15 Everyday English Idioms and Their Meanings

English idioms are phrases that don’t always mean what they say. They add color, humor, and depth to conversations, making language more interesting. If you’ve ever heard someone say “It’s raining cats and dogs” or “Break a leg,” you might have wondered what they meant.

Idioms are used in everyday conversations, business meetings, books, and movies. Knowing them can help you understand native speakers better and make your speech sound more fluent and natural.

Here are 15 common English idioms that everyone should know. These phrases will not only help you improve your English skills but also make your conversations more engaging!

1. A Blessing in Disguise

Meaning: Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.

✔ Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise because I found a better one soon after.

2. Break a Leg

Meaning: A way to wish someone good luck (especially in performances).

✔ Example: You have a big audition tomorrow? Break a leg!

3. Bite the Bullet

Meaning: To do something difficult or unpleasant that you have been avoiding.

✔ Example: I hate going to the dentist, but I need to bite the bullet and make an appointment.

4. Under the Weather

Meaning: Feeling sick or unwell.

✔ Example: I won’t come to work today—I’m feeling under the weather.

5. Hit the Nail on the Head

Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a problem or situation.

✔ Example: She hit the nail on the head when she said the company needs better management.

6. Let the Cat Out of the Bag

Meaning: To accidentally reveal a secret.

✔ Example: I was planning a surprise party for Sarah, but Tom let the cat out of the bag!

7. The Ball is in Your Court

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

✔ Example: I gave you all the details—now the ball is in your court.

8. Cost an Arm and a Leg

Meaning: Something is very expensive.

✔ Example: That designer bag costs an arm and a leg!

9. Piece of Cake

Meaning: Something very easy to do.

✔ Example: The exam was a piece of cake—I finished it in 15 minutes!

10. Spill the Beans

Meaning: To reveal a secret or surprise.

✔ Example: He spilled the beans about the company’s new product launch.

11. Hit the Sack

Meaning: To go to bed or sleep.

✔ Example: I’m exhausted—I need to hit the sack early tonight.

12. Throw in the Towel

Meaning: To give up or quit.

✔ Example: After months of trying to fix the car, he finally threw in the towel and bought a new one.

13. Speak of the Devil

Meaning: When you are talking about someone and they suddenly appear.

✔ Example: We were just talking about Mark, and there he is—speak of the devil!

14. Burn the Midnight Oil

Meaning: To work late into the night.

✔ Example: I had to burn the midnight oil to finish my project before the deadline.

15. Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

Meaning: To rely completely on one thing or plan for success.

✔ Example: Investing all your money in one stock is like putting all your eggs in one basket—it’s risky!

16. A Dime a Dozen

Meaning: Something pervasive and easy to find.

✔ Example: Fast-food restaurants are a dime a dozen in big cities.

17. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Meaning: To avoid bringing up an old issue that could cause problems again.

✔ Example: I thought about reminding her of our past argument, but I decided to let sleeping dogs lie.

18. A Penny for Your Thoughts

Meaning: Asking someone what they are thinking.

✔ Example: You’ve been quiet for a while—a penny for your thoughts?

Final Thoughts

Idioms make English more expressive and fun! Learning these common phrases will help you sound more natural and confident in conversations. Start using them in daily life, and soon, they’ll become second nature.

Which idiom was your favorite? Try using it in a sentence today! 😊