- Hello, students! Have you ever heard someone use a strange phrase that didn’t quite make sense to you? Or has a friend said something that left you wondering how to respond? It’s likely you were hearing an idiom.
So, What is an Idiom?
The term “idiom” comes from Ancient Greek, meaning a “unique phrase.” Idioms are expressions with meanings that don’t match their literal words. They’re widely used in everyday language to make speech more colourful. Unlike proverbs, which usually offer some advice, idioms are simply creative ways to express ideas.
For example, the proverb “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” advises staying healthy. But idioms are more about imagery than advice—they paint a picture in words.
In English, idioms are commonly divided into four categories: pure idioms, binomial idioms, partial idioms, and prepositional idioms. Let’s explore each type and see some examples!
Many languages use idioms, but they rarely translate directly. English idioms, for example, are distinct to the language and can even vary between regions.
- Binomial Idioms
Binomial idioms combine two words, often joined by “and” or “or,” to express a connection or contrast:
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- Odds and ends – Small, unimportant items or miscellaneous bits and pieces.
I just need to pack a few odds and ends before we leave.
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- To and from – Moving back and forth.
The boat rocked to and from with the waves.
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- Give and take – A mutual compromise or flexibility.
A good friendship requires a bit of give and take.
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- Spick and span – Very clean and tidy.
After the spring-cleaning, the house was spick and span.
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- Nook and cranny – Every part or corner of a space.
She searched every nook and cranny of her room but couldn’t find her keys.
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- Safe and sound – Safe and unharmed, often used after a potentially risky situation.
After the storm passed, we were relieved to find everyone safe and sound.
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- Hustle and bustle – Busy activity, often in a city or crowded area.
I love the hustle and bustle of London at Christmas.
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- Short and sweet – Brief but pleasant or effective.
The meeting was short and sweet, lasting just 10 minutes.
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- Black and white – Clear and straightforward, with no grey areas.
The rules are black and white, so there shouldn’t be any confusion.
- Make or break – Something that will either lead to success or complete failure.
Binomial idioms like these bring a rhythmic feel to speech and are commonly used in everyday British English. They’re especially useful for adding clarity and character to conversations.
- Partial Idioms
These idioms have become so familiar to native speakers and learners that they are often abbreviated, typically by using just the first two words. Despite being shortened, their meaning remains clear to most people.
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- When in Rome (When in Rome, do as the Romans do) – Adapt to the customs of the place you are visiting.
In Japan, I tried sushi even though I wasn’t sure I’d like it. When in Rome!
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- If the shoe fits (If the shoe fits, wear it) – If a description applies to you, accept it.
Are you calling me unorganized?” “Well, if the shoe fits…”
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- Birds of a feather (Birds of a feather flock together) – People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with each other.
Those two are always together—birds of a feather, I guess.
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- Cross that bridge (Cross that bridge when you come to it) – Don’t worry about a problem until it actually happens.
I’m nervous about what my parents will say about my grades. “Let’s cross that bridge when we get to it.”
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- Time flies (Time flies when you’re having fun) – Time seems to pass quickly during enjoyable moments.
The weekend is over already? Time flies!
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- Two birds, one stone (To kill two birds with one stone) – To accomplish two tasks with a single effort.
I picked up groceries on my way to the gym, killing two birds with one stone.
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- Better late than never (It’s better to arrive late than not at all) – Doing something late is preferable to not doing it at all.
You finally cleaned out the garage—better late than never!
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- Bite the bullet (Bite the bullet and get it over with) – Face a difficult situation bravely.
The dentist is scary, but I need to go. Time to bite the bullet!
-
- Beat around the bush (Don’t beat around the bush) – Avoid delaying or avoiding a direct approach.
If you have bad news, don’t beat around the bush—just tell me.
- Curiosity killed the cat (Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back)- Caution against unnecessary curiosity or prying.
- Prepositional Idioms
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- Agree on – To come to a mutual decision.
