Idioms are an essential part of any language, adding color and depth to everyday conversations. In American English, idioms are used frequently in both formal and informal settings. This comprehensive guide will explore 100 of the most common English idioms used in daily American English, complete with their meanings and example sentences. Whether you’re a native speaker looking to expand your vocabulary or an English language learner aiming to sound more natural, this list will help you master these expressive phrases.
100 Most Common English Idioms: Meanings and Examples
Table of Contents
1. Break a leg
Meaning: Good luck (often used in the entertainment industry)
Example: “You’re on in five minutes. Break a leg!”
2. Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem
Example: “When you said the project failed due to poor communication, you really hit the nail on the head.”
3. Piece of cake
Meaning: Something very easy to do
Example: “Don’t worry about the test. It’ll be a piece of cake for you.”
4. Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: To be extremely expensive
Example: “I’d love to buy that new smartphone, but it costs an arm and a leg.”
5. Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling ill or unwell
Example: “I’m feeling a bit under the weather today. I think I’ll stay home.”
6. Spill the beans
Meaning: To reveal a secret
Example: “Come on, spill the beans! What did he say about me?”
7. Pull someone’s leg
Meaning: To joke with someone, often by trying to make them believe something untrue
Example: “Don’t believe a word he says. He’s just pulling your leg.”
8. Bite off more than you can chew
Meaning: To take on more responsibility than you can handle
Example: “By agreeing to organize the entire conference by yourself, I think you’ve bitten off more than you can chew.”
9. Speak of the devil
Meaning: Said when someone appears just after being mentioned
Example: “We were just talking about you, and here you are. Speak of the devil!”
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10. It’s raining cats and dogs
Meaning: It’s raining very heavily
Example: “Don’t forget your umbrella. It’s raining cats and dogs out there.”
11. Cut corners
Meaning: To do something in the easiest, cheapest, or fastest way, often by ignoring rules or leaving out important details
Example: “The contractor cut corners on the building project, and now we’re facing serious structural issues.”
12. Beat around the bush
Meaning: To avoid talking about what’s important, usually because it is uncomfortable
Example: “Stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened to my car.”
13. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Very rarely
Example: “I only eat fast food once in a blue moon. It’s not good for my health.”
14. Get your act together
Meaning: To organize yourself, to stop being silly or inefficient
Example: “You need to get your act together if you want to pass this exam.”
15. Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To work late into the night
Example: “I’ve been burning the midnight oil all week to finish this report.”
16. Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To reveal a secret, often unintentionally
Example: “I didn’t mean to let the cat out of the bag about your surprise party.”
17. The ball is in your court
Meaning: It’s your turn to take action or make a decision
Example: “I’ve made my proposal. Now the ball is in your court.”
18. Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: To be mistaken or to be looking for something in the wrong place
Example: “If you think I’m the one who spread that rumor, you’re barking up the wrong tree.”
19. Sit tight
Meaning: To wait patiently
Example: “Just sit tight. The doctor will see you in a few minutes.”
20. Pull yourself together
Meaning: To calm down and behave normally, especially after a shock
Example: “I know you’re upset, but you need to pull yourself together before the meeting.”
21. Blow off steam
Meaning: To do or say something to help release strong emotions or energy
Example: “After a stressful day at work, I like to blow off steam by going for a run.”
22. Jump on the bandwagon
Meaning: To join an activity that has become very popular or fashionable
Example: “Everyone’s jumping on the bandwagon of plant-based diets these days.”
23. Catch someone red-handed
Meaning: To catch someone in the act of doing something wrong
Example: “The security guard caught the thief red-handed trying to break into the store.”
24. Go cold turkey
Meaning: To suddenly and completely stop doing something, especially an addictive habit
Example: “After years of smoking, he decided to go cold turkey and quit altogether.”
25. Hit the sack
Meaning: To go to bed
Example: “It’s getting late. I think I’ll hit the sack.”
26. Kick the bucket
Meaning: To die (often used humorously)
Example: “I want to travel the world before I kick the bucket.”
