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My first few months teaching ESL, I quickly noticed a gap in my textbooks: there were no casual phrases that my students actually heard native speakers use. They knew “How are you?” but not “What’s up?” or “I’m drowning in work.” They could parse formal idioms but stumbled when a friend said something “hit the nail on the head.” You’ll covers 35+ informal English phrases that native speakers use in everyday conversation — the phrases your friends would use, not your textbook.
These expressions range from playful exaggerations (“make a mountain out of a molehill”) to sharp observations (“dog eat dog world”), from physical idioms (“bend over backward”) to clever animal-based phrases (“raining cats and dogs”). Each comes with a clear meaning, a full-sentence example, and context so you’ll know when and how to use them naturally. Master these, and you’ll sound far more like a native speaker in casual conversation.
Key Takeaways
- Informal phrases are picture-based — most use animals, body parts, or household objects as mental anchors.
- Context is crucial — “raining cats and dogs” isn’t literal; “fish out of water” describes emotional discomfort, not swimming.
- These phrases sound natural in casual speech — use them with friends and colleagues, but not in formal presentations.
- Native speakers exaggerate — “I’m drowning in work” doesn’t mean you’re literally drowning; it’s emphasis.
- Master animal and body-part idioms first — they appear most frequently in everyday English.
Animal-Based Informal Phrases (Most Common)
English speakers love animal metaphors in casual speech. They’re vivid, memorable, and universally understood.
Rain Cats and Dogs
verb phrase — rain very heavily; pour down with extreme intensity.
Example 1: “The weather forecast says it’s going to rain cats and dogs this weekend, so we should cancel the picnic.”
Example 2: “I got completely soaked on my way to work — it was raining cats and dogs.”
Literal vs. figurative: Obviously, cats and dogs don’t literally fall from the sky. This hyperbolic phrase emphasises the extreme intensity of rainfall in a memorable, playful way.
Cat Got Your Tongue?
phrase — used to ask someone why they are not talking or responding.
Literal origin: An old saying suggesting something has stopped you from speaking, as if an animal has literally silenced you.
Example 1: “Why did you come home so late without telling me? Answer me! Cat got your tongue?”
Example 2: “Usually you’re very talkative, but today you’re quiet. Cat got your tongue?”
Can’t Hold a Candle To
verb phrase — if something or someone cannot hold a candle to something else, they are not as good as the other thing or person.
Literal origin: Historically, an apprentice holding a candle for a master craftsman was the lowest-status job. The phrase evolved to mean “not good enough to do even this basic task.”
Example 1: “You can’t hold a candle to me when it comes to playing the piano.”
Example 2: “This restaurant’s pizza can’t hold a candle to the one near my house.”
Let the Cat Out of the Bag
verb phrase — tell someone a secret, especially without intending to; reveal confidential information.
Literal origin: Medieval market traders would substitute a cat for a piglet to cheat buyers. Revealing the deception “let the cat out of the bag.”
Example 1: “I’m sorry. Jim knows about last week’s party. I’m afraid I let the cat out of the bag.”
Example 2: “Don’t tell anyone — I don’t want you to let the cat out of the bag before the surprise party.”
People in Glass Houses Shouldn’t Throw Stones
phrase — don’t criticise someone for something you’re also guilty of; avoid hypocrisy.
Literal origin: If your own house is made of glass, throwing stones is self-defeating; you’ll break your own windows.
Example 1: “She always criticises her friends for being late, but she’s constantly tardy herself. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”
Example 2: “Before you judge his mistakes, remember people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones — you’ve made plenty yourself.”
Like a Bull in a China Shop
adjective — if you are like a bull in a china shop, you keep knocking things over or breaking things because you’re clumsy or careless.
Literal origin: A bull’s size and strength in a delicate shop full of breakable porcelain — obviously destructive.
Example 1: “Each time you enter the room, you knock something down. You’re really like a bull in a china shop.”
Example 2: “My brother is like a bull in a china shop — he breaks everything he touches.”
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
phrase — deliberately avoid mentioning a subject that could cause trouble or argument; don’t stir up old conflicts.
Literal origin: A sleeping dog, if left undisturbed, won’t bark or bite. Waking it invites danger.
Example 1: “I know you’re upset about what happened, but I think we should let sleeping dogs lie.”
Example 2: “The best plan is just to let sleeping dogs lie and move forward.”
A Horse of a Different Colour
noun phrase — something that is completely different from another thing; a distinct matter altogether.
Literal origin: Horses of different colours are visually distinct — the phrase uses this to mean “clearly different.”
Example 1: “I was talking about trees, not bushes. Bushes are a horse of a different colour.”
Example 2: “Losing your job is one thing, but losing your home — that’s a horse of a different colour.”
Like a Fish Out of Water
adjective — feel uncomfortable because you feel you do not belong in a place or situation; feel out of place.
