Everyday Idioms

Master Common English Expressions

Explore 30 essential idioms from body parts, time, weather, money, food, and numbers

All Things Verbal

Master the Art of Language

What Are Everyday Idioms?

Definition

Everyday idioms are common figurative expressions used in daily conversation. They convey meanings beyond their literal words and are essential for natural English communication.

Why Learn These Idioms?

Natural Communication: Sound more like a native speaker
Cultural Understanding: Grasp cultural references and contexts
Professional Success: Communicate effectively in work environments
Media Comprehension: Understand movies, books, and news

Categories Covered

🫳 Body Parts (6): Expressions using physical references
⏰ Time (5): Temporal expressions and timing
🌦️ Weather (5): Climate-related metaphors
💰 Money (5): Financial and value expressions
🍽️ Food (5): Culinary metaphors and expressions
🔢 Numbers (4): Numeric expressions and quantities

Cost an Arm and a Leg

Meaning

To be extremely expensive; to cost a lot of money.

Origin & Etymology

This phrase emerged in American slang during the 1940s-1950s. The hyperbolic reference to losing limbs emphasizes the painful sacrifice required to afford something expensive. The earliest written records date to post-WWII America, when consumer goods became widely available but expensive.

Example: "That designer handbag costs an arm and a leg - I'll wait for the sale."

Usage Context

Formality: Informal to neutral
Common Situations: Shopping, discussing prices, financial planning

Keep at Arm's Length

Meaning

To avoid becoming too close or involved with someone; to maintain distance.

Origin & Etymology

Dating back to the 16th century, this phrase originally appeared as "keep at arm's end." By the 1700s, "arm's length" became standard. The literal meaning refers to the maximum distance one can reach without stepping closer, making it a natural metaphor for maintaining safe distance.

Example: "After the scandal, she kept all journalists at arm's length."

Usage Context

Formality: Neutral to formal
Common Situations: Business relationships, personal boundaries, legal contexts

Break a Leg

Meaning

Good luck! (Especially used to wish performers well before a show)

Origin & Etymology

This theatrical superstition dates to the early 20th century. In theater, saying "good luck" is considered unlucky, so performers use this ironic phrase instead. One theory suggests "break a leg" refers to bowing so enthusiastically that you bend your leg, indicating a successful performance.

Example: "You've rehearsed so hard for tonight's concert - break a leg!"

Usage Context

Formality: Informal
Common Situations: Theater, performances, presentations, competitions

Get Cold Feet

Meaning

To become nervous or fearful about doing something; to lose confidence at the last minute.

Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the 1890s, this phrase draws from the physical sensation of cold feet as a symptom of nervousness or poor circulation due to fear. The metaphor connects the literal feeling of coldness with emotional hesitation and anxiety.

Example: "He was excited about the job interview, but got cold feet at the last minute."

Usage Context

Formality: Neutral
Common Situations: Major decisions, commitments, performances, relationships

Pull Someone's Leg

Meaning

To tease or trick someone playfully; to joke with someone.

Origin & Etymology

This phrase emerged in the late 1800s, possibly from the practice of tripping someone by pulling their leg. The connection between physical and verbal "tripping" created this metaphor for harmless deception or playful teasing.

Example: "When he said he won the lottery, I thought he was just pulling my leg."

Usage Context

Formality: Informal
Common Situations: Casual conversations, friendships, family interactions

Bite Your Tongue

Meaning

To stop yourself from saying something; to remain silent when you want to speak.

Origin & Etymology

Dating to the 16th century, this phrase refers to the literal act of biting one's tongue to prevent speech. The physical pain serves as a deterrent, making it a vivid metaphor for self-restraint in communication.

Example: "I wanted to tell him what I really thought, but I bit my tongue."

Usage Context

Formality: Neutral
Common Situations: Workplace diplomacy, family disputes, avoiding conflict

In the Nick of Time

Meaning

At the last possible moment; just before it's too late.

Origin & Etymology

Dating to the 1500s, "nick" referred to a precise moment or critical point. The phrase may derive from the practice of making notches (nicks) on tally sticks to mark time or scoring. By the 1800s, it had evolved to mean arriving at exactly the right moment.

