IDIOMS

1. Under the weather

What does it mean? To feel ill
How do you use it? In England we love to talk about the weather and will
do so often, but don’t be fooled by this common phrase. If someone says
they’re feeling under the weather, your response should be ‘I hope you
feel better!’, not ‘Would you like to borrow my umbrella?’.

2. The ball is in your court

What does it mean? It’s up to you
How do you use it? It’s your move now, but this idiom refers to life
rather than a sport. If you’ve got the ‘ball,’ the decision is yours and
someone is waiting for your decision.

3. Spill the beans

What does it mean? To give away a secret
How do you use it? If you told someone about their own surprise party,
you’d have ‘spilled the beans’ or even ‘let the cat out of the bag’. The
secret is out.

4. Break a leg
What does it mean? To wish someone luck
How do you use it? This idiom is not at all threatening. Often
accompanied by a thumbs up, ‘Break a leg! ’is an encouraging cheer of
good luck. It originates from when successful theater performers would to
bow so many times after a show that they would break a leg.

5. Pull someone’s leg

What does it mean? To play a practical joke
How do you use it? This is the perfect phrase to learn if you’re a fan of
practical jokes. ‘Pull their leg’ is similar to ‘wind someone up’. Use it in
context: ‘Relax, I’m just pulling your leg!’ or ‘Wait, are you pulling my
leg?’.
6. Sat on the fence
What does it mean? To be undecided
How do you use it? If you’re sat on the fence, you’ve not decided which
side of an argument you agree with. ‘I’m on the fence about hot yoga
classes,’ translates as ‘I’m not sure whether I enjoy yoga in a sauna yet.’

7. Through thick and thin

What does it mean? To be loyal no matter what
How do you use it? Often used to describe families or BFFs, ‘through
thick and thin’ means that you’re by each other’s side no matter what
happens, through the bad times, as well as the good.

8. Once in a blue moon

What does it mean? Rarely
How do you use it? This charming phrase is used to describe something
that doesn’t happen often. Example: ‘I remember to call my parents from
my study abroad trip once in a blue moon.’

9. It’s the best thing since sliced bread

What does it mean? It’s really, really good
How do you use it? Sliced bread must have revolutionised life in England
because it’s since been used as the ultimate benchmark for things that are
great. We love it almost as much as tea.

10. Take it with a pinch of salt

What does it mean? Don’t take it too seriously
How do you use it? ‘I heard that elephants can fly now, but Sam often
makes up stories so I take everything he says with a pinch of salt.’

11. Come rain or shine

What does it mean? No matter what
How do you use it? You guarantee to do something, regardless of the
weather or any other situation that might arise. ‘I’ll be at your football
game, come rain or shine’.

12. Go down in flames

What does it mean? To fail spectacularly
How do you use it? This phrase is fairly obvious. ‘That exam went down
in flames, I should have learned my English idioms.’

13. You can say that again

What does it mean? That’s true
How do you use it? Generally exclaimed in agreement. When a friend
says ‘Ryan Reynolds is gorgeous!’, you can reply ‘You can say that again!’

14. See eye to eye

What does it mean? To agree completely
How do you use it? We’re not suggesting a staring contest – to see eye
to eye with someone is to agree with the point they’re making.

15. Jump on the bandwagon

What does it mean? Following a trend
How do you use it? When a person joins in with something popular or
does something just because it’s cool. See this brunch-based example:
‘She doesn’t even like avocado on toast. She’s just jumping on the
bandwagon.’

16. As right as rain

What does it mean? Perfect
How do you use it? Another weather-based idiom, but this one is slightly
trickier. We moan about the rain, but ‘right as rain’ is actually a positive
comment. ‘I’m as right as rain!’ may be exclaimed with glee when asked if
everything is okay, and it is.

17. Beat around the bush

What does it mean? Avoid saying something
How do you use it? Beating around the bush is when you speak
nonsense, avoiding a question because you don’t want to express your
opinion or answer truthfully.

18. Hit the sack

What does it mean? Go to bed
How do you use it? This idiom is super easy to learn to use. ‘I’m
exhausted, it’s time for me to hit the sack!’

19. Miss the boat

What does it mean? It’s too late
How do you use it? Use this when you let an opportunity or deadline
pass by. ‘I forgot to apply for that study abroad program, now I’ve missed
the boat.’

