“Hold your own”
To perform well despite difficulty or competition.
General
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Search this index of English idioms. Each idiom has its own page with meaning, examples, and related expressions.
“Hold your own”
To perform well despite difficulty or competition.
“Break new ground”
To do something innovative or original.
“Pull the plug”
To stop or cancel something.
“A wild goose chase”
A useless search for something that is hard or impossible to find.
“Even the score”
To make a situation equal after being behind.
“Cut it close”
To leave very little time before a deadline.
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.
“A slap on the wrist”
A very mild punishment.
“Change your tune”
To change your opinion or attitude.
“Hit the ground running”
To start something with energy and immediate progress.
“Hear it through the grapevine”
To hear news unofficially from other people.
“Rock the boat”
To cause problems by changing or challenging the situation.
“As clear as mud”
Very confusing or not clear at all.
“A double-edged sword”
Something that has both advantages and disadvantages.
“A wake-up call”
An event that makes someone realize action is needed.
“Against the clock”
In a hurry to finish something before a deadline.
“In one piece”
Safe and not damaged.
“Learn the ropes”
To learn how to do a job or activity.
“Dead set against”
Strongly opposed to something.
“Cross the line”
To behave in an unacceptable way.
“Cool as a cucumber”
Very calm, especially under pressure.
“Go without saying”
To be obvious.
“Food for thought”
Something worth thinking about.
“Bread and butter”
A person’s main source of income.
“Lay your cards on the table”
To be honest and open about your plans or feelings.