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 books2. By the skin of your teeth3. On the ball4. A needle in a haystack5. Sleep on it6. To sit tight7. Up in the air8. A piece of cake9. Twist someone’s arm10. Break a leg
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
5. Sleep on it
6. To sit tight
7. Up in the air
8. A piece of cake
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.
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.
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!
