Common English Idioms

Definition: to make people feel more relaxed in a new social situation

Example: “The host told a joke to break the ice.”

Forms: fixed idiom; usually used as “break/broke the ice”

Synonyms: start a conversation, ease tension

Definition: To become extremely angry, excited, or silly.

Example: “The crowd went bananas when the band came on stage.”

Definition: In a few words; concisely.

Example: “In a nutshell, the plan failed.”

Definition: Something that is very easy to do.

Example: “The exam was a piece of cake.”

Definition: To sell very quickly and in large quantities.

Example: “The new phone is selling like hotcakes.”

Definition: To disclose a secret.

Example: “Come on, spill the beans! What did he say?”

Definition: To not take something too seriously or literally.

Example: “You should take his promises with a grain of salt.”

Definition: The best of a particular group.

Example: “The company only hires the cream of the crop from the top universities.”

Definition: A way of asking what someone is thinking.

Example: “You seem quiet. A penny for your thoughts?”

Definition: To be very expensive.

Example: “Eating at that restaurant will break the bank.”

Definition: A business or product that generates a steady return of profits.

Example: “Their original software is a real cash cow for the company.”

Definition: To share the cost of something, especially a meal.

Example: “We decided to go Dutch on the dinner, so everyone paid for their own food.”

Definition: A large payment made to someone when they leave their job, either on retirement or when forced out.

Example: “The CEO received a generous golden handshake when he left the company.”

Definition: Money is a limited resource and should be used carefully.

Example: “My son wants a new bike, but I told him that money doesn't grow on trees.”

Definition: People with money have more power and influence.

Example: “He got the best table in the restaurant. It's true that money talks.”

Definition: To take action to support what you are saying.

Example: “If you think the company will succeed, you should invest. Put your money where your mouth is.”

Definition: To be rushed and have very little time to do something.

Example: “We were working against the clock to finish the report by the deadline.”

Definition: At the last possible moment.

Example: “They reached an agreement at the eleventh hour.”

Definition: To finish something just before the deadline.

Example: “She managed to beat the clock and submit her application just in time.”

Definition: To stop an activity for the rest of the night.

Example: “It's getting late. I think I'm going to call it a night.”

Definition: At the last possible moment.

Example: “The ambulance arrived in the nick of time to save him.”

Definition: To do something to occupy yourself while waiting for something to happen.

Example: “We have an hour before our flight, so let's go to the cafe to kill time.”

Definition: To happen very rarely.

Example: “I only see my old school friends once in a blue moon.”

Definition: To go back to the past.

Example: “If I could turn back the hands of time, I would do things differently.”

Definition: A lot of unnecessary anger and worry about a matter that is not important.

Example: “Their argument was just a storm in a teacup; they're friends again now.”

Definition: No matter what happens.

Example: “I'll be at your game tomorrow, come rain or shine.”

Definition: Every difficult or sad situation has a comforting or more hopeful aspect.

Example: “I was sad to leave my old job, but the new one is much better. Every cloud has a silver lining.”

Definition: To hear a rumor about something.

Example: “The reporter got wind of the scandal and published a story.”

Definition: When troubles come, they come all at once.

Example: “First I lost my keys, then my car broke down. It never rains but it pours.”

Definition: In a precarious or risky situation.

Example: “After being late for the third time, he was on thin ice with his boss.”

Definition: To spoil someone's pleasure or plans.

Example: “I don't want to rain on your parade, but the concert might be cancelled.”

Definition: To take attention or credit away from someone else's achievements.

Example: “I was about to announce my engagement, but my sister stole my thunder by announcing her pregnancy.”

Definition: The rate of a person's progress in gaining experience or new skills.

Example: “There's a steep learning curve with this new software.”

Definition: When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.

Example: “Our proposal was rejected, so it's back to the drawing board.”

Definition: Strictly according to the rules.

Example: “Our accountant does everything by the book.”

Definition: To stop working for the day.

Example: “We've done enough for today, let's call it a day.”

