Idioms
Master 503 common English idioms for fluent, natural conversation. Each entry includes figurative meanings, literal interpretations, origins, examples, and usage tips for CELPIP success and everyday communication.
A
- a bed of roses
- a blessing in disguise
- a bolt from the blue
- a bumpy ride
- a busman's holiday
- ace up one's sleeve
- a chip off the old block
- actions speak louder than words
- a curate's egg
- a damp squib
- add insult to injury
- a dime a dozen
- a dog in the manger
- a double-edged sword
- a flash in the pan
- against the clock
- against the grain
- ahead of time
- a hot potato
- a knee-jerk reaction
- all ears
- all roads lead to rome
- along for the ride
- a long way to go
- a matter of time
- an albatross around one's neck
- an apple a day keeps the doctor away
- an eye for an eye
- a penny for your thoughts
- a penny saved is a penny earned
- a picture is worth a thousand words
- a piece of cake
- a poisoned chalice
- apple of my eye
- a pyrrhic victory
- a race against time
- armed to the teeth
- a rocky road
- around the clock
- as busy as a bee
- as right as rain
- a stalking horse
- a stitch in time saves nine
- a storm in a teacup
- a sword of damocles
- at a crossroads
- at the drop of a hat
- a wolf in sheep's clothing
B
- back against the wall
- back to basics
- back to square one
- back to the drawing board
- ball is in your court
- barking up the wrong tree
- beat a dead horse
- beat around the bush
- beat the clock
- behind the eight ball
- behind the times
- bell the cat
- below the belt
- bench someone
- bend over backwards
- best of both worlds
- better late than never
- better safe than sorry
- between a rock and a hard place
- between scylla and charybdis
- between the devil and the deep blue sea
- bide one's time
- big fish in a small pond
- birds of a feather flock together
- bite off more than you can chew
- bite the bullet
- bite your tongue
- black and white
- black sheep
- blaze a trail
- blow hot and cold
- blow off steam
- blow your own trumpet
- blue-collar
- break a leg
- break even
- break fresh ground
- break the bank
- break the ice
- bring home the bacon
- burn bridges
- burn the candle at both ends
- burn the midnight oil
- burn your boats
- bury your head in the sand
- butter someone up
- by the skin of your teeth
C
- call a spade a spade
- call it a day
- call time on something
- calm before the storm
- can't judge a book by its cover
- cast pearls before swine
- caught between two stools
- caught red-handed
- change hands
- chicken and egg situation
- chip on your shoulder
- circle back
- clear as mud
- close but no cigar
- come rain or shine
- come to a head
- comparing apples to oranges
- cool as a cucumber
- cool your heels
- cost an arm and a leg
- couch potato
- cry over spilled milk
- cry wolf
- curiosity killed the cat
- curveball
- cut corners
- cut someone down to size
- cut someone some slack
- cut the gordian knot
- cut the mustard
- cut to the chase
D
- daylight robbery
- dead ringer
- devil is in the details
- dog eat dog
- don't count your chickens before they hatch
- don't give up your day job
- don't look a gift horse in the mouth
- don't put all your eggs in one basket
- down for the count
- down to earth
- down to the wire
- drag one's feet
- drastic times call for drastic measures
- draw first blood
- drop the ball
E
F
G
- get a second wind
- get a taste of your own medicine
- get cold feet
- get out of hand
- get out of the wrong side of bed
- get sidetracked
- get someone off the hook
- get something off your chest
- get something out of your system
- get the ball rolling
- get the short end of the stick
- get up to speed
- get wind of something
- get your act together
- get your ducks in a row
- gilding the lily
- give someone the benefit of the doubt
- give someone the cold shoulder
- give the green light
- go against the grain
- go back to the drawing board
- go cold turkey
- go down in flames
- go down that road
- go Dutch
- golden opportunity
- golden rule
- good things come to those who wait
- go on a wild goose chase
- go the extra mile
- go through the roof
- go with the flow
- grass is always greener on the other side
- graveyard shift
- green thumb
- grey area
H
- handle with kid gloves
- hang in there
- haste makes waste
- hat trick
- have a sweet tooth
- have a thick skin
- have bigger fish to fry
- have one's hands full
- have the time of one's life
- have your head in the clouds
- have your heart in your mouth
- head over heels
- hear it on the grapevine
- hear it straight from the horse's mouth
- heart of gold
- heavyweight
- hit the books
