English Idioms

What is an idiom ?

   An idiom is a word or phrase which means something different from its literal meaning. Idioms are common phrases or terms whose meaning is not real, but can be understood by their popular use.

The following sentences contain idioms. 

1. She is pulling my leg. - to pull someone's leg means to tease them by telling them something untrue.

2. When will you drop them a line? - to drop someone a line means to send a note to or call someone.

3. You should keep an eye out for that. - to keep an eye out for something means to maintain awareness of it so that you notice it as it occurs.

4. I can't keep my head above water. - to keep one's head above water means to manage a situation.

5. It's raining cats and dogs. - to rain cats and dogs means to rain very heavily (a downpour).

6. Oh no! You spilled the beans!/ you let the cat out the bag - to spill the beans means to let out a secret.

7. Why are you feeling blue? - to feel blue means to feel sad.

8. That jacket costs an arm and a leg. – an arm and a leg means a large amount of money.

9. It is not rocket science. – not rocket science means something is not difficult.

10. Put a cork in it. - put a cork in it is an another way to say, "shut up!" (another idiom), be quiet, and stop talking.

11. I'm screwed . - to be screwed means that one is doomed, is in big trouble, or has really messed up.

A hot potato

Speak of an issue (mostly current) which many people are talking about and which is usually disputed

A penny for your thoughts

A way of asking what someone is thinking

Actions speak louder than words

People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.

Add insult to injury

To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation.

An arm and a leg

Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money.

At the drop of a hat

Meaning: without any hesitation; instantly.

Back to the drawing board

When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.

Ball is in your court

It is up to you to make the next decision or step

Barking up the wrong tree

Looking in the wrong place. Accusing the wrong person

Be glad to see the back of

Be happy when a person leaves.

Beat around the bush

Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.

Best of both worlds

Meaning: All the advantages.

Best thing since sliced bread

A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan.

Blessing in disguise

Something good that isn't recognized at first.

Burn the midnight oil

To work late into the night, alluding to the time before electric lighting.

1- List of idioms arranged in categories : age , animal , clothes .. food , colour ...

http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/vocabulary-lesson-idioms-categories.php


2- List of idioms arranged in alphabetical order:

http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/vocabulary-lesson-idioms-alphabetical-order.php


3- List of idioms arranged in themes:

http://www.learn-english-today.com/idioms/idioms_proverbs.html