200 English Idioms with Meanings and Example Sentences | Learn English the Easy Way
200 English Idioms with Meanings and Example Sentences – Part 1
Learn 100 Common English Idioms in a Very Easy Way
English is not only about grammar rules, tenses, and vocabulary. To speak English naturally, it is also helpful to understand idioms.
You may sometimes hear native speakers say things like “Break the ice,” “Piece of cake,” or “Hit the books.” If you try to understand these expressions word by word, they may sound strange. That is because their real meanings are different from their literal meanings.
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These expressions are called English idioms.
Learning idioms can help you understand English conversations, movies, books, social media, and everyday communication more easily. You do not need to learn all idioms at once. Start with common idioms and practice using them in simple sentences.
In this article, you will learn the first 100 useful English idioms with their meanings and easy example sentences.
Let's begin!
What Is an Idiom?
An idiom is a group of words that has a special meaning. The meaning is often different from the meaning of the individual words.
For example:
Break the ice
If we understand the words separately, it means breaking frozen water. But the idiom has a completely different meaning.
Meaning: To start a conversation and make people feel comfortable.
Example: The teacher told a funny joke to break the ice on the first day of class.
Now, let's learn 100 common English idioms.
1. A Piece of Cake
Meaning: Something very easy to do.
Example: The mathematics test was a piece of cake for Rahul.
2. Break the Ice
Meaning: To start a conversation and make people feel comfortable.
Example: I told a funny story to break the ice at the meeting.
3. Hit the Books
Meaning: To start studying seriously.
Example: My exams are next week, so I need to hit the books.
4. Under the Weather
Meaning: Feeling sick or unwell.
Example: I am feeling a little under the weather today.
5. Once in a Blue Moon
Meaning: Very rarely.
Example: My uncle visits us once in a blue moon.
6. A Blessing in Disguise
Meaning: Something that seems bad at first but later becomes good.
Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise because he found a better one.
7. Better Late Than Never
Meaning: It is better to do something late than not do it at all.
Example: You finally started learning English. Better late than never!
8. Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Meaning: What you do is more important than what you say.
Example: He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words.
9. Burn the Midnight Oil
Meaning: To work or study late at night.
Example: She burned the midnight oil to prepare for her final examination.
10. Call It a Day
Meaning: To stop working for the day.
Example: We have finished the project. Let's call it a day.
11. Cost an Arm and a Leg
Meaning: To be very expensive.
Example: That new mobile phone costs an arm and a leg.
12. Easy Does It
Meaning: Do something slowly and carefully.
Example: Easy does it! The box is very heavy.
13. Get Cold Feet
Meaning: To become nervous or afraid before doing something.
Example: She got cold feet before giving her speech.
14. Give Someone a Hand
Meaning: To help someone.
Example: Can you give me a hand with these bags?
15. Hang in There
Meaning: Do not give up.
Example: Hang in there! Things will get better soon.
16. In Hot Water
Meaning: In trouble.
Example: He was in hot water after coming late to school again.
17. Keep an Eye On
Meaning: To watch or take care of someone or something.
Example: Please keep an eye on my bag while I buy a ticket.
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18. Kill Two Birds with One Stone
Meaning: To achieve two things by doing one action.
Example: By walking to work, I can exercise and save money. I kill two birds with one stone.
19. Let the Cat Out of the Bag
Meaning: To reveal a secret.
Example: Please don't let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
20. Miss the Boat
Meaning: To lose an opportunity.
Example: Apply now, or you may miss the boat.
21. On Cloud Nine
Meaning: Extremely happy.
Example: She was on cloud nine after getting the job.
22. Pull Someone's Leg
Meaning: To joke with someone.
Example: Don't worry. I'm just pulling your leg.
23. Rain Cats and Dogs
Meaning: To rain very heavily.
Example: It was raining cats and dogs, so we stayed at home.
24. See Eye to Eye
Meaning: To agree with someone.
Example: My brother and I do not always see eye to eye.
