english-idioms-commonly-used, ang
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//-->A List of the most commonly used English idiomsA hot potatoSpeak of an issue which many people are talking about and which is usually disputedCaught between two stoolsWhen someone finds it difficult to choose between two alternatives.Costs an arm and a legThis idiom is used when something is very expensive.A penny for your thoughtsA way of asking what someone is thinkingActions speak louder than wordsCross that bridge when you come to itDeal with a problem if and when it becomes necessary, not before.People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.Add insult to injuryTo further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation.Cry over spilt milkWhen you complain about a loss from the past.An arm and a legVery expensive or costly. A large amount of money.At the drop of a hatMeaning: without any hesitation; instantly.Curiosity killed the catBeing Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation.Cut cornersWhen something is done badly to save money.Back to the drawing boardWhen an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.Cut the mustardTo succeed; to come up to expectations; adequate enough to compete or participateBall is in your courtIt is up to you to make the next decision or stepDevil's AdvocateTo present a counter argumentBarking up the wrong treeLooking in the wrong place. Accusing the wrong personDon't count your chickens before the eggs have hatchedThis idiom is used to express "Don't make plans for something that might not happen".Be glad to see the back ofBe happy when a person leaves.Don't give up the day jobYou are not very good at something. You could definitely not do it professionally.Beat around the bushAvoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.Don't put all your eggs in one basketDo not put all your resources in one possibility.Best of both worldsMeaning: All the advantages.Best thing since sliced breadDrastic times call for drastic measuresWhen you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions.Elvis has left the buildingThe show has come to an end. It's all over.A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan.Bite off more than you can chewTo take on a task that is way to big.Every cloud has a silver liningBe optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.Blessing in disguiseSomething good that isn't recognized at first.Burn the midnight oilTo work late into the night, alluding to the time before electric lighting.Can't judge a book by its coverFar cry fromVery different from.Feel a bit under the weatherMeaning: Feeling slightly ill.Give the benefit of the doubtCannot judge something primarily on appearance.Believe someone's statement, without proof.Commonly used smart idioms - English | Available from© 2012Page 1 of 2Hear it on the grapevineThis idiom means 'to hear rumors' about something or someone.Off one's rockerCrazy, demented, out of one's mind, in a confused or befuddled state of mind, senile.Hit the nail on the headDo or say something exactly rightHit the sack / sheets / hayOn the ballWhen someone understands the situation well.Once in a blue moonMeaning: Happens very rarely.Picture paints a thousand wordsTo go to bed.In the heat of the momentOverwhelmed by what is happening in the moment.A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words.It takes two to tangoActions or communications need more than one personJump on the bandwagonPiece of cakeA job, task or other activity that is easy or simple.Put wool over other people's eyesThis means to deceive someone into thinking well of them.Join a popular trend or activity.Keep something at bayKeep something away.See eye to eyeThis idiom is used to say that two (or more people) agree on something.Sit on the fenceKill two birds with one stoneThis idiom means, to accomplish two different things at the same time.This is used when someone does not want to choose or make a decision.Last strawThe final problem in a series of problems.Speak of the devil!This expression is used when the person you have just been talking about arrives.Steal someone's thunderTo take the credit for something someone else did.Let sleeping dogs lieDo not disturb a situation as it is - since it would result in trouble or complications.Let the cat out of the bagTo share information that was previously concealedTake with a grain of saltThis means not to take what someone says too seriously.Make a long story shortCome to the point - leave out detailsTaste of your own medicineMeans that something happens to you, or is done to you, that you have done to someone elseMethod to my madnessAn assertion that, despite one's approach seeming random, there actually is structure to it.To hear something straight from the horse's mouthTo hear something from the authoritative source.Miss the boatThis idiom is used to say that someone missed his or her chanceWhole nine yardsEverything. All of it.Not a spark of decencyMeaning: No mannersNot playing with a full deckSomeone who lacks intelligence.Wouldn't be caught deadWould never like to do somethingYour guess is as good as mineTo have no idea, do not know the answer to a questionCommonly used smart idioms - English | Available from© 2012Page 2 of 2
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