Literal origin: A fish removed from water cannot breathe or function; its fundamental environment has been removed.
Example 1: “I felt like a fish out of water in my new school — I didn’t know anyone and everything was different.”
Example 2: “At the fancy dinner, I felt like a fish out of water with all the formal etiquette.”
Dog Eat Dog
adjective phrase — a situation where people compete against each other fiercely and will do anything to get what they want; ruthless competition.
Literal origin: A vivid image of dogs fighting each other; used to describe human cutthroat competition.
Example 1: “The business world is dog eat dog — everyone’s trying to get ahead at any cost.”
Example 2: “It’s a dog eat dog world out there, so you have to be prepared.”
As Like as Two Peas in a Pod
adjective — exactly the same in appearance, behaviour, or character.
Literal origin: Two peas in a pod look identical to the naked eye; you cannot distinguish one from the other.
Example 1: “The two sisters are as like as two peas in a pod — I can never tell them apart.”
Example 2: “These twins are as alike as two peas in a pod. They even finish each other’s sentences.”
Phrases Involving Body Parts and Physical Actions
Hit the Nail on the Head
verb phrase — say something that is exactly right or accurate; make a perfect observation.
Literal origin: In carpentry, hitting a nail directly on its head (rather than its shaft) is the correct, efficient way to drive it.
Example 1: “A: I guess we need a lot of money to carry out the plan. B: You’ve hit the nail on the head.”
Example 2: “The review hit the nail on the head — it perfectly described the film’s main weakness.”
Bend Over Backward
verb phrase — try as hard as possible to help or please someone; go to great lengths.
Literal origin: Bending backward is unnatural and difficult; using it as a metaphor emphasises extreme effort.
Example 1: “My parents bent over backward to help me pass all my exams.”
Example 2: “The teacher bent over backward to accommodate the student’s learning disability.”
Keep Your Shirt On
verb phrase — used to tell someone who is becoming angry that they should stay calm and patient.
Literal origin: In old times, removing one’s shirt was a sign of aggression or preparation for a fight.
Example 1: “Keep your shirt on! You’re next in line — you won’t have to wait much longer.”
Example 2: “I know you’re frustrated, but keep your shirt on. Let’s talk about this calmly.”
Save Somebody’s Neck
verb phrase — help someone to escape from an extremely difficult or dangerous situation; rescue someone.
Literal origin: Historically, “losing your neck” meant being executed; saving it meant saving your life.
Example 1: “Thanks for not letting the boss fire me. You saved my neck in time.”
Example 2: “She saved my neck by covering my shift when I got sick.”
Shake a Leg
verb phrase — used to tell someone to hurry, or quickly start doing something.
Literal origin: A vigorous leg-shaking motion conveys urgency and quick movement.
Example 1: “It’s getting late. Come on! Shake a leg, or we’ll miss the train.”
Example 2: “We need to shake a leg if we’re going to make it to the meeting on time.”
Drag Your Feet/Heels
verb phrase — take too much time to do something because you do not want to do it; procrastinate or delay deliberately.
Literal origin: Dragging your feet means moving slowly and reluctantly, resisting forward motion.
Example 1: “If you keep dragging your feet, you’ll miss the train.”
Example 2: “The government has been dragging its heels on climate policy for years.”
Keep Your Ear to the Ground
verb phrase — make sure you always know what is happening in a situation; stay informed.
Literal origin: Placing your ear to the ground allows you to hear vibrations and footsteps approaching — awareness and early warning.
Example 1: “I haven’t heard any more news, but I’ll keep my ear to the ground.”
Example 2: “In business, you need to keep your ear to the ground to stay ahead of competition.”
Can’t Make Head or Tail of Something
verb phrase — be completely unable to understand something; find something confusing or incomprehensible.
Literal origin: Head and tail are opposite ends; if you can’t identify either, you’re completely disoriented.
Example 1: “I can’t make head or tail of what you’re saying. Why don’t you speak more clearly?”
Example 2: “The instruction manual is so poorly written that I can’t make head or tail of it.”
On Its Last Legs
adjective — old or in bad condition, and likely to stop working soon; near the end of life or usefulness.
Literal origin: An animal or person struggling on their last legs is about to collapse — the phrase extends to objects.
Example 1: “My car is on its last legs. I have to get rid of it as soon as I can.”
Example 2: “This relationship is on its last legs — I don’t think we can fix it.”
Not Have a Leg to Stand On
verb phrase — be in a situation where you cannot prove or legally support what you say; lack evidence or justification.
Literal origin: Without legs (support), you cannot stand; metaphorically, without evidence, you cannot support your argument.
Example 1: “If you didn’t sign a contract, you won’t have a leg to stand on in court.”
Example 2: “He made accusations, but he didn’t have a leg to stand on — he had no proof.”