25. Sit on the Fence
Meaning: To avoid choosing between two sides.
Example: You cannot sit on the fence forever. You have to make a decision.
26. Speak of the Devil
Meaning: The person you were talking about suddenly appears.
Example: Speak of the devil! We were just talking about you.
27. The Ball Is in Your Court
Meaning: It is your turn to make a decision or take action.
Example: I have explained everything. Now the ball is in your court.
28. Through Thick and Thin
Meaning: During good and bad times.
Example: True friends stay together through thick and thin.
29. Time Flies
Meaning: Time passes very quickly.
Example: Time flies when you are having fun.
30. Add Fuel to the Fire
Meaning: To make a bad situation worse.
Example: His angry words only added fuel to the fire.
31. Back to Square One
Meaning: To start again from the beginning.
Example: The computer crashed, and we had to go back to square one.
32. Beat Around the Bush
Meaning: To avoid talking directly about something.
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened.
33. Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
Meaning: To take on more work than you can handle.
Example: I accepted too many projects and bit off more than I could chew.
34. Bite the Bullet
Meaning: To face a difficult situation bravely.
Example: I did not want to visit the dentist, but I decided to bite the bullet.
35. Break a Leg
Meaning: A way of wishing someone good luck.
Example: You have a performance tonight. Break a leg!
36. By the Book
Meaning: Following rules exactly.
Example: Our teacher does everything by the book.
37. Cry Over Spilled Milk
Meaning: To be upset about something that cannot be changed.
Example: The money is already gone, so don't cry over spilled milk.
38. Cut Corners
Meaning: To do something cheaply or carelessly to save time or money.
Example: Do not cut corners when preparing for your examination.
39. Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover
Meaning: Do not judge someone or something only by appearance.
Example: He may look quiet, but don't judge a book by its cover.
40. Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
Meaning: Every difficult situation may have something good in it.
Example: I missed the bus, but I met an old friend while waiting. Every cloud has a silver lining.
41. Feel Blue
Meaning: To feel sad.
Example: She felt blue after hearing the bad news.
42. Get Out of Hand
Meaning: To become difficult to control.
Example: The situation got out of hand very quickly.
43. Give the Benefit of the Doubt
Meaning: To believe someone even when you are not completely sure.
Example: I don't know if he is telling the truth, but I will give him the benefit of the doubt.
44. Go the Extra Mile
Meaning: To make more effort than expected.
Example: Good teachers often go the extra mile to help their students.
45. Hit the Nail on the Head
Meaning: To say exactly the right thing.
Example: You hit the nail on the head when you said that practice is the key to success.
46. Keep Your Fingers Crossed
Meaning: To hope that something good will happen.
Example: Keep your fingers crossed that I pass the interview.
47. Leave No Stone Unturned
Meaning: To try every possible way to achieve something.
Example: The police left no stone unturned to find the missing person.
48. Make Ends Meet
Meaning: To have enough money for basic needs.
Example: It is difficult for some families to make ends meet.
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49. No Pain, No Gain
Meaning: You must work hard to achieve success.
Example: He trains every day because he believes in no pain, no gain.
50. Out of the Blue
Meaning: Suddenly and unexpectedly.
Example: She called me out of the blue after many years.
51. Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
Meaning: To risk everything on one plan or idea.
Example: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Have another plan too.
52. Read Between the Lines
Meaning: To understand the hidden meaning.
Example: If you read between the lines, you will understand that he is unhappy.
53. Rome Wasn't Built in a Day
Meaning: Important things take time.
Example: Keep practicing English. Rome wasn't built in a day.
54. Spill the Beans
Meaning: To reveal a secret.
Example: Who spilled the beans about our surprise?
55. Take It with a Grain of Salt
Meaning: Do not believe something completely.
Example: Take his stories with a grain of salt because he often exaggerates.
56. The Best of Both Worlds
Meaning: A situation where you enjoy two different advantages.