- hit the bottle
- hit the ground running
- hit the hay
- hit the jackpot
- hit the nail on the head
- hit the road
- hit the roof
- hit the sack
- hoist with one's own petard
- hold your horses
- hold your tongue
I
- ignorance is bliss
- in a nutshell
- in cold blood
- in due time
- in full swing
- in hot water
- in the bag
- in the black
- in the doghouse
- in the heat of the moment
- in the long run
- in the loop
- in the nick of time
- in the pink
- in the red
- in the same boat
- it ain't over till the fat lady sings
- it's not rocket science
- it's raining cats and dogs
- it takes one to know one
- it takes two to tango
J
K
- keep an ear to the ground
- keep an eye on
- keep a straight face
- keep someone at arm's length
- keep something at bay
- keep your chin up
- keep your eye on the ball
- kick the bucket
- kill the goose that lays the golden eggs
- kill time
- kill two birds with one stone
- knock it out of the park
- know which way the wind is blowing
L
- last straw
- late in the day
- laugh all the way to the bank
- lead someone down the garden path
- learn the ropes
- leave no stone unturned
- let one's hair down
- let sleeping dogs lie
- let someone off the hook
- let the cat out of the bag
- level playing field
- light at the end of the tunnel
- like a cat on a hot tin roof
- like a headless chicken
- like riding a bicycle
- like two peas in a pod
- live and learn
- live on borrowed time
- look before you leap
- look for a needle in a haystack
- loose cannon
- lose your temper
M
N
O
- off one's rocker
- off the cuff
- off the hook
- off to a flying start
- on borrowed time
- once bitten twice shy
- once in a blue moon
- on cloud nine
- on pins and needles
- on tenterhooks
- on the ball
- on the dot
- on the fence
- on the right track
- on the ropes
- on the same page
- on thin ice
- on top of the world
- open secret
- out of the blue
- out of the frying pan into the fire
- out of the woods
- over my dead body
- over the hill
- over the moon
- over the top
P
- paint the town red
- paper over the cracks
- par for the course
- pave the way
- pay an arm and a leg
- pay through the nose
- penny dropped
- piece of cake
- play devil's advocate
- play hardball
- play it by ear
- play your cards right
- pot calling the kettle black
- pour cold water on
- pour oil on troubled waters
- pressed for time
- pull someone's leg
- pull the wool over someone's eyes
- pull yourself together
- put all your eggs in one basket
- put a sock in it
- put something on ice
- put something on the back burner
- put the cart before the horse
- put the cat among the pigeons
- put your foot in your mouth
R
- rain on someone's parade
- reach a dead end
- read between the lines
- red herring
- red tape
- right off the bat
- ring a bell
- rob peter to pay paul
- roll out the red carpet
- roll with the punches
- rose-colored glasses
- rub salt into someone's wounds
- rule of thumb
- run around in circles
- run interference
- run its course
- run out of time
S
- saved by the bell
- save for a rainy day
- save your skin
- scrape the barrel
- see eye to eye
- see red
- see the light of day
- sell like hot cakes
- send someone packing
- separate the wheat from the chaff
- set in stone
- shake a leg
- shoot oneself in the foot
- show one's true colors
- silver lining
- sit on the fence
- sit tight
- slam dunk
- slow and steady wins the race
- small potatoes
- smooth sailing
- so far so good
- speak of the devil
- spill the beans
- spread yourself thin
- stab someone in the back
- stand the test of time
- start with a clean slate
- stay the course
- steal someone's thunder
- steal the show
- step up to the plate
- stick to your guns
- stir up a hornets' nest
- stop and smell the roses
- strike out
- strike while the iron is hot
- swallow your pride
T
- take a back seat
- take a rain check
- take it with a grain of salt
- take somebody for a ride
- take someone for a ride
- take the gloves off
- test the waters
- that ship has sailed
- the ball game is over
- the best of both worlds
- the best thing since sliced bread
- the bigger they are the harder they fall
- the bottom line
- the die is cast
- the early bird gets the worm
- the eleventh hour
- the long arm of the law
- the other side of the coin
- there are other fish in the sea
- there's a method to his madness
- there's no such thing as a free lunch
- the whole nine yards
- the writing on the wall
- think outside the box
- thorn in your side
- those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones
- through thick and thin
- throw a hail mary
- throw a spanner in the works
- throw caution to the wind
