Idioms are phrases that have a figurative instead of literal meaning. The change from the literal meaning of the words to a figurative is said to be idiomatic. One example is “hungry as a horse”. Tim ate two plates of food. He was as hungry as a horse. Of course it is hard to know how hungry a horse and Tim probably cannot eat as much as what a horse can eat. It is simply a figurative way of saying that he was very hungry.

Phrasal verbs are some of the most common types of idioms. Phrasal verbs take on a different meaning due to the combination of the words which take on an idiomatic meaning. One example is “Did John come down with a fever?” The words “come down with” means to become sick or ill. You have to be careful though to notice when you have a phrasal verb and a literal definition of the words. The example “Tim came down from the top of the tree” is a literal meaning of the words.

This is a list of the most common idioms and their definitions.

According to

Definition:	Example:
As said or stated by someone else.	According to our teacher, there will be no class next week.

All of a Sudden

Definition:	Example:
Without advanced warning. Happening quickly without knowing.	All of a sudden, it became cloudy and began to rain.

A Poker Face

Definition:	Example:
A face without any expression. Usually used when someone is hiding something.	George is showing his poker face so you do not know what he is really thinking.

As Easy as Pie

Definition:	Example:
Simple to do. Very easy and with very little effort.	He said it is a difficult problem, but I don’t agree. It seems as easy as pie to me!

As Soon as

Definition:	Example:
Just after something else is completed.	I phoned my friend as soon as I finished dinner.

Bend Over Backwards

Definition:	Example:
To try very hard. Usually to please someone.	He bent over backwards to please his new wife, but she was never satisfied.

Better Off

Definition:	Example:
When your situation improves. When things are better than in the past.	My friend would be better off if he sold his old car and bought a new one.

Bite Off More than One can Chew

Definition:	Example:
To try to do more work than is possible to do.	John is so far behind in his studies. Besides classes, he plays sports and works at a part-time job. It seems he has bitten off more than he can chew.

Break Down

Definition:	Example:
To stop working.	His car broke down, but luckily it was easy to fix.
To become very emotional and typically cry.	She broke down when she heard that her cat had died.

Break Something Down

Definition:	Example:
To divide something into smaller parts.	The sugar began to break down soon after it was swallowed.

Change One’s Mind

Definition:	Example:
To decide to do something different than what was planned before.	I was planning to work late tonight, but I changed my mind. I’ll do extra work on the weekend instead.

Come on

Definition:	Example:
To make some go faster. To hurry someone.	Come on, I only have a few minutes before I must go.

Cost an Arm and a Leg

Definition:	Example:
Very expensive or costly.	I’d really like a new car, but they all cost an arm and a leg.

Cut it Out

Definition:	Example:
To get someone to stop doing something.	That noise is really annoying. Cut it out!

Deal with

Definition:	Example:
To fix a situation. To take action in order to solve a problem.	We will deal with the boxes tomorrow.

Drop Someone a Line

Definition:	Example:
To call someone.	It was good to meet you and I hope we can see each other again. Drop me a line when you have time.

End Up

Definition:	Example:
To do something that one had not planned to do, to go somewhere one had not planned to go.	We ended up going to a restaurant after the movie last night.

Fed Up With

Definition:	Example:
To dislike something or someone that you had liked before.	I’m fed up with my job! I think I should start looking for a new one.

Figure Something Out

Definition:	Example:
To try to understand a problem and eventually solve it.	I finally figured out how to use the new computer software.

Fill in for Someone

Definition:	Example:
To take over someone else’s job while they are away.	While I was away from the store, my Jack filled in for me.

First of All

Definition:	Example:
The very first thing.	First of all, we need to prepare the garden before we plant the seeds.

Get Back To

Definition:	Example:
To return to something that you were doing before and had stopped doing.	I was happy to get back to my work after my holiday.

Get Into

Definition:	Example:
To become interested or involved in something	I do not want to get into an argument with my friend.

Get Through

Definition:	Example:
To complete or finish something.	I have a lot of reading that I must get through before tomorrow.
To survive an event or deal.	She was able to get through her father’s death.

Give Someone a Hand

Definition:	Example:
To help someone with something.	I want to move this desk to the next room. Can you give me a hand?
To clap or show applause for a person or event.	Give them a hand for all of their hard work on the project.

Grab a Bite

Definition:	Example:
To go to eat. Usually it is somewhere outside of your home.	I’m going to go grab a bite. I’ll be back in a few minutes.

Hang On

Definition:	Example:
To wait or make someone stop something.	Hang on a few minutes. I have to make a phone call, and then I’ll be able to join you for lunch.

Hard Headed

Definition:	Example:
Stubborn or unwilling to change an opinion or idea.	I can’t work with Joe any more. He’s so hard headed!

Have a Change of Heart

Definition:	Example:
To think about something differently than before. This can be a positive or negative change.	I thought I would change jobs, but now that my boss is treating me with more respect, I have had a change of heart.

Have Something to do With

Definition:	Example:
To be involved with something or in reference to it. To be part of an event, task or problem.	The book has something to do with cooking but I am not sure if you will like it. Jack had something to do with the success of the project due to his hard work.

