One of the most difficult things about learning a new language is being able to carry and be involved in conversation with someone who speaks English.
Your friends may use phrases which you have absolutely no clue on what they mean, leaving you feeling confused.
Before we get into a list of idioms that English people use, let’s talk about what the word idiom actually means.
What is an Idiom?
An idiom is a phrase or expression that can’t be understood by defining the individual words.
The word ‘idiom’ is fluent to native speakers but is unfamiliar to others. People who are happy can be considered as on ‘cloud nine’ but being happy doesn’t involve a cloud or the number nine. This is an idiom in itself.
In this blog, We will explore some common English idioms to help you understand and use them during conversations in English.
Once in a Blue Moon
Something that happens rarely/ not often
Example: I normally eat quite healthy but will have chocolate one in a Blue Moon.
Meaning: You rarely eat Chocolate as most of the time you eat healthily.
Two Birds One Stone
To get two task done at the same time
Example: I work from home on Friday’s which allows me to catch up on my sleep and save money on my commute.
Meaning: You achieve two goals of saving money and resting more in the morning.
Best Thing Since Sliced Bread
Innovative/Amazing/Brilliant/Excellent
Example: This new golf club is the best thing since sliced bread.
Meaning: The golf club is so great it’s better than all other clubs that are currently in stock.
When it Rains it Pours
Describes a negative situation
Example: My boss had his bike stolen, his favourite football team lost and he spilt coffee down his shirt. It seems like when it rains, it pours!
Meaning: A series of events that negatively affected someone, making their day or their mood worse off.
It’s Raining Cats and Dogs
The weather is so bad today
Example: I’m very lucky that I had my umbrella with me, it’s raining and cats dogs outside.
Meaning: The Umbrella helped to stop you from getting wet in the rain.
In the Same Boat
We are in the same situation
Example: The deadline to send out the report is at 5pm, it looks like we are in the same boat and need to get it completed by then.
Meaning: Two people are facing the same deadline.
A Piece of Cake
That was so easy!
Example: After going to the gym for a year, lifting that weight was a piece of cake.
Meaning: Performing an act that was easily achievable.
Bite the Bullet
To do something that you’re hesitant about but won’t get done without you
Example: I need to repair my car but it’s so expensive to get it checked. I’m going to have to bite the bullet and spend the money!
Meaning: The car needs to be repaired otherwise it could break down if it’s not fixed.
Break a Leg
Good luck/ We wish you the best!
Example: My friend is performing at their show tonight, I told them to break a leg!
Meaning: You wanted a friend’s performance to go well.
Better Late than Ever
Preferred someone to be late than to not come
Example: My friend turned up to lunch 5 mins late, better late than ever!
Meaning: You didn’t want your friend to cancel so you don’t mind that that they were late.