We need to agree on the details before moving forward with the project.
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- Agree to – To accept a proposal or plan.
She agreed to the new terms of the contract after some discussion.
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- Agree with – To have the same opinion as someone else.
I agree with you; that was a great film.
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- Look after – To take care of someone or something.
Can you look after my dog while I’m on holiday?
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- Wait on – To attend to someone; to serve them.
The staff were quick to wait on the customers at the restaurant.
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- Stand for – To represent or support a principle or cause.
I stand for equality and fairness in the workplace.
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- Make up for – To compensate for something.
She worked extra hours to make up for the time she missed.
8. Back out of – To withdraw from an agreement or commitment.
He backed out of the deal at the last minute.
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- Get over – To recover from something, such as illness or emotional distress.
It took her a while to get over the flu.
10. Run into – To encounter someone unexpectedly.
The choice of preposition changes the phrase’s meaning and adds a subtle nuance to language. Expressions rely on specific prepositions, which alter their meanings in a non-literal way.
Some More Fun British Idioms
- Bite the bullet – accept something unpleasant.
I didn’t want to do the presentation, but I had to bite the bullet. - Throw in the towel – give up or admit defeat (often used in sports and other competitive contexts).
After struggling for months, they finally threw in the towel on the project. - Under the weather – feeling ill.
I’ll skip lunch today. I’m feeling a bit under the weather. - Penny for your thoughts – ask someone what they’re thinking.
You look deep in thought, Sarah. Penny for your thoughts? - The ball is in your court – it’s someone’s turn to make a decision or take action.
I’ve made my offer. The ball is in your court.
Idioms like these add depth to conversation and make language fun. Try using them, and see how much they can brighten up everyday speech!
- Pure Idioms
Pure idioms are phrases where the literal meaning of each word doesn’t match the expression’s actual meaning. Here are a few examples:
Here are some more pure idioms in British English that you might find interesting:
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- Kick the bucket – To die.
I was shocked to hear that old Mr. Thompson kicked the bucket last night.
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- Cost a bomb – Very expensive.
That designer handbag cost a bomb, but she just had to have it!
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- Turn a blind eye – To ignore something that you know is wrong.
The manager turned a blind eye to the staff coming in late this week.
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- Let the cat out of the bag – To reveal a secret accidentally
Sophie let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
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- On the fiddle – Doing something dishonest to gain money or an advantage.
The auditor suspected that the company accounts were on the fiddle.
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- Bob’s your uncle – Used to say that something is simple or straightforward.
Just press the red button, then Bob’s your uncle—your computer will restart.
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- Have a whale of a time – To have a lot of fun.
We had a whale of a time at the theme park last weekend.
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- Bite off more than you can chew – To take on a task that is too big or difficult.
He’s bitten off more than he can chew by taking on another project.
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- Not my cup of tea – Not something you enjoy or prefer.
Football’s not my cup of tea; I’d rather watch cricket.
- Throw in the tower – To give up or stop trying.
These idioms are purely figurative; the words themselves don’t reveal the true meaning.
- Binomial Idioms
Binomial idioms combine two words, often joined by “and” or “or,” to express a connection or contrast:
-
- Odds and ends – Small, unimportant items or miscellaneous bits and pieces.
I just need to pack a few odds and ends before we leave.
-
- To and from – Moving back and forth.
The boat rocked to and from with the waves.
-
- Give and take – A mutual compromise or flexibility.
A good friendship requires a bit of give and take.
-
- Spick and span – Very clean and tidy.
After the spring-cleaning, the house was spick and span.
-
- Nook and cranny – Every part or corner of a space.
She searched every nook and cranny of her room but couldn’t find her keys.
-
- Safe and sound – Safe and unharmed, often used after a potentially risky situation.
After the storm passed, we were relieved to find everyone safe and sound.
-
- Hustle and bustle – Busy activity, often in a city or crowded area.
I love the hustle and bustle of London at Christmas.
