English Idioms
Search this index of English idioms. Each idiom has its own page with meaning, examples, and related expressions.
- Meet someone halfway
To compromise with someone.
General - Lay your cards on the table
To be honest and open about your plans or feelings.
General - Cut no ice
To have no effect or influence.
General - Look the other way
To ignore something wrong intentionally.
General - Dead set against
Strongly opposed to something.
General - Cross the line
To behave in an unacceptable way.
General - Blind as a bat
Unable to see well.
General - Have the upper hand
To have an advantage or control.
General - Fat chance
Very little or no chance.
General - Don’t hold your breath
Do not expect something to happen soon.
General - Back to the drawing board
To start planning again because the first idea failed.
General - A double-edged sword
Something that has both advantages and disadvantages.
General - Bread and butter
A person’s main source of income.
General - Get the hang of it
To learn how to do something.
General - A new lease on life
A renewed energy, purpose, or opportunity.
General - From the ground up
From the beginning or basic level.
General - First things first
The most important things should be done first.
General - Fine line
A small difference between two things.
General - Have eyes bigger than your stomach
To take or want more food than you can eat.
General - The ballpark figure
An approximate number or estimate.
General - Spill the tea
To share gossip or interesting personal news.
General - A race against time
A situation where one must act quickly before time runs out.
General - Weather the storm
To survive a difficult period.
General - At full tilt
As fast or strongly as possible.
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.