August 25, 2025

IDIOMS

Some commonly used Idioms

  • A HARD NUT TO CRACK:-  something which is very difficult or a problem that is difficult to solve
  • AS COOL AS CUCUMBER:- when a person is very calm and cool and does not get affected by stress or trouble easily
  • AS WEAK AS KITTEN:- weak, sickly
  • A YES MAN:- a man who agrees to everybody to get a favour from them
  • APPLE PIE ORDER:- neat and tidy in the arrangement,  everything in the correct place
  • A FISH OUT OF THE WATER:- not feeling relaxed, being uncomfortable and restless
  • A TROUBLE SHARED IS TROUBLE HALVED:- a problem shared is problem halved
  • APPLES AND ORANGES:- an unfair comparison or an item which cannot be compared
  • A BLACK DAY:- a day on which something terrible has happened
  • ALL DAY LONG:- the whole day, throughout  the day
  • AS FIT AS FIDDLE:- when a person is very healthy and physically fit
  • ADJOURN A MEETING:- to end a meeting
  • AS DIFFERENT AS CHALK AND CHEESE:- for two things which are completely different from each other
  • A WATCHED POT NEVER BOILS:- if you want something to happen, it takes longer
  • AS EASY AS PIE:- something which is very easy
  • AS HAPPY AS LARK:- to be very happy and cheerful
  • ADD INSULT TO INJURY:- worsen the bad situation
  • BLIND AS A BAT:- unconscious to something
  • BEAT THE HEAT:- finding a way to stay cool when it is a scorching heat outside
  • BUCKET LIST:- a list of achievements or experiences someone wants to have during their:- for two things which are completely different from each other
  • A WATCHED POT NEVER BOILS:- if you want something to happen, it takes longer
  • AS EASY AS PIE:- something which is very easy
  • BLIND AS A BAT:- unconscious to something
  • BE IN DUTCH:- when a person is in trouble
  • BEAT THE HEAT:- finding a way to stay cool when it is a scorching heat outside
  • BUCKET LIST:- a list of achievements or experiences someone wants to have during their lifetime
  • BREAK ONE’S NECK:- trying very hard to achieve something
  • BITTER PILL TO SWALLOW:- an unpleasant fact that needs to be accepted
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  • BAT AN EYELASH:- showing an emotion
  • BACK ON ONE’S FEET:-  recovering from an illness( either mentally or physically)
  • BUY A LEMON:- buy a defective item
  • BALLPARK FIGURE:- An Approximate amount or an estimated amount of something.
  • BREAK THE NEWS:- revealing something very important and especially after a long time of keeping it as a secret.
  • BY HOOK OR BY CROOK:- doing something by any means, no matter what circumstances are
  • BALL IS IN YOUR COURT:- it is  up to you
  • BEAT AROUND THE BUSH:- when someone does not come to the main point or issue and keeps talking about irrelevant things which are not related to the topic.
  • BLOOD RUNS COLD:- when someone is very scared.
  • BURY THE HATCHET:- settle down an unresolved matter or making peace
  • BEGIN TO SEE THE LIGHT:- begin to understand something
  • BRAIN BOX: it is used to describe a person who is very intelligent
  • CHILD’S PLAY:-  something which is very easy.
  • CLEAR THE AIR:-  remove misunderstanding or calm anger
  • CALL THE SHOTS:- giving orders
  • CAT GOT YOUR TONGUE:- it refers to the time when a person does not have anything to say
  • COLD-HEARTED:-  it is used to describe the person who is not generous or  a person who is very cruel
  • CHILL TO THE BONE:- to frighten somebody or to make someone feel very scared
  • COCK AND BULL STORY:- the story which is likely to be fake or untrue and used as an explanation or excuse
  • CUP OF JOE:- a cup of coffee
  • CHILL TO THE MORROW:- to get very scared
  • CRY OVER SPILT MILK:- regretting about those things that had already happened in the past.
  • COST AN ARM AND A LEG:- something which is costly.
  • CHOW DOWN:- eat very fast
  • DRIVE CRAZY:- to make someone infuriated or irritated and to disturb someone
  • DRAW A LINE:- fix a limit
  • DEAD LOSS:- the person or thing that is not useful or helpful
  • DROP LIKE FLIES:- when people are falling ill and dying around the same time
  • DOCTOR IT UP:-  fix or repair something on a temporary basis
  • DEAD END JOB:- a job which has no future for you.