- throw in the towel
- throw one's weight around
- tickled pink
- tickle someone's fancy
- tie the knot
- tighten your belt
- tilt at windmills
- time flies when you're having fun
- time is money
- time is of the essence
- time is ticking
- time on one's hands
- time will tell
- tip of the iceberg
- toe the line
- to make matters worse
- touch base
- turn a blind eye
- turn a deaf ear
- turn back the clock
- turn over a new leaf
- turn the tables
- turn the tide
- twist someone's arm
- two left feet
U
W
- walk a tightrope
- walking on eggshells
- wash dirty linen in public
- waste not want not
- watch like a hawk
- watch your step
- wear two hats
- wear your heart on your sleeve
- weather the storm
- we'll cross that bridge when we come to it
- when it rains it pours
- when pigs fly
- when push comes to shove
- white elephant
- white lie
- with flying colors
- worth its weight in gold
- wouldn't be caught dead
- wrap your head around something
Y
All Idioms (503)
Literally: "A bed made of rose flowers"
Meanings
- A situation or activity that is comfortable, easy, or pleasant
- A carefree or luxurious existence
Examples
- Life as a professional athlete is not a bed of roses.
- Marriage isn't always a bed of roses; it takes work.
- Don't expect your new job to be a bed of roses.
Origin
This phrase dates back to the 16th century, with early references in Christopher Marlowe's poem 'The Passionate Shepherd to His Love' (1599). Roses symbolize beauty and comfort, but also have thorns, which is why it's often used in the negative.
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Usage Note
Almost always used in negative constructions (e.g., 'not a bed of roses', 'isn't a bed of roses'). Common in both spoken and written English.
Literally: "A blessing that is wearing a disguise or costume"
Meanings
- Something that seems bad or unlucky at first but turns out to be good
- An apparent misfortune that eventually has positive outcomes
Examples
- Losing that job was a blessing in disguise—I found a much better one.
- The rain seemed annoying, but it was a blessing in disguise; it cooled down the heat.
- Her injury was a blessing in disguise because she met her future husband at the hospital.
Origin
The phrase first appeared in a 1746 poem by James Hervey: 'E'en crosses from his sov'reign hand are blessings in disguise.' It reflects the idea that hidden benefits may come from seemingly negative events.
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Very common idiom used to describe situations where initial disappointment leads to later success or happiness. Suitable for all contexts.
Literally: "A lightning bolt coming from a clear blue sky"
Meanings
- A sudden, unexpected event or piece of news
- Something completely surprising and unforeseen
Examples
- The announcement of layoffs came as a bolt from the blue.
- His marriage proposal was a bolt from the blue—we'd only dated for a month!
- The company's bankruptcy was a bolt from the blue for investors.
Origin
Derived from the rare phenomenon of lightning striking from a clear sky. Used metaphorically since the early 19th century to describe sudden, shocking surprises. Thomas Carlyle used it in 'The French Revolution' (1837).
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Often used for shocking news, whether positive or negative. Common in journalism and everyday speech.
Literally: "a journey on an uneven or rough surface"
Meaning
a difficult or turbulent experience
Examples
- Starting a new business is always a bumpy ride.
- The first year of marriage can be a bumpy ride.
- Investors should prepare for a bumpy ride as the market fluctuates.
Origin
From the literal experience of traveling on rough roads.
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Used to set expectations about difficulty. Often preceded by 'in for.'
Literally: "A holiday spent by a bus driver riding buses"
Meaning
A vacation spent doing the same thing one does for work
Examples
- The chef spent her vacation touring restaurants — a real busman's holiday.
- For a travel writer, visiting new cities is a busman's holiday.
- The IT consultant spent his weekend fixing friends' computers — talk about a busman's holiday.
Origin
Originated in late 19th-century Britain.
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Used humorously. More common in British English.
Literally: "An ace playing card hidden in one's shirt sleeve"
Meanings
- A secret advantage or resource kept in reserve
- A hidden strategy or skill that gives an advantage
Examples
- The lawyer had an ace up his sleeve—a surprise witness.
