50 Common Idioms in English Language - Part 1

Introduction: Why Learn Common Idioms in English?

Idioms are short, catchy phrases that native speakers use all the time. They help you sound natural, fluent, and confident in real-life conversations. In this post, you’ll find 50 common idioms in English with simple meanings and real examples. If you’re a beginner, this blog is just for you.

How to Use These Common Idioms in English

Step-by-Step Practice for Beginners

First, read the idiom, its meaning, and the sample sentences to understand it clearly. Then, try to create and speak 5 to 6 sentences using the idiom. Your sentences might be the same as mine or a little different — both are okay. The goal is to practice speaking confidently.

Common Questions About Idioms (And Simple Answers)

1. How can I use common idioms in English while speaking?

Start by learning the meaning. Then speak 5–6 simple sentences using that idiom in your daily life.

2. Is it okay if my sentences are similar to the examples?

Yes. It’s natural. Matching a few sentences is fine as long as you understand and speak them clearly.

3. Can I say the same idiom in different ways?

Yes. You can change the sentence but keep the idiom the same. That makes your practice stronger.

4. How many sentences should I speak to remember each idiom?

Try 5–6 sentences. Repetition builds confidence and fluency.

5. What is the best way to practice idioms at home?

Speak aloud. Record yourself. Use them in real or imaginary conversations.

6. How can idioms help me speak fluent English?

Idioms make your English sound natural and native-like. Using them daily improves your fluency fast.

List of 25 Most Common Idioms in English (With Meanings & Examples)

✅ Each idiom comes with simple examples you can copy, change, or repeat out loud.

1. Break the Ice

Meaning: To start a conversation and make people feel more comfortable in a social setting.

Sample Sentences:

·        He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.

·        I often tell a short story to break the ice with my audience.

·        The chairman often starts with a compliment to break the ice.

·        Some people ask thoughtful questions to break the ice.

·        What would you do to break the ice with your audience?

2. Hit the Nail on the Head

Meaning: To be exactly right or accurate about something.

Sample Sentences:

·        You hit the nail on the head with your suggestion.

·        He hit the nail on the head with his question.

·        The boss hit the nail on the head with this idiom.

·        You need deep knowledge of a subject to hit the nail on the head.

·        How do you manage to hit the nail on the head whenever you debate with someone?

3. A Piece of Cake

Meaning: Something that is very easy to do.

Sample Sentences:

·        The exam was a piece of cake.

·        The puzzle was a piece of cake.

·        Fixing this problem is a piece of cake for me.

·        Working out at 4 a.m. is a piece of cake for him.

·        Presenting a new topic is a piece of cake for him.

4. Under the Weather

Meaning: Feeling sick or unwell.

Sample Sentences:

·        I didn’t go to work today because I was feeling under the weather.

·        I will not attend the party because I am feeling under the weather.

·        She cannot play today as she is under the weather.

·        I missed the conference yesterday because I was under the weather.

·        How do you manage your business as a one-man show when you are under the weather?

5. On Cloud Nine

Meaning: Very happy or extremely joyful.

Sample Sentences:

·        She was on cloud nine after getting the job.

·        He was on cloud nine after winning the competition.

·        Harish was on cloud nine after completing the challenge.

·        Pooja was on cloud nine after getting the order.

·        After reaching Paris, Amit was on cloud nine.

6. Once in a Blue Moon

Meaning: Something that happens very rarely.

Sample Sentences:

• We see them once in a blue moon.
• She goes to the office once in a blue moon.
• I play cricket once in a blue moon.
• My distant cousins visit me once in a blue moon.
• Many people learn new skills once in a blue moon.

7. Cost an Arm and a Leg

Meaning: Very expensive.

Sample Sentences:

·        That car costs an arm and a leg.

·        A house in Gurugram will cost you an arm and a leg.

·        A visit by luxury train will cost you an arm and a leg.

·        Having dinner in a fine-dining restaurant costs an arm and a leg.

·        A foreign trip might cost an arm and a leg.

