Mastering English idioms and phrases is essential for achieving fluency and sounding more like a native speaker. Idioms can often confuse non-native speakers because their meanings aren’t literal, and they tend to have cultural connotations. Whether you are preparing for an English proficiency test or simply looking to improve your conversational skills, understanding common idiomatic expressions can significantly boost your language abilities.
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What Are Idioms and Why Are They Important?
English idioms are phrases that don’t make sense if taken literally. They are often used to express feelings, ideas, or situations more vividly. These expressions can help you speak more fluently and be understood more easily by native speakers. By incorporating idioms into your speech, you will be able to communicate more effectively and sound more natural.
To test your proficiency, try out the International English Test (IET), which evaluates your grasp of both idiomatic expressions and formal language skills. Understanding idioms is crucial for passing such assessments and ensuring your English comprehension is at its best.
25 Most Common English Idioms and Phrases
Here are 25 popular idioms and phrases you should know to sound more native and enrich your vocabulary:
1. The best of both worlds
- Meaning: You can enjoy two different opportunities at the same time.
- Example: “By working part-time and looking after her kids two days a week, she managed to get the best of both worlds.”
2. Speak of the devil
- Meaning: When the person you’re talking about suddenly appears.
- Example: “Hi Tom, speak of the devil, I was just telling Sara about your new car.”
3. See eye to eye
- Meaning: To agree with someone.
- Example: “They finally saw eye to eye on the business deal.”
4. Once in a blue moon
- Meaning: An event that happens infrequently.
- Example: “I only go to the cinema once in a blue moon.”
5. When pigs fly
- Meaning: Something that will never happen.
- Example: “When pigs fly, she’ll tidy up her room.”
6. To cost an arm and a leg
- Meaning: Something is very expensive.
- Example: “Fuel these days costs an arm and a leg.”
7. A piece of cake
- Meaning: Something very easy.
- Example: “The English test was a piece of cake.”
8. Let the cat out of the bag
- Meaning: To accidentally reveal a secret.
- Example: “I let the cat out of the bag about their wedding plans.”
9. To feel under the weather
- Meaning: To not feel well.
- Example: “I’m really feeling under the weather today; I have a terrible cold.”
10. To kill two birds with one stone
- Meaning: To solve two problems at once.
- Example: “By taking my dad on holiday, I killed two birds with one stone. I got to go away but also spend time with him.”
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11. To cut corners
- Meaning: To do something badly or cheaply.
- Example: “They really cut corners when they built this bathroom; the shower is leaking.”
12. To add insult to injury
- Meaning: To make a situation worse.
- Example: “To add insult to injury, the car drove off without stopping after knocking me off my bike.”
13. You can’t judge a book by its cover
- Meaning: Don’t judge someone or something based solely on appearance.
- Example: “I thought this no-brand bread would be horrible; turns out you can’t judge a book by its cover.”
14. Break a leg
- Meaning: Good luck (often said to actors before they go on stage).
- Example: “Break a leg Sam, I’m sure your performance will be great.”
15. To hit the nail on the head
- Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
- Example: “He hit the nail on the head when he said this company needs more HR support.”
16. A blessing in disguise
- Meaning: A misfortune that eventually results in something good.
- Example: “Losing that job was a blessing in disguise; it led me to a better opportunity.”
17. Call it a day
- Meaning: Stop working on something.
- Example: “After a long day of work, I decided to call it a day.”
18. Let someone off the hook
- Meaning: To allow someone who has been caught to not be punished.
- Example: “I’ll let you off the hook this time, but don’t do it again.”
19. No pain, no gain
- Meaning: You have to work hard to achieve something.
- Example: “It’s tough, but no pain, no gain.”
20. Bite the bullet
- Meaning: To do something unpleasant that you have been avoiding.
- Example: “I decided to bite the bullet and tell her the truth.”
21. Getting a taste of your own medicine
- Meaning: Being treated the same unpleasant way you have treated others.
- Example: “He got a taste of his own medicine when his employees started leaving him.”
22. Giving someone the cold shoulder
- Meaning: To ignore someone.
- Example: “She gave me the cold shoulder after our argument.”
23. The last straw
- Meaning: The final source of irritation that causes someone to lose patience.
- Example: “That was the last straw – I’m quitting.”
24. The elephant in the room
- Meaning: A matter that is obvious but not discussed openly.
- Example: “We need to address the elephant in the room – the budget cuts.”
25. Stealing someone’s thunder
- Meaning: Taking credit for someone else’s achievements.
- Example: “She stole my thunder by presenting my idea as her own.”
Conclusion
Learning English idioms can significantly enhance your ability to understand and communicate in English, especially in informal conversations. These idioms provide a deeper insight into the culture behind the language and allow you to express yourself in a more nuanced way.
If you’re preparing for an English proficiency exam, such as the International English Test (IET), understanding idioms and phrases will help you improve your conversational skills. The IET offers a quick and effective way to assess your English level and receive a recognized certificate.
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Start mastering these common idioms and phrases today, and you’ll sound like a native speaker in no time!
I am Nilay, an experienced English Language Assessment Director at the International English Test, where I have been working full-time since February 2020. I specialize in helping people worldwide validate their English proficiency through comprehensive assessments and certifications.
Before joining the International English Test, I worked as a self-employed English Language Assessment Consultant from January 2015 to December 2019. During this time, I assisted companies and individuals in improving their language skills, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.
I hold a degree in Engineering and have also studied at Shafston International College in Australia. My educational background has equipped me with the tools to make a meaningful impact in the field of English language learning. Additionally, I enjoy sharing my expertise through articles that explore effective teaching methods and language assessment strategies, contributing to the International English Test and the broader assessment community.
