50 Common English Idioms

 

Enhance Your Language Skills

Idioms are typically used in everyday language and are often culturally specific. Idioms are used to convey an idea or message in a concise, creative, and colorful manner.

For example, the idiom "barking up the wrong tree" means to make a mistake when one is looking for something, while the literal meaning of the phrase would imply someone is literally barking at a tree.

Idioms can also add humor, playfulness, and creativity to language. For instance, "raining cats and dogs" means it's raining very hard, which is not only a figurative meaning but also a playful way to describe the intensity of the rain.

Idioms often reflect the values, beliefs, and traditions of a particular culture, and they can be difficult to understand for those who are not familiar with the language or culture. Therefore, it is essential to learn and understand idioms to effectively communicate in a given language or culture.

1. A blessing in disguise -

Something that appears to be a problem but turns out to be beneficial.

2. A dime a dozen -

Something that is abundant and easily obtained.

3. Ace up your sleeve -

A secret advantage or strategy that you keep hidden until the right moment.
4. Bite the bullet -

To endure something unpleasant or difficult.

5. Break a leg -

A phrase used to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.

6. Burning the midnight oil -

Working late into the night.

7. Cry over spilled milk -

To be upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
8. Cut to the chase -

To get to the point quickly without any unnecessary details.

9. Don't count your chickens before they hatch -

To not make plans based on something that may not happen.
10. Elephant in the room -

An obvious issue that people are avoiding or not acknowledging.
11. Every cloud has a silver lining -

Every difficult or unpleasant situation has a positive aspect.
12. Fit as a fiddle -

To be in good physical health.

13. Get cold feet -

To become nervous or hesitant about something.

14. Go the extra mile -

To put in more effort than is required.

15. Have your cake and eat it too -

To want to have everything and not make a choice.
16. Hit the nail on the head -

To accurately identify or do something correctly.
17. In a nutshell -

To summarize something in a few words.

18. Jump the gun -

To do something too early or before it is appropriate.

19. Keep your chin up -

To stay positive during a difficult situation.
20. Kill two birds with one stone -

To accomplish two tasks with a single effort.
21. Let the cat out of the bag -

To reveal a secret or confidential information.

22. Make a long story short -

To give a brief summary of a long story.

23. On the ball -

To be alert and attentive.

24. Piece of cake -

Something that is very easy to do.

25. Pull someone's leg -

To tease or joke with someone.
26. Put all your eggs in one basket -

To risk everything on one single opportunity.

27. Put your best foot forward -

To try your hardest and do your best.
28. Rain cats and dogs -

To rain heavily.

29. Raining buckets -

To rain heavily.

30. Rule of thumb -

A general guideline or principle.

31. The ball is in your court -

It's your turn to make a decision or take action.

32. The devil is in the details -

The small details or factors can be the most challenging or important to consider.
33. The early bird catches the worm -

To start early or take advantage of opportunities as soon as possible.

34. The whole nine yards -

To go all the way or do everything possible.

35. Through thick and thin -

To remain loyal and committed through good times and bad.

36. Throw in the towel -

To give up or quit.
37. Turn a blind eye -

To ignore something or pretend not to see it.
38. Up in the air -

To be uncertain or undecided about something.
39. Wear your heart on your sleeve -

To openly display one's emotions.
40. When pigs fly -

Something that will never happen.
41. Wild goose chase -

A hopeless pursuit or search.
42. You can't judge a book by its cover -

Things are not always what they appear to be on the surface.

43. You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs -

To achieve something, you must first make sacrifices or face

challenges.

44. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours -

A mutually beneficial agreement or arrangement.

45. Your guess is as good as mine -

To have no idea or knowledge

Why idioms ?

Idioms are essential part of language and communication. They provide

a colorful and creative way to express thoughts and ideas and add depth and

nuance to our conversations. Whether you're a native speaker or learning a new

language, understanding idioms is crucial to fully grasping and appreciate

the language. With this list of 50 common English idioms with Urdu meanings,

you can begin to build your understanding and improve your language skills. So

go ahead and start incorporating these idioms into your conversations and

writing, and watch your language skills soar!

To get idioms with Urdu meanings click here →→→→