Popular English Idioms

[saimoh76]

1-CRUNCH TIME: the period of time just before a project has to be completed and everyone has to work hard


I’m not getting enough sleep these days. It’s crunch time at work

2. LET YOUR FREAK FLAG FLY: to let others see your uniqueness
My colleagues were surprised at the Christmas party- I let my freak flag fly and showed them a break dance routine.

3. GET OUT OF HAND: when you lose control of things, they get out of hand


The party got out of hand and the guests started to throw bottles at each other.



.

[saimoh76]

4. GET YOUR HEAD AROUND IT: to understand something


I just can’t get my head around the fact that Joe is leaving us.

[saimoh76]

5. DIG IN YOUR HEELS / STICK TO YOUR GUNS: to refuse to compromise or change your mind


My parents wanted me to give up writing, but I dug in my heels and went on to become a famous writer.
My parents wanted me to give up writing, but I stuck to my guns and went on to become a famous writer.

[saimoh76]

6. POUND THE PAVEMENT: to walk the streets looking for a job


I’d been pounding the pavement for months before I found a job in a fast food restaurant.

[saimoh76]

7. PULL A RABBIT OUT OF A HAT: to do something unexpected that may have seemed impossible


I thought we were going bankrupt, but my partner pulled a rabbit out of his hat and we landed a major contract.

[saimoh76]

8. LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED: to do everything you can to achieve your goal


I’ll leave no stone unturned until I find out who did this.

[saimoh76]

9. GET IT OUT OF YOUR SYSTEM:to do something you’ve wanted to do for a long time and don’t want to postpone any longer


I wasn’t sure how she was going to react, but I had to get it out of my system, so I told her I had found another woman.

[saimoh76]

10. STEP UP YOUR GAME: to start performing better


If you want to win this competition, you’ll have to step up your game.

[saimoh76]

11. PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER: to calm down and behave normally


I understand you’ve had a bad day, but pull yourself together and get on with your job, will you?

[saimoh76]

12. SHAPE UP OR SHIP OUT: either start performing better or leave


This is the last time I’m telling you to arrive on time. Shape up or ship out.

[saimoh76]

13. CUT SOMEBODY SOME SLACK: to give somebody a break/ not to judge somebody severely


I was extremely busy last week. Cut me some slack and I’ll finish the report by tomorrow morning.

[saimoh76]

14. BY THE SKIN OF YOUR TEETH: when you do something by the skin of your teeth, you only just succeed/ nearly fail


I hadn’t studied much, but passed the test by the skin of my teeth.

[saimoh76]

15. ONCE IN A BLUE MOON: when something rarely ever happens


We used to see him all the time, but now he just visits us once in a blue moon.

[saimoh76]

16. GO DOWN IN FLAMES: to end or fail suddenly and spectacularly


She’d wanted to become Managing Director, but her career went down in flames when they found out she’d been leaking information to our competitors.

[saimoh76]

17. TAR SOMEONE WITH THE SAME BRUSH: to believe that someone has the same bad qualities as others in a group


I don’t think much of that band, but the singer shouldn’t be tarred with the same brush. She’s got a fantastic voice.

[saimoh76]

18. COME OUT SWINGING: to be confrontational and strongly defend yourself at the beginning of a debate


Our local MP came out swinging against the current leadership and demanded that the government resign.

[saimoh76]

19. HANG IN THERE: wait and be patient


I know you’d really like to call him, but I don’t think that’s the right thing to do now. Just hang in there and he will call you.

[saimoh76]

20. SHOOT FROM THE HIP: to speak directly


If you want to get on well with your boss, try not to shoot from the hip next time. You don’t want to offend him, do you?

[saimoh76]

21. GO THE EXTRA MILE: to make a special effort/try very hard to achieve your goal


If you want to become proficient in English, you’ll have to go the extra mile and start learning idioms.
My English class was great, we learnt so much because our teacher was the best, she always went the extra mile for us.