27. Break the ice
Meaning: To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation
Example: “To break the ice at the party, we played a fun introductory game.”
28. Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working on something
Example: “We’ve made good progress on the project. Let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.”
29. Bite the bullet
Meaning: To force yourself to do something unpleasant or difficult
Example: “I’ve been putting off going to the dentist, but I guess I’ll have to bite the bullet and make an appointment.”
30. Cut to the chase
Meaning: To get to the point without wasting time
Example: “I know you’re busy, so let me cut to the chase: we need your approval on this project ASAP.”
31. Face the music
Meaning: To accept the unpleasant consequences of one’s actions
Example: “You can’t avoid your boss forever. Sooner or later, you’ll have to face the music about missing the deadline.”
32. Get cold feet
Meaning: To become nervous about doing something, especially at the last minute
Example: “He was excited about skydiving, but when he saw how high up the plane was, he got cold feet.”
33. Give someone the cold shoulder
Meaning: To ignore someone or treat them in an unfriendly way
Example: “Ever since our argument, she’s been giving me the cold shoulder at work.”
34. Go down in flames
Meaning: To fail spectacularly
Example: “His political career went down in flames after the scandal was revealed.”
35. Hang in there
Meaning: To persevere through a difficult situation
Example: “I know studying for the bar exam is tough, but hang in there. It’ll be worth it in the end.”
36. Hit the books
Meaning: To study intensively
Example: “With finals coming up next week, I need to hit the books this weekend.”
37. Kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: To accomplish two tasks with a single action
Example: “By carpooling to work, we can save money on gas and reduce our carbon footprint. It’s killing two birds with one stone.”
38. Make a long story short
Meaning: To tell something in a concise way
Example: “To make a long story short, we missed our flight and had to stay an extra day.”
39. On the ball
Meaning: To be alert and efficient
Example: “Our new manager is really on the ball. She’s already implemented several improvements.”
40. Pull an all-nighter
Meaning: To stay up all night, usually to complete work or study
Example: “I had to pull an all-nighter to finish my essay before the deadline.”
41. Raise the bar
Meaning: To set a higher standard
Example: “The company’s innovative design has really raised the bar for the entire industry.”
42. Take a rain check
Meaning: To decline an offer or invitation, with the implication that you’d accept it at a later date
Example: “I’d love to go to dinner, but I’m not feeling well. Can I take a rain check?”
43. Throw in the towel
Meaning: To give up, to admit defeat
Example: “After trying for hours to fix the computer, he finally threw in the towel and called a technician.”
44. Under the gun
Meaning: Under pressure, especially due to a deadline
Example: “We’re really under the gun to get this report finished by Friday.”
45. When pigs fly
Meaning: Something that will never happen
Example: “He’ll apologize when pigs fly. He’s too stubborn.”
46. Your guess is as good as mine
Meaning: I don’t know the answer any more than you do
Example: “Where did I put my keys? Your guess is as good as mine.”
47. A dime a dozen
Meaning: Very common, not unique
Example: “In this city, coffee shops are a dime a dozen. You can find one on almost every corner.”
48. Back to the drawing board
Meaning: To start over after an unsuccessful attempt
Example: “Our first design was rejected by the client, so it’s back to the drawing board.”
49. Cut someone some slack
Meaning: To be less harsh or demanding with someone
Example: “He’s new to the job. Cut him some slack if he makes a few mistakes.”
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50. The elephant in the room
Meaning: An obvious problem or difficult situation that people do not want to talk about
Example: “We need to address the elephant in the room: our company’s declining sales figures.”
51. Add insult to injury
Meaning: To make a bad situation even worse
Example: “To add insult to injury, not only did I lose my job, but my car broke down on the way home.”
52. Bark up the wrong tree
Meaning: To pursue a mistaken or misguided line of thought or course of action
Example: “If you think I’m the one who spread that rumor, you’re barking up the wrong tree.”
53. Beat a dead horse
Meaning: To continue to pursue a course of action that has already been determined to be futile
Example: “We’ve already decided not to go through with the project. Discussing it further is just beating a dead horse.”
