
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. |