10 English idioms Everyone Should Know
Idioms are everywhere in English. You will find (=come across) them in casual conversations, and business meetings as well as hear them during negotiations, and conferences. No matter what you do, an English idiom might appear so if you want to improve your English fluency and vocabulary learning how to use these expressions is essential.
Spill the beans
Meaning: To give away a secret
Example: Sarah, spill the beans! Are you gonna have a surprise party for John on Saturday, or not?
Through thick and thin
Meaning: To be loyal no matter what
Example: This idiom is often used to describe families or friends. “Through thick and thin” means that you will always remain by someone’s side and support them no matter what happens, through the bad times, as well as the good.
Example: They have always been best friends through thick and thin.
Under the weather
Meaning: To feel sick/unwell
Example: When your co-worker calls you and tells you that they are feeling under the weather, it means that they are feeling sick. It has nothing to do with the actual weather.
Example: John, I am sorry. I can’t come in today. I am feeling under the weather. I might have caught a cold.
Break a leg
Meaning: To wish someone luck
Example: “Break a leg! “ is used to wish someone good luck.
Before a competition: Break a leg! You got this!
Pull someone’s leg
Meaning: To play a practical joke
Example: Carlos: “John, we are not doing anything for Christmas this year!”
John: “What!!!!! Why not! I was looking forward to our dinner.”
Carlos: “Relax, I am just pulling your leg! Of course, we are meeting up for Christmas.”
It’s the best thing since sliced bread
Meaning: It’s amazing!
Example: These donuts must be the best thing since sliced bread. Look at how long the line is in front of the donut store.
The ball is in your court
Meaning: It’s up to you/it’s your decision.
Example: John, the ball is in your court. Do you want to have the meeting this Friday, or do you want to postpone it? (Use this mostly in a business context)
Take it with a grain of salt
Meaning: Don’t take it too seriously/ don’t just believe it
Example: When you read something in a Twitter post, you should take it with a grain of salt. You just simply can’t know if the post is true or not.
Be on the fence
Meaning: To be undecided
Example: I’m on the fence about what to do about this strategy.” = “I’m not sure what to do about this strategy.
Example: What do you think about our new strategy?” “Hmm, I am a bit on the fence. I don’t know what to think yet.
Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Rarely
Example: I remember to email my old friends once in a blue moon.