- I've got an ace up my sleeve for the final negotiation.
- She seemed defeated, but she had an ace up her sleeve.
Origin
From card game cheating, where dishonest players would hide an ace in their sleeve to use at a crucial moment. The ace is typically the highest-value card. The phrase emerged in the 19th century with the popularity of card games.
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Usage Note
Often used in competitive situations like negotiations, sports, or business. The phrase implies strategic advantage held in reserve.
Literally: "A small piece of wood that has been cut from a larger piece"
Meanings
- A person who closely resembles a parent in character or appearance
- Someone who has inherited the qualities of their parent
Examples
- She's a real chip off the old block—just as stubborn as her father.
- Your son is definitely a chip off the old block; he has your sense of humor.
- Like father, like son—he's a chip off the old block.
Origin
The phrase dates to the 17th century. The 'block' refers to a piece of wood, and a 'chip' is a piece that has been cut from it. Since the chip comes from the same material, it shares the same qualities. Early usage appears in Bishop Robert Sanderson's sermons (1637).
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Almost always used as a compliment, implying positive traits. Common in family discussions and casual conversation.
Literally: "Physical actions make more noise than spoken words"
Meanings
- What people do is more important than what they say
- Behavior reveals true intentions better than promises
Examples
- He promised to change, but actions speak louder than words.
- Don't just say you support the cause—actions speak louder than words.
- The company claims to care about the environment, but actions speak louder than words.
Origin
This proverb has ancient roots, with similar sentiments expressed by Aristotle and in the Bible. The exact English phrase first appeared in the 17th century, notably in Gersham Bulkeley's writings (1692).
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One of the most common proverbs in English. Used to emphasize the importance of demonstrating commitment through behavior rather than just words.
Literally: "An egg belonging to a curate (junior clergyman)"
Meaning
Something that is partly good and partly bad
Examples
- The film was a curate's egg — brilliant cinematography but a weak plot.
- Reviews of the restaurant have been a curate's egg.
- The economic report was something of a curate's egg.
Origin
From an 1895 cartoon in Punch magazine.
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Primarily British English. Used in reviews and assessments.
Literally: "A small firecracker that has gotten wet and fails to explode"
Meaning
An event that is much less impressive than expected
Examples
- After months of hype, the product launch turned out to be a damp squib.
- The much-anticipated debate was a damp squib.
- The company's annual party was a damp squib.
Origin
A squib is a small explosive device. Figurative usage dates to the 19th century.
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Usage Note
Primarily British and Commonwealth English. Sometimes confused with 'damp squid' (incorrect).
Literally: "To insult someone after physically injuring them"
Meanings
- To make a bad situation worse by doing something else harmful
- To worsen an already painful situation with additional offense
Examples
- Not only did they fire him, but to add insult to injury, they asked him to train his replacement.
- She crashed the car, and to add insult to injury, it started raining.
- They lost the game, and to add insult to injury, their star player got injured.
Origin
Derived from one of Aesop's fables about a bald man and a fly. When he tried to swat a fly that bit him on his head, he hit himself instead. The fly mocked him, adding insult to his injury. The phrase has been used in English since the 18th century.
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Very common phrase used when describing situations where something bad gets worse. Often introduced with 'to add insult to injury...'
Literally: "Something that costs ten cents for twelve items"
Meanings
- Something very common and not valuable or special
- Easy to find and inexpensive
Examples
- Freelance writers are a dime a dozen these days.
- Good ideas are a dime a dozen; it's execution that matters.
- In Hollywood, aspiring actors are a dime a dozen.
Origin
Originated in mid-19th century America when many goods were actually sold at very low prices (a dime for 12 items). Over time, it came to mean anything commonplace or of little value.
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This is a North American idiom. British English uses 'two a penny' or 'ten a penny' with the same meaning. Often used to dismiss something as unimpressive.
Literally: "A dog lying in a manger full of hay it cannot eat"
Meaning
A person who prevents others from enjoying something they themselves have no use for
Examples
- He never uses the vacation house but won't let his siblings use it either — a real dog in the manger.
- Don't be a dog in the manger; if you're not going to the concert, give your ticket to someone.