  • DRIBS AND DRABS:- little by little, small quantities
  • DOWN IN THE DUMPS:- unhappy, when someone feels blue
  • DRESSED TO KILL:- wearing one of your best attires or outfit
  • DROWN ONE’S SORROWS:- to drink a lot of alcohol to cope up with or forget problems
  • EAGER BEAVER:- to describe a person who is ambitious and hardworking
  • EATS LIKE A HORSE:- a person who eats a lot
  • EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING:- there is something good in everything that is bad
  • EVERY NOW AND THEN:- use to say how often something happens or is done
  • ESCAPE NOTICE:- don’t mind
  • ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING:- the show has come to an end, it’s over.
  • EVERY TRICK IN THE BOOK:- every possible way
  • FIGHT TOOTH AND NAIL:-  to fight very ferociously or when a person is so desperate to achieve something
  • FAIRWEATHER FRIEND:- a person who supports you in your good days only or a friend of good days.
  • FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT:- pretend to be a person you always wanted to become
  • FORTY WINKS:- sleep for a while, taking a siesta
  • FULL OF BEANS:- to be very excited and enthusiastic
  • FEEL LIKE A MILLION BUCKS:- to feel ecstatic and wonderful
  • FLOOR SOMEONE:- confuse or surprise someone
  • FOR THE TIME BEING:- at the present time
  • FAIR AND SQUARE:- to describe an honest person
  • FLY OFF THE HANDLE:- to get angry
  • FOR THE BIRDS:- terrible, awful
  • GET A LIFE:- to stop wasting time in useless or trivial works
  • GET OFF ONE’S BACK:- leave someone alone, don’t bother
  • GET THE SNOW ON THE ROAD:- to start a project or work
  • GIVE A PIECE OF MIND:- to scold
  • GET UNDER SOMEONE’S SKIN:- to annoy, bother and upset someone
  • GIVE IT ONE’S BEST SHOT:- try very hard
  • GOOD SAMARITAN:- it is used to describe the person who tries to help everyone who is in need or trouble
  • GIVE SOMEONE A GREEN LIGHT:- permit to go ahead with a project
  • GO THROUGH FIRE AND WATER:- to take any risk
  • GREEN WITH ENVY:- to be upset or unhappy about something or getting jealous
  • GOING TO HELL IN A HAND BASKET:- in an extremely bad state and becoming worse
  • HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS:-  a place you feel connected emotionally
  • HANDLE WITH KID GLOVES:- b very careful or tactful
  • HAND OVER FIST:- rapidly, very fast, quickly
  • HARD FEELINGS:- anger, bitterness
  • HIGH ROLLER:- a wealthy person or a company that makes risky investments
  • HANDS ARE TIED:- to not be able to do  anything about the situation
  • HARD CHEESE:- bad luck, tough luck
  • HASTE MAKES WASTE:- if you do things in a hurry, you can make mistakes
  • HAVING A CRUSH:- infatuated with someone
  • HIGH AND DRY:- alone, without help, stranded
  • IN A FOG:- in a great confusion
  • I COULD EAT A HORSE:- to be starved and extremely hungry
  • IN THE LOOP:- to be aware of the information
  • IN SEVENTH HEAVEN:- to be extremely happy
  • IN THE SAME BOAT:- in a similar situation
  • IN THE RED:- losing money
  • IN A HOT WATER:- when a person is in a critical situation or a trouble
  • IN A DOG HOUSE:-  in a big trouble
  • IN A RUT:- when a person keeps doing the same thing again and again and gets bored of it.
  • IDLE HANDS ARE THE DEVIL’S TOOLS:-  an idle person is likely to do something evil
  • JOT OR TITTLE:- a very small amount
  • JUMP THE GUN:- to begin something too early without even thinking
  • JACK UP:- raise prices
  • JACK OF ALL TRADES:- a person who is multitasking or can do multiple tasks.