Example: Working from home gives her the best of both worlds.
57. The Last Straw
Meaning: The final problem that makes you unable to accept a situation anymore.
Example: His rude behaviour was the last straw.
58. Think Outside the Box
Meaning: To think in a creative or different way.
Example: We need to think outside the box to solve this problem.
59. Throw in the Towel
Meaning: To give up.
Example: The task was difficult, but she refused to throw in the towel.
60. Turn a Blind Eye
Meaning: To ignore something intentionally.
Example: The manager turned a blind eye to the small mistake.
61. A Fish Out of Water
Meaning: Someone who feels uncomfortable in an unfamiliar situation.
Example: I felt like a fish out of water at the formal party.
62. All Ears
Meaning: Ready and eager to listen.
Example: Tell me about your trip. I'm all ears.
63. At the Drop of a Hat
Meaning: Immediately or without hesitation.
Example: She is ready to travel at the drop of a hat.
64. Barking Up the Wrong Tree
Meaning: Looking in the wrong place or blaming the wrong person.
Example: If you think I broke the window, you are barking up the wrong tree.
65. Beat the Clock
Meaning: To finish something before the deadline.
Example: We worked quickly to beat the clock.
66. Blow Off Steam
Meaning: To release stress or anger.
Example: He went for a long walk to blow off steam.
67. Burn Bridges
Meaning: To damage a relationship permanently.
Example: Don't burn bridges when leaving a job.
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68. Change of Heart
Meaning: A change in opinion or decision.
Example: She had a change of heart and decided to join us.
69. Come Rain or Shine
Meaning: No matter what happens.
Example: I go for my morning walk come rain or shine.
70. Cross That Bridge When You Come to It
Meaning: Deal with a problem when it actually happens.
Example: Don't worry about next year's problems. We will cross that bridge when we come to it.
71. Get Something Off Your Chest
Meaning: To talk about something that has been worrying you.
Example: I need to get something off my chest.
72. Give Someone the Cold Shoulder
Meaning: To ignore someone deliberately.
Example: She gave me the cold shoulder after our argument.
73. Go with the Flow
Meaning: To accept things as they happen.
Example: We don't have a fixed plan. Let's just go with the flow.
74. Hold Your Horses
Meaning: Wait for a moment.
Example: Hold your horses! We are not ready yet.
75. In the Same Boat
Meaning: In the same difficult situation.
Example: We are all in the same boat, so we should help each other.
76. Jump on the Bandwagon
Meaning: To join something because it has become popular.
Example: Many people jumped on the bandwagon and started making short videos.
77. Keep Your Chin Up
Meaning: Stay positive during a difficult time.
Example: Keep your chin up. You will do better next time.
78. Make a Long Story Short
Meaning: To tell something briefly.
Example: To make a long story short, we missed the train.
79. Not My Cup of Tea
Meaning: Something that you do not like.
Example: Horror movies are not my cup of tea.
80. On the Same Page
Meaning: Having the same understanding or opinion.
Example: Before starting the project, let's make sure we are all on the same page.
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81. Play It by Ear
Meaning: To decide what to do as the situation develops.
Example: We don't have a fixed plan for the trip. We'll play it by ear.
82. Put Your Foot in Your Mouth
Meaning: To say something embarrassing or inappropriate.
Example: I put my foot in my mouth by asking about something personal.
83. See the Light
Meaning: To finally understand something.
Example: After many explanations, he finally saw the light.
84. Take the Bull by the Horns
Meaning: To face a difficult situation directly and bravely.
Example: She decided to take the bull by the horns and solve the problem.
85. The Early Bird Catches the Worm
Meaning: People who start early often have an advantage.
Example: I always arrive early because the early bird catches the worm.
86. The Tip of the Iceberg
Meaning: A small part of a much bigger problem.
Example: What we know about the problem is only the tip of the iceberg.
87. Through the Roof
Meaning: Extremely high.
Example: The prices of vegetables have gone through the roof.