20. By the skin of your teeth

What does it mean? Just barely
How do you use it? ‘Phew, I passed that exam by the skin of my teeth!’
Hopefully you’ll ace your exams, but if you only just pass you can whip out
this idiom.

A piece of cake
In a sentence: Unclogging my sink was a piece of cake for Carlita.
She’s a plumber.
Meaning: Extremely easy and straightforward.

Let the cat out of the bag

In a sentence: I'm planning a surprise holiday for Liam to celebrate our
wedding anniversary. Don’t let the cat out of the bag!
Meaning: Reveal a secret by mistake.

Judge a book by its cover

In a sentence: I know he looks scary, but my dog is really gentle. You
can’t judge a book by its cover.
Meaning: You shouldn’t make judgements based on appearance.

Break a leg
In a sentence: I hope the performance goes well, Adam. Break a leg!
Meaning: Good luck! (said before performing onstage)

Under the weather

In a sentence: Ayano was feeling under the weather, so she left work
early.
Meaning: Not well, slightly sick or ill.

By the skin of your teeth

In a sentence: Maddy caught the train by the skin of her teeth. It left
a few seconds later.
Meaning: By the smallest possible amount of time.

I could eat a horse

In a sentence: I’m so glad I ordered an extra-large pizza. I could eat a
horse!
Meaning: I feel extremely hungry.

Beat around the bush

In a sentence: I wish my boss would stop beating around the
bush and tell me what he really thinks of my product idea.
Meaning: Avoiding a subject by talking about irrelevant things.

Once in a blue moon

In a sentence: Huan only cooks at home once in a blue moon.
Meaning: Very rarely.
Have butterflies in your stomach
In a sentence: Jamal had butterflies in his stomach as he waited for
his date outside the restaurant.
Meaning: Was excited and nervous.

A tough cookie
In a sentence: Debbie’s a tough cookie. She doesn’t mind when people
criticise her work.
Meaning: Determined and physically or emotionally strong.

See eye to eye

In a sentence: I’m glad my boss and I see eye to eye about recycling in
the office.
Meaning: Agree fully or have a similar attitude.

Cost an arm and a leg

In a sentence: My new suit cost an arm and a leg. I bought it in Milan.
Meaning: Cost a large amount of money.

Steal someone’s thunder

In a sentence: Megan stole my thunder when she told the professor
the result of my experiment.
Meaning: Stole my idea, or diverted attention away from me

On the ball
In a sentence: He is really on the ball and never makes a mistake at
work
Meaning: Alert and efficient

1. In seventh heaven
Meaning: this means extremely happy or joyful
Example: She was in seventh heaven after finding out she was pregnant.
2. To paint the town red
Meaning: To go out and enjoy oneself by engaging in lively activities
Example: After their exams, Oliver and his mates decided to paint the
town red by hitting as many pubs as they could.

3. Over the moon

Meaning: This means extremely delighted or thrilled.
Example: When he received his dream job offer, he was over the moon
with excitement.

4. On cloud nine
Meaning: This is a state of complete happiness or euphoria
Example: Tabitha was on cloud nine when she found out her mum was
coming for a visit.

5. On top of the world

Meaning: Feeling extremely successful, confident, and happy
Example: I just landed the lead part in a play; I’m on top of the world.

6. To have a whale of a time

Meaning: To have an extremely enjoyable and exciting time
Example: During their vacation, they had a whale of a time exploring the
beautiful beaches.

7. To have the time of one’s life

Meaning: To have an exceptionally enjoyable or memorable experience.
Example: With the wind in their hair and the ocean beneath their boards,
they surfed having the time of their lives.

8. Full of the joys of spring

Meaning: To be extremely happy, cheerful, or full of enthusiasm.
Example: Even though the rain showed no signs of letting up, she sat in
her cosy chair with her book full of the joys of spring. [Advanced Idioms
and Phrases in English]

9. To make One’s day

Meaning: This is to greatly please or delight someone.
Example: Receiving a handwritten letter from her favourite author made
her day.

10. To conclude this section in raptures about or over

Meaning: in raptures about, in raptures over.
Example: In a state of extreme delight or excitement about something.
The audience was in raptures over the hilarious performance by the
improv comedy act.

11. To kick the bucket

Meaning:
Example: This is to die or pass away. No, Bob isn’t coming to the reunion;
he kicked the bucket last spring.