8. Hit the Sack

Meaning: To go to bed or sleep.

Sample Sentences:

·        I’m really tired. I’m going to hit the sack.

·        I normally hit the sack by 11 p.m.

·        Feel grateful before you hit the sack, and you will have a beautiful sleep.

·        It’s not possible to hit the sack at 6 p.m. unless you’re very tired.

·        When do you normally hit the sack?

9. In Hot Water

Meaning: In trouble.

Sample Sentences:

·        He’s in hot water for missing the meeting.

·        You’ll be in hot water if you fail to complete the project on time.

·        She’ll be in hot water for failing to complete the sales target.

·        They are in hot water because they misbehaved with the client.

·        Prem was in hot water after leaving the job.

10. Raining Cats and Dogs

Meaning: Raining very heavily.

Sample Sentences:

·        It’s raining cats and dogs outside!

·        When I left the office, it was raining cats and dogs.

·        We cannot go shopping because it’s raining cats and dogs outside.

·        It’s difficult to drive when it rains cats and dogs.

·        It has been raining cats and dogs since morning.

11. Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

Meaning: To take on more work or responsibility than you can manage.

Sample Sentences:

·        Don’t bite off more than you can chew with too many projects.

·        He often makes big mistakes because he always bites off more than he can chew.

·        Don’t bite off more than you can chew, otherwise you’ll have to work after office hours.

·        He has no time for his health and family as he often bites off more than he can chew.

·        If you bite off more than you can chew, the quality of your work will suffer.

12. Burn the Midnight Oil

Meaning: To work late into the night.

Sample Sentences:

·        He’s burning the midnight oil to finish the project.

·        He often burns the midnight oil to impress his boss.

·        It’s okay to burn the midnight oil once in a while to meet a tight deadline, but if you do it frequently — consider changing your job.

·        In my first job, I used to burn the midnight oil all year round.

·        I cannot burn the midnight oil to meet an unreasonable demand.

13. Miss the Boat

Meaning: To miss an opportunity.

Sample Sentences:

·        I didn’t apply in time and missed the boat.

·        I’m learning AI because most jobs now require it, and I don’t want to miss the boat.

·        He couldn’t express himself in English and missed the boat.

·        You missed the boat because you failed to impress the investors.

·        Many people miss the boat because they never learn new skills that are in high demand.

14. Pull Someone’s Leg

Meaning: To joke or tease someone in a playful way.

Sample Sentences:

·        Relax! I’m just pulling your leg.

·        I don’t react when someone tries to pull my leg.

·        Don’t try to pull his leg.

·        Why didn’t you say something when he was pulling your leg?

·        His colleagues often pull his leg.

15. Take It with a Grain of Salt

Meaning: Don’t take it too seriously; be a little skeptical.

Sample Sentences:

·        He exaggerates, so take what he says with a grain of salt.

·        He was pulling your leg — take his words with a grain of salt.

·        He is a comedian; people take his advice with a grain of salt.

·        People take your words with a grain of salt if you’re experienced but not rich.

·        She’s not a responsible person, so take her words with a grain of salt.

16. Face the Music

Meaning: To accept the consequences of your actions, especially when they are unpleasant.

Sample Sentences:

·        He has to face the music for his mistakes.

·        You shouted at your wife; now face the music.

·        You have to face the music if you do something wrong.

·        After hiring the wrong employee, he had to face the music.

·        She had been eating junk food round the clock for five years — now she has to face the music.

17. Come Rain or Shine

Meaning: No matter what happens; in all conditions or situations.

Sample Sentences:

·        I go for a walk every morning, come rain or shine.

·        I will complete this blog today, come rain or shine.

·        You must finish your most important task on time, come rain or shine.

·        Everyone should pursue what they love, come rain or shine.

·        All parents should teach focus and consistency to their children, come rain or shine.

18. Give Someone a Hand

Meaning: To help someone.

Sample Sentences:

·        Can you give me a hand with this box?

·        I’ll give you a hand with this project.

·        She gave me a hand preparing food for the guests.

