Have you ever heard native English speakers use phrases that don't seem to make literal sense? Chances are, you've encountered idioms! Idioms are expressions where the meaning isn't deducible from the individual words. They are colourful, creative, and a crucial part of sounding natural and fluent in English.

Understanding and using common idioms correctly can significantly improve your comprehension of conversations, movies, and books, and make your own speech more engaging. Let's explore 20 essential idioms to add to your English toolkit!

Everyday Idioms

1. Bite the bullet

To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and stoicism.

I didn't want to work late, but I had to bite the bullet and finish the project.

2. Break a leg

A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.

"I have my driving test tomorrow!" "Oh, break a leg!"

3. Piece of cake

Something that is very easy to do.

Don't worry about the quiz; it was a piece of cake.

4. Hit the nail on the head

To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem; to be exactly right.

You hit the nail on the head when you said the issue was communication.

5. Let the cat out of the bag

To accidentally reveal a secret.

He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.

6. Kill two birds with one stone

To achieve two aims with a single action.

I can drop off the package on my way to the supermarket – kill two birds with one stone.

7. Cost an arm and a leg

To be very expensive.

Getting the car repaired cost an arm and a leg.

8. The ball is in your court

It is now someone else's turn to make a decision or take the next step.

I've given them my proposal; now the ball is in their court.

9. Once in a blue moon

Something that happens very rarely.

We only go out for fancy dinners once in a blue moon.

10. Speak of the devil

Said when a person appears just after being mentioned.

Well, speak of the devil! We were just talking about you, Sarah.

Idioms About Feelings & Situations

11. Feeling under the weather

Feeling slightly ill or unwell.

I'm not going to work today; I'm feeling a bit under the weather.

12. Get something off your chest

To talk about something that has been worrying you or making you feel guilty, in order to feel relieved.

I need to get something off my chest – I broke your favourite mug.

13. On the same page

To be in agreement or have the same understanding about something.

Before we start the project, let's make sure we're all on the same page.

14. See eye to eye

To agree with someone.

My brother and I don't always see eye to eye on politics.

15. Jump on the bandwagon

To join an activity or opinion that has become popular or fashionable.

Everyone started investing in that new tech stock, so I decided to jump on the bandwagon too.

16. Best of both worlds

A situation where you can enjoy the advantages of two very different things at the same time.

Working from home gives me the best of both worlds: flexibility and no commute.

17. Cut corners

To do something in the easiest, cheapest, or fastest way, often by omitting steps or sacrificing quality.

The company went bankrupt because they were always cutting corners on safety.

18. Get out of hand

To become difficult to control.

The party started calmly, but things quickly got out of hand.

19. Go back to the drawing board

To start planning something again because the first plan failed.

Our proposal was rejected, so we have to go back to the drawing board.

20. Wrap your head around something

To understand something complicated or challenging.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around these new regulations.

Start Using Them!

Learning idioms is one thing; using them confidently is another. Start small! Try to incorporate one or two of these idioms into your conversations this week. Listen for them when watching English movies or TV shows. The more you expose yourself to idioms in context, the more natural they will become.

Mastering idioms and other nuances of English takes practice and guidance. Enhance your conversational skills with Sprachlingua's online English courses.