88. Up in the Air
Meaning: Not decided yet.
Example: Our travel plans are still up in the air.
89. Walk on Air
Meaning: To feel extremely happy.
Example: She was walking on air after hearing the good news.
90. Water Under the Bridge
Meaning: A problem from the past that is no longer important.
Example: We had an argument last year, but it is water under the bridge now.
91. When Pigs Fly
Meaning: Something that will probably never happen.
Example: He says he will wake up at 5 a.m. every day—when pigs fly!
92. Wrap Your Head Around Something
Meaning: To understand something difficult.
Example: I cannot wrap my head around this difficult maths problem.
93. Your Guess Is as Good as Mine
Meaning: I do not know either.
Example: When will the results be announced? Your guess is as good as mine.
94. Add Insult to Injury
Meaning: To make a bad situation even worse.
Example: I missed the bus, and to add insult to injury, it started raining.
95. Against the Clock
Meaning: Trying to finish something before a particular time.
Example: The students worked against the clock to complete the test.
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96. At the End of the Day
Meaning: Finally, when everything is considered.
Example: At the end of the day, your health is more important than money.
97. Back to the Drawing Board
Meaning: To start planning again because the first plan failed.
Example: Our idea did not work, so it is back to the drawing board.
98. Be on the Same Wavelength
Meaning: To think or understand something in the same way.
Example: My best friend and I are usually on the same wavelength.
99. Burn Your Bridges
Meaning: To do something that makes it impossible to return to a previous situation.
Example: Think carefully before leaving your job angrily. Don't burn your bridges.
100. Keep Something at Bay
Meaning: To prevent something unpleasant from coming closer or becoming a problem.
Example: Regular exercise can help keep stress at bay.
How to Remember English Idioms Easily
Learning 100 idioms may look difficult, but you do not have to memorize everything in one day. Try these simple methods:
1. Learn 5 Idioms Every Day
Choose five idioms and read their meanings and examples.
For example:
A piece of cake
Break the ice
Hit the books
Under the weather
Once in a blue moon
The next day, revise them and learn five more.
2. Make Your Own Sentences
Do not only read the examples. Try to make your own sentences.
For example:
Idiom: A piece of cake
Your sentence: Learning this lesson was a piece of cake.
This will help you remember the idiom for a longer time.
3. Use Idioms in Conversation
Try to use one or two idioms when speaking English.
For example:
Instead of saying:
“I am very happy.”
You can sometimes say:
“I am on cloud nine.”
Using idioms in the right situation can make your English sound more natural.
4. Revise Regularly
Revision is very important. Read the idioms again after a few days and try to remember their meanings without looking.
Final Thoughts
English idioms are an interesting part of learning the English language. They can help you understand conversations better and make your speaking and writing more expressive.
However, remember that you do not need to use too many idioms in every conversation. First, understand their meanings and learn when they are appropriate to use.
Start with simple and common idioms. Practice them regularly and try to use them naturally.
In this first part, you have learned 100 useful English idioms with meanings and example sentences.
In Part 2, you will learn the next 100 English idioms, from 101 to 200, with simple meanings and easy examples.
Keep learning, keep practicing, and keep improving your English—one idiom at a time!
200 English Idioms with Meanings and Example Sentences – Part 2
Learn 100 More Common English Idioms in a Very Easy Way
Welcome to Part 2 of our collection of 200 English idioms with meanings and example sentences.
In Part 1, you learned the first 100 useful English idioms. Now it is time to continue your learning journey with idioms 101 to 200.
Idioms are special English expressions whose meanings are often different from the direct meaning of the words. They are commonly used in daily conversations, books, movies, social media, and workplaces.
Do not worry if you cannot remember all of them at once. Read a few idioms every day, understand their meanings, and try to make your own sentences.
Let us continue with 100 more useful English idioms.
101. A Penny for Your Thoughts
Meaning: A way of asking someone what they are thinking about.
Example: You have been very quiet today. A penny for your thoughts?
