10 Most Common English Idioms & Phrases
What is an Idiom? An idiom is a phrase or an expression that has a different meaning from the literal meaning. If you don’t understand common idioms and phrases in English, it’s almost impossible to understand the context. Here are some most common English idioms that everyone should know:
List of common English idioms and phrases:
1. Hit the books
2. By the skin of your teeth
3. On the ball
4. A needle in a haystack
2. By the skin of your teeth
3. On the ball
4. A needle in a haystack
5. Sleep on it
6. To sit tight
7. Up in the air
6. To sit tight
7. Up in the air
8. A piece of cake
9. Twist someone’s arm
10. Break a leg
9. Twist someone’s arm
10. Break a leg
10 Most Common English Idioms & Phrases
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| 10 English Idioms & Phrases |
1. Hit the books
Meaning - to study
Example - I have to hit the books this weekend — I have two exams next week.
2. By the skin of your teeth
Meaning - If you do something by the skin of your teeth, you only just succeed in doing it.
Example - She escaped from the secret police by the skin of his teeth.
3. On the ball
Meaning - If someone is on the ball, they are very alert and aware of what is happening.
Example - We need someone who’s really on the ball to answer questions from the press.
4. A needle in a haystack
Meaning - something that is impossible or extremely difficult to find, especially because the area you have to search is too large
Example - Police have told Mr. Bob that searching for the cat will be like looking for a needle in a haystack. The chances of recovering the animal are slim.
Keep reading: Moon Idioms
5. Sleep on it
Meaning - to think more about something overnight and make a decision about it later
Example - You've heard my offer. Why don't you sleep on it and let me know what you decide.
6. To sit tight
Meaning - If you sit tight, you remain in the same place or situation and do not take any action, usually because you are waiting for something to happen.
Example - Sit tight. I'll be right back.
7. Up in the air
Meaning - If a matter is up in the air, it is uncertain, often because other matters have to be decided first.
Example - The whole future of the project is still up in the air.
Small quiz for you: Idiom Quiz #2
8. A piece of cake
Meaning - something that is very easy to do
Example - The exam was a piece of cake.
9. Twist someone’s arm
Meaning - to try to force someone to do something
Example - I didn’t want to go to the exhibition, but Mani twisted my arm.
10. Break a leg
Meaning - used to wish somebody good luck, especially to an actor before they go on stage
Example - Break a leg! I shouted out to him before he rushed in for his auditions.
Which one do you use often? 😉 Comment below!