English Idioms
Search this index of English idioms. Each idiom has its own page with meaning, examples, and related expressions.
- Keep the wolf from the door
To have enough money to avoid hunger or serious poverty.
General - Nail down
To finalize or clearly define something.
General - Level playing field
A fair situation where everyone has the same chance.
General - A fighting chance
A reasonable possibility of success.
General - Fall by the wayside
To fail to continue or be forgotten.
General - A small price to pay
A minor cost or sacrifice for a good result.
General - Brush up on
To improve knowledge or skill in something.
General - Easier said than done
Something sounds simple but is difficult to do.
General - Dig deep
To make a strong effort or use hidden strength.
General - Be that as it may
Even though that may be true.
General - Get down to business
To start focusing on the main work or topic.
General - Deep pockets
A lot of money or financial resources.
General - Carry the can
To take responsibility or blame for something.
General - Change of heart
A change in opinion or feelings.
General - Fall into place
To become clear or organized.
General - Few and far between
Rare and not happening often.
General - Drop the ball
To make a mistake by failing to do something important.
General - Keep a straight face
To avoid laughing or showing emotion.
General - Get a taste of your own medicine
To experience the same bad treatment you gave others.
General - A tight spot
A difficult situation.
General - Call into question
To make people doubt something.
General - Every now and then
Sometimes, but not often.
General - Night and day
Completely different.
General - Draw the line
To set a limit on what is acceptable.
General
Idiom of the Day
“Wear your heart on your sleeve”
To show your feelings openly.
A highlighted idiom from our collection. Browse the full index above for more.
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FAQ
What are English idioms?
Idioms are fixed expressions where the meaning is different from the literal words.
Why are idioms important in conversation?
They make speech sound natural and help you understand native-level communication.
How can I learn idioms faster?
Study idioms in context, repeat example sentences aloud, and review them regularly.
What are common idioms for beginners?
Start with high-frequency idioms from daily conversation and workplace English.