English language has lively idioms that make conversations more interesting. Learning these phrases improves your vocabulary. This article lists 50 idioms with their meanings to help you express yourself more better.

Introduction to Idioms:

Idioms are interesting phrases that are defined as expressions whose meanings can’t be easily figured out from their parts. For example, when someone says they “kicked the bucket,” it means death, not literally kicking a bucket. Idioms reflect the culture and history of the people who use them.

50 Idioms with their meanings:

Below basic 50 idioms with their meanings are discussed one by one.

10 Common Idioms in Everyday Conversation:

• Actions speak louder than words

Definition: What someone actually does is more important than what they say they will do.

• Add insult to injury

Definition: To make a bad situation even worse.

• By the skin of your teeth

Definition: Barely succeed at something; just manage to do something.

• Cry over spilt milk

Definition: To be upset about something that has already happened and can’t be changed.

• Go back to the drawing board

Definition: To start again from the beginning with a new plan or idea.

• At the drop of a hat

Definition: Immediately; without hesitation.

• Call it a day

Definition: To stop working for the day or to stop doing something.

• Barking up the wrong tree

Definition: To pursue a mistaken or misguided line of thought or course of action.

• Break the ice

Definition: To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in an awkward or uncomfortable situation.

• Once in a blue moon

Definition: Very rarely; something that does not happen often.

10 Popular Idioms Related to Animals:

• A wolf in sheep’s clothing

Definition: Someone who pretends to be harmless but is actually dangerous or deceptive.

• All bark and no bite

Definition: Someone who talks tough or threatens but doesn’t actually take action.

• Dog eat dog

Definition: A situation where people compete fiercely and ruthlessly.

• Fishy

Definition: Suspicious; something that doesn’t seem right.

• Wild goose chase

Definition: A futile or hopeless search for something that doesn’t exist or is very hard to find.

• Cats and dogs

Definition: Used in the phrase “raining cats and dogs” to describe very heavy rain.

• Ants in your pants

Definition: To be restless, fidgety, or overly excited.

• Elephant in the room

Definition: A big issue that everyone is aware of but no one wants to talk about.

• Black sheep

Definition: A person who is different from the rest of their family or group and often considered a troublemaker or embarrassment.

• Busy as a bee

Definition: Very busy and active.

10 Idioms About Time and Seasons

• The early bird catches the worm

Definition: People who act promptly or arrive early have an advantage.

• Time flies when you’re having fun

Definition: Time seems to pass quickly when you’re enjoying yourself.

• Make hay while the sun shines

Definition: Take advantage of opportunities while they last.

• A stitch in time saves nine

Definition: Fixing a small problem early prevents it from becoming a bigger issue.

• Waiting for the other shoe to drop

Definition: Expecting something bad or inevitable to happen after a warning sign.

• Snug as a bug in a rug

Definition: Very comfortable and cozy.

• Time is money

Definition: Time is valuable, so it shouldn’t be wasted.

• Dog days of summer

Definition: The hottest, most uncomfortable days of summer.

• Under the weather

Definition: Feeling ill or unwell.

• Come rain or shine

Definition: No matter what happens; regardless of circumstances.

10 Idioms Expressing Emotions and Feelings

• On cloud nine

Definition: Extremely happy or joyful.

• Down in the dumps

Definition: Feeling sad or depressed.

• Butterflies in my stomach

Definition: Feeling nervous or anxious, usually before something important.

• Walking on air

Definition: Feeling extremely happy or elated.

• Hit the ceiling

Definition: To suddenly become very angry.

• Wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve

Definition: To openly show your emotions or feelings.

• Bury the hatchet

Definition: To make peace and stop arguing or fighting.

• Keep a stiff upper lip

Definition: To remain strong and unemotional in difficult situations.

• Feel like a million bucks

Definition: To feel great, physically or emotionally.

• Cool as a cucumber

Definition: Very calm and composed, especially under pressure.

10 Idioms for Success and Achievement

• Burn the midnight oil

Definition: To stay up late working or studying.

• The sky’s the limit

Definition: There’s no limit to what someone can achieve.

• Rome wasn’t built in a day

Definition: Great things take time to complete.

Example: Don’t get discouraged with your progress—Rome wasn’t built in a day.

• Throw in the towel

Definition: To give up or admit defeat.

• Kill two birds with one stone

Definition: To accomplish two tasks with one action.

• The ball is in your court

Definition: It’s your turn to take action or make a decision.

• Bite the bullet

Definition: To endure something unpleasant or difficult.

• A feather in your cap

Definition: An achievement to be proud of.

• Apple of my eye

Definition: Someone cherished and loved deeply.

• Beat around the bush

Definition: To avoid saying something directly.

Fun Facts About Idioms and Their Origins

Idioms are fascinating windows into culture and history. For instance, the phrase “kick the bucket” means to die, and its origin might stem from a method of slaughtering pigs in which a bucket was placed under them. This imagery not only conveys a literal action but also a profound cultural relationship with life and death.

Many idioms have surprisingly colorful backstories that reveal how language evolves. The expression “barking up the wrong tree” originates from hunting dogs that mistakenly think their prey is up a certain tree when it’s not. This idiom serves as a metaphor for misdirected efforts, showcasing how animal behavior can shape human expressions. These idioms not only enrich our language but also connect us to the past.

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