Be/Get Carried Away
verb phrase — be so excited, angry, or interested that you are no longer in control of what you do or say, or you forget everything else.
Literal origin: Being “carried away” by emotion means emotion has taken control, carrying you beyond your intended limits.
Example 1: “Calm down! Don’t get carried away. We have to sit down and talk sense.”
Example 2: “I got carried away at the party and stayed until 3 a.m. — I was having too much fun.”
Practical and Situational Phrases
Out of the Blue
adverbial phrase — if something happens out of the blue, it is very unexpected and surprising.
Literal origin: A clear blue sky with no clouds; something appearing “out of the blue” is unexpected as a sudden storm.
Example 1: “Do you remember Jane? Well, she phoned me yesterday, completely out of the blue.”
Example 2: “I wasn’t expecting a promotion, so when my boss called me in, it came out of the blue.”
Go Into a Nosedive
verb phrase — experience a sudden and dramatic fall or decline in value, condition, or quality.
Literal origin: An aircraft going into a nosedive is descending rapidly and steeply — used metaphorically for any sharp decline.
Example 1: “The economy went into a nosedive during the financial crisis.”
Example 2: “His grades went into a nosedive after he stopped studying.”
Leave Somebody High and Dry
verb phrase — if someone is left high and dry, they are left without any help or without the things they need in a difficult situation.
Literal origin: A ship left “high and dry” is stranded on shore, unable to sail; people in that situation are helpless.
Example 1: “She promised to help me with the dishes after the party, but she left me high and dry.”
Example 2: “When the project deadline came, my team left me high and dry.”
Speak of the Devil
exclamation — used when someone you have just been talking about walks into the room where you are.
Literal origin: A superstition that speaking of the devil might summon him; when the person appears, “speak of the devil!”
Example 1: “Speak of the devil! We just mentioned your name before you stepped in.”
Example 2: “Speak of the devil — I was just thinking about you and you texted me.”
Get Out of Bed on the Wrong Side
verb phrase — feel slightly angry or annoyed for no particular reason; wake up in a bad mood.
Literal origin: An old superstition that getting out of bed on the left (wrong) side brings bad luck and mood.
Example 1: “Why are you so grouchy today? Did you get out of bed on the wrong side?”
Example 2: “I must have gotten out of bed on the wrong side — I’ve been irritable all day.”
Pass the Hat Around
verb phrase — collect money from a group of people, especially in order to buy someone a present or help someone in need.
Literal origin: A hat passed from person to person collecting coins or contributions.
Example 1: “No matter how hard he tries, he won’t be able to pay his debts. I guess we’ll have to pass the hat around for him.”
Example 2: “We’re passing the hat around to collect money for a wedding gift for Sarah.”
Make a Mountain Out of a Molehill
verb phrase — treat a problem as if it was very serious when in fact it is not; exaggerate the importance of something minor.
Literal origin: A molehill is tiny; magnifying it into a mountain is obviously ridiculous exaggeration.
Example 1: “She was only five minutes late! You’re making a mountain out of a molehill.”
Example 2: “Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill — it’s just a small mistake.”
Under the Table
adverbial phrase — money that is paid under the table is paid secretly and illegally, without official records.
Literal origin: Passing money under a table (out of sight) to hide the transaction.
Example 1: “They paid him under the table so he wouldn’t have to pay taxes.”
Example 2: “Some casual workers are paid under the table, which means they have no legal protection.”
Cock and Bull Story
noun phrase — a story or excuse that is silly and unlikely but is told as if it were true; an obvious lie.
Literal origin: The phrase combines two unlikely animals in a ridiculous scenario — obviously false.
Example 1: “That’s the most obvious cock and bull story I’ve ever heard — nobody believes you.”
Example 2: “He told a cock and bull story about why he was late, but nobody bought it.”
Throw the Book at Somebody
verb phrase — punish someone as severely as possible or charge them with as many offences as possible.
Literal origin: Throwing a heavy book (representing the law book or complete rulebook) at someone as punishment.
Example 1: “If you get caught, they’ll throw the book at you.”
Example 2: “The judge threw the book at him — the maximum sentence for every charge.”
Be Up to Your Ears in Work/Problems/Debt
verb phrase — have so much work, problems, or debt that you are overwhelmed.
Literal origin: Submerged in water up to your ears; metaphorically, submerged in problems.
Example 1: “I’m up to my ears in debt — I don’t know how I’ll ever pay it back.”
Example 2: “She’s up to her ears in work and can barely find time to sleep.”
The Coast is Clear
adjective phrase — if the coast is clear, it is safe for you to do something without being seen or caught.
Literal origin: Naval term: when the coast (shoreline) is clear of enemy ships, it’s safe to proceed.
Example 1: “Okay guys, you can come out of your hiding place now. The coast is clear.”