102. A Storm in a Teacup
Meaning: A small problem that people make seem much bigger than it really is.
Example: Their argument was only a storm in a teacup.
103. All in a Day's Work
Meaning: Something that is a normal part of your job or daily work.
Example: Solving difficult problems is all in a day's work for a good teacher.
104. An Open Book
Meaning: Someone who is easy to understand because they do not hide their feelings.
Example: You always know how she feels because she is an open book.
105. Apple of My Eye
Meaning: A person who is very special and loved.
Example: My little daughter is the apple of my eye.
106. As Cool as a Cucumber
Meaning: Very calm, especially in a difficult situation.
Example: Even during the interview, he was as cool as a cucumber.
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107. As Right as Rain
Meaning: Feeling healthy and well again.
Example: After a few days of rest, she felt as right as rain.
108. At the Eleventh Hour
Meaning: At the last possible moment.
Example: He completed the project at the eleventh hour.
109. Bad Blood
Meaning: Angry or unfriendly feelings between people.
Example: There has been bad blood between the two families for years.
110. Be All Ears
Meaning: To listen carefully and with great interest.
Example: Tell me what happened. I am all ears.
111. Be in Someone's Shoes
Meaning: To imagine yourself in another person's situation.
Example: Try to put yourself in my shoes before judging me.
112. Beat a Dead Horse
Meaning: To continue discussing something that has already been decided or solved.
Example: We have already made the decision, so let's not beat a dead horse.
113. Bend Over Backwards
Meaning: To try very hard to help someone.
Example: My parents bend over backwards to support my education.
114. Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Meaning: Being in a difficult situation where every choice is unpleasant.
Example: I was between a rock and a hard place because I had two difficult choices.
115. Big Shot
Meaning: An important or powerful person.
Example: He has become a big shot in the business world.
116. Black and White
Meaning: Clear and simple, with no confusion.
Example: The rules are written in black and white.
117. Blow Your Own Trumpet
Meaning: To proudly talk about your own achievements.
Example: He is always blowing his own trumpet about his success.
118. Break New Ground
Meaning: To do something new or innovative.
Example: The scientist's research broke new ground.
119. Bring Home the Bacon
Meaning: To earn money for your family.
Example: She works hard to bring home the bacon.
120. Bull in a China Shop
Meaning: A person who is careless in a situation that needs care.
Example: Be careful with those expensive glasses. Don't act like a bull in a china shop.
121. By the Skin of Your Teeth
Meaning: Only just succeeding or escaping from danger.
Example: I passed the exam by the skin of my teeth.
122. Catch Someone Red-Handed
Meaning: To catch someone while they are doing something wrong.
Example: The teacher caught him red-handed while cheating.
123. Chew the Fat
Meaning: To talk casually for a long time.
Example: We sat together and chewed the fat for hours.
124. Chip on Your Shoulder
Meaning: A feeling of anger because you believe you have been treated unfairly.
Example: He has had a chip on his shoulder since the argument.
125. Close but No Cigar
Meaning: Almost successful, but not completely successful.
Example: You almost solved the puzzle. Close but no cigar!
126. Come to Terms With
Meaning: To slowly accept something difficult.
Example: It took him time to come to terms with the change.
127. Cry Wolf
Meaning: To ask for help when there is no real danger, so people may not believe you later.
Example: If you keep crying wolf, nobody will believe you when you really need help.
128. Curiosity Killed the Cat
Meaning: Being too curious can sometimes cause problems.
Example: Don't ask too many unnecessary questions. Curiosity killed the cat.
129. Dead as a Doornail
Meaning: Completely without life or no longer working.
Example: My phone battery was dead as a doornail.
130. Devil's Advocate
Meaning: Someone who presents an opposing opinion to encourage discussion.
Example: I don't disagree with you, but let me play devil's advocate for a moment.
131. Down to Earth
Meaning: Practical, simple, and easy to understand.