[saimoh76]

22. RUNNING ON FUMES: to continue to stay awake when feeling exhausted


I’m sorry, but I’ve got to go home now. I haven’t slept for twenty hours and I’m running on fumes.

[saimoh76]

23. SOLD ME OUT: to snitch on someone, or let their secret out


I asked you to keep it to yourself! I can’t believe you sold me out, I trusted you!

[saimoh76]

24. YOU SOLD ME (ON SOMETHING): you convinced me of something, because you were persuasive


OK, you’ve sold me. I’ll go to the match with you.

[saimoh76]

25. BLEW ME AWAY: when something blows you away, you’re extremely impressed by it


The exhibition just blew me away. I’d never seen so many beautiful paintings before.

[saimoh76]

26. BLOW SMOKE: to exaggerate or say things that aren’t true to make you seem better/ more knowledgeable than in reality


I’m not blowing smoke. I have honestly read War and Peace by Tolstoy.

[saimoh76]

27. CRY WOLF: to call for help when you don’t need it


Do you think Peter is in trouble or is he just crying wolf?

[saimoh76]

28. COULDN’T CARE LESS: used to express total lack of interest in something


That man stole a bottle of wine from the shop.
Oh, really? I couldn’t care less.

[saimoh76]

29. BE CHUFFED TO BITS: to be pleased and happy


Hey, thanks for the present! I’m chuffed to bits.

[saimoh76]

30. FEELING UNDER THE WEATHER: to be ill or unable to do regular activities


I think I’m going to have to take the day off work. I feel quite under the weather today.

[saimoh76]

31. BE TICKLED PINK: to be excited and happy


She was tickled pink by all the compliments she’d received.

[saimoh76]

32. A BAKER’S DOZEN: thirteen


Check out our baker’s dozen ******** learning tips.

[saimoh76]

33. COMFORT FOOD: food that makes you feel better, because it reminds you of your childhood


After a tiring day, it’s so nice to make some comfort food and settle down with a good book.

[saimoh76]

34. SKELETON CREW: the minimum number of people needed to keep a service/office operating


Can you come back after the holidays? We’re operating with a skeleton crew at the moment.

[saimoh76]

35. LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY: to let something happen, no matter what happens next


I must tell John how I feel about him, let the chips fall where they may.

[saimoh76]

36. NO-BRAINER: an easy decision


Do you think I should propose to Judy?
Come on, it’s a no-brainer. She’s such a fantastic woman!

[saimoh76]

37. A STONE’S THROW: very near


The hotel was a stone’s throw from the beach. I loved it.

[saimoh76]

38. HEAR ON THE GRAPEVINE: to hear a rumour or unconfirmed story


I heard on the grapevine that Charlie and Sarah are dating at the moment.

[saimoh76]

39. SIT ON THE FENCE: to stay neutral and not take sides


Well don’t you think I’m right, he’s been acting differently hasn’t he?
I’m sitting on the fence with this one, you’re both my good friends.

[nizar7]

shouldn’t be tarred with the same brush

[saimoh76]

40. TAKE WHAT SOMEONE SAYS WITH A PINCH OF SALT: regard something as exaggerated, or only believe a part of something


Did you hear what Tina said happened in the office yesterday?
Oh, I would take anything she says with a pinch of salt.

[saimoh76]

41. FREAK OUT: to become very angry, scared or excited


Mum, don’t freak out! I married a guy in Las Vegas.

[saimoh76]

42. BE A CATCH: be someone worth marrying/having


John is taking me out tonight. He’s such a catch, I hope he’ll propose.

[saimoh76]

43. PIECE OF CAKE: when something is extremely easy to do


Do you think you could beat him in a race?
Yeah, piece of cake. I’m definitely a lot faster than him.

[saimoh76]

44. HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD: used if something someone says, is precisely correct


My doctor hit the nail on the head. He knew exactly what was wrong with me!

[saimoh76]

45. COSTS AN ARM AND A LEG: when something is very expensive


My son wants that mountain bike for his birthday, but it’ll cost an arm and a leg!

