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25 Common English Idioms

25 Common English Idioms

Date: Oct 02 2007

Topic: Idioms and Slang

Author: rhyme_reason

Lesson

The idioms and expressions below are some of the most common in English.

The example sentences show how idioms are used in context. Have fun!

1. as easy as pie means "very easy" (same as "a piece of cake")
Example: He said it is a difficult problem, but I don't agree. It seems as easy as pie to me!

2. be sick and tired of means "I hate" (also "can't stand")
Example: I'm sick and tired of doing nothing but work. Let's go out tonight and have fun.

3. bend over backwards means "try very hard" (maybe too much!)
Example: He bent over backwards to please his new wife, but she never seemed satisfied.

4. bite off more than one can chew means "take responsibility for more than one can manage"
Example: 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.

5. broke means "to have no money"
Example: I have to borrow some money from my Dad. Right now, I'm broke.

6. change one's mind means "decide to do something different from what had been decided earlier"
Example: I was planning to work late tonight, but I changed my mind. I'll do extra work on the weekend instead.

7. Cut it out! means "stop doing something bad"
Example: That noise is really annoying. Cut it out!

8. drop someone a line means "send a letter or email to someone"
Example: It was good to meet you and I hope we can see each other again. Drop me a line when you have time.

9. figure something out means "come to understand a problem"
Example: I don't understand how to do this problem. Take a look at it. Maybe you can figure it out.

10. fill in for someone means "do their work while they are away"
Example: While I was away from the store, my brother filled in for me.

11. in ages means "for a very long time"
Example: Have you seen Joe recently? I haven't seen him in ages.

12. give someone a hand means "help"
Example: I want to move this desk to the next room. Can you give me a hand?

13. hit the hay means "go to bed" (also "hit the sack")
Example: It's after 12 o'clock. I think it's time to hit the hay.

14. in the black means "the business is making money, it is profitable"
Example: Our business is really improving. We've been in the black all year.

15. in the red means "the business is losing money, it is unprofitable"
Example: Business is really going poorly these days. We've been in the red for the past three months.

16. in the nick of time means "not too late, but very close!"
Example: I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. It's a good thing, because I really need this medicine!

17. keep one's chin up means "remain brave and keep on trying"
Example: I know things have been difficult for you recently, but keep your chin up. It will get better soon.

18. know something like the back of your hand means "know something very, very well" Example: If you get lost, just ask me for directions. I know this part of town like the back of my hand

19. once in a while means "sometimes, not very often"
Example: Have you been to the new movie theater? No, only see movies once in a while. I usually stay home and watch TV.

20. sharp means "exactly at a that time"
Example: I'll meet you at 9 o'clock sharp. If you're late, we'll be in trouble!

21. sleep on it means "think about something before making a decision"
Example: That sounds like a good deal, but I'd like to sleep on it before I give you my final decision.

22. take it easy means "relax"
Example: I don't have any special plans for the summer. I think I'll just take it easy.

23. to get the ball rolling means "start something, especially something big"
Example: We need to get this project started as soon as possible. I'm hoping you will help me get the ball rolling.

24. up to the minute means "the most recent information"
Example: I wish I knew more about what is happening in the capital city. We need more up to the minute news.

25. twenty-four/seven means "every minute of every day, all the time"
Example: You can access our web site 24/7. It's very convenient!

Comments

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indianbro

India

hi

11:54 AM Jul 14 2017 |

1 person likes this

indianbro

India

hi

11:53 AM Jul 14 2017 |

1 person likes this

mostafa_sh

Egypt

hi


01:27 AM Jul 06 2016 |

1 person likes this

gyle_0328

Philippines

Thanks a lot,it is very good to me.LOTS OF LOVE>3

05:08 AM Jul 04 2016 |

1 person likes this

Irene Forever

Ukraine

Thanks a lot, I’ll be back here 24/7 as soos as I need to have a clue.:)


Thank you for giving me a hand.:)

02:02 PM Dec 13 2012 |

englishteacher24/7

United States

I hope students will add these idioms to their vocabulary list, very good!

01:33 PM Dec 13 2012 |

1 person likes this

serena7

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

good thanks

01:15 PM Nov 30 2010 |

majid_jjs

majid_jjs

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

idioms are so helpful in nay language

thanks 

07:34 AM Aug 01 2008 |

Tommy_Delhi

Viet Nam

It's very nice one! thanks a lot!

10:36 AM Jan 16 2008 |

1 person likes this

zenkiller

Indonesia

Cool! thanks

10:11 AM Jan 16 2008 |

1 person likes this

Hjkaru

Hjkaru

Viet Nam

Thx a lot !

06:35 AM Jan 11 2008 |

1 person likes this

Jin Ju

Jin Ju

Kazakhstan

Thank you very much!!! It is really helpful~!

02:32 PM Jan 01 2008 |

mamali

mamali

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

its very useful for me.thanks a lot.
continue to follow this
lion_artist

08:15 AM Dec 18 2007 |

trust no one

Germany

thanks it was great

 

02:29 PM Nov 25 2007 |

Burningcandle

Bangladesh

Its really important for all learners
Thaks for sharing

02:59 PM Oct 06 2007 |

eLe

Georgia

THx a lot !!! it 's very helpfulSmile

08:17 AM Oct 06 2007 |

1 person likes this

s_watarah

s_watarah

Saudi Arabia

it's wonderful .. thanks ..!SmileSmile

05:53 PM Oct 04 2007 |

1 person likes this

baffle

baffle

India

very nice!!!!!!!!!

 

thanks a lot!!!!!!!

 

hey even help us with articles

 

as well as with tenses

 

very confusing!!!!!!!!!

06:23 AM Oct 04 2007 |

rhyme_reason

United Kingdom

I hope it all helps

01:56 PM Oct 02 2007 |

1 person likes this

sleepy

sleepy

China

Interesting! Thank you for sharing this with us.Wink

01:32 PM Oct 02 2007 |

1 person likes this

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