50 Common English Idioms

This phrase is used to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance or presentation. It originated in theater where wishing someone "good luck" was considered bad luck.

"You have your big presentation today, right? Break a leg!"

Something that is very easy to do or accomplish. The expression suggests that the task is as simple and pleasant as eating a piece of cake.

"Don't worry about the math test. It's a piece of cake if you've been studying."

To study, especially with particular intensity or effort. It refers to focusing on studying, often for an exam or important test.

"I can't go to the movies tonight. I need to hit the books for my final exam tomorrow."

Something that is extremely expensive. This idiom emphasizes that something costs so much that you might figuratively need to give up a body part to afford it.

"That new smartphone costs an arm and a leg, but I really want it."

Feeling ill or slightly sick. The expression comes from sailing ships, where sailors who felt seasick would go below deck to recover, literally going under the bad weather.

"I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I think I'll stay home."

To endure a painful or unpleasant situation that is unavoidable. The expression comes from the practice of having wounded soldiers bite on a bullet during surgery before anesthesia was common.

"I don't want to go to the dentist, but I'll have to bite the bullet and get this cavity filled."

To avoid addressing a topic directly; to speak vaguely or euphemistically about an issue rather than getting to the point. It comes from hunting, where hunters would beat around bushes to scare birds into flight.

"Stop beating around the bush and just tell me if you broke my vase or not."

To do something in the easiest or cheapest way, often sacrificing quality or thoroughness. It refers to taking shortcuts that may compromise the final result.

"The contractor cut corners on the building materials, and now we're having problems with the roof."

To reveal a secret or surprise accidentally or prematurely. The origin is debated but may refer to the practice of substituting cats for piglets at markets - if someone checked the bag, the deception would be revealed.

"I was planning a surprise party for Sarah, but Tom let the cat out of the bag by mentioning it to her."

To work late into the night. This idiom dates back to the time when oil lamps were used for light, and staying up working late meant burning oil at night.

"I've been burning the midnight oil all week to finish this project before the deadline."

Extremely happy or delighted. The origin may be from a classification of clouds where nine was the highest, or from Buddhist teachings about levels of enlightenment.

"Ever since she got the promotion, Sarah has been on cloud nine."

To do or say something to relieve initial tension or awkwardness in a social situation. The phrase originated from ships having to break ice to make way for trade routes.

"The host broke the ice by asking everyone to share a fun fact about themselves."

To miss an opportunity because you're too slow to act. It literally refers to arriving too late for a scheduled boat departure.

"If you don't submit your application today, you'll miss the boat on this scholarship opportunity."

To joke with or tease someone, especially by trying to make them believe something that isn't true. The origin may be from thieves tripping victims before robbing them.

"Are you serious about winning the lottery, or are you just pulling my leg?"

Used to indicate that something will never happen. The phrase creates an impossible condition by referencing something (pigs flying) that is physically impossible.

"He'll apologize for what he said when pigs fly."