“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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Search this index of English idioms. Each idiom has its own page with meaning, examples, and related expressions.
“You can’t have your cake and eat it too”
You can’t have two incompatible advantages at the same time.
“Speak your mind”
To say what you really think.
“Fish out of water”
Feeling uncomfortable in an unfamiliar situation.
“Time flies”
Time passes very quickly.
“Back against the wall”
In a very difficult situation with no easy options.
“Water under the bridge”
Something from the past that no longer matters.
Idiom of the Day
“Miss the boat”
To miss an opportunity.
A highlighted idiom from our collection. Browse the full index above for more.
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Idioms are fixed expressions where the meaning is different from the literal words.
They make speech sound natural and help you understand native-level communication.
Study idioms in context, repeat example sentences aloud, and review them regularly.
Start with high-frequency idioms from daily conversation and workplace English.
“Pull someone’s leg”
To joke or trick someone playfully.
“The last straw”
The final problem that causes someone to lose patience.
“Hold your horses”
To wait or be patient.
“Beggars can’t be choosers”
People with no options must accept what they get.
“Every cloud has a silver lining”
There is something good in every bad situation.
“The early bird catches the worm”
People who act early have an advantage.
“Hit the road”
To leave; start a journey.
“Get cold feet”
To become nervous and change your mind.
“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.