An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning is not deducible from the literal definitions of its individual words. Instead, idioms have figurative meanings that are understood through common usage and cultural context.
Examples
1. Pulling my leg: This idiom means to tease or joke with someone in a playful manner. It doesn't literally involve pulling someone's leg, but rather implies making fun of them in a light-hearted way.
Pulling my leg:
Sarah: "I just won a million dollars!"
John: "Really? You're pulling my leg, right?"
Sarah: "Yes, I'm just joking. I didn't win anything."
2. Kick the bucket: This idiom is a euphemism for dying or passing away. It's used informally to refer to someone's death, often in a more humorous or casual context.
Kick the bucket:
Grandpa lived a long and happy life before he kicked the bucket at the age of 95.
The old computer finally kicked the bucket after years of service, so we need to get a new one.
The two idioms illustrate how language can convey meanings beyond literal interpretations, relying on shared cultural understanding to communicate effectively.
1. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
This idiom means that it is better to have something that you know is valuable than to risk losing it by going for something that might be even more valuable.
2. Act your wage. This idiom means that you should dress and behave in a way that is appropriate for your job position and salary.
3. All hands on deck. This idiom means that everyone needs to pitch in and help out, especially during a time of crisis.
4. A watched pot never boils. This idiom means that if you are too focused on something, it will seem to take forever to happen.
5. Bait and switch. This idiom refers to a deceptive business practice where a customer is lured in by a low price for a product or service, only to be told later that the product is no longer available or that the price has increased.
6. Bells and whistles. This idiom refers to extra features or functions that are not essential but may be seen as desirable.
7. Bite off more than you can chew. This idiom means to take on more than you can handle.
8. Bring home the bacon. This idiom means to earn a living.
9. Burn the midnight oil. This idiom means to work late into the night.
10. Can't see the forest for the trees. This idiom means that you are so focused on the details that you are unable to see the big picture.
11. Cash cow. This idiom refers to a business or product that generates a lot of profit for little effort.
12. Cut corners. This idiom means to take shortcuts or do things in a less than efficient way.
13. Dead horse. This idiom refers to an issue or problem that is no longer worth pursuing.
14. Don't count your chickens before they hatch. This idiom means that you should not celebrate or plan for something that has not yet happened.
15. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. This idiom means that you should not invest all of your resources in a single project or venture.
16. Easy come, easy go. This idiom means that money or possessions that are easily earned are also easily spent.
17. Fish or cut bait. This idiom means that you need to make a decision or take action, or you will miss out on an opportunity.
18. Follow the money. This idiom means that if you want to find the source of a problem or issue, you should follow the money trail.
19. Get your ducks in a row. This idiom means to get organized and prepared.
20. Go the extra mile. This idiom means to do more than is expected of you.
21. Hit the nail on the head. This idiom means to say or do exactly the right thing.
22. In a nutshell. This idiom means to summarize something in a concise way.
23. Keep your ear to the ground. This idiom means to stay informed about what is going on, especially about what your competitors are doing.
24. Last-minute miracle. This idiom refers to a situation where something that was thought to be impossible or unlikely to happen actually does happen, usually at the last minute.
25. Learn the ropes. This idiom means to learn the basics of something
Let sleeping dogs lie. This idiom means that you should not disturb something that is not a problem.
Make hay while the sun shines. This idiom means that you should take advantage of an opportunity while it is available.
Money talks. This idiom means that financial resources can be used to influence or persuade people.
Necessity is the mother of invention. This idiom means that people are often forced to be creative when they need to find a solution to a problem.
No pain, no gain. This idiom means that you must work hard and make sacrifices in order to achieve success.
One-stop shop. This idiom refers to a business that offers a wide range of products or services.
Overnight success. This idiom refers to someone who achieves success very quickly.
Pay your dues. This idiom means that you must work hard and earn your way to success.
Pitch in. This idiom means to contribute your time or resources to a common goal.
Put all your eggs in one basket. This idiom means that you should not invest all of your resources in a single project or venture.
Read between the lines. This idiom means to try to understand the hidden meaning of something that someone is saying or writing.
Reach out. This idiom means to make contact with someone, usually for professional or business purposes.
Riding the gravy train. This idiom refers to someone who is enjoying an easy and profitable position.
After securing the high-paying job with minimal responsibilities, Mark felt like he was riding the gravy train.
Ever since she inherited her family's business, she's been riding the gravy train without much effort.
Sink or swim. This idiom means that you must succeed or fail on your own merits.
Stand on your own two feet. This idiom means that you should be self-reliant and not rely on others for help.
The early bird gets the worm. This idiom means that if you are the first to act, you are more likely to be successful.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease. This idiom means that if you complain or make your needs known, you are more likely to get what you want.
Example: Jane always gets the best assignments because she's not afraid to speak up about what she wants. It's a classic case of the squeaky wheel getting the grease.
After repeatedly pointing out the issues with the old software, Tom finally got the IT department to upgrade to a new system. The squeaky wheel gets the grease!
Time is money. This idiom means that time is valuable and should not be wasted.
Too good to be true. This idiom means that something that sounds too good to be true probably is.
Under the gun. This idiom means that you are under pressure to complete a task or project quickly.
Work smarter, not harder. This idiom means that you should try to find ways to be more efficient and productive.
You can't have your cake and eat it too. This idiom means that you cannot have two things that are mutually exclusive.
You snooze, you lose. This idiom means that if you procrastinate or delay, you will miss out on an opportunity.