Hit the Hay

Definition:	Example:
To go to bed.	It’s after 12 o’clock. I think it’s time to hit the hay.

In Ages

Definition:	Example:
Since a very long time ago.	Have you seen Joe recently? I haven’t seen him in ages. It must be at least two or three months since we last spoke to each other.

In Case

Definition:	Example:
What to do if something happens.	I will take my umbrella in case it rains.

In Favor Of

Definition:	Example:
To like something or to approve of it.	My company is in favor of changing our holiday schedule.

In Order To

Definition:	Example:
For the purpose of something. To do something because of something else.	They have decided to close down the school for the summer in order to do some major repairs.

In the Black

Definition:	Example:
When a business is making money and is profitable	Our business is really improving. We’ve been in the black all year.

In the Nick of Time

Definition:	Example:
Just in time for something. Arriving or doing something at the exact time before it is too late.	I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. It’s a good thing, because I really need this medicine!

Keep in Touch

Definition:	Example:
To not stop communicating with someone. To stay in contact.	Don’t forget to keep in touch. I want to know how you’re doing while you’re away.

Keep Someone/Something in Mind

Definition:	Example:
To remember or think about something or someone.	I told my employees to keep in mind the new starting time for work.

Keep One’s Chin Up

Definition:	Example:
Remain strong and to keep trying.	I know things have been difficult for you recently, but keep your chin up. It will get better soon.

Kind Of

Definition:	Example:
Similar to something, but not the same. Not fully or 100%.	Your hamburgers are kind of like what my mom used to make. I was kind of tired when I arrived home last night.

Know Something Like the Back of Your Hand

Definition:	Example:
To know something or someone very well.	If you get lost, just ask me for directions. I know this part of town like the back of my hand. She knows her husband like the back of her hand, since they have been together for 20 years.

Look Up

Definition:	Example:
To search for something in a dictionary, book or on a search engine like Google.	I will look up my friend’s name in the telephone book. Look up the answer through a search on Google.

Miss the Boat

Definition:	Example:
To miss an opportunity.	The sale ends today at noon. If we don’t hurry, we’re going to miss the boat!

Next to Nothing

Definition:	Example:
To cost very little.	I went to the new discount store and bought these new shoes for only five dollars. That’s next to nothing!

Of Course

Definition:	Example:
Certainly, definitely or naturally.	Of course you can use my car if you want to.

Once in a While

Definition:	Example:
Not very often or very rarely.	Have you been to the new movie theater? No, only see movies once in a while. I usually stay home and watch TV.

On Time

Definition:	Example:
At the scheduled time, exactly at the correct time, punctually.	Our train arrived exactly on time.

Open To

Definition:	Example:
To want to learn about different ideas, people and cultures.	Most members of the class were open to the teacher’s ideas.

Pick Up

Definition:	Example:
To lift something or someone off the floor. To grab something to take with you.	I picked up a copy of the newspaper at the station.
To understand or to start to understand something. To learn something.	He picked up on how to speak English properly through the teachers and lessons on SpeakHut.

Point Out

Definition:	Example:
To explain or call attention to someone or something.	My teacher was very kind when she pointed out the mistakes that I had made.

Set Up

Definition:	Example:
To provide the money for something.	The newspaper company provided the money to set up the new travel magazine.
To assemble something.	Jack set up the stereo system for me.
To start something new.	I am going to set up a new bank account.

Sharp

Definition:	Example:
Exactly at that time.	I’ll meet you at 9 o’clock sharp. If you’re late, we’ll be in trouble!
Someone who is very smart.	Kate is really sharp. She seems to be able to solve any problems.

Show Up

Definition:	Example:
To appear arrive, or to be present.	What time did your friend show up for the party?

Sleep On It

Definition:	Example:
To think about something overnight before making a decision.	That sounds like a good deal, but I’d like to sleep on it before I give you my final decision.

Sort Of

Definition:	Example:
To be similar to something but not quite the same.	Did you finish cleaning the kitchen? Sort of, but not really.

Stick With

Definition:	Example:
To continue doing something. To not quit even though it might be hard.	The boy has been able to stick with his music lessons since he was a child.

Take it Easy

Definition:	Example:
To relax. To not be so serious about something.	I don’t have any special plans for the summer. I think I’ll just take it easy.

Take Out

Definition:	Example:
To remove something from somewhere.	I took out some onions from the refrigerator.

To the Extent That

Definition:	Example:
To a certain point or degree.	I plan to provide information about the new company policy, to the extent that I am familiar with it.

To Bug

Definition:	Example:
To bother someone.	Hey, stop tapping your fingers. It’s really bugging me!

Twenty Four by Seven

Definition:	Example:
Every minute of every day, all the time.	You can access our web site twenty four by seven. It’s very convenient!

Up To

Definition:	Example:
To a certain point or approaching a certain point	There were probably up to thirty people at the meeting.

Used To

Definition:	Example:
Accustomed or familiar with something.	My friend is not used to living in such a big city.

With Respect To

Definition:	Example:
Referring to something or concerned with something.	I do not know what the company will do with respect to the old computer system.