Example: "The firefighters arrived in the nick of time to save the building."

Usage Context

Formality: Neutral
Common Situations: Emergencies, deadlines, rescue scenarios, close calls

Beat the Clock

Meaning

To finish something before a deadline; to complete a task within the time limit.

Origin & Etymology

This phrase gained popularity in the 1950s, partly due to a TV game show called "Beat the Clock." The metaphor treats time as an opponent to defeat, reflecting the competitive nature of working against deadlines in modern life.

Example: "We need to work faster if we're going to beat the clock on this project."

Usage Context

Formality: Informal to neutral
Common Situations: Work projects, competitions, exam situations, urgent tasks

Time Flies

Meaning

Time passes very quickly, especially when you're enjoying yourself.

Origin & Etymology

This comes from the Latin phrase "tempus fugit" (time flees). The English version appeared in the 1800s. The metaphor of time having wings emphasizes how quickly moments can pass when we're engaged or happy.

Example: "Time flies when you're having fun - I can't believe it's already midnight!"

Usage Context

Formality: Neutral
Common Situations: Reflecting on enjoyable experiences, expressing surprise at elapsed time

Better Late Than Never

Meaning

It's better to do something late than not do it at all.

Origin & Etymology

This proverb dates back to ancient times, with versions appearing in various cultures. The English version appeared in the 1300s. It reflects the practical wisdom that delayed action is preferable to complete inaction.

Example: "I know I'm late with your birthday gift, but better late than never!"

Usage Context

Formality: Neutral
Common Situations: Apologizing for delays, encouraging action, making excuses

Against the Clock

Meaning

Working with very little time; under time pressure.

Origin & Etymology

This phrase emerged in the early 20th century, treating time as an adversary to work against. The clock becomes a symbol of relentless pressure, emphasizing the competitive aspect of meeting deadlines.

Example: "The medical team worked against the clock to save the patient's life."

Usage Context

Formality: Neutral to formal
Common Situations: Emergency situations, urgent deadlines, competitive scenarios

Under the Weather

Meaning

Feeling ill or unwell; not feeling one's best.

Origin & Etymology

This nautical phrase dates to the 1800s. On ships, sailors who were seasick would go below deck to get "under the weather" (away from harsh weather conditions). The phrase evolved to describe any form of illness or feeling unwell.

Example: "I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I'll work from home."

Usage Context

Formality: Neutral
Common Situations: Health discussions, calling in sick, explaining absences

Break the Ice

Meaning

To start a conversation or interaction; to overcome initial awkwardness.

Origin & Etymology

This phrase comes from the literal practice of breaking ice to allow ships to pass through frozen waters. First used metaphorically in the 1500s, it represents clearing the way for communication, just as icebreakers clear passages for ships.

Example: "He told a funny joke to break the ice at the meeting."

Usage Context

Formality: Neutral
Common Situations: Social gatherings, business meetings, first encounters

Rain on Someone's Parade

Meaning

To spoil someone's plans or dampen their enthusiasm.

Origin & Etymology

This American phrase from the early 1900s refers to how rain can literally ruin outdoor parades and celebrations. The metaphor extends to any situation where someone's joy or plans are dampened by negative circumstances or criticism.

Example: "I don't want to rain on your parade, but the budget might not cover that idea."

Usage Context

Formality: Informal to neutral
Common Situations: Delivering bad news, providing realistic feedback, expressing concerns

Storm in a Teacup

Meaning

Much fuss or excitement about something trivial; making a big deal out of nothing.

Origin & Etymology

This British phrase (American: "tempest in a teapot") dates to the 1800s. The image of a violent storm contained within something as small and domestic as a teacup emphasizes the absurdity of overreacting to minor issues.

Example: "The argument about the office coffee was just a storm in a teacup."

Usage Context

Formality: Neutral
Common Situations: Minimizing conflicts, discussing overreactions, workplace disputes

Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining

Meaning

There's something good to be found in every bad situation.

Origin & Etymology

This phrase originates from John Milton's 1634 poem "Comus": "Was I deceiv'd, or did a sable cloud turn forth her silver lining on the night?" The meteorological phenomenon of sunlight creating silver edges on dark clouds became a metaphor for hope in adversity.

