Useful Idioms in English

‘The best of both worlds’ – means you can enjoy two different opportunities at the same time.

“By working part-time and looking after her kids two days a week she managed to get the best of both worlds.”

‘Once in a blue moon’ – an event that happens infrequently.
“I only go to the cinema once in a blue moon.”

 ‘When pigs fly’ – something that will never happen.
“When pigs fly she’ll tidy up her room.”

 ‘To cost an arm and a leg’– something is very expensive.
“Fuel these days costs and arm and a leg.”

 ‘A piece of cake’– something is very easy.
“The English test was a piece of cake.”

 ‘Let the cat out of the bag’ – to accidentally reveal a secret.
“I let the cat out of the bag about their wedding plans.”

 ‘To feel under the weather’ – to not feel well.
“I’m really feeling under the weather today; I have a terrible cold.”

 ‘To kill two birds with one stone’ – to solve two problems at once.
“By taking my dad on holiday, I killed two birds with one stone. I got to go away but also spend time with him.”

 ‘You can’t judge a book by its cover’ – to not judge someone or something based solely on appearance.
“I thought this no-brand bread would be horrible; turns out you can’t judge a book by its cover.”

 ‘Break a leg’ – means ‘good luck’ (often said to actors before they go on stage).
“Break a leg Sam, I’m sure your performance will be great.”

‘Actions speak louder than words’

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

‘Beat around the bush’

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

‘Cry over spilt milk’

When you complain about a loss from the past.

‘Curiosity killed the cat’

Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation.

‘The last straw’

The final problem in a series of problems

‘To taste of your own medicine’

This means that something happens to you, or is done to you, that you have done to someone else

‘To kick the bucket’

To die

‘Better late than never’

It is better to do something or arrive after the expected time than not do it or arrive at all.

‘Heart in the mouth’

To be very frightened or anxious

‘A storm in a teacup’

A big fuss made about something of little importance

‘Hold your horses!’

To wait a moment

‘Chicken soup for the heart’

Something that warms your heart makes you feel good inside, emotionally.