54. Bend over backwards
Meaning: To make every possible effort to achieve something
Example: “The customer service representative bent over backwards to resolve my issue.”
55. Better late than never
Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not at all
Example: “I finally finished my degree at 40. Better late than never!”
56. Bite the dust
Meaning: To die or fail
Example: “Our plans for a summer vacation bit the dust when we had unexpected expenses.”
57. Break the bank
Meaning: To be very expensive
Example: “Let’s go to a movie. It won’t break the bank.”
58. Burn bridges
Meaning: To damage a relationship beyond repair
Example: “Don’t burn bridges when you leave your job. You never know when you might need those connections.”
59. Can’t judge a book by its cover
Meaning: You shouldn’t prejudge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone
Example: “That restaurant doesn’t look like much from the outside, but remember, you can’t judge a book by its cover.”
60. Catch-22
Meaning: A dilemma or difficult situation from which there is no escape because of mutually conflicting conditions
Example: “It’s a catch-22: I can’t get a job without experience, but I can’t get experience without a job.”
61. Chip on your shoulder
Meaning: To seem angry all the time because you think you have been treated unfairly
Example: “Ever since he was passed over for promotion, he’s had a chip on his shoulder.”
62. Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: To complain about a loss or failure after it has occurred and can’t be changed
Example: “There’s no use crying over spilled milk. What’s done is done.”
63. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning: Don’t make plans based on future events that might not happen
Example: “I know you think you’ll get the job, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
64. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: Don’t risk everything on the success of one venture
Example: “It’s wise to diversify your investments. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
65. Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: There’s a positive aspect to every negative situation
Example: “I know you’re disappointed about not getting into your first-choice college, but remember, every cloud has a silver lining.”
66. Get a taste of your own medicine
Meaning: To be treated the same unpleasant way you’ve treated others
Example: “He’s always criticizing others, but now that he’s being criticized, he’s getting a taste of his own medicine.”
67. Get off on the wrong foot
Meaning: To start a relationship or situation badly
Example: “We got off on the wrong foot when I accidentally spilled coffee on her during our first meeting.”
68. Give the benefit of the doubt
Meaning: To believe someone’s statement without proof
Example: “I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he forgot our appointment rather than intentionally standing me up.”
69. Go back to the drawing board
Meaning: To start over
Example: “Our initial design was rejected, so we’ll have to go back to the drawing board.”
70. Go out on a limb
Meaning: To take a risk
Example: “I’m really going out on a limb by investing all my savings in this startup.”
71. Have a bone to pick
Meaning: To have a reason to disagree or be unhappy with someone
Example: “I have a bone to pick with you about the way you spoke to my sister.”
72. Hit the ground running
Meaning: To start a new activity with great energy and enthusiasm
Example: “The new CEO hit the ground running, implementing changes from day one.”
73. In hot water
Meaning: In trouble
Example: “He’s in hot water with his parents for staying out past curfew.”
74. It takes two to tango
Meaning: Both parties involved in a situation or argument are equally responsible
Example: “Don’t just blame your partner for the argument. It takes two to tango.”
75. Jump the gun
Meaning: To do something too soon, especially without thinking carefully about it
Example: “Don’t jump the gun by quitting your job before you have a new one lined up.”
76. Keep your chin up
Meaning: To remain cheerful in a difficult situation
Example: “I know the job search is tough, but keep your chin up. The right opportunity will come along.”
77. Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning: To avoid disturbing a situation as it is – even if it isn’t ideal
Example: “I wouldn’t bring up the old disagreement with your in-laws. Better to let sleeping dogs lie.”
78. Make a mountain out of a molehill
Meaning: To exaggerate the importance of a problem
Example: “It’s just a small mistake. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.”
79. Miss the boat
Meaning: To miss an opportunity
Example: “If you don’t submit your application today, you’ll miss the boat on this job opening.”
80. No pain, no gain
Meaning: You have to endure some discomfort to make progress or achieve something
Example: “I know the workout is tough, but no pain, no gain!”
