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- Burning the Midnight Oil From Both Ends. “I’m so stressed that I’m burning the midnight oil from both ends.” This is a mixup of the two idioms, “burning the midnight oil” and “burning the candle at both ends.”
- Heavy Is the Goose That Lays the Golden Egg. “George just got promoted to management, I hope he’s ready for it. Heavy is the goose that lays the golden egg.”
- Walking a Thin Line. “That decision seems a little risky! He’s walking a thin line.” This malaphor is a combination of “walking on thin ice” and “walking a fine line.”
- I Can Read Him Like the Back of My Book. “He couldn’t hide anything from me. I can read him like the back of my book!” This malaphor mixes up two very common idioms: “know him like the back of my hand” and “read him like a book.”
- What Are Idioms?
- 119 Idioms with Meanings and Examples
- Idioms: A Piece of Cake?
Idioms are phrases or expressions that convey a figurative meaning that differs from the literal meaning of the words used. The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines an idiom as “a group of words whose meaning is different from the meanings of the individual words.”For example, “a piece of cake” means something that is very easy. This is completely d...
From idioms related to personal situations and everyday life to those related to business and sport, this list covers a wide range of expressions that you are likely to encounter in spoken and written English. So, let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of English idioms with these examples:
That was a piece of cake, right? Idioms are a great way to add color and flavor to your language, whether you’re a native speaker or learning English as a second language. And while their meanings may not be immediately obvious, you’ll quickly pick them up with practice. So, we hope you enjoyed this list of of 119 common English idioms with their m...
Feeling ill / Getting a cold. My mom was feeling a bit under the weather. Cold feet. Becoming nervous. It was her chance to speak and she was getting cold feet. Apple of my eye. Used to refer to someone whom you are very fond of or like. My younger brother is the apple of my eye. Set the record straight.
- A blessing in disguise. Meaning: Something that seems bad or unlucky at first but turns out to be good. Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise because it pushed me to start my own business.
- A dime a dozen. Meaning: Very common and easy to find. Example: Those souvenir keychains are a dime a dozen at the tourist shops.
- All ears. Meaning: Fully listening and paying attention. Example: Go ahead, I’m all ears. Tell me what’s been on your mind.
- All in the same boat. Meaning: In the same situation or predicament. Example: Everybody on staff got a pay cut – we’re all in the same boat.
Better late than never!”. 12. BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE. To be in a difficult situation where both options are bad. Person A: “If I go to the wedding mum will be upset, but if I don’t go then I’ll be letting down the rest of the family!”. Person B: “Sounds like you’re caught between a rock and a hard place.”.
- ESL Specialist & CEO at Online Teachers UK
Jul 5, 2023 · 50 Common English Idioms. 1) A dime a dozen: If something is a dime a dozen, it’s common, easy to come by, or not of much value—you can get a dozen of them for just ten cents! Fitness YouTubers are a dime a dozen these days. 2) A slap on the wrist: A slap on the wrist is a mild or inconsequential punishment, especially when a more severe ...
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May 19, 2022 · Write in English with fluency. Grammarly can help your English writing shine. Write with Grammarly. Below are thirty common American English idioms that you’ve likely heard—and maybe a few that are new! Idioms are a fun way to get familiar with a language—try using them in conversation next time you’re speaking English with a friend.