Zero to hero. This idiom refers to someone who achieves great success from humble beginnings.
Zig when others zag. This idiom means that you should do the opposite of what everyone else is doing in order to be successful.
A clean slate. This idiom means that someone has a fresh start or a new beginning.
A dime a dozen. This idiom means that something is very common or abundant.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. This idiom means that it is better to have something that you know is valuable than to risk losing it by going for something that might be even more valuable.
A burning platform. This idiom refers to a situation where a company or organization is facing a crisis that forces them to make drastic changes.
The CEO highlighted the declining sales and increasing competition as evidence of a burning platform, urging immediate action to overhaul the company's strategy.
The environmental report revealed alarming pollution levels in their factories, presenting a burning platform for the company to invest in sustainable practices.
A drop in the bucket. This idiom means that something is very small or insignificant compared to something else.
A face-lift. This idiom refers to a change or improvement that is made to something in order to make it look newer or more modern.
A feather in your cap. This idiom means that something is an accomplishment or achievement that you can be proud of.
A fish out of water. This idiom refers to someone who is uncomfortable or unfamiliar with their surroundings.
A flash in the pan. This idiom refers to something that is successful for a short period of time but then quickly fades away.
The band's debut single was a huge hit, but their popularity turned out to be just a flash in the pan, and they quickly faded from the spotlight.
The startup initially attracted a lot of attention with its innovative app, but it was just a flash in the pan, and it went out of business within a year.
AI is not a flash in the pan; it has revolutionized industries and will continue to shape the future of technology.
A fool and his money are soon parted. This idiom means that people who are foolish or unwise often lose their money.
A golden opportunity. This idiom refers to a chance to do something that is very beneficial or profitable.
A hard sell. This idiom refers to something that is difficult to persuade someone to do or buy.
A piece of cake. This idiom means that something is very easy to do.
A red herring. This idiom refers to something that is misleading or irrelevant.
A sleeping giant. This idiom refers to a company or organization that is not currently successful but has the potential to be very successful in the future.
A slam dunk. This idiom means that something is very easy to do or achieve.
A sinking ship. This idiom refers to a company or organization that is in financial trouble and is likely to fail.
A square peg in a round hole. This idiom refers to someone who is not suited for their job or position.
A taste of your own medicine. This idiom means that someone is experiencing the same kind of treatment that they have previously given to others.
A whale of a time. This idiom means that someone is having a great time.
Act your wage. This idiom means that you should dress and behave in a way that is appropriate for your job position and salary.
All hands on deck. This idiom means that everyone needs to pitch in and help out, especially during a time of crisis.
A watched pot never boils. This idiom means that if you are too focused on something, it will seem to take forever to happen.
Back-end. This idiom refers to the behind-the-scenes aspects of a business, such as operations and administration.
Ballpark figure. This idiom refers to an estimate that is not exact but is close enough to be useful.
Banana skin. This idiom refers to a mistake or blunder that can lead to trouble or embarrassment.
The politician's offhand comment about the economy turned into a major banana skin, causing a public relations nightmare.
The company's failure to comply with the new regulations was a huge banana skin, leading to hefty fines and a damaged reputation.
Banana skin. This idiom refers to a mistake or blunder that can cause someone to lose their balance or footing.
Bench warmer. This idiom refers to someone who is not currently playing or contributing to a team or organization.
Although he was once a star player, injuries have sidelined him, and now he's just a bench warmer, cheering on his teammates from the sidelines.
Big fish in a small pond. This idiom refers to someone who is successful or important in a small or insignificant setting.
Bird of a feather flock together. This idiom means that people who are similar tend to be drawn to each other.
Bleeding edge. This idiom refers to the latest and most innovative technology or practices.
Blue sky thinking. This idiom refers to creative or innovative thinking that is not limited by practical considerations.
Bottom line. This idiom refers to the final financial outcome of a business or transaction.
Brain drain. This idiom refers to the loss of talented or skilled workers from a particular country or region.
Bring home the bacon. This idiom means to earn a living.
Burn the midnight oil. This idiom means to work late into the night.
Can-do attitude. This idiom refers to a positive and optimistic attitude that is focused on achieving goals.
Cash cow. This idiom refers to a business or product that generates a lot of profit for little effort.
Cut corners. This idiom means to take shortcuts or do things in a less than efficient way.
Dead horse. This idiom refers to an issue or problem that is no longer worth pursuing.
The devil in the details. This idiom means that the most important or difficult aspects of a project or task are often the ones that are not immediately obvious.
Dog eat dog. This idiom refers to a competitive and aggressive environment where people are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.
Dream team. This idiom refers to a group of people who are highly skilled and experienced in their respective fields.
Early adopter. This idiom refers to someone who is willing to try new products or services before they are widely available.
Face time. This idiom refers to the amount of time that someone spends in the presence of their superiors or clients.
Fired on the spot. This idiom means that someone was immediately dismissed from their job.
Fish out of water. This idiom refers to someone who is uncomfortable or unfamiliar with their surroundings.
Follow your gut. This idiom means to trust your instincts or intuition, even if it goes against what logic or reason tells you.
Full steam ahead. This idiom means to proceed with a task or project with great energy and enthusiasm.
Get your ducks in a row. This idiom means to get organized and prepared.
Before you start the new project, make sure you get your ducks in a row by organizing your team and setting clear objectives.
The event planner needed to get her ducks in a row, ensuring all vendors were confirmed and the schedule was finalized, before the big day.