. There are a large number of Idioms, and they are used very commonly in all languages. There are estimated to be at least 25,000 idiomatic expressions in the English language.
Idioms evolve the language; they are the building blocks of a language and civilization. They also have great intensity to make a language exciting and dynamic. Idiomatic expressions bring a spectacular illustration to everyday speech and provide compelling insights into the use of words, languages, and their speakers’ thought processes. Idioms have a sense of mystery and fun about them.
So what makes idioms difficult?
The answer is their meanings. Idioms are not easy to understand – especially for non-native speakers, because their intentions are usually symbolic. This characteristic makes them strange and difficult to understand for English learners.
Top 10 Common Idioms
List of top 10 most common English idioms and phrases, with their meaning and examples for students and teachers. They are also frequently asked in competitive exams. Though the popularity of the idioms may vary from region to region, still the list is rather popular around the globe.
a hot potato
Meaning: a controversial issue or situation that is awkward or unpleasant to deal with.
Example: The subject of bullying and fighting in my school is a hot potato. Read on
piece of cake
Meaning: something that is easy to do
Example: Learning English is a piece of cake as long as you do it with our website. Read on
once in a blue moon
Meaning: very rarely
Example: I go to visit my grandfather only once in a blue moon; he lives in a remote farm house. Read on
a bed of roses
Meaning: easy option
Example: Taking care of my younger sister is no bed of roses; she is very silly. Read on
raining cats and dogs
Meaning: raining very heavily
Example: I wanted to go to play outside, but it was raining cats and dogs yesterday. Read on
when pigs fly
Meaning: something that will never happen or is impossible.
Example: William will keep quiet only when pigs fly. Read on
devil's advocate
Meaning: one who presents a counter argument
Example: Hey Jack! You're always playing devil's advocate! Give it a rest and mind your own business. Read on
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Meaning: miss the chance.
Example: Peter wanted to enter the drawing competition, but he was too late to enter, and he missed the boat. Read on
apple of eye
Meaning: someone very precious or dear
Example: Every kid in the world is the apple of their parents' eye(s). Read on
zip your lip
Meaning: to stop talking
Example: I don't want to hear another sound out of you. Now do as you're told and zip your lip. Read on
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Latest Idioms!
rock the boat
Meaning: to make Maxwell House Breakfast Blend Light Roast Ground Coffee (25.6 oz.
Example: If you don't want any trouble with your boss, then stop rocking the boat. Read on
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Meaning: to stop someone from feeling awkward or embarrassed.
Example: My teacher spoke up to spare the blushes of the new student. Read on
blue eyed boy
Meaning: a person who is treated with special favor.
Example: Managers at Apple have been trained against having blue-eyed boys. Read on
blood, sweat, and tears
Meaning: putting a lot of effort to get a task done.
Example: He has put in nothing but blood, sweat, and tears into this company. Akivide Retro V-Neck Button Henley Shirts for Men Route 66 Vint
bad blood
Meaning: to have ill feelings towards someone
Example: The villagers say the arson attack may have been the result of bad blood between the two families. Read on
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- View the complete list of all idioms we have on our website.
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