Example: Despite being famous, she is very down to earth.
132. Draw the Line
Meaning: To set a limit about what you will accept.
Example: I can accept mistakes, but I draw the line at dishonesty.
133. Drive Someone Up the Wall
Meaning: To make someone very annoyed.
Example: The constant noise is driving me up the wall.
134. Drop in the Ocean
Meaning: A very small amount compared with what is needed.
Example: One small donation is only a drop in the ocean.
135. Face the Music
Meaning: To accept the unpleasant results of your actions.
Example: He broke the rules, and now he must face the music.
136. Fair and Square
Meaning: Honestly and according to the rules.
Example: Our team won the match fair and square.
137. Find Your Feet
Meaning: To become confident in a new situation.
Example: It took me a few weeks to find my feet in my new job.
138. Fit as a Fiddle
Meaning: Very healthy and strong.
Example: My grandfather is eighty but still fit as a fiddle.
139. Fly Off the Handle
Meaning: To suddenly become very angry.
Example: Don't fly off the handle. Let's discuss the problem calmly.
140. From Scratch
Meaning: From the very beginning.
Example: She learned how to cook from scratch.
141. Get a Taste of Your Own Medicine
Meaning: To experience the same bad treatment that you gave to others.
Example: He often ignored people, but now he is getting a taste of his own medicine.
142. Get the Ball Rolling
Meaning: To start something.
Example: Let's get the ball rolling and begin the meeting.
143. Get Your Act Together
Meaning: To become organized and behave more responsibly.
Example: You need to get your act together before the exams.
144. Give Someone the Green Light
Meaning: To give permission to begin something.
Example: The manager gave us the green light to start the project.
145. Go Bananas
Meaning: To become very excited, angry, or crazy.
Example: The children went bananas when they heard the good news.
146. Go Down in Flames
Meaning: To fail badly.
Example: His first business went down in flames.
147. Go Down the Drain
Meaning: To be wasted or lost.
Example: All our hard work went down the drain when the computer crashed.
148. Go the Whole Nine Yards
Meaning: To do everything possible or complete something fully.
Example: She went the whole nine yards to prepare for the competition.
149. Green with Envy
Meaning: Very jealous.
Example: I was green with envy when I saw his new car.
150. Have a Change of Heart
Meaning: To change your opinion or decision.
Example: She had a change of heart and decided to forgive him.
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151. Have Your Head in the Clouds
Meaning: To be thinking about dreams instead of paying attention.
Example: Pay attention to the lesson. You always have your head in the clouds.
152. Hear It on the Grapevine
Meaning: To hear information through other people or rumours.
Example: I heard on the grapevine that he is changing his job.
153. Hit the Road
Meaning: To leave or begin a journey.
Example: It is getting late. We should hit the road.
154. In the Long Run
Meaning: Over a long period of time.
Example: Saving money regularly will help you in the long run.
155. It Takes Two to Tango
Meaning: Both people are responsible for a situation.
Example: Don't blame only him for the argument. It takes two to tango.
156. Jump the Gun
Meaning: To do something too early.
Example: Don't jump the gun. Wait until the teacher gives instructions.
157. Keep Something Under Your Hat
Meaning: To keep something secret.
Example: I will tell you the news, but keep it under your hat.
158. Keep Your Nose Clean
Meaning: To stay out of trouble.
Example: If you want to keep your job, keep your nose clean.
159. Know Something Inside Out
Meaning: To know something extremely well.
Example: She knows this subject inside out.
160. Knock on Wood
Meaning: Said to hope that good luck will continue.
Example: My computer has worked perfectly so far, knock on wood.
161. Leave Someone High and Dry
Meaning: To leave someone without help in a difficult situation.
Example: The company closed suddenly and left many workers high and dry.
162. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Meaning: Do not talk about an old problem that may cause trouble again.
Example: We solved that argument years ago. Let sleeping dogs lie.
163. Like Father, Like Son
Meaning: A son often behaves like his father.
