Basic Idioms with their Meanings and Usage in Sentences

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Basic Idioms! The English language is a veritable gold mine of idioms, metaphors, and expressions that add color and nuance to conversation.

Idioms are expressions that have special figurative meanings that cannot be comprehended from the words alone.

Learning popular idioms is a worthwhile endeavor whether you’re learning English as a second language or just looking to improve your language abilities. In this post, we’ll look at some fundamental idioms, explain what they mean, and provide you some useful examples of how to utilize them.

30 Basic Idioms with their Meanings

Break a Leg

Meaning: Wishing someone good luck or success.
Example: “Before her big performance, Mary’s friends told her to break a leg.”

Bite the Bullet

Meaning: Facing a difficult situation or decision with courage and determination.
Example: “John had to bite the bullet and confess his mistake to the boss.”

Piece of Cake

Meaning: Something that is very easy or simple to do.
Example: “The math test was a piece of cake for Sarah.”

Cost an Arm and a Leg

Meaning: Refers to something that is very expensive.
Example: “Buying a new car can cost an arm and a leg.”

Hit the Nail on the Head

Meaning: To describe something precisely or make an accurate statement.
Example: “Sarah hit the nail on the head when she explained the problem.”

Jump on the Bandwagon

Meaning: To join a popular trend or activity.
Example: “Many people are jumping on the bandwagon and starting their own businesses.”

30+ Common English Idioms and Phrases With Meanings

Spill the Beans

Meaning: To reveal a secret or confidential information.
Example: “Tom accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise party.”

Turn a Blind Eye

Meaning: To deliberately ignore something, usually a problem or wrongdoing.
Example: “The manager decided to turn a blind eye to the minor rule violations.”

In the Same Boat

Meaning: In a similar situation or facing the same difficulties as others.
Example: “During the storm, all the passengers on the cruise were in the same boat.”

Once in a Blue Moon

Meaning: Refers to something that happens very rarely or infrequently.
Example: “I only see my old friend from college once in a blue moon.

Kick the Bucket

Meaning: To die.
Example: “He was getting old, and sadly, he kicked the bucket last night.”

A Piece of Cake

Meaning: Something that is very easy or simple to do.
Example: “Passing that test was a piece of cake.”

Under the Weather

Meaning: Feeling unwell or not in good health.
Example: “I won’t be able to come to work today; I’m feeling under the weather.”

Don’t Cry Over Split Milk

Meaning: Don’t dwell on past mistakes or losses; move on.
Example: “I lost the game, but there’s no use crying over split milk.”

Burning the Midnight Oil

Meaning: Working late into the night.
Example: “She’s been burning the midnight oil to finish her project.”

Kill Two Birds with One Stone

Meaning: Achieving two goals with a single action.
Example: “By carpooling to work, he kills two birds with one stone – saves money and reduces pollution.”

Get Cold Feet

Meaning: To become nervous or hesitant about something you had planned to do.
Example: “I was going to ask her out, but I got cold feet at the last moment.”

The Ball is in Your Court

Meaning: It’s your turn to make a decision or take action.
Example: “I’ve done all I can; now, the ball is in your court.”

Hold Your Horses

Meaning: To be patient or wait.
Example: “Hold your horses; we’ll leave for the movie as soon as everyone is ready.”

Let the Cat Out of the Bag

Meaning: To accidentally reveal a secret.
Example: “She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.”

Once in a Blue Moon

Meaning: Refers to something that happens very rarely or infrequently.
Example: “I see my old classmates once in a blue moon.”

Business Behaviour Idioms in English With Meanings

Call it a Day

Meaning: To decide to stop working on something for the day.
Example: “It’s getting late; let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.”

Cost an Arm and a Leg

Meaning: Refers to something that is very expensive.
Example: “Buying a designer handbag can cost an arm and a leg.”

Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

Meaning: Don’t risk everything on a single plan or venture.
Example: “Invest in multiple stocks; don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”

Hit the Sack

Meaning: To go to bed or sleep.
Example: “I’m exhausted; I’m going to hit the sack early tonight.”

Break the Ice

Meaning: To start a conversation in a social setting.
Example: “He told a joke to break the ice at the party.”

Beat Around the Bush

Meaning: Avoiding the main topic or being indirect in conversation.
Example: “Stop beating around the bush and tell me what’s on your mind.”

Once bitten, twice shy

Meaning: After a negative experience, you become cautious and hesitant.
Example: “She was scammed once, so now she’s twice shy about online shopping.”

Actions Speak Louder than Words

Meaning: What people do is more important than what they say.
Example: “Don’t just promise to help; show up and do it. Actions speak louder than words.”

Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch

Meaning: Don’t make plans based on something that hasn’t happened yet.
Example: “Don’t start spending your lottery winnings; don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”

Explore More Lessons:

Common Phrases and Idioms with Meanings

Business Behavior Idioms with Meanings