DEFINITION

An idioms is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning that differs from the literal meaning of the words. Idioms are often culturally specific and may not make sense to people who are not familiar with the language and culture. Here are some common types of idioms:

1. Literal idioms: These idioms have a literal meaning that is related to the actual words in the expression. For example, “kick the bucket” means to die, but the expression is derived from the literal act of kicking a bucket, which could happen accidentally and lead to death.
2. Figurative idioms: These idioms have a figurative meaning that is unrelated to the literal meaning of the words. For example, “let the cat out of the bag” means to reveal a secret, but there is no cat or bag involved in the expression.
3. Proverbial idioms: These idioms are often used to convey a common truth or wisdom. For example, “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” means it’s better to have a small but certain advantage than to risk losing everything by pursuing a larger but uncertain goal.
4. Slang idioms: These idioms are informal and are often used in casual or humorous situations. For example, “hang out” means to spend time with someone, but the expression is not appropriate in formal or professional contexts.
5. Regional idioms: These idioms are specific to a particular region or culture. For example, “pop” means soda in some regions of the United States, but in other regions, it means a type of music.
6. Historical idioms: These idioms have their origins in historical events or figures. For example, “crossing the Rubicon” means to take an irrevocable step, and it is derived from Julius Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon River in 49 BC, which marked the beginning of the Roman Civil War.

EXAMPLES

Here are some examples of idioms with their meanings and usage in a sentence:

• “Bite the bullet” – to endure a painful or difficult situation with courage. Example: I didn’t want to go to the dentist, but I knew I had to bite the bullet and get my cavity filled.
• “Break a leg” – a way to wish someone good luck. Example: Before going on stage for her performance, the director told her to break a leg.
• “Let the cat out of the bag” – to reveal a secret. Example: I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party, and now everyone knows about it.
• “A penny for your thoughts” – a way of asking someone what they are thinking about. Example: You seem lost in thought. A penny for your thoughts?
• “Spill the beans” – to reveal secret information. Example: I told my sister not to spill the beans about my new job until I could tell our parents first.
• “Pull someone’s leg” – to tease or joke with someone. Example: I wasn’t really angry when my friend told me he failed the test, he was just pulling my leg.
• “Under the weather” – feeling ill or unwell. Example: I can’t come into work today, I’m feeling under the weather.
• “It’s raining cats and dogs” – a way of describing heavy rainfall. Example: We had to cancel the outdoor picnic because it was raining cats and dogs.
• “Once in a blue moon” – a rare occurrence. Example: I don’t usually eat ice cream, but I’ll have some once in a blue moon.
• “Break the ice” – to initiate conversation or to relieve tension in a social situation. Example: At the start of the meeting, the manager tried to break the ice by asking everyone about their weekend.

• “Piece of cake” – something that is easy to do. Example: The exam was a piece of cake for me, I finished it in half the time.
• “Hit the nail on the head” – to be accurate or correct. Example: The coach hit the nail on the head when she said that our team needed to improve our defense.
• “Costs an arm and a leg” – something that is very expensive. Example: I would love to go on a trip to Europe, but it costs an arm and a leg.
• “On the same page” – to be in agreement with someone. Example: We need to make sure everyone on the project is on the same page before we move forward.
• “Kick the bucket” – to die. Example: My grandfather sadly kicked the bucket last year, but he had a long and fulfilling life.
• “The ball is in your court” – it’s your turn to take action or make a decision. Example: I’ve given you all the information you need, now the ball is in your court to decide.
• “Throw in the towel” – to give up or surrender. Example: After several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to throw in the towel and admit defeat.
• “In hot water” – to be in trouble or facing consequences. Example: I’m afraid I’ll be in hot water with my boss if I don’t finish the project on time.
• “A picture is worth a thousand words” – an image can convey a lot of information or emotion. Example: The photograph of the sunset over the ocean was truly breathtaking – a picture is worth a thousand words.
• “Take a rain check” – to decline an invitation but suggest doing it another time. Example: I’m sorry, I can’t make it to the concert tonight, but can I take a rain check and go with you next week instead?

• “The apple of my eye” – someone who is cherished and loved. Example: My daughter is the apple of my eye, and I would do anything to make her happy.
• “In the nick of time” – at the last possible moment. Example: I arrived at the train station in the nick of time and caught my train just as it was leaving.
• “Actions speak louder than words” – what someone does is more important than what they say. Example: My boss said he would help me with my project, but I’m not sure if he will. Actions speak louder than words.
• “A taste of your own medicine” – when someone is treated the same way they have treated others. Example: After years of being rude to her coworkers, Sarah finally got a taste of her own medicine when she was excluded from a team project.
• “Barking up the wrong tree” – pursuing a mistaken or misguided course of action. Example: If you think I’m the one who stole your phone, you’re barking up the wrong tree – I was in a meeting at the time.
• “All ears” – to be fully attentive and listening. Example: When my friend started telling me about her new job, I was all ears and eager to hear more.
• “Cut to the chase” – to get to the point and skip unnecessary details. Example: Can you cut to the chase and tell me what’s really going on here?
• “Beat around the bush” – to avoid the main topic and speak indirectly. Example: My boss always beats around the bush when he wants to give me constructive feedback, which makes it hard for me to know what I need to improve.
• “Put all your eggs in one basket” – to risk everything on a single venture. Example: Instead of investing all your money in one stock, it’s better to diversify your investments and not put all your eggs in one basket.
• “Go the extra mile” – to do more than what is expected or required. Example: When my coworker was sick, I went the extra mile and covered her shifts so she could recover.

• “Bite the bullet” – to endure a painful or difficult situation. Example: I didn’t want to get a root canal, but I had to bite the bullet and go through with it to fix my tooth.
• “Break a leg” – a phrase used to wish someone good luck. Example: Before the play, the director told the actors to break a leg.
• “Cut and dried” – something that is already decided or settled. Example: The terms of the contract are cut and dried, and we don’t have room for negotiation.
• “Diamond in the rough” – someone or something with potential that needs to be developed. Example: The new intern is a diamond in the rough – with some training, she could become a valuable asset to the company.
• “Don’t cry over spilled milk” – to not worry about something that can’t be undone. Example: I know you’re upset that you missed the train, but don’t cry over spilled milk – there will be another one in an hour.
• “Get cold feet” – to become nervous or hesitant about something. Example: I was planning to propose to my girlfriend, but I got cold feet and decided to wait.
• “Jump on the bandwagon” – to join a popular trend or activity. Example: Everyone is using TikTok these days, so I decided to jump on the bandwagon and create an account.
• “On cloud nine” – to be extremely happy and content. Example: After getting the promotion, I was on cloud nine for days and couldn’t stop smiling.
• “Sweat bullets” – to be extremely nervous or anxious. Example: I was sweating bullets during the interview, but I managed to answer all the questions confidently.
• “When it rains, it pours” – when bad things happen, they tend to happen in multiples. Example: First I lost my job, and then my car broke down. When it rains, it pours.

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