Idioms

Idioms are phrases that express cultural learning and convey deeper meanings in our conversations. They provide a vivid and brief way of expressing complex ideas, emotions, or situations, allowing us to connect on a deeper level with others who understand the subtle meanings of these expressions.

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Idioms often carry wisdom, humour, or warnings, making them an interesting  aspect of language. There are many idioms about time, life lessons, food, animals and even nature. The meaning behind some idioms are not always clear though, so let’s take a look at some common ones, and what they really mean!

Idioms with Time

1. Around the Clock: to do something continuously, without stopping.
   I have to work around the clock to get this project done by Friday.

2. A watched pot never boils: Impatience makes time appear to pass more slowly.
   Jen was so excited for her flight, she kept checking the time. As they say, a watched pot never boils, so she felt like she was waiting forever!

3. Better late than never: It's better for something to happen late than not to happen at all.

4. In the nick of time: Just in time; at the last possible moment.
   We’re about to close the store, you got here in the nick of time!

5. Time flies when you’re having fun: Time seems to pass quickly when you're enjoying yourself.

Idioms with Animals

1. The Lion’s Share: The largest portion or the majority of something.
   She received the lion's share of the credit for the team's success because her leadership and hard work were truly exceptional.

2. A wolf in sheep's clothing: Describing someone who appears harmless but is actually dangerous or deceptive.
   She thought he was her friend, but he turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing, stealing her ideas and taking credit for her work.

3. Don't count your chickens before they hatch: Advising someone not to assume success before it's guaranteed.

4. A leopard can't change its spots: People can't change their nature or habits.
   Even though he promised to be more organised this year, he's already running late and disorganised. I guess a leopard can't change its spots.

5. Let the cat out of the bag: To reveal a secret or disclose information that was meant to be hidden.
   I know about my surprise party. Ruth let the cat out the bag.

6. The elephant in the room: Refers to an obvious issue or problem that everyone is ignoring.
   During the meeting, no one wanted to discuss the budget cuts, even though it was the elephant in the room that was affecting everyone's job security. 

7. Barking up the wrong tree: Pursuing a mistaken or unproductive course of action.
   John was barking up the wrong tree when he accused Sarah of stealing his pen, only to find it in his own bag later.

8. Like a fish out of water: Feeling uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation.
   As an introvert, attending a crowded, noisy party made him feel like a fish out of water, longing for the comfort of his quiet room at home.

Idioms about the Weather

1. It’s raining cats and dogs: it’s raining heavily.
   I wanted to go for a walk but it’s raining cats and dogs so I changed my mind.

2. Under the weather: Feeling unwell or in poor health, as if affected by bad weather.
   She won’t make it to the party this evening, she’s feeling under the weather.

3. Save it for a rainy day: Saving money for future emergencies, like preparing for unexpected rainy weather.
   I got money for my birthday last week, but instead of spending it on a gift for myself, I’ll save it for a rainy day. 

Idioms about Emotions

1. Cry over spilled milk: Worrying about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
   I know you wanted to see your friends before they left for holiday but there’s no use crying over spilled milk. You can see them when they come home.

2. On cloud nine: Extremely happy or joyful
   He was cloud nine after winning the lottery.

3. Biting the bullet: Facing a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination.
   She didn’t want to say her speech in public, but she bit the bullet and went out with a smile on her face.

4. Wearing your heart on your sleeve: Showing your emotions openly and without restraint.
   She cries really easily because she wears her heart on her sleeve.

5. Jump for joy: Expressing great happiness or excitement.
   They jumped for joy when they found out their son was coming home for the holidays.

Idioms with Food

1. A piece of cake: Refers to something that is very easy to do.
   That English test was a piece of cake!

2. A tough cookie: Describes someone who is strong and resilient in the face of challenges.
   He recovered well from the surgery: he’s a tough cookie.

3. Bring home the bacon: To earn a living or provide financial support for one's family.

4. The icing on the cake: Something that makes a good situation even better.
   The hotel is beautiful and clean, but this view is the icing on the cake!

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Using idioms in your speech or writing can add flair and depth to your communication. However, it's good practice to use them sparingly, and ensure they fit the context of your conversation or writing. Idioms are like spices in food, they enhance the flavour when used correctly but make the meal confusing when there are too many. 

So, next time you want to explain something but can’t find the words, think about using idioms. They make language more colourful and interesting!

Do you have any idioms that you love using? Or do you want us to explain some more? Let us know! 

Happy learning!