An idiom is a widely used saying or expression that contains a figurative meaning that is
different from the phrase’s literal meaning. For example, if you say you’re feeling “under the
weather,” you don’t literally mean that you’re standing underneath the rain. “Under the weather”
is an idiom that is universally understood to mean sick or ill .
Why do we use idioms?
Idioms help us “think outside the box”. Incorporating idioms into your writing is an effective way
to make your work more creative. This is because an idiom can be used as an artistic expression.
Example: Time flies quickly when I'm swimming in the pool.
Of course, clocks don't have wings and time can't fly in the air.
Time flies is an idiom that means time goes by quickly.
Idioms we use when we are frightened:
1. Make your blood run cold: Many people say that when they are scared, it makes them feel
very cold all of a sudden.
Example: My blood ran cold it when I saw the monster! It scared me so much.
2. Jump out of my skin: Have you ever gotten scared so quickly that it felt like your whole body
jumped without you even moving?
Example: The doorbell made him jump out of his skin.
He nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw two rats.
3. Scared out of my wits: This idiom is unique and refers to being so terrified that it may have felt
like the lights were turned off suddenly and you were in the dark or dead even.
Example: I'm scared out of my wits at the idea of losing my parents.
Idioms we use when we are happy and excited:
1. Be on cloud nine: you’re blissfully happy
Example: She’s been on cloud nine ever since she won a new phone.
2. Be on top of the world: means that you’re feeling wonderful, delighted
Example: He was on top of the world for days after winning the tournament.
3. Be over the moon: means being extremely pleased and happy
Example: I’m over the moon that I’ve been given a promotion at work.
Idioms we use when we are surprised:
If something “knocks your socks off”, it really surprises and shocks you. You feel incredibly
amazed and overwhelmed.
Example: Are you kidding? This roller coaster ride is knocking my socks off! I love it!
Idioms about things that happen suddenly:
If something is “out of the blue”, it happens suddenly, it was not expected, and it is really
surprising.
Example: Tom was driving home last night and, out of the blue, a huge bear ran into the road.
Idioms we use when we are angry and annoyed:
1. Drive me up the wall: to make me annoyed and angry.
Example: The neighbor’s dog drives my dad up a wall. If they don’t learn to keep their
dog quiet, I am afraid my dad may do something he will later regret.
2. To drive someone banana: to make him angry
Example: It drives me bananas that he is always late for the meeting.
Exercise 1: Read the following sentences, and then complete them with
an appropriate idiom.
1. That car accident seems to have _____________Janet _________________. She's still
shaken by it.
2. We were traveling on the national highway last night; ________________, a leopard came
in front of our truck.
3. Catherine _____________________________ the other kids in the spelling bee.
4. Ever since Mary got her promotion at work, she's been ___________________. I don't
think I've ever seen her happier!
5. I can't concentrate with all the noise - it's _______________________________.
Exercise 2: Read the following informal email, fill in the blanks with a
suitable idiom.
,Dear John
Congratulations on your award! It’s been a hectic week over here. So sorry I couldn’t write
!!to you earlier. I’ve been dying to tell you about this circus that came to town last Friday
Nobody knew about the circus arriving, but the moment they opened the entrance, all the
villagers started flocking in. Steve and I begged mom and dad to take us there!
_________________________________________ when they said yes. It was
magnificent, in every sense of the word! There were talking parrots, tigers jumping through
fire hoops (Steve’s ___________________________when he saw the Tiger!), an elephant
that could predict your weight, a fortune teller and all sorts of things you see in the circuses
!in movies
Mom was fascinated by the ‘Guess the Price’ tent and spent a lot of money on it but didn’t
guess a single one right. Dad and I went to every single tent. My favorite was this magic
show! The magician literally turned a rat into a rabbit! I have no idea how. It was truly
.magical! We stayed there till dusk and then very reluctantly went back
The circus clearly had won the hearts of all villagers! I think it’ll be a huge success. Dad
.promised to go there next weekend, honestly I can’t wait
I really wish you were there! You would have loved it! Give my regards to Margret and
!Aunt Marie! Reply soon
,Yours
Tom
