English Idioms
Search this index of English idioms. Each idiom has its own page with meaning, examples, and related expressions.
- Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Don’t assume success before it happens.
General - Get the ball rolling
To start something.
General - Break the bank
To cost too much money.
General - Take the plunge
To decide to do something important or risky.
General - Get the green light
To receive permission to start something.
General - Green with envy
Very jealous.
General - Like a fish out of water
Uncomfortable in a new or unfamiliar situation.
General - Corner the market
To dominate a market.
General - Burst someone’s bubble
To disappoint someone by telling them the truth.
General - Know the ropes
To understand how something works.
General - A sign of the times
Something that shows what is typical of the current period.
General - Straight from the horse’s mouth
Information received directly from the original or most reliable source.
General - All in good time
Something will happen when the right time comes.
General - Business as usual
Things continuing in the normal way.
General - At the eleventh hour
At the last possible moment.
General - Off the beaten path
In a less common or less known place or way.
General - Pull the plug
To stop or cancel something.
General - Bright and early
Very early in the morning.
General - A game changer
Something that significantly changes a situation.
General - Cut to the chase
To talk about the main point without wasting time.
General - Make the best of it
To do the best possible in a difficult situation.
General - Draw the short straw
To be chosen for an unpleasant task.
General - Come clean
To tell the truth about something.
General - In one piece
Safe and not damaged.
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.
Open idiom pagePractice idioms with games
Reinforce idiom meaning with context-based quiz practice and short daily game sessions.
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.