-
- Short and sweet – Brief but pleasant or effective.
The meeting was short and sweet, lasting just 10 minutes.
-
- Black and white – Clear and straightforward, with no grey areas.
The rules are black and white, so there shouldn’t be any confusion.
- Make or break – Something that will either lead to success or complete failure.
Binomial idioms like these bring a rhythmic feel to speech and are commonly used in everyday British English. They’re especially useful for adding clarity and character to conversations.
- Partial Idioms
These idioms have become so familiar to native speakers and learners that they are often abbreviated, typically by using just the first two words. Despite being shortened, their meaning remains clear to most people.
-
- When in Rome (When in Rome, do as the Romans do) – Adapt to the customs of the place you are visiting.
In Japan, I tried sushi even though I wasn’t sure I’d like it. When in Rome!
-
- If the shoe fits (If the shoe fits, wear it) – If a description applies to you, accept it.
Are you calling me unorganized?” “Well, if the shoe fits…”
-
- Birds of a feather (Birds of a feather flock together) – People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with each other.
Those two are always together—birds of a feather, I guess.
-
- Cross that bridge (Cross that bridge when you come to it) – Don’t worry about a problem until it actually happens.
I’m nervous about what my parents will say about my grades. “Let’s cross that bridge when we get to it.”
-
- Time flies (Time flies when you’re having fun) – Time seems to pass quickly during enjoyable moments.
The weekend is over already? Time flies!
-
- Two birds, one stone (To kill two birds with one stone) – To accomplish two tasks with a single effort.
I picked up groceries on my way to the gym, killing two birds with one stone.
-
- Better late than never (It’s better to arrive late than not at all) – Doing something late is preferable to not doing it at all.
You finally cleaned out the garage—better late than never!
-
- Bite the bullet (Bite the bullet and get it over with) – Face a difficult situation bravely.
The dentist is scary, but I need to go. Time to bite the bullet!
-
- Beat around the bush (Don’t beat around the bush) – Avoid delaying or avoiding a direct approach.
If you have bad news, don’t beat around the bush—just tell me.
- Curiosity killed the cat (Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back)- Caution against unnecessary curiosity or prying.
- Prepositional Idioms
-
- Agree on – To come to a mutual decision.
We need to agree on the details before moving forward with the project.
-
- Agree to – To accept a proposal or plan.
She agreed to the new terms of the contract after some discussion.
-
- Agree with – To have the same opinion as someone else.
I agree with you; that was a great film.
-
- Look after – To take care of someone or something.
Can you look after my dog while I’m on holiday?
-
- Wait on – To attend to someone; to serve them.
The staff were quick to wait on the customers at the restaurant.
-
- Stand for – To represent or support a principle or cause.
I stand for equality and fairness in the workplace.
-
- Make up for – To compensate for something.
She worked extra hours to make up for the time she missed.
8. Back out of – To withdraw from an agreement or commitment.
He backed out of the deal at the last minute.
-
- Get over – To recover from something, such as illness or emotional distress.
It took her a while to get over the flu.
10. Run into – To encounter someone unexpectedly.
The choice of preposition changes the phrase’s meaning and adds a subtle nuance to language. Expressions rely on specific prepositions, which alter their meanings in a non-literal way.
Some More Fun British Idioms
- Bite the bullet – accept something unpleasant.
I didn’t want to do the presentation, but I had to bite the bullet. - Throw in the towel – give up or admit defeat (often used in sports and other competitive contexts).
After struggling for months, they finally threw in the towel on the project. - Under the weather – feeling ill.
I’ll skip lunch today. I’m feeling a bit under the weather. - Penny for your thoughts – ask someone what they’re thinking.
You look deep in thought, Sarah. Penny for your thoughts? - The ball is in your court – it’s someone’s turn to make a decision or take action.
I’ve made my offer. The ball is in your court.
Idioms like these add depth to conversation and make language fun. Try using them, and see how much they can brighten up everyday speech!
