Idioms are a colorful and essential part of everyday English. Native speakers use them all the time, often without even realizing it. If you're learning English, understanding these expressions can be the key to unlocking natural conversations and sounding more fluent.
In this lesson, we’ll explore 10 common idioms and expressions you’ll hear every day, complete with easy explanations, real-life examples, and memory tips to help you remember them.
🔑 Why Learn Idioms?
Idioms don’t always make sense when taken literally. That’s what makes them tricky—but also fun! When you master idioms:
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You understand conversations more easily.
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You speak more naturally and confidently.
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You connect better with native speakers.
Let’s get started!
🗣️ 1. "Break the ice"
Meaning: To start a conversation in a social setting, especially when people feel shy or awkward.
Example:
At the party, John told a funny story to break the ice.
Memory Tip:
Imagine someone literally breaking the ice on a frozen lake to start swimming — that’s like starting a conversation to “get things going.”
🗣️ 2. "A piece of cake"
Meaning: Something very easy to do.
Example:
The test was a piece of cake. I finished it in 10 minutes!
Memory Tip:
Think of eating cake—it’s usually easy and enjoyable. That’s how this idiom helps you describe simple tasks.
🗣️ 3. "Hit the books"
Meaning: To start studying seriously.
Example:
I have a big exam tomorrow, so I need to hit the books tonight.
Memory Tip:
Picture someone physically hitting their books to get knowledge fast—it sounds intense but means serious studying.
🗣️ 4. "Let the cat out of the bag"
Meaning: To reveal a secret by accident.
Example:
She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
Memory Tip:
Imagine someone accidentally opening a bag and a cat jumps out. Oops—the secret's out!
🗣️ 5. "Under the weather"
Meaning: Feeling sick or unwell.
Example:
I’m feeling a bit under the weather, so I’ll stay home today.
Memory Tip:
Think of rainy, gloomy weather. That’s how you feel when you're sick—down and tired.
🗣️ 6. "Spill the beans"
Meaning: To reveal a secret or some important information.
Example:
Come on, spill the beans! What did he say?
Memory Tip:
Imagine knocking over a can of beans—once they’re out, you can’t hide them again!
🗣️ 7. "Cost an arm and a leg"
Meaning: Very expensive.
Example:
That car costs an arm and a leg! I can’t afford it.
Memory Tip:
If you had to give up an arm and a leg for something, it would be a high price to pay—just like this idiom suggests.
🗣️ 8. "The ball is in your court"
Meaning: It’s your turn to make a decision or take action.
Example:
I’ve done my part. Now the ball is in your court.
Memory Tip:
Think of tennis. When the ball is in your court, it’s your move!
🗣️ 9. "Burn the midnight oil"
Meaning: To work or study late at night.
Example:
She’s been burning the midnight oil to finish her project.
Memory Tip:
Before electric lights, people used oil lamps at night—so working late meant burning more oil.
🗣️ 10. "Pull someone’s leg"
Meaning: To joke or tease someone in a playful way.
Example:
Don’t believe him—he’s just pulling your leg!
Memory Tip:
Imagine someone lightly tugging your leg to play a trick on you. It’s harmless fun.
📚 How to Remember Idioms Long Term
Here are some proven techniques to help you remember these idioms for life:
🔁 1. Use spaced repetition
Review idioms every few days. Use flashcards (digital or paper) with the idiom on one side and meaning + example on the other.
🎭 2. Act it out
Dramatize the idiom. Pretend to "hit the books" or "spill the beans" physically—this adds emotion and memory power.
✍️ 3. Create personal sentences
Make your own example sentences using your life. E.g., “I had to burn the midnight oil to finish my English blog post.”
🗣️ 4. Speak them out loud
Use the idioms in conversation. Try them when chatting with friends, tutors, or in language exchanges.
🎧 5. Listen for them in media
Watch TV shows, movies, and YouTube videos in English. You’ll start noticing these idioms being used naturally.
📝 Mini Practice Quiz
Test yourself! Match the idiom to its meaning:
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Break the ice
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A piece of cake
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Under the weather
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Spill the beans
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Burn the midnight oil
a. Work late into the night
b. Reveal a secret
c. Make people feel comfortable
d. Easy task
e. Feeling sick
✅ Answers: 1→c, 2→d, 3→e, 4→b, 5→a
🎯 Final Tip
Learning idioms is like learning little stories. Each one has a picture and a feeling behind it. Practice a few each day, and soon, you’ll speak like a native—with style and fluency!
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