English idioms are phrases that are commonly used in everyday conversation but can be difficult for non-native speakers to understand. They can add color and interest to language, but can also be a source of confusion if you are not familiar with them.
Below is the list of common English idioms and sayings (in everyday conversational English), that can help to speak English by learning English idiomatic expressions.
Common English Idioms
What is an idiom?
An idiom is a phrase or expression that cannot be understood by the literal meaning of its individual words, but instead takes on a figurative meaning. English idioms are a rich part of the language and can add color and expression to speech and writing. Some examples include “break a leg,” which is used to wish someone good luck before a performance, and “the ball is in your court,” which means that it is now someone else’s turn to take action.
List of Common English Idioms
Here is a list of the most common idioms:
- A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
- A dime a dozen
- A fish out of water
- A penny for your thoughts
- A picture is worth a thousand words
- A snake in the grass
- A taste of your own medicine
- Actions speak louder than words
- Add fuel to the fire
- Against the clock
- All ears
- All in the same boat
- All thumbs
- All washed up
- All work and no play
- An arm and a leg
- An axe to grind
- An elephant in the room
- An ounce of prevention
- Apple of my eye
- As easy as pie
- As the crow flies
- At the drop of a hat
- Babe in the woods
- Back against the wall
- Back to square one
- Barking up the wrong tree
- Beating around the bush
- Bend over backwards
- Bite off more than you can chew
- Bite the bullet
- Bite your tongue
- Blessing in disguise
- Blow off steam
- Blow your own horn
- Break a leg
- Bring home the bacon
- Burn the midnight oil
- Burn your bridges
- Butter someone up
- Button your lip
- Buy time
- Call it a day
- Call the shots
- Carry the ball
- Carry the day
- Catch some z’s
- Cat’s out of the bag
- Change of heart
- Charity begins at home
- Chewing the fat
- Chomping at the bit
- Clean bill of health
- Clear as mud
- Close, but no cigar
- Cold turkey
- Come hell or high water
- Crack of dawn
- Cry over spilt milk
- Cry your eyes out
- Cut to the chase
- Cutting corners
- Dark horse
- Dead ringer
- Devil’s advocate
- Die-hard
- Dime a dozen
- Dirty laundry
- Do a disappearing act
- Do or die
- Do the honors
- Dog-eat-dog
- Don’t count your chickens
- Don’t look a gift horse
English Idioms | Pictures
Conclusion
In conclusion, English idioms are an important and unique aspect of the language that can add depth and expression to communication. They can be difficult for non-native speakers to understand and use, but with practice and exposure, they can be mastered. Understanding idioms can also help to improve comprehension of spoken and written English. However, it’s worth noting that idioms can vary regionally and culturally, so it’s important to be familiar with the idioms used in the context where you are using the language.
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