[saimoh76]

46. HIT THE BOOKS: to study very hard


Do you want to go for lunch somewhere nice?
No thanks, I’m going to hit the books. I have an exam coming up soon.

[saimoh76]

47. BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW: to take on something that is too much for you to handle


He recently got promoted and took on some new responsibilities, but he’s just too busy. He bit off more than he could chew, and I don’t think he can handle it anymore.

[saimoh76]

48. WHEN PIGS FLY: this means that something will never happen


Aren’t you going to buy that dream house you told me about?
Ugh, I will when pigs fly. It’s just so expensive, I don’t think it’ll happen.

[saimoh76]

49. DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER: this means don’t make a decision based on a brief impression or outward appearance


I don’t like our new neighbours very much, they’re quite strange.
Hey, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Give them a chance, I think they’re just a bit quirky but really nice!

[saimoh76]

50. YOU ROCK:you are great


Thanks for the tickets, Rob. You rock!

[saimoh76]

51. MISS THE BOAT:when someone has missed their opportunity to do something


Have you applied for that job yet?
No, I think I may have missed the boat. I should’ve done it last week.

[saimoh76]

I hope you are tickled pink to have learnt all these exciting idioms.

[saimoh76]

Now let's see IDIOMS ABOUT TIME

[saimoh76]

Are you looking for something to do to kill time? Well there are plenty of idiom examples here for you to learn! If you practise them regularly, soon you’ll be able to use them on a day to daybasis and improve your English!

[saimoh76]

I am a true believer that there is no time like the present. So start learning today!

[saimoh76]

1. AROUND THE CLOCK
If something is open around the clock, it means it is open 24 hours a day.


The hotel’s service is great, there is always someone available to help you around the clock.

[saimoh76]

2. BEHIND THE TIMES
Used to describe someone who is old-fashioned and has ideas that are regarded as out-dated.


It’s a shame his parents don’t understand it from his point of view, they’re really behind the times.

[saimoh76]

3. AHEAD OF TIME
If something happens ahead of time, it happens early, before the set time, or with time to spare.


If you make the cakes ahead of time, then you’ll be able to focus on the decorations more.

[saimoh76]

4. CALL IT A DAY / NIGHT
To stop doing something for a while, normally at least until the following day. This can also be used as slang to say something has been ended completely.


Right guys, you’ve worked really hard. I think it’s time to call it a night, I’ll see you all again tomorrow.
Neither of us was happy in the relationship, so we decided to call it a day.

[saimoh76]

5. A MONTH OF SUNDAYS
This is a very long period of time.


It’s been a month of Sundays since I last went to the theatre!

[saimoh76]

6. DWELL ON THE PAST
When someone thinks too much about the past, and it becomes a problem.


I wish you’d stop dwelling on the past, she’s never going to come back. You need to move on with your life!

[saimoh76]

7. AGAINST THE CLOCK
Doing something against the clock means you are rushed and have very little time to do it.


I worked day and night against the clock to get this done on time, and you’re being so ungrateful!

[saimoh76]

8. CALL TIME
When you call time on something, you decide it is time to end it.


I think we should call time on this project. It is draining our resources, exhausting our manpower, and isn’t making any progress.

[saimoh76]

9. AFTER THE WATERSHED
In some countries, the watershed is the time limit after which, more TV programmes can be shown that include adult humour, bad ********, or controversial subjects.


Why are the children still up watching TV? They should be in bed now, it’s after the watershed!

[saimoh76]

10. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
This suggests that it is better to do something late than not do it at all.


I’ve finally managed to build my dream house. I know I’m nearly at retirement age, but it’s better late than never!

[saimoh76]

11. DAYS ARE NUMBERED
When someone’s days are numbered, they are expected to die soon.


The doctors say his days are numbered. They don’t have much hope of him surviving this illness.

[saimoh76]

12. DO TIME / SERVE TIME
Used to describe someone’s sentence in prison.


He is doing time for a crime he did not commit!