·        Will you give me a hand cleaning the kitchen?

·        Who will give me a hand with the household chores?

19. At the Drop of a Hat

Meaning: Immediately; without any hesitation or delay.

Sample Sentences:

·        She’ll help you at the drop of a hat.

·        I’ll fix this problem at the drop of a hat.

·        Ram will come here at the drop of a hat.

·        Pooja will bring something to eat at the drop of a hat.

·        I can clean this room at the drop of a hat.

20. Hang in There

Meaning: Don’t give up; stay strong during a difficult situation.

Sample Sentences:

·        I know it’s hard, but hang in there.

·        You will achieve this target soon — hang in there.

·        I want to fix this problem, so I’ll hang in there.

·        Hang in there — I’m coming to help you.

·        You should hang in there because you’re experienced enough to fix this problem.

21. Jump the Gun

Meaning: To start something too soon, especially before the right time or before you're fully ready.

Sample Sentences:

·        Don’t jump the gun — we haven’t finished planning.

·        Don’t jump the gun — you should assess the quality of his work once he completes it.

·        I almost jumped the gun by buying a ticket before confirming the event date.

·        Don’t jump the gun — learn some valuable skills before you look for a job.

·        Don’t jump the gun — wash and cut the vegetables before you start cooking them.

·        We don’t want to jump the gun and make decisions without full information.

22. Make a Long Story Short

Meaning: To summarize the main point without giving too many details.

Sample Sentences:

·        To make a long story short, we missed the flight.

·        To make a long story short, I’ll complete this job tomorrow.

·        To make a long story short, she’ll help you if you can afford her fee.

·        To make a long story short, you can watch this movie if you finish the job by this weekend.

·        To make a long story short, I’ll keep my promise if you support my work.

23. Cut Corners

Meaning: To do something quickly and cheaply, avoiding necessary steps; to do it improperly to save time or money.

Sample Sentences:

·        Don’t cut corners on this project.

·        If you cut corners on your work, you’ll never produce high-quality results.

·        If you try to cut corners while preparing food, it’s hard to make it tasty.

·        If you cut corners on learning, you’ll never improve your skills.

·        If you cut corners on exercising, you won’t be able to maintain your fitness.

24. Pull Yourself Together

Meaning: To calm down and regain control of your emotions; to stay strong during a difficult moment.

Sample Sentences:

·        Take a deep breath and pull yourself together.

·        Pull yourself together before you start this job.

·        She needs to pull herself together before giving this presentation.

·        Before I start the marathon, I need to pull myself together.

·        You need to pull yourself together before facing the interviewer.

25. Throw in the Towel

Meaning: To give up or quit, especially after struggling.

Sample Sentences:

·        After trying for hours, he threw in the towel.

·        Don’t throw in the towel — you can do this work.

·        He will not throw in the towel before he gets a high-paying job.

·        You have to learn this skill — you can’t throw in the towel.

·        Ram has to convince his boss to raise his salary — he can’t throw in the towel.

Final Thoughts on Learning Common Idioms in English

Using common idioms in English is one of the easiest ways to improve your spoken fluency. You don’t need to memorize all of them at once. Just pick 2 or 3 every day, speak 5–6 sentences, and repeat them during your daily routine. That’s how real improvement happens — slowly, steadily, and naturally.

Coming Up Next: 50 More Common English Idioms (Part 2)

Want more idioms like this? Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll share 25 more common idioms with clear meanings and examples for daily speaking practice.

Meet the Author – Yogesh

• ✅ A Qualified Chartered Accountant helping professionals and jobseekers speak English confidently for over 15 years.
• 🏢 Founder of Urcareer, one of the most trusted institutes on Google for learning English-speaking skills.
• 📚 Author of 7 books, including 2 bestsellers: Learn English Through Hindi-English Translation and English Speaking Practice.
• 🎓 Creator of English Speaking Mastery Course for Beginners, with 7,200+ students from over 110 countries.
• 💬 His language tips and answers have received over 1.5 million views on Quora.