Common English Idioms with Meanings & Examples
Improve your English fluency with this engaging flashcard deck of common idioms used in everyday conversations. Idioms are expressions whose meanings are different from the literal meanings of the words, making them essential for natural and fluent communication. This deck provides easy-to-understand meanings along with practical example sentences, helping you remember and use idioms confidently in real-life situations. Whether you're preparing for exams, interviews, or improving spoken English, these flashcards will boost your language skills quickly and effectively.
Cards in this deck
What does “Break the ice” mean?
To start a conversation in a social situation. Example: He told a joke to break the ice.
What does “Hit the nail on the head” mean?
To say something exactly right. Example: You hit the nail on the head with that answer.
What does “Piece of cake” mean?
Something very easy. Example: The test was a piece of cake.
What does “Under the weather” mean?
Feeling sick. Example: I’m feeling under the weather today.
What does “Spill the beans” mean?
To reveal a secret. Example: He spilled the beans about the surprise party.
What does “Cost an arm and a leg” mean?
Very expensive. Example: That phone costs an arm and a leg.
What does “Bite the bullet” mean?
To face a difficult situation bravely. Example: I had to bite the bullet and finish the task.
What does “Let the cat out of the bag” mean?
To accidentally reveal a secret. Example: She let the cat out of the bag about the plan.
What does “Burn the midnight oil” mean?
To work late at night. Example: He burned the midnight oil to prepare for exams.
What does “Once in a blue moon” mean?
Very rarely. Example: I go to the cinema once in a blue moon.
What does “The ball is in your court” mean?
It’s your turn to take action. Example: I’ve done my part, now the ball is in your court.
What does “Kill two birds with one stone” mean?
Achieve two things at once. Example: I study while traveling to kill two birds with one stone.
What does “A blessing in disguise” mean?
Something that seems bad but is actually good. Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise.
What does “Beat around the bush” mean?
Avoid the main topic. Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell the truth.
What does “Call it a day” mean?
To stop working for the day. Example: Let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.
What does “Cut corners” mean?
To do something poorly to save time or money. Example: Don’t cut corners on important work.
What does “Get out of hand” mean?
To become uncontrollable. Example: The situation got out of hand quickly.
What does “Hang in there” mean?
Stay strong and don’t give up. Example: Hang in there, things will improve.
What does “In hot water” mean?
In trouble. Example: He is in hot water for missing deadlines.
What does “On the same page” mean?
In agreement. Example: We need to be on the same page before starting.