Common Food Idioms in English

by | Last updated Jan 21, 2024 | English Learning

If you’re seeking a comprehensive collection of frequently used English food idioms, your search ends here. In this guide, we analyze each food-related expression and provide explanations for their meanings.

Food idioms are prevalent in everyday English discourse as they can inject some zest into our conversations. Knowing them can be beneficial, especially for those learning English as a second language.

This article will explore several widely used food idioms and provide explanations for their meanings, enabling you to incorporate them into your conversations. Let’s begin.

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Have bigger fish to fry

This idiom is quite intriguing. It signifies having tasks or priorities that are more significant.

Examples:

  • Sue won’t come. She has bigger fish to fry.

Walk on eggshells

This expression implies being extremely cautious to avoid upsetting or offending someone.

Examples:

  • David was walking on eggshells around his boss all the week.

 Eat like a horse

The final food-related expression in this compilation signifies “consuming a substantial quantity of food.”

Examples:

  • My husband eats like a horse.

Piece of cake

What is your interpretation of this idiom? If you think it conveys “something that is easy or simple to do,” you are correct.

Examples:

  • The math test was a piece of cake.

To go bananas

I find this particular English food idiom quite amusing, and that’s why I chose to feature it in this list. It denotes “going crazy” or “acting without self-control or restraint.”

Examples:

  • He went bananas when she started yelling at him in front of all guests.

Bring home the bacon

This expression signifies “engaging in work to earn money, particularly to provide for a family or household.”

Examples:

  • My husband brings home the bacon.

Hard nut to crack

You might have already inferred the meaning of this idiom. It denotes “something that is challenging,” and can apply to either a person or a problem.

Examples:

  • He is a hard nut to crack.

Like two peas in a pod

This particular food idiom signifies “two things that are extremely similar, virtually identical,” much like two peas found together in the same pod.

Examples:

  • They’re like two peas in a pod.

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Our journey into exploring food idioms in the English language has come to a close. We trust that you have acquired understanding regarding the meanings and usage of these expressions.

Integrating food idioms into your writing and conversations can infuse them with interest and humor, enhancing your ability to connect with others. So, consider incorporating your favorites into your upcoming English conversations.

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Find out your A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2 level of English with our quick, free online test.

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