Example: "Losing the job was hard, but every cloud has a silver lining - now I have time to pursue my degree."

Usage Context

Formality: Neutral
Common Situations: Consoling others, finding positives in setbacks, encouragement

Break the Bank

Meaning

To cost too much money; to exhaust one's financial resources.

Origin & Etymology

This gambling term from the 1600s referred to winning all the money that a casino had set aside for a particular game. By the 1900s, it evolved to describe any expense that would deplete someone's funds completely.

Example: "The vacation was nice, but it won't break the bank if we stay local."

Usage Context

Formality: Informal to neutral
Common Situations: Budget discussions, shopping decisions, financial planning

Time is Money

Meaning

Time should not be wasted because it has value; efficiency is profitable.

Origin & Etymology

Popularized by Benjamin Franklin in 1748, though the concept existed earlier. This phrase reflects the capitalist principle that time spent working generates money, making wasted time equivalent to wasted earning potential.

Example: "Let's skip the long meeting and get to work - time is money."

Usage Context

Formality: Neutral to formal
Common Situations: Business contexts, project management, efficiency discussions

Penny for Your Thoughts

Meaning

What are you thinking about? (Used to ask someone what's on their mind)

Origin & Etymology

This phrase dates to the 1500s when a penny had significant value. It was a polite way to inquire about someone's private thoughts, offering symbolic payment for sharing their mental contents. The phrase persists despite inflation making pennies nearly worthless.

Example: "You've been quiet all evening - penny for your thoughts?"

Usage Context

Formality: Informal to neutral
Common Situations: Personal conversations, showing interest in others, checking on someone

Two Cents Worth

Meaning

One's opinion or advice (usually used modestly: "my two cents")

Origin & Etymology

This American phrase from the 1920s builds on "penny for your thoughts." Offering "two cents" suggests your opinion is worth twice as much as someone's private thoughts, though still presented humbly as a small contribution to the discussion.

Example: "For what it's worth, here's my two cents on the marketing strategy."

Usage Context

Formality: Informal to neutral
Common Situations: Offering opinions, contributing to discussions, giving advice

Pay Through the Nose

Meaning

To pay an excessive amount; to be overcharged.

Origin & Etymology

Dating to the 1600s, this phrase may refer to the Danish "nose tax" levied on Irish subjects - those who didn't pay had their noses slit. The vivid imagery of payment involving bodily harm emphasizes the painful nature of excessive costs.

Example: "We had to pay through the nose for last-minute concert tickets."

Usage Context

Formality: Informal
Common Situations: Complaining about prices, discussing overcharging, expensive purchases

Piece of Cake

Meaning

Something very easy to do; a simple task.

Origin & Etymology

This phrase gained popularity in the 1930s, though the concept of cake representing something pleasant and easy dates earlier. The association comes from how enjoyable and effortless it is to eat cake compared to more challenging foods.

Example: "Don't worry about the math test - it'll be a piece of cake."

Usage Context

Formality: Informal
Common Situations: Reassuring others, describing easy tasks, expressing confidence

Spill the Beans

Meaning

To reveal a secret; to tell information that was meant to be kept private.

Origin & Etymology

This phrase may originate from ancient Greek voting methods, where black and white beans were used for secret ballots. If someone accidentally spilled the beans, they revealed the votes prematurely. The American usage dates to the early 1900s.

Example: "I wasn't supposed to tell anyone about the surprise party, but I spilled the beans."

Usage Context

Formality: Informal
Common Situations: Revealing secrets, gossip, accidental disclosures

Egg on Your Face

Meaning

To look foolish or be embarrassed, especially after making a mistake.

Origin & Etymology

This American phrase from the 1950s refers to the embarrassing situation of having food on your face, particularly the messy nature of egg. The image of someone unaware they have egg on their face symbolizes public embarrassment and lack of awareness.

Example: "He had egg on his face when his confident prediction proved completely wrong."

Usage Context

Formality: Informal to neutral
Common Situations: Public mistakes, failed predictions, embarrassing moments

Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

Meaning

To take on more responsibility or work than you can handle.