12. A clean bill of health

Meaning: This is a statement or certification of being in good health.
Example: After a thorough medical examination, the doctor gave me a
clean bill of health.

13. Like death warmed up

Meaning: Looking extremely ill or unhealthy.
Example: Sarah caught a terrible cold but went to work anyway despite
looking like death warmed up.

14. As fit as a fiddle

Meaning: This means in excellent physical health and condition.
Example: John exercises regularly to remain as fit as a fiddle at the ripe
old age of 86.

15. To go under the knife

Meaning: This is to undergo surgery or a medical operation.
Example: Emily was nervous but knew she had to go under the knife to
have her appendix removed.

16. To have one foot in the grave

Meaning: This is to be near death or in very poor health.
Example: After his heart attack, Tom felt like he had one foot in the grave
and wasn’t about to waste a single moment.

17. To recharge one’s batteries

Meaning: This is to take a break and rest to regain energy and strength.
Example: ulia decided it was finally time to have a weekend getaway to
recharge her batteries.

18. As right as rain

Meaning: This is in perfect order or condition, perfectly fine.
Example: Although she had been feeling unwell, after a good night’s sleep,
she woke up feeling as right as rain.

19. As fresh as a daisy

Meaning: his is feeling or appearing refreshed and energetic.
Example: I felt as fresh as a daisy after my long shower, followed by a
warm cup of tea.

20. As pale as a ghost/death

Meaning: This is having a very pale complexion, often due to fear, illness,
or shock.
Example: The loud crashing sound downstairs caused Jane to turn as pale
as a ghost.

21. A bag of bones.

Meaning: If someone looks like a bag of bones, they are very thin, typically
with prominent bones visible.
Example: She felt like a bag of bones after losing weight unintentionally.

22. To kick up a storm.

Meaning: This is to cause a significant commotion or controversy.
Example: The scandalous revelation kicked up a storm of media frenzy
sparking intense public interest.

23. The calm before the storm

Meaning: This is a period of relative peace or tranquillity before a more
turbulent or difficult situation arises.
Example: The office seemed quiet, but everyone knew it was just the calm
before the storm of the new product launch.

24. To steal someone’s thunder

Meaning: this is to take attention or credit away from someone by doing or
saying something that outshines or eclipses their achievement or idea.
Example: John had prepared an elaborate surprise, but Jonh’s unexpected
announcement stole her thunder.

25. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire

Meaning: if there are signs or indications of a problem or issue, a problem
or issue likely exists
Example: Rumours about layoffs at the company have been circulating
and where there is smoke, there’s fire. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in
English]

26. To throw caution to the wind

Meaning: to act without considering the possible risks or consequences
Example: Despite the warnings, he threw caution to the wind quite literally
and went skydiving for the first time.

27. To be snowed under

Meaning: This is to have too much work or too many tasks to cope with.
Example: Sorry, I can’t come out tonight, I’m snowed under with work.

28. A storm in a teacup.

Meaning: This is a situation in which people get very angry or worried
about something that is not important.
Example: The argument between the collogues turned out to be a storm in
a teacup and was quickly resolved.

29. To chase rainbows

Meaning: This is to pursue impossible dreams or goals that will never be
achieved.
Example: I wish you would stop chasing rainbows and focus on more
achievable objectives.

30. To have one’s head in the clouds

Meaning: to be daydreaming, not paying attention to or not being aware of
what is happening around oneself
Example: During the meeting, John seemed to have her head in the clouds
and didn’t contribute much.

31. To take a rain check

Meaning: to decline an offer or invitation at the present time but suggest
doing it at a late date.
Example: Sorry, I can’t make it tonight, Can I take a rain check and
reschedule?

32. Thirst for adventure

Meaning: This is a strong desire or craving for exciting and daring
experiences.
Example: My group of friends and I planned an epic road trip to satisfy our
collective thirst for adventure. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]

33. Off the beaten track

Meaning: This means in a remote or less traveled location away from the
mainstream or popular tourist areas.
Example: They decided to go camping in a small village off the beaten
track to escape the crowds.

34. To have itchy feet

Meaning: This is to have a strong desire or restlessness to travel or
explore new places.
Example: After staying in the same city for years, we had itchy feet and
wanted to experience new cultures.