Definition: To do something in the easiest, cheapest, or fastest way, often sacrificing quality.

Example: “The company went out of business because they were cutting corners on safety.”

Definition: Get to the point without wasting time.

Example: “I don't have much time, so please cut to the chase.”

Definition: To make a special effort to achieve something.

Example: “She always goes the extra mile to help her clients.”

Definition: To start something and proceed at a fast pace with great enthusiasm.

Example: “The new employee hit the ground running and was productive from her first day.”

Definition: To learn the basics of a job or task.

Example: “It took me a few weeks to learn the ropes at my new job.”

Definition: To be in agreement about something.

Example: “Before we present to the client, let's make sure we are all on the same page.”

Definition: To set a higher standard.

Example: “Her performance really raised the bar for the rest of the team.”

Definition: To think in a creative and unconventional way.

Example: “We need to think outside the box to solve this problem.”

Definition: To become very angry.

Example: “When he heard the news, he saw red and started shouting.”

Definition: Unexpectedly; without warning.

Example: “She called me out of the blue after five years.”

Definition: To be very jealous.

Example: “She was green with envy when she saw her friend's new car.”

Definition: A harmless or small lie, especially one told to avoid hurting someone.

Example: “I told a white lie and said I liked her new haircut.”

Definition: To be in debt; losing money.

Example: “The company has been in the red for the past two years.”

Definition: A very good chance to do something.

Example: “This internship is a golden opportunity to learn from experts.”

Definition: A person who is different from the rest of their group and is often disapproved of.

Example: “He's the black sheep of the family; he never follows the rules.”

Definition: A situation where the rules are not clear.

Example: “The law on this matter is a gray area.”

Definition: To be profitable; making money.

Example: “After years of losses, the business is finally in the black.”

Definition: To give someone a special welcome.

Example: “They really rolled out the red carpet for the visiting dignitaries.”

Definition: To be very pleased or amused.

Example: “She was tickled pink when she won the award.”

Definition: In a state of confusion or disarray.

Example: “After the manager left, the office was at sixes and sevens.”

Definition: To go back to the beginning; to start over.

Example: “The proposal was rejected, so we're back to square one.”

Definition: A third person can make two people feel uncomfortable.

Example: “I didn't want to go to dinner with them; two's company, three's a crowd.”

Definition: Dressed very elegantly or formally.

Example: “Everyone was dressed to the nines at the gala.”

Definition: Fixing a problem early prevents it from getting worse.

Example: “Get that small leak fixed now; a stitch in time saves nine.”

Definition: Two alternatives are equivalent or indifferent.

Example: “Whether we go by bus or train, it's six of one, half a dozen of the other.”

Definition: Extremely happy.

Example: “She's been on cloud nine since she got the promotion.”

Definition: Everything; all of it.

Example: “We're planning the wedding with flowers, music, catering-the whole nine yards.”

Definition: The most important things should be done before anything else.

Example: “We need to finish the report. First things first.”

Definition: Very common and therefore not valuable.

Example: “Smartphones are ten a penny these days.”

Definition: In control of a situation.

Example: “After the promotion, she's really in the driver's seat.”

Definition: In an unusual or remote place.

Example: “We found a wonderful restaurant off the beaten path.”

Definition: Uncertain; not yet decided.

Example: “Our vacation plans are still up in the air.”

Definition: Everyone get on; time to leave.

Example: “All aboard! The train is about to depart.”

Definition: Easy progress without difficulties.

Example: “Once we fixed the initial bugs, it was smooth sailing.”

Definition: Doing something correctly or well.

Example: “Your project proposal is on the right track.”

Definition: To leave an organization or project suddenly.

Example: “Several employees jumped ship when the company started having financial problems.”

Definition: Easy and straightforward.

Example: “After we solved the main problem, the rest was plain sailing.”

Definition: To take a less important role.

Example: “He decided to take a back seat and let the younger team members lead.”

Definition: To make someone very annoyed or angry.

Example: “His constant whistling is driving me up the wall.”