20 Idioms with Their Meanings and Examples! There are many idioms in the English language that can be confusing for those who are learning the language. Here are 20 of the most common idioms, along with their meanings and examples:
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20 Idioms with Their Meanings and Examples
- I’m going to kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: This means that you’re going to accomplish two things with one effort.
Example: “I’m going to do my grocery shopping and pick up my dry cleaning on the way home, so I’m killing two birds with one stone.”
- That’ll be the day!
Meaning: This is used to express disbelief or skepticism.
Example: “My boss said I might get a raise soon. That’ll be the day!”
- “I have my work cut out for me
Meaning: This means that you have a lot of work to do, and it’s not going to be easy.
Example: “I’ve got to study for three exams and do a research paper this week. I really have my work cut out for me.”
- That’s the last straw!
Meaning: This is used to express frustration, because something that just happened is the final problem in a series of problems.
Example: “I’ve had it with this job! They’re constantly changing my schedule and I’m never given enough time to do my work properly.
That’s the last straw!”
- I’m pulling your leg
Meaning: This means that I’m joking with you and you shouldn’t believe what I’m saying.
Example: “Don’t worry, I’m just pulling your leg. Of course, I didn’t forget your birthday.”
- There’s more than one way to skin a cat
Meaning: This means that there’s more than one way to do something.
Example: “I’m not sure how to approach this problem, but I know there’s more than one way to skin a cat. I’ll just have to try a few different things until I find the right solution.”
- That takes the cake
Meaning: This is used to describe something that is the worst or most ridiculous example of its kind.
Example: “I’ve heard some pretty crazy excuses for being late to work, but your excuse takes the cake! You said you got lost on your way to the office?”
- I’m in hot water
Meaning: This means that I’m in trouble.
Example: “I’m in hot water with my boss because I accidentally sent her the wrong report.”
- That hit the nail on the head
Meaning: This means that something is exactly right.
Example: “Your diagnosis of the problem was spot on. You hit the nail on the head.”
- I’ll sleep on it
Meaning: This means that I’m going to think about something before making a decision.
Example: “I don’t know whether I should accept the job offer or not. I’ll sleep on it and let you know tomorrow.”
- It’s not my cup of tea
Meaning: This means that I don’t like something.
Example: “I know you love that new restaurant, but it’s just not my cup of tea. I didn’t like the food at all.”
- That costs an arm and a leg
Meaning: This means that something is very expensive.
Example: “I’d love to buy a new car, but they all cost an arm and a leg these days.”
- I’m in over my head
Meaning: This means that I’m in a situation that’s too difficult for me.
Example: “I’m in over my head with this project. I don’t know how I’m going to finish it on time.”
- That goes without saying
Meaning: This means that something is so obvious that it doesn’t need to be said.
Example: “Of course I’m going to help you move! That goes without saying.”
- There’s no need to beat around the bush
Meaning: This means that you should say what you mean directly, without wasting time.
Example: “I could tell that my boss was upset with me, so I decided there was no need to beat around the bush. I asked him what was wrong and he told me that I needed to improve my work.”
- That’s the name of the game
Meaning: This means that something is the most important thing.
Example: “Making money is the name of the game for most businesses.”
- You can’t judge a book by its cover
Meaning: This means that you shouldn’t judge something based on its appearance.
Example: “I know he looks like a tough guy, but you can’t judge a book by its cover. He’s actually really nice.”
- That’ll be the day!
Meaning: This is used to express disbelief or skepticism.
Example: “You’re actually going to wake up early tomorrow morning? That’ll be the day!”
- There’s more than meets the eye
Meaning: This means that there’s more to something than what you can see.
Example: “I thought the house was going to be small, but there’s more than meets the eye. It’s actually quite spacious.”
- That’ll be the death of me
Meaning: This means that something is very difficult or annoying.
Example: “Trying to get my two year old to take a nap is the death of me. I have no idea how parents do it.”
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