English Idioms & Proverbs
An idiom is a phrase that has a meaning of its own
that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words.
Here are some examples of idioms:
to be fed up with means to be tired and annoyed with something that has been happening for too long
to rub someone the wrong way means to irritate someone
by the skin of your teeth means that something was successful, but only just barely. “She passed the test by the skin of her teeth” means she almost didn’t pass.
A proverb is a short popular saying that gives advice about how people should behave or that expresses a belief that is generally thought to be true. Here are some examples:
Don’t cry over spilled milk.
Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
A stitch in time saves nine.