Example: He loves teaching, just like his father. Like father, like son.
164. Live and Learn
Meaning: You learn from your experiences and mistakes.
Example: I made a mistake, but live and learn.
165. Lose Your Touch
Meaning: To no longer have the same skill or ability.
Example: He used to play very well, but he seems to have lost his touch.
166. Make a Mountain Out of a Molehill
Meaning: To make a small problem seem very serious.
Example: It is only a small mistake. Don't make a mountain out of a molehill.
167. Make Your Blood Boil
Meaning: To make you extremely angry.
Example: Seeing people treated unfairly makes my blood boil.
168. Meet Someone Halfway
Meaning: To compromise with someone.
Example: We had different ideas, so we decided to meet halfway.
169. Money Doesn't Grow on Trees
Meaning: Money is limited and should not be wasted.
Example: Turn off the lights when you leave. Money doesn't grow on trees.
170. Not See the Forest for the Trees
Meaning: To focus too much on small details and miss the main point.
Example: Don't focus only on tiny mistakes. You can't see the forest for the trees.
171. Off the Hook
Meaning: Free from responsibility or punishment.
Example: He was off the hook because he was not responsible for the mistake.
172. On Thin Ice
Meaning: In a risky situation.
Example: After missing work again, he is on thin ice with his manager.
173. Out of the Woods
Meaning: Free from a difficult or dangerous situation.
Example: The problem is improving, but we are not out of the woods yet.
174. Pay Through the Nose
Meaning: To pay much more than something is worth.
Example: We paid through the nose for a hotel room during the holiday season.
175. Play with Fire
Meaning: To do something dangerous or risky.
Example: If you continue ignoring the rules, you are playing with fire.
176. Put Something on the Back Burner
Meaning: To delay something because it is less important.
Example: I have put my travel plans on the back burner for now.
177. Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
Meaning: To support your words with action or money.
Example: If you believe in the project, put your money where your mouth is.
178. Rock the Boat
Meaning: To cause trouble or disturb a peaceful situation.
Example: Everything is working well, so don't rock the boat.
179. Rub Someone the Wrong Way
Meaning: To annoy or irritate someone.
Example: His rude manner rubs many people the wrong way.
180. Rule of Thumb
Meaning: A practical general rule.
Example: As a rule of thumb, always check your work before submitting it.
181. Run Out of Steam
Meaning: To lose energy or enthusiasm.
Example: I studied for five hours and then ran out of steam.
182. Save for a Rainy Day
Meaning: To save money for future problems or needs.
Example: My parents always taught me to save money for a rainy day.
183. See Red
Meaning: To suddenly become very angry.
Example: My father saw red when he discovered the broken window.
184. Shoot Yourself in the Foot
Meaning: To do something that causes problems for yourself.
Example: By refusing the opportunity without thinking, he shot himself in the foot.
185. Show Your True Colors
Meaning: To reveal your real character or feelings.
Example: During the difficult situation, he showed his true colors.
186. Sleep on It
Meaning: To wait until the next day before making a decision.
Example: This is an important decision. I will sleep on it.
187. Smell a Rat
Meaning: To suspect that something is wrong.
Example: The story does not sound true. I smell a rat.
188. Speak Your Mind
Meaning: To say honestly what you think.
Example: Please speak your mind. We want to hear your opinion.
189. Steal Someone's Thunder
Meaning: To take attention or praise away from someone.
Example: He announced the news before me and stole my thunder.
190. Take a Rain Check
Meaning: To politely refuse an invitation but accept it at another time.
Example: I can't join you today. Can I take a rain check?
191. Take Something with a Pinch of Salt
Meaning: To not believe something completely.
Example: Take everything you read online with a pinch of salt.
192. The World Is Your Oyster
Meaning: You have many opportunities available to you.
Example: You are young and talented. The world is your oyster.
193. Throw Caution to the Wind
Meaning: To take a risk without worrying about the possible results.