Example 2: “Is the coast clear? Can I go ahead with the surprise party?”
Snow Job
noun phrase — an act of making someone believe something that is not true; deception through smooth talk.
Literal origin: Snow obscures vision and clarity; a “snow job” clouds someone’s judgment with deceptive talk.
Example 1: “That car dealer did a snow job on me by selling me a car that was a piece of junk.”
Example 2: “Don’t fall for his snow job — he’s just trying to get your money.”
Pay Lip Service to Somebody/Something
verb phrase — say that you support or agree with something without doing anything to prove it; give insincere support.
Literal origin: Only your lips move (say the words), but your actions don’t follow — insincere commitment.
Example 1: “Don’t sit and pay lip service to human rights. Get busy and actually help.”
Example 2: “The company pays lip service to environmental concerns but continues to pollute.”
Common Mistakes with Informal Phrases
✗ Incorrect: “It was raining dogs and cats.” (word order changes meaning)
✓ Correct: “It was raining cats and dogs.” (the fixed phrase)
Why: Idioms have fixed word orders. Changing them makes the phrase unrecognisable or changes its meaning entirely. Always use the exact phrase.
✗ Incorrect: “You really bend over backwards to help me.” (verb form error)
✓ Correct: “You really bent over backward to help me.” (past tense usage)
Why: The phrase uses “backward” (adverb), not “backwards.” In past tense, it’s “bent over backward,” not “bent over backwards.” Be precise with the form.
✗ Incorrect: Using these phrases in formal writing (like essays or business reports)
✓ Correct: Use them in casual writing, dialogue, and spoken English only
Why: Informal phrases are, by definition, too casual for formal contexts. They’re perfect for fiction, casual emails, and conversation, but not for academic papers or professional reports.
✗ Incorrect: “I’m drowning in work” said when you have one project (overuse of hyperbole)
✓ Correct: Save hyperbolic phrases for when they actually fit the situation
Why: Overusing exaggerated idioms makes them lose impact and sound insincere. Reserve them for moments when they genuinely apply.
Sample Dialogue: Catching Up with a Friend
Maya: Hey! I haven’t seen you in ages. How have you been?
James: Good, but honestly, I’ve been up to my ears in work. My new job is intense.
Maya: That sounds rough. Are they treating you well at least?
James: Yeah, my boss bent over backward to help me learn the systems. The other day, out of the blue, she gave me a raise!
Maya: That’s amazing! You really hit the nail on the head with this job choice.
James: Thanks. And now I’m finally home and dry after the probation period. I can actually relax.
Maya: You deserve it. Let’s grab coffee next week to catch up properly!
Quick Quiz
- What does “raining cats and dogs” mean? (a) Actual animals falling (b) Very heavy rain (c) Animal shelter opening
- If you “can’t hold a candle to” someone, you are: (a) Better than them (b) Not as good as them (c) The same level as them
- “Out of the blue” means: (a) From the ocean (b) Unexpected and surprising (c) During a sad time
- If someone “left you high and dry,” they: (a) Went swimming (b) Left you without help (c) Gave you everything
- “Make a mountain out of a molehill” means: (a) Build a bigger hill (b) Exaggerate a small problem (c) Work on mountains
Answers: 1. (b) Very heavy rain · 2. (b) Not as good as them · 3. (b) Unexpected and surprising · 4. (b) Left you without help · 5. (b) Exaggerate a small problem
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- ↑ Back to pillar: English Idioms (Pillar)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these phrases used equally across all English-speaking countries?
Most are universal, but some vary. “Raining cats and dogs” is used everywhere. However, some phrases are more common in certain regions. British English speakers might say “throw a spanner in the works,” while Americans say “throw a wrench in the works.” Both mean the same thing, but the phrase differs slightly.
Can I use informal phrases in emails to my boss?
It depends on your workplace culture. In a casual, creative industry, an occasional informal phrase in an email is fine. In formal corporate environments, stick to standard English. When in doubt, use formal language — it’s always safer in professional contexts.
Why do native speakers use phrases when they could just say the meaning directly?
Phrases add colour, humour, and personality to speech. They also create shortcuts — “I’m drowning in work” conveys more emotion than “I’m very busy.” Phrases show you understand cultural nuances and make you sound more native-like and relatable.
What’s the best way to remember all these phrases?
Group them by theme (animals, body parts, emotions) and visualise each one. “Raining cats and dogs” — picture cats and dogs literally falling from the sky. “Like a fish out of water” — imagine a flopping fish on land. Visual associations stick far better than memorising lists.
Is it wrong to mix informal phrases with formal language?
Mixing registers can sound awkward. If you’re writing formally, keep your language formal. If you’re being casual, informal phrases feel natural. Sudden shifts in tone (formal sentence, then “you’re making a mountain out of a molehill”) feel jarring. Keep language consistent with your context.
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