50 Popular English Idioms for Fluency
To understand English as it is spoken in real life, you have to be familiar with idioms. They are used so much in everyday English that it is important to be aware of them. You need to learn what they mean, and how to use them to become an ‘insider’. This blog post will show you some of the most popular English idioms currently in use. Remember, knowledge is power.50 Popular English Idioms
1. CRUNCH TIME: the period of time just before a project has to be completed and everyone has to work hard- I’m not getting enough sleep these days. It’s crunch time at work.
- My colleagues were surprised at the Christmas party- I let my freak flag fly and showed them a break dance routine.
- The party got out of hand and the guests started to throw bottles at each other.
- I just can’t get my head around the fact that Joe is leaving us.
- My parents wanted me to give up writing, but I dug in my heels and went on to become a famous writer.
- My parents wanted me to give up writing, but I stuck to my guns and went on to become a famous writer.
- I’d been pounding the pavement for months before I found a job in a fast food restaurant.
- I thought we were going bankrupt, but my partner pulled a rabbit out of his hat and we landed a major contract.
- I’ll leave no stone unturned until I find out who did this.
- I wasn’t sure how she was going to react, but I had to get it out of my system, so I told her I had found another woman.
- If you want to win this competition, you’ll have to step up your game.
- I understand you’ve had a bad day, but pull yourself together and get on with your job, will you?
- This is the last time I’m telling you to arrive on time. Shape up or ship out.
- I was extremely busy last week. Cut me some slack and I’ll finish the report by tomorrow morning.
- I hadn’t studied much, but passed the test by the skin of my teeth.
- We used to see him all the time, but now he just visits us once in a blue moon.
- She’d wanted to become Managing Director, but her career went down in flames when they found out she’d been leaking information to our competitors.
- I don’t think much of that band, but the singer shouldn’t be tarred with the same brush. She’s got a fantastic voice.
- Our local MP came out swinging against the current leadership and demanded that the government resign.
- I know you’d really like to call him, but I don’t think that’s the right thing to do now. Just hang in there and he will call you.
- If you want to get on well with your boss, try not to shoot from the hip next time. You don’t want to offend him, do you?
- If you want to become proficient in English, you’ll have to go the extra mile and start learning idioms.
- My English class was great, we learnt so much because our teacher was the best, she always went the extra mile for us.
- I’m sorry, but I’ve got to go home now. I haven’t slept for twenty hours and I’m running on fumes.
- I asked you to keep it to yourself! I can’t believe you sold me out, I trusted you!
- OK, you’ve sold me. I’ll go to the match with you.
- The exhibition just blew me away. I’d never seen so many beautiful paintings before.
- I’m not blowing smoke. I have honestly read War and Peace by Tolstoy.
- Do you think Peter is in trouble or is he just crying wolf?
- That man stole a bottle of wine from the shop.
- Oh, really? I couldn’t care less.
- Hey, thanks for the present! I’m chuffed to bits.30. FEELING UNDER THE WEATHER: to be ill or unable to do regular activities
- I think I’m going to have to take the day off work. I feel quite under the weather today.
- She was tickled pink by all the compliments she’d received.
- Check out our baker’s dozen language learning tips.
- After a tiring day, it’s so nice to make some comfort food and settle down with a good book.
- Can you come back after the holidays? We’re operating with a skeleton crew at the moment.
- I must tell John how I feel about him, let the chips fall where they may.
- Do you think I should propose to Judy?
- Come on, it’s a no-brainer. She’s such a fantastic woman!
- The hotel was a stone’s throw from the beach. I loved it.
- I heard on the grapevine that Charlie and Sarah are dating at the moment.
- Well don’t you think I’m right, he’s been acting differently hasn’t he?
- I’m sitting on the fence with this one, you’re both my good friends.0. TAKE WHAT SOMEONE SAYS WITH A PINCH OF SALT: regard something as exaggerated, or only believe a part of something
- Did you hear what Tina said happened in the office yesterday?
- Oh, I would take anything she says with a pinch of salt.
- Mum, don’t freak out! I married a guy in Las Vegas.
- John is taking me out tonight. He’s such a catch, I hope he’ll propose.
- Do you think you could beat him in a race?
- Yeah, piece of cake. I’m definitely a lot faster than him.
- My doctor hit the nail on the head. He knew exactly what was wrong with me!
- My son wants that mountain bike for his birthday, but it’ll cost an arm and a leg!
- Do you want to go for lunch somewhere nice?
- No thanks, I’m going to hit the books. I have an exam coming up soon.
- He recently got promoted and took on some new responsibilities, but he’s just too busy. He bit off more than he could chew, and I don’t think he can handle it anymore. 48. WHEN PIGS FLY: this means that something will never happen
- Aren’t you going to buy that dream house you told me about?
- Ugh, I will when pigs fly. It’s just so expensive, I don’t think it’ll happen.
- I don’t like our new neighbours very much, they’re quite strange.
- Hey, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Give them a chance, I think they’re just a bit quirky but really nice!
- Thanks for the tickets, Rob. You rock!
- Have you applied for that job yet?
- No, I think I may have missed the boat. I should’ve done it last week.