20 Idioms with Their Meanings and Example Sentences

Idioms are phrases or expressions that have a meaning different from the meanings of the individual words. They are commonly used in everyday English and help make language more colorful and expressive. Here are 20 popular idioms, their meanings, and example sentences to help you understand and use them better.

1. Break the ice

Meaning: To start a conversation in a social setting, especially with strangers.
Example: To break the ice at the party, Sarah told a funny joke.

2. Hit the nail on the head

Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
Example: When John said the project failed due to poor planning, he hit the nail on the head.

3. Under the weather

Meaning: Feeling sick or unwell.
Example: I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’ll stay home.

4. Piece of cake

Meaning: Something that is very easy to do.
Example: That math test was a piece of cake.

5. Let the cat out of the bag

Meaning: To accidentally reveal a secret.
Example: Jenny let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.

6. Once in a blue moon

Meaning: Something that happens very rarely.
Example: We only go out for dinner once in a blue moon.

7. Cost an arm and a leg

Meaning: To be very expensive.
Example: That new phone cost me an arm and a leg.

8. Burn the midnight oil

Meaning: To stay up late working or studying.
Example: She burned the midnight oil to finish her assignment.

9. Bite the bullet

Meaning: To do something unpleasant that must be done.
Example: I hate going to the dentist, but I’ll have to bite the bullet.

10. Hit the books

Meaning: To start studying seriously.
Example: Exams are coming, so it’s time to hit the books.

11. Add fuel to the fire

Meaning: To make a bad situation worse.
Example: Yelling at him only added fuel to the fire.

12. Call it a day

Meaning: To stop working for the day.
Example: We’ve done enough work today—let’s call it a day.

13. The ball is in your court

Meaning: It’s your turn to take action or make a decision.
Example: I’ve done my part; now the ball is in your court.

14. A blessing in disguise

Meaning: Something that seems bad at first but ends up being good.
Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise—I found a better one.

15. Cry over spilled milk

Meaning: To be upset about something that cannot be changed.
Example: There's no use crying over spilled milk—just clean it up and move on.

16. Hit the sack

Meaning: To go to bed or sleep.
Example: I’m so tired—I need to hit the sack early tonight.

17. In hot water

Meaning: In trouble.
Example: He got in hot water for arriving late to work again.

18. Pull someone’s leg

Meaning: To joke or trick someone playfully.
Example: I’m just pulling your leg—I didn’t really win the lottery.

19. Speak of the devil

Meaning: Used when someone mentioned appears unexpectedly.
Example: Speak of the devil! We were just talking about you.

20. Cut corners

Meaning: To do something poorly or cheaply to save time or money.
Example: The builder cut corners and now the roof is leaking.

Final Thoughts

Learning idioms is a fun way to improve your English skills and understand native speakers better. Try using some of these idioms in your daily conversations to sound more natural and fluent. Remember, practice makes perfect.