35. To get away from it all

Meaning: This is to escape or to take a break from one’s usual routine or
responsibilities, often in search of relaxation.
Example: Escaping to a remote tropical island is the perfect way to get
away from it all.

36. To hit the road

Meaning: This is to begin a journey or trip, usually by driving. It’s time to
hit the road and start our next adventure.
Example: It’s time to hit the road; see you tomorrow. ( We can also use
this one to say we are leaving)
37. Hustle and bustle
Meaning: This is a busy and noisy activity often associated with a crowded
or lively environment.
Example: The city center was full of hustle and bustle with people rushing
around.

38. To catch some rays

Meaning: This is to spend time in the sun often to relax or sunbathe.
Example: They headed to the beach to catch some rays and enjoy the
warm summer weather. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]

39. A mile a minute

Meaning: This is at a very fast or rapid pace; quickly and energetically.
Example: She talks a mile a minute but always has something interesting
to say.

40. In the same boat

Meaning: This means in the same situation or predicament as others,
facing a common challenge or circumstance.
Example: We may have different backgrounds, but during tough times,
we’re all in the same boat.

41. Right up one’s street

Meaning: This is perfectly suited or aligned with one’s interests or
preferences.
Example: With her passion for cooking, this culinary class is going to be
right up her street.

42. Round-the-clock
Meaning: This means all day and all night without stopping.
Example: My mum was a nurse who often worked round the clock to take
care of her patients.

43. To call it a day or to call it a night

Meaning: This is to stop what you’re doing because you don’t want to do
anymore or you think you have done enough.
Example: After hours of negotiations that were going around in circles,
they decided to call it a night. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]

44. The moment of truth

Meaning: This is the time when a person or thing is tested or a decision
has to be made.
Example: The job interview had arrived, and it was the moment of truth to
showcase his skills and qualifications.

45. Donkey’s years

Meaning: This means a very long time.
Example: He’s been telling that same joke for donkey’s years, but it still
manages to get a few laughs.

46. Once in a blue moon

Meaning: This means very rarely.
Example: He doesn’t eat out often; it only happens once in a blue moon.

47. Round the corner

Meaning: This is very near or happening soon.
Example: The deadline for this project is just around the corner, so we
need to pick up the pace.

48. like clockwork

Meaning: This means happening exactly as planned without any trouble or
delay.
Example: The wedding went like clockwork, with every detail perfectly
timed.

49. Down to the wire

Meaning: meaning until the last possible moment.
Example: With only seconds left on the clock, the game went down to the
wire, keeping spectators on edge.

50. At the 11th hour

Meaning: At the last possible moment.
Example: The deal was saved at the 11th hour when an unknown investor
stepped in with the necessary funds.

51. In the nick of time

Meaning: This means just in time or at the last possible moment.
Example: He arrived at the airport in the nick of time just as his flight was
due to depart. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]

52. to fall head over heels

Meaning: This is to fall deeply in love or to become infatuated with
someone or something like an animal.
Example: When she saw the adorable puppy, she fell head over heels and
knew she had to adopt it.

53. The apple of one’s eye

Meaning: This is someone or something that is cherished or highly valued
by someone else.
Example: His daughter is the apple of his eye. He adores her.

54. To tie the knot

Meaning: This is to get married or enter into a formal union.
Example: After years of dating, they decided it was time to finally tie the
knot.
55. To steal one’s heart
Meaning: This is to captivate or charm someone in a way that they fall in
love or become deeply attracted.
Example: Her infectious laughter and warm personality instantly stole his
heart.

56. To pop the question

Meaning: This is to propose marriage to someone.
Example: With the diamond ring hidden in his coat pocket, he planned the
perfect moment to pop the question. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in
English]

57. To play hard to get

Meaning: This is to act uninterested in order to increase one’s desirability
or attractiveness to another person.
Example: It was clear she was interested but she couldn’t resist playing
hard to get, adding
to the excitement.

58. To hit it off with someone.

Meaning: This is to have an instant connection or rapport with someone.
Example: From the moment they met, they hit it off and became close
friends.

59. To be stood up
Meaning: This is to be intentionally or unexpectedly left waiting for
someone who doesn’t show up for a planned meeting or date.
Example: John arrived at the restaurant eagerly only to be stood up by her
date.

60. A match made in heaven

Meaning: This is a couple or pairing that is perfectly suited for each other
and seems destined to be together.
Example: With their shared interests and values, they truly are a match
made in heaven.