  • THE JITTERS:- anxiety, nervousness
  • JAILBIRD:- a hardened animal
  • JAUNDICED EYE:- to have prejudice or jealousy
  • KICK THE BUCKET:- die
  • KEEP ONE’S SHIRT ON:- be patient, wait
  • KNOCK IT OFF:-  stop
  • KILL TWO BIRD WITH ONE STONE:-  when a person accomplishes two things at the same time
  • KNOCK SOMEONE’S SOCKS OFF:- when a person impresses somebody
  • KEEP YOUR NOSE CLEAN:-  to avoid trouble by not doing anything wrong
  • KEEP AN EYE ON:- to be watching carefully
  • KEEP BODY AND SOUL TOGETHER:-  manage to stay alive with very little money
  • KID AROUND:- fool, play, joke
  • KEEP SOMETHING UNDER YOUR HAT:- keep something a secret
  • KEEP TABS ON:- watch, check
  • KEEP SOMETHING AT BAY:- keep something away
  • KNOCKED ME FOR A LOOP:- surprise
  • LEARN THE ROPES:- acquire special knowledge of a job
  • LEAVE A BAD TASTE IN ONE’S MOUTH:- make a bad impression or make or feel disgusted
  • LET THE BYGONES BE BYGONES:-  forgetting all the disputes and fights that took place between us or remove all the grudges.
  • LIKE TAKING CANDY FROM A BABY:- something which is very easy to do
  • LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG:- reveal a secret
  • LOWER THE BOOM:- punishing someone strictly
  • LEARN TO WALK BEFORE YOU RUN:- to take small steps initially
  • LEND ME YOUR EAR:- ask for someone’s full attention
  • LOVE TO DEATH:- love someone  very much
  • LET YOUR HEART RULE YOUR HEAD:-  taking decisions logically rather than emotionally.
  • LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED:- try your level best to accomplish something
  • MIND YOUR OWN BEESWAX:- not interfering into someone else matter
  • MILES TO GO BEFORE I SLEEP:- you have a lot of things to do before you can take rest
  • MEMORY LIKE A SIEVE:- when you can’t memorize anything and when your memory power is too weak
  • MISS THE BOAT:- lose an opportunity
  • MAKE A HIT:- be successful
  • MAKE A DENT IN:- make progress
  • MAKE A BUNDLE:- earning and making a lot of money
  • MISS A TRICK:- take advantage of every situation
  • MONKEY BUSINESS:- silly acts
  • MAKE ENDS MEET:- balance one’s budget, meet one’s payments
  • NO DICE:- no, certainly not
  • NITWIT:- a person who messes up everything, idiot
  • NEXT OF KIN:- close relatives
  • NO SPARK OF DECENCY:- no manners
  • NOT THE SHARPEST TOOL IN THE SHED:- someone who is not very clear according to others
  • NEW KID ON THE BLOCK:-  a new arrival in a place, group or organization
  • NOOK AND CORNER:- every part of the place
  • NO BED OR ROSES:- to be in a very uncomfortable situation
  • NOBODY’S FOOL:- smart and competent person
  • NO SPRING CHICKEN:- when a person is no longer a young
  • NOT SO HOT:- not very good
  • NUTS ABOUT:- in love with, enthusiastic about
  • OVER THE MOON:- to be ecstatic and extremely happy
  • ON A CLOUD NINE:- to be very happy and thrilled
  • ON THE BALL:- when a person understands the situation very well
  • ONCE IN A BLUE MOON:- when something is done not very often(rarely)
  • ON THE TIP OF MY TONGUE:- when you know something like a name or word but cannot say because you don’t remember it at a particular moment
  • OPEN THE CAN OF WORMS:- creating a situation of trouble for self and others as well.
  • OUT OF THE BLUE:- unexpectedly, by surprise, from nowhere
  • OFF THE RECORD:- something that should be kept private and not known publicly
  • OUT OF THE WOODS:- when everything is clear and not in danger anymore.
  • ON EASY STREET:- when a person is living a simple, pleasant and secure life.
  • OFF COLOR:- dirty, unpleasant, rude
  • OUT OF ACTION:- when something is not functioning and cannot be used
  • PAT ON THE BACK:- when someone is commended for doing a job very well or giving an appreciation to someone
  • PASS THE BUCK:- passing the responsibilities to others
  • PAY THROUGH THE NOSE:- when a person has to pay too much to buy something.
  • PIECE OF CAKE:- when something is very easy to do
  • PICK UP THE TAB:- paying the bills and check
  • PAIN IN THE NECK:- it is used to describe the person who is annoying
  • PAINT THE TOWN RED:- to have a lot of fun or to celebrate
  • PIG IN A POKE:- when a person buys something without examining it properly.
