English Idioms

“Speak your mind”

To say what you really think.

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

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

“Back against the wall”

In a very difficult situation with no easy options.

“Time flies”

Time passes very quickly.

“Fish out of water”

Feeling uncomfortable in an unfamiliar situation.

“Pull someone’s leg”

To joke or trick someone playfully.

“Water under the bridge”

Something from the past that no longer matters.

“Hold your horses”

To wait or be patient.

“The last straw”

The final problem that causes someone to lose patience.

“Every cloud has a silver lining”

There is something good in every bad situation.

“Beggars can’t be choosers”

People with no options must accept what they get.

“The early bird catches the worm”

People who act early have an advantage.

“Get cold feet”

To become nervous and change your mind.

“Hit the road”

To leave; start a journey.

“Throw someone under the bus”

To sacrifice someone else to protect yourself.

“Up in the air”

Not decided yet; uncertain.

“All ears”

Ready to listen carefully.

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

Don’t risk everything on one plan.

“Jump on the bandwagon”

To follow a trend because it is popular.

“Costs an arm and a leg”

Very expensive.

“Out of the blue”

Unexpectedly.

“Raining cats and dogs”

Raining very heavily.

“Bite the bullet”

To face a difficult or unpleasant situation bravely.

“Face the music”

Accept the consequences of your actions.