61. An old flame

Meaning: This is a past romantic partner or love interest.
Example: When Marsha moved back to her hometown, she reconnected
with an old flame from sixth form.
62. To get the green light
Meaning: This is to receive permission to proceed with a project or action.
Example: We finally got the green light to start the new marketing
campaign.

63. Out of the blue

Meaning: This is sudden and unexpected
Example: I hadn’t heard from him in years, but then he called me outta the
blue.

64. Green with envy

Meaning: This is very jealous or envious
Example: She was green with envy when she saw her friend’s
new car. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]

65. To be tickled pink

Meaning: This is to be very pleased or amused.
Example: Tony was tickled pink by the surprise party his friends threw for
him at the office.

66. Golden opportunity

Meaning: This is an excellent opportunity that is not likely to be repeated.
Example: This job is a golden opportunity for someone with a background
in journalism
like yourself.

67. Rose-colored/rose-tinted spectacles.

Meaning: This is an optimistic perception of something or a really positive
perspective
often used when we look back in the past. Note that you can also
say glasses instead of spectacles.
Example: She always sees the world through rose-tinted spectacles, but
sometimes I feel she really needs a reality check.

68. A grey area

Meaning: This is a situation not clearly defined or that falls between two
extremes.

Example: Their relationship was undefined, existing in a grey area

between friendship and romance.

69. To be caught red-handed

Meaning: This is to catch someone in the act of doing something wrong.
Example: My daughter was caught stealing biscuits red-handed, or should
I say, biscuit-faced. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]

70. Yellow-bellied or just yellow.

Meaning: This means cowardly or easily scared
Example: He was too yellow-bellied to confront his boss
about the ongoing issues he faced.

71. On a silver platter

Meaning: If you are given something on a silver platter, it’s given to you
without having to work or make an effort for it.
Example: He expected success to come to him effortlessly, always wanting
things served on a silver platter.
72. Eager beaver
Meaning: This is a person who is enthusiastic, energetic, and eager to
work or participate.
Example: Rommel is always the first one to volunteer for new projects.
He’s such an eager beaver.

73. To take the bull by the horns

Meaning: This is to confront a difficult or challenging situation directly and
decisively.
Example: Instead of avoiding the issue, he decided to take the bull by the
horns and address the problem head-on.

74. To let the cat out of the bag

Meaning: This is to reveal a secret or disclose confidential information
unintentionally or carelessly.
Example: My dad couldn’t contain his excitement and let the cat out of the
bag about our vacation destination.

75. Until the cows come home

Meaning: This means for a very long time, indefinitely or without a definite
end.
Example: I know you want to play video games until the cows come home,
but eventually you need to do your homework. [Advanced Idioms and
Phrases in English]

76. To drop like flies

Meaning: This is to rapidly decrease in number or weaken significantly,
often due to illness or other negative factors.
Example: During the flu season, people were dropping like flies and the
hospital was overwhelmed.

77. To hold one’s horses

Meaning: This is to be patient, wait or stop rushing
Example: I know you’re excited, but hold your horses and let’s make a
plan first.
78. To pig out
Meaning: This means to eat excessively or indulge in large quantities of
food often in an uncontrolled manner.
Example: After weeks of dieting, he decided to pig out and enjoy a cheat
day with all his favourite snacks.

79. Is to smell a rat

Meaning: This is to suspect or sense that something is wrong or
suspicious.
Example: Carolina’s instincts told her to be cautious as she began to smell
a rat in their business dealings.

80. To have ants in one’s pants

Meaning: This is to be unable to sit still or to be restless due to impatience,
excitement, or anxiety.
Example: I’ve got ants in my pants about this presentation tomorrow. Help
me calm down.

81. To have other or bigger fish to fry

Meaning: This is to have more important or pressing matters to attend to;
to be preoccupied with other tasks or concerns.
Example: Sorry I can’t join you for dinner tonight. I have other fish to fry
with this project deadline. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]

82. chatterbox
Meaning: This is a person who talks a lot
Example: My little niece is such a chatterbox; she can talk for hours about
the most random things.

83. Loose cannon

Meaning: This is a person who behaves in an uncontrolled or unpredictable
manner, often causing damage or danger.
Example: He’s a loose cannon, you never know what he might say or do
next.