Example: He threw caution to the wind and started his own business.
194. Turn Over a New Leaf
Meaning: To start behaving in a better way.
Example: After making mistakes, he decided to turn over a new leaf.
195. Twist Someone's Arm
Meaning: To persuade someone strongly to do something.
Example: I did not want to go, but my friends twisted my arm.
196. Walk the Talk
Meaning: To do what you say you believe or promise.
Example: A good leader should walk the talk.
197. Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve
Meaning: To show your emotions openly.
Example: She wears her heart on her sleeve, so everyone knows how she feels.
198. Weather the Storm
Meaning: To successfully survive a difficult period.
Example: The company managed to weather the storm during the difficult year.
199. Wild Goose Chase
Meaning: A useless search for something that probably does not exist.
Example: Looking for that lost address became a wild goose chase.
200. You Can't Have Your Cake and Eat It Too
Meaning: You cannot enjoy two opposite advantages at the same time.
Example: You want more free time and more money without working extra hours. You can't have your cake and eat it too.
How to Practice These English Idioms
Now that you have learned 200 English idioms in Part 1 and Part 2, the next step is practice.
1. Learn a Few Idioms Every Day
Do not try to memorize all 200 idioms in one day.
Choose five idioms and learn:
The idiom
Its meaning
One example sentence
The next day, revise those five idioms and learn five new ones.
2. Make Your Own Sentences
The best way to remember an idiom is to connect it with your own life.
For example:
Idiom: Hit the road
Instead of only reading:
“We should hit the road.”
Try making your own sentence:
“We need to hit the road early tomorrow morning.”
Making your own sentences will help you remember idioms more easily.
3. Use Idioms Naturally
You do not need to use an idiom in every sentence.
Use idioms only when they fit naturally.
For example:
Instead of always saying:
“I am very happy.”
You may sometimes say:
“I am on cloud nine.”
Instead of saying:
“Don't give up.”
You can say:
“Hang in there.”
The more you hear and use idioms, the more natural they will become.
4. Practice Speaking Aloud
Reading silently is useful, but speaking aloud can improve your confidence.
Choose five idioms and say each example sentence aloud several times.
You can also practice with a friend or family member.
For example:
Person A: Why are you studying so late?
Person B: My exam is tomorrow, so I am burning the midnight oil.
This type of practice can help you remember idioms in real conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions About English Idioms
1. What is an English idiom?
An English idiom is a group of words that has a special meaning different from its literal meaning.
For example:
“Hit the road” does not mean hitting a road. It means to leave or begin a journey.
2. How many English idioms should I learn?
You do not need to learn thousands of idioms.
Start with common idioms that are useful in daily conversations. Learning these 200 idioms is a good beginning.
3. Can beginners learn English idioms?
Yes. Beginners can learn idioms by understanding their meanings and reading simple examples.
Start with easy and common idioms such as:
A piece of cake
Break the ice
Hit the books
Under the weather
Call it a day
4. How can I remember idioms easily?
Try these simple methods:
Learn five idioms every day.
Make your own sentences.
Use idioms in conversations.
Write them in a notebook.
Revise them regularly.
Read English books and articles.
Watch English videos and listen for idioms.
5. Should I use idioms in every conversation?
No. Using too many idioms can make your English sound unnatural.
The best approach is to understand idioms first and then use them naturally when they fit the situation.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! You have now learned 200 useful English idioms with meanings and example sentences.
Idioms can make English more interesting, expressive, and natural. At first, some idioms may seem strange because their meanings are different from the individual words. But with regular practice, you will slowly begin to understand and remember them.
Do not worry about memorizing all 200 idioms immediately.
Learn a few idioms every day.
Read them.
Speak them.
Write your own sentences.
And most importantly, try to use them in real-life conversations.
Remember, learning English is a journey. Every new word, phrase, idiom, and sentence you learn brings you one step closer to speaking English with greater confidence.
Keep learning. Keep practicing. Keep speaking.
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