[saimoh76]

13. DON’T KNOW WHETHER TO WIND A WATCH OR BARK AT THE MOON
Used when someone just doesn’t know what to do


He has asked me to marry him and is still waiting for an answer, but I don’t know whether to wind a watch or bark at the moon!

[saimoh76]

14. ELEVENTH HOUR
When something happens at the very last minute.


Everyone thought he was going to lose when he had to stop to get a tyre changed, but at the eleventh hour, he came first and won the race!

[saimoh76]

15. CRUNCH TIME
When someone has to make an important decision that will affect not just their future, but those of others around them too.


As the Executive Director stepped out onto the podium, his clothes felt damp, and sweat beads were forming on his forehead. He knew it was crunch time.

[saimoh76]

16. CARRY THE DAY
If something carries the day, it defines a win that felt like a long battle and could have gone either way.


The Liverpool Football Club had carried the day well, they rejoiced as they held their prize, the League Cup, up high for all to see.

[saimoh76]

17. TIME FLIES
A very common idiom that means time passes very quickly.


I can’t believe it’s almost time to go home. It’s funny how time flies when you’re having fun!

[saimoh76]

18. JUST IN TIME / IN THE NICK OF TIME
This means that you get somewhere or finish something just before it is too late. At the last possible moment.


She thought her husband was going to miss the birth of their first baby, but he arrived just in the nick of time.

[saimoh76]

19. ON TIME
This means to not be late, arrive at the right time.


The trains here are never on time, it’s so annoying!

[saimoh76]

20. SAVE TIME
This means to do something the quick way, in order to allow time for other things.


If we drive there instead of taking the bus, we’ll save time.

[saimoh76]

21. OUT OF TIME
This means there is no time left to do something. The time limit or deadline has been reached.


You’re out of time now. If you haven’t answered all the questions in the test, then that is your own problem.

[saimoh76]

22. AS TIME GOES BY
This means the passing of time. As time passes or moves on.


As time has gone by, I have become less interested in clubbing and partying.

[saimoh76]

23. TIME IS MONEY
This famous expression means that your time is a valuable commodity, and that you should put it to good use, otherwise you’ll lose more than you gain.


It’s not worth waiting to hear back from that company. Time is money, you should just start contacting other employees instead.

[saimoh76]

24. MAKE TIME
This means to find the time to do something that should take priority. Having to clear some time in your schedule to do something.


You should make more time for your children. They’re growing up so fast, and you’re missing all of it.

[saimoh76]

25. TIME FOR A CHANGE
To stop what you are doing and start doing something different with your life


After working in the same company for 15 years, I feel like it’s time for a change.

[saimoh76]

26. COME OF AGE
When something develops completely and reaches maturity. Also used for when a person reaches adulthood or fulfils their potential.


He has come of age now, and is wise enough to take the throne and become king.

[saimoh76]

27. CRACK OF DAWN
Very early in the morning. The very first moments of sunrise.


I wake up at the crack of dawn and go for a run every day.

[saimoh76]

28. HIT THE BIG TIME
This means to become successful.


After John hit the big time, he became very rich and forgot about all his old friends.

29. BIG TIME
This simply means ‘very much’ or ‘a lot’.


You owe me big time because I helped you with your school project.

[saimoh76]

30. DAY IN THE SUN
When you have your day in the sun, it means you get the attention you want and are appreciated.


It felt like a day in the sun today. My manager actually noticed me and praised my work. I was even able to put my feet up and have dinner *****d for me when I got home!

[saimoh76]

31. EVEN A BROKEN/STOPPED CLOCK IS RIGHT TWICE A DAY
This is used when people get lucky but don’t deserve it, or are undeservedly successful.


He definitely didn’t deserve to win the lottery, but even a stopped clock is right twice a day.

[saimoh76]

32. FEAST TODAY, FAMINE TOMORROW
If you indulge yourself with everything that you have today, and don’t save for a tougher time then you may have to go without tomorrow.


