English Idioms

Search this index of English idioms. Each idiom has its own page with meaning, examples, and related expressions.

495 idioms found

“Curiosity killed the cat”

Being too curious can cause trouble.

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“Fish out of water”

Feeling uncomfortable in an unfamiliar situation.

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“You can’t have your cake and eat it too”

You can’t have two incompatible advantages at the same time.

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“The last straw”

The final problem that causes someone to lose patience.

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“Back against the wall”

In a very difficult situation with no easy options.

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“Beggars can’t be choosers”

People with no options must accept what they get.

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“The early bird catches the worm”

People who act early have an advantage.

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“Pull someone’s leg”

To joke or trick someone playfully.

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“Every cloud has a silver lining”

There is something good in every bad situation.

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“Throw someone under the bus”

To sacrifice someone else to protect yourself.

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“Get cold feet”

To become nervous and change your mind.

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“Jump on the bandwagon”

To follow a trend because it is popular.

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“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”

Don’t risk everything on one plan.

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“Bite the bullet”

To face a difficult or unpleasant situation bravely.

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“Beat around the bush”

To avoid saying something directly.

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“Face the music”

Accept the consequences of your actions.

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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.

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