Commonly Used English Idioms and How to Use Them
One of the most challenging things about learning a language is building your vocabulary and correctly translating words to learn how to use them correctly in conversation. To make learning a foreign language even more challenging, phrases called “idioms” in which words are combined that have a meaning that differs from its direct translation, are incorporated into everyday speech. Idioms are used often in the English language and are difficult for non-native speakers due to their indirect translation. Studying common idioms and practicing their usage is the best way to improve your language speaking skills and master the art of the idiom. While there are thousands of commonly used idioms in the English language, here are ten idioms to get you started!
“Bite off more than you can chew”
Meaning: To do or take on more than you can handle
While this phrase may appear to be discussing the act of eating, it is actually used in situations when someone is feeling overwhelmed by a responsibility they have taken on. If you are working three jobs while enrolled in school and recently took on volunteering three times a week at the local animal shelter you may get overwhelmed and tell your friend you “bit off more than you can chew.”
“I am overwhelmed by my class and work schedule this week. I definitely bit off more than I can chew this semester.”
“Speak of the devil”
Meaning: Said when someone appears or enters a room after they were just mentioned
This is arguably one of the most popular idioms used in everyday speech. If you translated the phrase directly, it would imply that you are calling the person you are referring to “the devil.” Luckily, this is not the case! This phrase originated in the 17th century and originated from the full phrase "speak of the Devil and he will appear" which was used to warn people of speaking about the devil in fear he will suddenly appear. Today, it is used jokingly when a friend who was brought up in conversation enters the room.
“Brian and I have been working all day on this presentation for work.”
*Brian suddenly enters the office*
“There he is! Speak of the devil.”
“A piece of cake”
Meaning: something easily achieved
Like the previous idiom, “a piece of cake” is commonly used in everyday conversation. While this phrase can be directly translated to mean a literal piece of a cake, it can be used to describe a situation where something was achieved with ease. The phrase originates from the 1870s when cakes were given out as prizes for winning competitions.
“Hey, how did your test go today?”
“It went well! It was a piece of cake.”
“Caught between a rock and a hard place”
Meaning: when you have to decide between two equally unpleasant choices
If someone tells you they are stuck between a rock and a hard place don’t be alarmed! They are most likely just struggling to make a tough decision. Deciding between two choices that are both unpleasant can feel like you are physically stuck, which this idiom implies.
“My wife gave me the choice to either take out the garbage or wash the dishes. I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place!”
“A blessing in disguise”
Meaning: when something seemed to be negative but turned out to have a good outcome
When something happens to you that you didn’t intend to happen ends up working out in the end and yielding a positive outcome, “a blessing in disguise” is a great way to describe it. For example, if you lost your job and the next week you end up getting a new job that pays more and is more enjoyable than your last one, then you can describe losing your job as a blessing in disguise.
“Are you upset that your boss retired yesterday?”
“It ended up being a blessing in disguise. My new boss gave me a raise!”
“Hit the nail on the head”
Meaning: to say or do something exactly right
This idiom may seem strange when translated directly as it has nothing to do with using tools. Instead, it is used to describe when someone says or does something correctly. When using a hammer and a nail to hand a picture frame, you put hit the head of the nail to hang it correctly. When you say exactly what someone is thinking or describe something perfectly, someone could say you “hit the nail on the head.”
“Independence Day in the United States is celebrated on July 4th, correct?”
“You hit the nail on the head!”
“Twist my arm”
Meaning: to persuade someone to do something they didn’t originally want to (often used ironically)
This phrase is a little bit trickier, as it can be used ironically as well as its original meaning. When using the phrase “twist my arm,” the speaker doesn’t usually mean they want you to physically twist their arm. Instead, they can mean that they were persuaded to act when they didn’t originally intend to. For example, if you weren’t planning on donating to charity but a friend talked you into it, you can say that your friend “twisted your arm.” It can also be used in a joking manner in a situation where it would take no convincing for you to complete the action.
“Do you want to go get ice cream after dinner?”
“Twist my arm! Of course!”
“Stab in the back”
Meaning: to betray someone
If this was spoken to you and you didn’t know it was an idiom, this phrase would be rather concerning. However, when someone says they were “stabbed in the back” it typically means they were betrayed by someone in some way and didn’t anticipate it happening. For example, if your friend steals an idea you had and presents it to their boss and gets a raise, you could say that by doing so they “stabbed you in the back.”
“I can’t believe Emily told all my friends a lie about me so they wouldn’t come to my party. That was such a stab in the back!”
“Sit tight”
Meaning: stay where you are
This is another phrase that is important to know as it is commonly used in many different settings. If someone told you to “sit tight” and you translated literally you may be confused. This phrase means for you to either wait or stay where you are. A doctor may tell you to “sit tight” in the waiting room while he sees other patients.
“Thank you for coming into the office today! Just sit tight while I go find my manager.”
“Not your cup of tea”
Meaning: not something you’re interested in
When you and a friend go to a coffee shop and buy separate drinks, your friend’s drink is not your cup of tea because it is theirs. However, this phrase can also be applied to things or activities that you don’t necessarily enjoy. For example, I really enjoy going to the gym and lifting weights but running is not an activity I really enjoy doing. I would then say that running is not my cup of tea.
“Hey, do you want to go fishing with me next weekend?”
“Sorry, fishing and outdoor activities aren’t really my cup of tea.”
Although many of these idioms can be difficult to understand and memorize, learning the language will begin to get easier once they can be identified in conversation. The more you incorporate these phrases into everyday conversation, the more fluent your English will sound. If you are interested in learning more about idioms, check out this website for a list of common idioms and their meanings!
Vocabulary list:
Overwhelmed (v): have a strong emotional effect on, overpowered
Ease (n): with no difficulty
Disguise (n): a concealed appearance or identity
Betrayed (v): to be disloyal to
Alarmed (adj): be worried or frightened by something
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hailey Womer is a third-year student at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York pursuing a dual major in Public Relations and Political Science. With interests in communications, public diplomacy, and politics & government, she hopes to use communication to grow the passions of the public and advocate for others. In her free time, you can find her editing social media content, engrossed in the fashion trends of the season, catching up on the latest political buzz, or on a philanthropic mission to make the world just a little bit brighter!