  • PLAY BY  EAR:- make your decisions in different situations accordingly
  • PUT IN ONE’S TWO CENTS:- give one’s opinion
  • RUN AROUND IN CIRCLES:- seem to be confused or doing a lot but accomplish little
  • RUN RAGGED:- when a person is wrecked or exhausted
  • RAKE IT IN:- making a lot of money
  • RAGS TO RICHES:- when a poor person becomes very wealthy
  • RAINING CATS AND DOGS:- when it rains heavily
  • ROUND THE CLOCK:- when a person does something continuously for a long time without taking a break
  • RUNDOWN:- when something is in a very bad condition
  • SELL LIKE HOTCAKES:- when something is sold quickly or fast
  • SLIP OF THE TONGUE:- a mistake in speech or writing
  • SCATTER AROUND:- put things in different places carelessly
  • SPIC AND SPAN:- very neat and clean
  • STEAL SOMEONE’S THUNDER:- when a person takes credit for something that others did
  • SIT ON THE FENCE:- when a person does not want to make decisions or choice
  • STRIKE THE IRON WHEN IT IS HOT:- to grab an opportunity at the right time or to take advantage of that opportunity
  • SWEAT BULLETS:- to be very nervous
  • SKATING ON THIN ICE:- to do something very dangerous
  • SILENCE IS GOLDEN:- it is better to not say anything at all
  • SOFTEN THE BLOW:- to make a bad situation less serious
  • SPILL THE BEANS:- to reveal the secret
  • SPITTING IMAGE:- looks exactly as someone else
  • SADDER
  • THROW UNDER THE BUS:- to deceive or betray someone for self benefits
  • TAKE A CRACK AT:- try or attempt something
  • THROW IN THE TOWEL:- to surrender, to give up
  • TIGHT SQUEEZE:- when someone does not have money or going through a financial crisis
  • THE LION’S DEN:- a place where a person feels uncomfortable
  • TO BELL THE CAT:- to take risks
  • TEARJERKER:- story that makes you cry
  • TAKE A BULL BY THE HORNS:- to take a strong action or an action which needs to be taken immediately
  • TAKE SOMETHING TO HEART:- not to take something seriously
  • TICKLED PINK:- to be extremely happy or ecstatic
  • TO HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD:- to say the exact right thing.
  • TO BREAK THE ICE:- to begin the conversation
  • TO COIN MONEY:- make money rapidly
  • TASTE OF YOUR OWN MEDICINE:- taking revenge from someone who mistreated you.
  • UNDER THE WEATHER:- feeling sick or not well
  • UNDER THE GUN:- under the pressure
  • UNDER THE TABLE:- illegal money transaction, such as paying a bribe
  • UNDER THE THUMB OF:- under the control of
  • UPSET THE APPLECART:- to ruin or spoil a plan or idea
  • USE ONE’S NOODLE:- think
  • UP TO SOMEONE:- someone’s choice
  • UP FOR GRABS:- when a person is available for everyone
  • VIM AND VIGOR:- full of energy and enthusiasm
  • VIPER IN BOSOM:- when a person betrays you after getting help from you.
  • VANISH INTO THE AIR:- to disappear suddenly
  • X- RATED:- something which is not suitable for children
  • WEAR THE PANTS:- be the head of the family who makes all the decisions.
  • WET BLANKET:- a party pooper or a person who spoils the atmosphere by discouraging everyone from having fun
  • WHITE AS A GHOST:- to get shocked or surprised due to fear, illness
  • WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN:- at the worst times or difficult times
  • WET BEHIND THE EARS:- the person who does not have an experience
  • WITH FLYING COLOURS:-  with great or total success
  • WITH A FINE TOOTHED COMB:-  very carefully
  • WHERE THERE IS A WILL THERE IS A WAY:-  will power can beat any kind of difficulties
  • WEAR HEART ON SLEEVE:- displaying emotions openly
  • WHOLE NINE YARDS:- everything that is possible, all of something
  • YOUR CALL:- to leave a decision on somebody else
  • YOUR GUESS IS AS GOOD AS MINE:- when a person does not know the answer
  • YOU ARE IN A DEEP WATER:- when a person is in a very difficult situation or in trouble
  • ZIP IT:- to ask someone to shut up
  • ZIP YOUR LIP:- to stop talking
  • ZONK OUT:- to fall asleep promptly
IDIOMS Read More