List of English Idioms

Raining Cats and Dogs

Means to ‘raining heavily’.

Last week it was raining cats and dogs outside, so I couldn't go for my daily walks.

It was so sunny a minute ago, now it’s raining cats and dogs!

Hit the Hay

Means to ‘go to bed’.

I am pretty tired, so I’m going to hit the hay early.

He hit the hay as soon as he got home from work.

Cold Turkey

Means to ‘stop something completely and abruptly, without gradual reduction’. Especially an addiction or something similar.

I am addicted to caffeine, but I decided to go cold turkey.

He went cold turkey when his doctor told him he was smoking too much.

Ballpark

Means ‘a rough or approximate estimate’.

Can you give me a ballpark figure on the cost of the renovation?

That price is in the ballpark, but we need to negotiate.

Cut Corners

Means to ‘do something cheaply, easily, quickly, without regard to the rules’.

You’re always tempted to cut corners when running out of time.

Cutting corners isn’t recommended when working on something important.

Bite the Bullet

Means to ‘do something unpleasant or painful because it is necessary, even though you’d like to avoid it’.

I bit the bullet and made the doctor’s appointment for next week

He needs to bite the bullet and ask her out on a date already!

Off the Hook

Means to ‘no longer be in trouble or difficulty’.

If you ask me, they let him off the hook too easily.

They didn’t see what I did on camera, so that means I’m off the hook.

You can say that again.

Is a set phrase that means ‘you agree with what someone just said’.

It’s really hot today. “You can say that again.”

This is difficult. “You can say that again.”

On the Ball

Means to be ‘alert and aware of what is happening recently, or to be competent’.

Maintaining contact with clients really keeps me on the ball.

I’m not on the ball today. I didn’t sleep very well last night.

Easy does it.

Is a phrase used to tell someone ‘to do something slowly and carefully’.

I know you’re late, but easy does it on the roads. It is icy out there.

Easy does it guys, we have plenty of time to work on it.

It takes one to know one.

Is used towards a remark to mean that the person ‘has the same qualities as they are implying’. Usually used negatively.

He is such a lazy person! “Takes one to know one.”

I hate talking to her, she never shuts up. “Takes one to know one.”

Spill the Beans

Means to ‘reveal a secret or confidential information’. Mostly prematurely or accidentally.

She spilled the beans about the party so it is no longer a surprise.

Spill the beans! What were you two doing at the cafe?

The Elephant in the Room

Means ‘a problem or an issue that everyone is aware of, but no one wants to talk about’.

We need to stop avoiding the elephant in the room and start talking about the real issues.

The elephant in the room is how we’re going to pay for the project.

Right as Rain

Means ‘to feel completely well and healthy again’. Especially after a sickness or injury.

I had the flu for a week, but I am right as rain now.

You need a good sleep, then you’ll feel right as rain again.

Burn (their) Bridges

Means ‘to end a relationship permanently’ or ‘to act in a way that destroys any chance of returning to the way things were’.

He burnt his bridges with me the day he decided to cheat on me.

Burning a bridge at the right time can actually open up new opportunities to grow professionally.

Take with a Grain of Salt

Means ‘to view something skeptically or with caution’.

He claims to know what really happened, but I’d take what he says with a grain of salt.

The forecast says it will be sunny today, but take it with a grain of salt. It’s been pretty unpredictable lately.

Cut (someone) some Slack

Means ‘to be lenient or forgiving towards someone you’d normally be more critical towards’.

We should cut her some slack, it’s the first mistake she’s made.

I know you’re working hard, but you should cut yourself some slack. You need to take it easy.

an Arm and a Leg

Means ‘to be very expensive’.

My daughter’s education is costing me an arm and a leg.

It costs an arm and a leg just to see a good lawyer.

Barking up the Wrong Tree

Means 'to be wrong or mistaken about something’ or ‘misdirecting one’s effort in something’.

She’s barking up the wrong tree if she thinks her boss is going to put a good word in for her with the director.

I was barking up the wrong tree asking my boyfriend to help me pick a dress for the party. I look ridiculous.

Call it a Day

Means ‘to stop working or doing something for the rest of the day since you’re tired or have done enough’

Let’s call it a day. I don’t think we can do anymore right now.

I’m calling it a day. I can barely keep my eyes open.