84. Wet blanket

Meaning: This is a person who spoils other people’s fun by failing to join in
with or by disapproving of their activities.
Example: Don’t invite him to the party, he’s such a wet blanket.

85. To blow one’s own trumpet

Meaning: This is to boast or brag about one’s own abilities or
achievements.
Example: He never misses an opportunity to blow his own trumpet.

86. The salt of the earth

Meaning: This is a person or people of great kindness, reliability or
honesty.
Example: She’s the salt of the earth, always ready to help those in need.

87. Fair-weather friend

Meaning: This is a person who is only a friend when circumstances are
pleasant or profitable. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]
Example: When I was rich, I had many friends, but I found out most of
them were just fair-weather friends.

88. Jack of all trades

Meaning: This is a person who can do many different types of work but
who is not necessarily very competent at any of them.
Example: He’s a jack of all trades; he can fix anything in the house.

89. A worrywart
Meaning: This is a person who tends to worry a lot habitually and also
needlessly.
Example: Don’t be such a worrywart; everything will be fine.

90. Armchair critic.

Meaning: This is a person who offers advice or an opinion on something in
which they have no expertise or involvement.
Example: He’s an armchair critic always talking about football but never
playing it.

91. Free spirit

Meaning: This is a person who lives according to their own wishes and
beliefs, unconstrained by society’s conventions
Example: Shannon’s a true free spirit, finding joy in simple pleasures and
embracing life’s little adventures.

92. To dress to the nines.

Meaning: This is to dress in a stylish, elegant, or glamorous manner. (You
can also say to dress to kill as well, but no numbers involved there)
Example: My mum always dresses to the nines for special occasions like
parties and weddings.

93. To put two and two together

Meaning: This is to infer or deduce something by combining or connecting
available information or clues.
Example: When she saw the muddy footprints and wet raincoat, she put
two and two together and realized he’d been outside in the rain.

94. In two minds

Meaning: This is to be uncertain or undecided to have conflicting thoughts
or opinions about something.
Example: My uncle was in two minds about accepting the job offer
because it meant moving to a different city.
95. Nine-to-five
Meaning: This is referring to regular office or business hours; a typical full-
time job.
Example: He works a nine-to-five job from Monday to Friday and enjoys his
weekends off.

96. Back to square one or back at square one

Meaning: This is returning to the beginning or starting point of a task or
process often due to a lack of progress or a setback.
Example: After the computer crashed and deleted all the files, they had to
start the project back at square one.

97. The third degree

Meaning: This is intense or thorough questioning often to extract
information or elicit a confession.
Example: Detective Roberts gave the suspect the third degree, relentlessly
questioning and probing for answers to solve the case.

98. Two left feet

Meaning: This is lacking coordination or being clumsy, especially when it
comes to dancing or physical activities.
Example: I can’t dance. I’ve got two left feet and always end up stepping
on my partner’s toes.

99. Two peas in a pod

Meaning: This means two people or things that are very similar or nearly
identical, often used to describe close friends or siblings.
Example: They have the same taste in music, fashion and hobbies; they’re
like two peas in a pod.

100. Forty winks.

Meaning: This is a short nap or brief period of sleep, usually during the
day.
Example: I’ll just lie down and take forty winks before dinner; I’m feeling a
bit tired.

101. Second to none

Meaning: This is unmatched or unrivaled; the best or highest quality.
Example: Their customer service is second to none. They always go above
and beyond to assist their clients.

102. To bring home the bacon

Meaning: This is to earn a living or provide financial support for oneself or
one’s family
Example: He took on multiple jobs to bring home the bacon and save up
for his dream holiday.

103. One’s bread and butter

Meaning: This is a person’s primary source of income or livelihood.
Example: Writing is her bread and butter; you should read some of her
early works, and masterpieces. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]

104. A bad egg

Meaning: This is a person who is dishonest or untrustworthy.
Watch out for him. He’s known to be a bad egg who can’t be trusted.

105. The cream of the crop

Meaning: This means the best or finest individuals or things in a particular
group or category.
Example: The Olympic Games bring together athletes who are considered
the cream of the crop in their respective sports.

106. To spill the beans/tea

Meaning: This is to reveal a secret or disclose information that was meant
to be kept confidential.
Example: Do you know who spilled the beans about their affair?

107. Love this one

Meaning: Not one’s cup of tea.
Example: This is something that one doesn’t enjoy, have an interest in or
find appealing. Horror films are not her cup of tea. She prefers a cheesy
rom-com.