- The company acted like a dog in the manger, sitting on patents it never intended to develop.
Origin
From Aesop's fable. In use since at least the 16th century.
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Used to criticize selfish behavior. More common in British English.
Literally: "A sword with blades on both sides"
Meaning
Something that has both positive and negative consequences
Examples
- Social media is a double-edged sword: it connects people but also spreads misinformation.
- His bluntness was a double-edged sword — admired by some but offensive to others.
- Artificial intelligence is proving to be a double-edged sword for the creative industries.
Origin
References to double-edged swords appear in the Bible and ancient literature.
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Very widely used in essays, journalism, and formal discussion.
Literally: "A brief flash of gunpowder in the pan of a flintlock gun"
Meanings
- A thing or person whose sudden success is not repeated
- Something promising that quickly fails or disappears
Examples
- Many thought she'd be a flash in the pan, but she proved them wrong.
- The band's first album was a hit, but they turned out to be a flash in the pan.
- Don't dismiss him as a flash in the pan—he's got real talent.
Origin
From the firing mechanism of flintlock muskets in the 17th century. Sometimes the gunpowder in the pan would flash but fail to ignite the main charge, producing a startling flash with no shot. This described something that seemed promising but failed to deliver.
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Often used in sports, entertainment, and business to describe short-lived success. Can be used to describe people or things.
Literally: "Racing or competing with time as measured by a clock"
Meanings
- Working with very little time available
- In a great hurry to meet a deadline
Examples
- We're working against the clock to finish the project by Friday.
- The rescue team raced against the clock to find survivors.
- With the deadline tomorrow, it's a race against the clock.
Origin
Originated from racing sports where competitors are timed by a clock rather than racing against each other. First used in the early 20th century and became common in everyday speech to describe deadline pressure.
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Usage Note
Very common in work and emergency contexts. Often used with 'race' or 'work' to emphasize urgency.
Literally: "Cutting or sanding wood in the opposite direction of its natural fibers"
Meanings
- Contrary to one's natural inclination or preference
- Opposite to what is expected or normal
Examples
- Asking for help goes against the grain for him.
- It goes against the grain to lie, even for a good reason.
- Working weekends goes against the grain for most employees.
Origin
From woodworking, where cutting 'against the grain' (the natural direction of wood fibers) makes the work more difficult and produces rougher results. Shakespeare used this metaphor in 'Coriolanus' (1607).
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Used to describe actions that feel unnatural or uncomfortable for someone. Common in discussions about personal values and preferences.
Literally: "positioned in front of or before the expected time"
Meaning
earlier than expected or scheduled
Examples
- She finished the project two days ahead of time.
- Please arrive ahead of time so we can get started promptly.
- Planning ahead of time can save you a lot of stress.
Origin
A straightforward English phrase in use since at least the 18th century.
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Used to describe something completed earlier than required. Very common in everyday and professional English.
Literally: "A potato that has just been cooked and is too hot to hold"
Meanings
- A controversial issue or situation that is awkward to deal with
- A problem that no one wants to handle or take responsibility for
Examples
- Immigration policy is a hot potato that politicians try to avoid.
- The budget cuts became a hot potato passed between departments.
- The CEO dropped that hot potato onto the HR department.
Origin
Dating from the mid-19th century, this idiom refers to the difficulty of holding a hot potato—you want to get rid of it quickly. In political and social contexts, it describes issues that are too risky or controversial to touch.
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Usage Note
Very common in political and workplace discussions. Often used with 'drop' (drop a hot potato) meaning to quickly abandon a problematic issue.
Literally: "The involuntary kick when the knee is tapped by a doctor"
Meanings
- An automatic, unthinking emotional response
- A quick reaction made without careful consideration
Examples
- Firing the employee was a knee-jerk reaction to one mistake.
- Don't make a knee-jerk reaction—think it through first.
- The public's knee-jerk reaction was to blame the government.
Origin
From the medical term 'patellar reflex' discovered in 1875 by Wilhelm Erb and Carl Westphal. The knee-jerk is an involuntary response, and by the 1960s, the term was used figuratively to describe automatic, unthinking reactions.
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Usually carries a negative connotation, implying that the reaction is not well thought out. Common in discussions about politics, management, and personal decisions.