English Idioms
Idioms
Idioms or idiomatic expressions are very common both in speech and writing of native English speakers. An idiom, a group of words, is never taken for its literal meaning. Rather it conveys a unique metaphorical meaning. E.g keep the wolf from the door is an idiom which means to manage to survive critical food shortage. To get into hot water simply means to get in trouble. Idioms are embedded in its language culture, and one needs to use his common sense rather than the grammar knowledge to understand them. Idioms are countless; you may find an idiom for almost everything. There are idioms derived from fruits, food, animals. A bone of contention, apple of one’s eyes, cats and dogs’ life, etc. Some idioms are more common and popular than the rest.
Common Idioms- Meaning and Uses
Used when someone is trying to avoid the difficult part of the conversation
Example: Don’t beat around the bush; come to the point.
Used to describe a tight financial situation
Example: He has a large family and very low income; It is becoming difficult to make both ends meet.
Used to describe a completely accurate answer, statement, etc.
Example: His counter argument really hit the nail on the head as it left his opponent speechless.
Used to describe something very easy
Example: He has gone to a grammar school so writing a composition is a piece of cake for him.
Used when one person agrees with another
Example: He and his wife rarely see eye to eye on politics.
Used for someone who is feeling ill
Example: He was under the weather and couldn’t go to work.
Used when someone is forced to do something
Example: He always twists my arm to help him with his assignment.
Used to describe an ideal situation
Example: I live close to where I work, and my children go to the school in the same block. I have best of both worlds.
Used to describe enmity between two persons
Example: Once best friends, they are now at daggers drawn.
Used to describe a rule (s) that is specific and clear
Example: There are no hard and fast rules to start online business.
Used to describe dedication
Example: He put his heart and soul in his work to succeed.
Used to describe unfruitful pursuits or efforts
Example: He efforts to become a famous tick tock star proved a wild goose chase.
Used to describe avoiding a dangerous situation
Example: He had a narrow escape from a road accident when his car skidded on the wet road and hit the fence; luckily there was no vehicle behind him.
Used to describe a time serving and selfish friend
Example: Never trust a fair-weather friend.
Used to describe a luxurious phenomenon
Example: Life is but a bed of roses; everyone has his own share of pain and misery.
Used to describe an uncomfortable situation
Example: Born and raised in a small town, he felt as a fish out of water when he moved to America.
Used to describe pointless talk
Example: Do not beat about the bush about your involvement in this fraud; come to the point.
Used to describe two equally difficult/unpleasant situations.
Example: He doesn’t like his present job; he doesn’t want to join his father’s business either. He is between the devil and the deep sea.
Used to describe difference between the perception and reality
Example: This mutton dish is a far cry form what we had imagined.
Used to describe a situation when the cost of something exceeds its uses or benefits
Example: Keeping this old car is like having a white elephant; if he takes bus, it will cost him half of what he spends on the car.
Used to describe a disloyal and dishonest person
Example: The company found out and fired the black sheep who was involved in selling the company’s classified information.
Used to describe enmity
Example: The bad blood between the two rival families has caused many tragedies.
Used to describe an ariel view of a place
Example: Margalla Hills offer a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Islamabad.
Used to describe an irregular and impulsive manner of work
Example: The construction proceeded by fits and starts, and it longer than planned.
Used to describe a sudden and shocking information
Example: The channel broke the news of the celebrity couple’s divorce.
Used to describe someone’s possessions and belongings
Example: His landlord threw him out bag and baggage.
Used to describe a brawl or fight
Example: After an exchange of hot words, the angry passengers came to blows.
Used to describe a new beginning
Example: After failing the exam, he promised to turn over a new leaf and study harder.
Used to describe someone very favorite and desirable
Example: Being the only son, he is an apple of his parents’ eye.
Used to describe a difficult time.
You should save some money for a rainy day.
Rebum labore lorem dolores kasd est, et ipsum amet et at kasd, ipsum sea tempor magna tempor. Accu kasd sed ea duo ipsum. Dolor duo eirmod sea justo no lorem est diam
Copyright © HELPINGENGLISH.COM. All Rights Reserved. Made with by Mujtaba