108. In a nutshell
Meaning: This is in a concise or summarized form; briefly and clearly.
Example: She explained the entire situation in a nutshell, highlighting only
the relevant points.

109. To eat humble pie

Meaning: This is to admit one’s mistake or defeat and show humility or
remorse.
Example: After realizing his error, he had to eat humble pie and apologize
for his rude behavior.

110. Egg on one’s face

Meaning: This is to be embarrassed or humiliated by making a mistake or
being proven wrong.
Example: His incorrect prediction left him with egg on his face when the
opposite outcome occurred. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]

111. In a pickle
Meaning: This is in a difficult, complicated or problematic situation.
Example: We’re in a pickle; the car broke down and we’re late for an
important meeting.

Go south — become much worse, to go wrong

This popular American expression probably comes from the Native
American belief that the soul goes south after death. It may have also
emerged in the mid-19th century due to many people attempting to
disappear south, to Mexico or Texas, to avoid persecution or responsibility.
In the British variant of English, a similar saying used to be “go west.”
If anything goes south, just call me and I will be there in no time.

In no time — very quickly, very soon

There are several variations of this phrase: in no time at all, in less than no
time, in nothing flat. All these terms mean “immediately.”
Just come down. He will be here in no time at all.

Piece of cake — something easily done

Cakes are often associated with something pleasant: icing on the cake, sell
like hot cakes. The phrase “a piece of cake” is often used to describe a
situation that was easy or required little effort. One possible explanation is
that the phrase might have originated from the tradition of giving out cake
as a prize at fairs and competitions in the United States during the early
20th century. Winning a cake was often considered an easy or effortless
victory, as cakes were seen as simple rewards.
Oh, it’s a piece of cake, just follow the instructions on the screen.

A last resort — a final course of action, used only when all else
has failed.
This idiom has nothing to do with a resort. Originally, the term referred to
a court of general jurisdiction with no appeal. Nowadays, it is used to talk
about the last means to achieve a goal or solve a problem when
everything else has been tried.
As a last resort, we could ask your mother to help.

Be all ears — listen attentively

Since we only have two ears, what does this idiom mean? Use it when you
want to let someone know that you are listening attentively or want to
know all the details of an event. You are so interested that you have your
ears hanging out 😊 There is a similar expression with eyes: all eyes — to
be very attentive.
I’m all ears, tell me everything you know.

Go the extra mile — put in more effort than expected

This is an adaptation of Jesus’s command from the Sermon on the Mount:
“Whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain” (two). The
idiom is used to indicate making an extra effort to do something very well,
to go above and beyond or work harder to achieve a goal.
We pride ourselves in going the extra mile for our customers.

Take a rain check on something — postpone or defer something

This is a polite way of saying that you can’t accept an invitation right now
but would like to do it later.
A: Are you free tonight? Do you want to check out that new
restaurant?
B: Mind if I take a rain check on that? I have to work late.

Beat around the bush — Discuss a matter without coming to the

point
The phrase “Beat around the bush” is believed to have originated from
hunting practices in medieval Europe. When hunting birds, such as
pheasants or other game, hunters would often employ the tactic of
beating bushes or undergrowth to flush out the birds, making them fly into
the open where they could be captured or shot.
Quit beating around the bush and say what’s on your mind.

Cut to the chase — talk about the important parts of a subject and
not waste time with things that are not important
The phrase “Cut to the chase” originated in early cinema during the silent
film era. To keep the audience engaged, filmmakers included fast-paced
chase scenes that captured viewers’ attention. As the story progressed,
the audience might become impatient with slower or less relevant scenes.
To address this, filmmakers developed the practice of “cutting to the
chase.” This meant skipping unnecessary or less exciting parts of the story
and jumping directly to the most thrilling and captivating part — the chase
scene.
 I didn’t have long to talk so I cut to the chase and asked whether
he was still married.

Talk turkey — discuss something honestly and directly

The phrase “talk turkey” is believed to originate from Native American and
early American settler traditions during negotiations and trade deals.
Participants would share a meal, often including turkey, to encourage
open and honest discussions. When negotiations were serious and
straightforward, they would “talk turkey” or “speak turkey.”
OK, let’s talk turkey — you’re broke and you don’t have work.
What are you going to do?