English Idioms List! An English idiom is a phrase or a fixed expression that has a figurative, or sometimes literal, meaning. An idiom’s figurative meaning is different from the literal meaning. There are thousands of idioms, and they occur frequently in all languages. It is estimated that there are at least twenty-five thousand idiomatic expressions in the English language. Here’s a run down on some of the most common English Idioms used by native teenagers and young adults. It will help you understand your friends better in daily situations such as hanging out with your friends in a Bar.
Common English Idioms
English idioms are phrases or expressions that have a figurative meaning that is different from their literal meaning. They are a unique aspect of the English language and can be difficult for non-native speakers to understand. Idioms are often rooted in history or culture and can be used to express a range of emotions, from humor to sarcasm. They can also be used to add color and flair to conversation, making it more interesting and engaging.
Twist someone’s arm
- The idiom “twist someone’s arm” generally means to persuade someone to do something. If someone twisted your arm, it means that someone has done a great job of convincing you to do something you might not have wanted to do.
- Example: “They had to twist his arm, but they got him to join the project”.
Up in the air
- “(to be) up in the air” is and English Idiom meaning that something has not been resolved, finished or answered yet. It usually refers to a plan or a decision that has not been decided or being uncertain.
- Example: “I think I can do it quickly, but the exact schedule is still up in the air.”
Lose touch
- The idiom “(to) lose touch” means to cease to be familiar with someone or something (e.g. some certain skills or talent). This also refers to the lost in the ability to communicate or have contact with others. To make it simple, if you lose your touch, you lose your ability or skills you once had when working with things/situations, or dealing/communicating with people.
For example:
- “Suddenly, friends found me again that I had lost touch with years ago”
- “It looks like you’ve lost your touch with the girls in class”
Sit tight
- The saying “(to) sit tight” means to wait patiently or to remain quiet or relatively motionless. If somebody tells you to sit tight, they would like you to wait and take no action until they say otherwise.
- Example: “I’ll be back in a few minutes, so sit tight while I go find her”
Face the music
- The idiom “(to) face the music” means to accept or confront the unpleasant consequences of one’s actions. It is used as a verb – face the music.
- Example: “He failed the exam as he was so lazy. So he’s going to have to face the music”
On the ball
- The saying “(to be) on the ball” is typically used to reference someone that is alert, active, or attentive. A brief translation of this idiom would be “on top of things”. If you say someone is “on the ball”, you mean that he or she understands the situation well.
- Example: “If I had been more on the ball I would have asked when he called me”
Under the weather
- The saying “(to be)under the weather” is generally used to reference someone that is somewhat ill or gloomy. So “feeling a bit under the weather” simply means feeling slightly ill.
- Example: “I’m sorry, I feel a bit under the weather, I think I cannot join the party tonight.”
Other Common English Idioms | Image
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Djo Camus
Friday 27th of September 2019
That's really great.This is "the English language" I was looking for. Thanks a lot!
علاء الدين
Friday 21st of June 2019
شكرا جزيلا