81. On thin ice
Meaning: In a risky or dangerous situation
Example: “After showing up late to work three times this week, Jim is on thin ice with his boss.”
82. Out of the frying pan and into the fire
Meaning: Moving from a bad situation to an even worse one
Example: “He quit his stressful job only to end up at a company with even longer hours. Talk about out of the frying pan and into the fire!”
83. Piece of the pie
Meaning: A share of something, usually profits or resources
Example: “The new contract will give us a bigger piece of the pie in the tech industry.”
84. Put the cart before the horse
Meaning: To do things in the wrong order
Example: “You’re putting the cart before the horse by buying furniture before you’ve even found an apartment.”
85. Rome wasn’t built in a day
Meaning: Important work takes time to complete
Example: “Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
86. Scratch someone’s back
Meaning: To do a favor for someone in return for a favor from them
Example: “If you cover my shift this weekend, I’ll scratch your back by taking yours next month.”
87. See eye to eye
Meaning: To agree with someone
Example: “I’m glad we see eye to eye on this issue. It’ll make the project much easier.”
88. Steal someone’s thunder
Meaning: To take credit for someone else’s work or ideas
Example: “I can’t believe my colleague presented my proposal as his own. He completely stole my thunder!”
89. Take with a grain of salt
Meaning: To not completely believe something you are told
Example: “You should take his promises with a grain of salt. He doesn’t always follow through.”
90. The last straw
Meaning: The final problem in a series that causes one to finally lose patience
Example: “Being late to the meeting was the last straw. The boss finally fired him.”
91. The whole nine yards
Meaning: Everything, the whole lot
Example: “This deluxe package includes the whole nine yards – airfare, hotel, meals, and guided tours.”
92. Throw caution to the wind
Meaning: To act recklessly
Example: “He threw caution to the wind and invested all his savings in cryptocurrency.”
93. Turn a blind eye
Meaning: To ignore something and pretend you do not see it
Example: “The manager turned a blind eye to his employees’ occasional tardiness.”
94. Up in the air
Meaning: Uncertain or undecided
Example: “Our vacation plans are still up in the air. We haven’t decided on a destination yet.”
95. Water under the bridge
Meaning: Past events that are no longer important or worth worrying about
Example: “I know we argued last week, but that’s water under the bridge now. Let’s move forward.”
96. Wear many hats
Meaning: To have many different roles or responsibilities
Example: “In a small company, you often have to wear many hats and take on various responsibilities.”
97. When it rains, it pours
Meaning: When something bad happens, other bad things usually happen at the same time
Example: “First I lost my job, then my car broke down, and now I’m sick. When it rains, it pours!”
98. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink
Meaning: You can give someone an opportunity, but you can’t force them to take it
Example: “I’ve shown him how to improve his grades, but you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”
99. You can’t have your cake and eat it too
Meaning: You can’t have everything you want, especially when the things you want conflict with each other
Example: “You can’t have your cake and eat it too. If you want to save money, you’ll have to cut back on eating out.”
100. Your actions speak louder than words
Meaning: What you do is more important than what you say
Example: “He claims to be environmentally conscious, but he drives a gas-guzzling SUV. Your actions speak louder than words.”
Conclusion
Mastering these 100 common American English idioms will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively and naturally in both formal and informal settings. Remember, the key to using idioms successfully is understanding not just their meanings, but also the contexts in which they are appropriate. Practice using these phrases in your daily conversations, and soon you’ll find yourself sounding more like a native speaker.
Whether you’re looking to break the ice at a social gathering, avoid beating around the bush in a business meeting, or simply want to add some color to your everyday speech, these idioms will serve you well. So don’t be afraid to jump on the bandwagon and start incorporating these expressions into your vocabulary. Before you know it, using them will be a piece of cake!
By learning these idioms, you’re not just expanding your vocabulary; you’re gaining insight into American culture and ways of thinking. Many of these phrases have interesting origins and histories, reflecting the values, humor, and experiences of American society. So, dive in, have fun with these expressions, and watch your English skills soar to new heights!