Origin & Etymology

This phrase dates to the 1870s in America, likely originating from the practice of chewing tobacco. Taking too large a portion would be difficult to manage. The metaphor perfectly captures overcommitment and poor judgment about one's capabilities.

Example: "Taking three courses while working full-time? Don't bite off more than you can chew."

Usage Context

Formality: Neutral
Common Situations: Advising caution, project planning, time management

Cry Over Spilt Milk

Meaning

To be upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

Origin & Etymology

This proverb dates to the 1600s. Spilled milk was a real loss in times when dairy was precious and difficult to obtain. The phrase teaches practical wisdom: since spilled milk cannot be returned to the container, lamenting it is pointless.

Example: "Yes, we lost the client, but there's no use crying over spilt milk - let's focus on the next opportunity."

Usage Context

Formality: Neutral
Common Situations: Moving past mistakes, encouraging forward thinking, philosophy

At Sixes and Sevens

Meaning

In a state of confusion or disarray; not organized.

Origin & Etymology

This phrase dates to the 1300s, originating from a dice game where "sixes and sevens" represented the highest risk. In medieval times, it referred to putting everything at stake. The modern meaning evolved to describe any chaotic or uncertain situation.

Example: "After the computer crash, our filing system was at sixes and sevens."

Usage Context

Formality: Neutral to formal
Common Situations: Describing disorder, organizational problems, confusion

Back to Square One

Meaning

Having to start over from the beginning; returning to the initial position.

Origin & Etymology

This phrase likely comes from board games where players return to the starting square, or from early BBC radio soccer broadcasts that divided the field into numbered squares for commentary. First recorded in the 1950s, it emphasizes the frustration of lost progress.

Example: "The proposal was rejected, so we're back to square one with our planning."

Usage Context

Formality: Neutral
Common Situations: Project setbacks, failed attempts, starting over

Cloud Nine

Meaning

A state of perfect happiness; feeling extremely joyful.

Origin & Etymology

This phrase emerged in the 1950s from meteorological terminology. Clouds are classified into types numbered 1-10, with cumulonimbus (cloud nine) reaching the highest altitudes. Being "on cloud nine" means reaching the highest point of happiness, literally and figuratively.

Example: "She's been on cloud nine since getting engaged."

Usage Context

Formality: Informal to neutral
Common Situations: Expressing happiness, celebrating success, describing elation

One in a Million

Meaning

Something or someone extremely rare and special; unique and valuable.

Origin & Etymology

This phrase uses mathematical probability to express rarity. With one million representing a very large number, something that occurs only once in a million instances is exceptionally rare. The expression gained popularity in the early 20th century as an easily understood measure of uniqueness.

Example: "A boss who truly cares about their employees is one in a million."

Usage Context

Formality: Neutral
Common Situations: Expressing appreciation, describing rarity, compliments

Interactive Quiz - 20 Questions

Test your knowledge of everyday idioms! Select the correct answer from each dropdown menu.

1. What does "cost an arm and a leg" mean?

2. If someone arrives "in the nick of time," they are:

3. "Break the ice" means to:

4. Someone who is "under the weather" is:

5. "Time is money" means:

6. A "piece of cake" is:

7. If you "bite off more than you can chew," you:

8. "Back to square one" means:

9. Someone "on cloud nine" is:

10. To "spill the beans" means to:

11. "Break a leg" is used to:

12. If you "get cold feet," you:

13. "Beat the clock" means to:

14. "Rain on someone's parade" means to:

15. "Pay through the nose" means to:

16. If something is "one in a million," it is:

17. "At sixes and sevens" means:

18. To "pull someone's leg" means to:

19. "Cry over spilt milk" means to:

20. "Every cloud has a silver lining" means:

Answer Key

Be extremely expensive
At the last possible moment
Start a conversation or interaction
Feeling ill or unwell
Time should not be wasted because it has value
Something very easy to do
Take on more than you can handle
Starting over from the beginning
Extremely happy
Reveal a secret
Wish someone good luck
Become nervous or fearful
Finish before a deadline
Spoil someone's plans or enthusiasm
Pay an excessive amount
Extremely rare and special
In a state of confusion or disarray
Tease or joke with someone
Be upset about something that cannot be changed
There's something good in every bad situation