English idioms are a group of words which have a meaning which isn’t obvious from looking at the individual words (learn more here). They are used so often in everyday English, if you don’t know them, it’s almost impossible to understand the context. Learning idioms will improve your understanding of the English language and enrich your English vocabulary.
Here are 10 common English idioms for you:
1 A piece of cake
Meaning: something that easy to do
Example:
I finished my exam 30 minutes early. It was a piece of cake because it was incredibly
2 Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: very expensive
Example:
A college education in America costs an arm and a leg.
3 Break a leg
Meaning: used for wishing someone good luck, especially before a performance
Example:
“Break a leg!” shouted the stage director to his actors before the beginning of the play.
4 Hits the books
Meaning: to study
Example:
I can’t go out tonight. I need to hit the books.
5 Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: to reveal a secret, usually by mistake
Example: I was trying to keep the party a secret, but Mel went and let the cat out of the bag.
6 Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: to describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem
Example:
A: Did you hear about Wendy and John?
B: Let me guess, they are getting a divorce
A: Wow, you hit the nail on the head. How did you know?
7 Pig might fly
Meaning: said when you think that there is no chance at all something happening
Example: “ I’ll have finished it by tomorrow.” “And pigs might fly!”
8 You can’t judge a book by its over
Meaning: said to show that you cannot know what something or someone is like by looking only at that person or thing’s appearance
Example:
That man may look very small and insignificant, but don’t judge a book by its cover– he’s a very powerful man in his circle.
9 Bite off more than you can chew
Meaning: to try to do something that is too difficult for you
Example:
By accepting two part-time jobs, he is clearly biting off more than he can chew.
10 Scratch someone’s back
Meaning: to offer to help someone if they help you
Example:
A: Would you please give me a hand with my math homework?
B: I’ll do it if you promise to help me with the housework later. Scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.
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