He’s just bought himself a new Lambourghini, and wears new suits every day. He doesn’t understand that it’ll be feast today, famine tomorrow if he continues like this!

[saimoh76]

33. FIVE ‘O’CLOCK SHADOW
This is the term for the facial hair that a man gets if he doesn’t shave for a day or two.


You can’t go for your interview with a five ‘o’clock shadow! Go and have a shave!

[saimoh76]

34. FOR THE TIME BEING
This indicates an action or state will continue into the future, but is temporary.


You can stay in my house for the time being, but you need to save up some money and get your own flat.

[saimoh76]

35. FULL OF THE JOYS OF SPRING
Used to describe someone who is very happy and full of energy.


I wonder why she is so full of the joys of spring, Darren must’ve proposed to her!

[saimoh76]

36. GIVEN THE DAY THAT’S IN IT
This Irish idiom is used when something is very obvious because of the day that it occurs on.


Well, there are hardly any taxi drivers around, given the day that’s in it is Christmas.

[saimoh76]

37. GOOD TIME
When someone manages to travel faster than expected and gets to their destination early.


I got to the office in good time, but got lost inside the building trying to find my interview room, and ended up being late anyway!

[saimoh76]

38. HAVE ONE’S MOMENTS
Someone who generally exhibits a positive behaviour pattern on an occasional basis, but not generally. Random bursts of positivity.


He seemed in ever such a good mood earlier today, and offered to **** dinner! I guess he does have his moments!

[saimoh76]

39. HERE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW
This could be used to describe some desirable things such as money and happiness. This means to say that they don’t last very long.


Don’t stress about money so much all the time. It’ll be here today and gone tomorrowanyway!

[saimoh76]

40. WASTING TIME / A WASTE OF TIME
This refers to anything that is not a useful way to spend your time. Doing something that is pointless or useless.


Studying that engineering course was a waste of time. I didn’t learn anything new!
You’re wasting your time by sitting here talking to me. Go to the train station before she leaves!

[saimoh76]

41. HONEST AS THE DAY IS LONG
Used to describe someone who is very trustworthy and honest.


I can’t believe he has been accused of stealing their money. I’ve known him for many years, and he is as honest as the day is long!

[saimoh76]

42. HOUR OF NEED
A time when someone really needs something, almost a final chance.


I was there for him in his hour of need, but he hasn’t shown any sign of offering to help me now that I need his support!

[saimoh76]

43. IN AN INSTANT / IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE
Something that happens very quickly


If he apologised and admitted his mistakes, I would take him back in an instant!
All you have to do is put the porridge in the microwave and it ****s in the blink of an eye!

[saimoh76]

44. A LAUGH A MINUTE
Used to describe someone who is very funny


I love hanging out with Jenny, she’s a laugh a minute! You never get bored of her company.

[saimoh76]

45. LIKE CLOCKWORK
Used to describe something that happens at very regular times, at the same intervals without fail.


My cat used to wake me up every morning like clockwork, but nowadays she seems too old to care.

[saimoh76]

46. LIKE THERE’S NO TOMORROW
To do something fast or energetically as if it were your last opportunity to ever do it.


You have to win this race Barry, when it’s time to go – just run like there’s no tomorrow!

[saimoh76]

47. LONG TIME NO SEE
This means the speaker has not seen the other person for a very long time.


Hello Sarah! Long time no see! How have you been?

[saimoh76]

48. MAKE MY DAY
If something makes your day it makes you happy or satisfies you.


I just heard my favourite song on the radio and it made my day!
I hope I win the lottery tonight. It really would make my day!

[saimoh76]

49. A MILE A MINUTE
To do something very quickly.


I couldn’t keep track of everything he was saying. He talks at a mile a minute!

[saimoh76]

50. NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT
People who say this belief that it is better to do something now than leave it for later, otherwise it might never get done.


You should go travelling now, don’t leave it for next year. There’s no time like the present!

[saidyettou]

thanks dude

[oussgamer]

Thanks for sharing this