Common idioms

A blessing in disguise

Something that seems bad or unlucky at first but results in something good.

Etymology: Originating in English during the 18th century, combining 'blessing' (a benefit) and 'disguise' (a hidden nature).

Example Sentence: Losing that job was actually a blessing in disguise; it pushed me to pursue my passion for art.

A dime a dozen

Something very common and not unique or special.

Etymology: This American phrase dates back to the 1800s when items could be bought cheap, implying that it's common.

Example Sentence: These cheap souvenirs are a dime a dozen in tourist shops.

Beat around the bush

To avoid getting to the point or being direct about an issue.

Etymology: Originating from hunting, where hunters would beat around bushes to flush game.

Example Sentence: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think.

Bite the bullet

To endure a painful or unpleasant situation that is unavoidable.

Etymology: Comes from the practice of having soldiers bite on a bullet during surgery to cope with pain.

Example Sentence: I hate going to the dentist, but I'll just have to bite the bullet and make an appointment.

Break the ice

To initiate conversation in a social setting, especially among strangers.

Etymology: The phrase refers to the practice of ships breaking ice to allow others to pass.

Example Sentence: To break the ice, she told a funny story at the beginning of the meeting.

Burn the midnight oil

To work late into the night.

Etymology: This phrase dates back to when oil lamps were used for lighting work late at night.

Example Sentence: I had to burn the midnight oil to finish my project on time.

Caught between a rock and a hard place

In a situation where one has to choose between two unpleasant situations.

Etymology: Suggests being stuck between two difficult choices, where neither option is favorable.

Example Sentence: I was caught between a rock and a hard place when I had to choose between a job I love and a much higher salary.

Cost an arm and a leg

To be very expensive.

Etymology: Suggests that something is very costly, likening it to the value of important body parts.

Example Sentence: That new car costs an arm and a leg!

Cut to the chase

To get to the point without wasting time on details.

Etymology: Believed to have originated from early film scripts where action scenes were more favorable.

Example Sentence: Let’s cut to the chase: are you going to accept the job offer?

Devil's advocate

Someone who takes a position they do not necessarily agree with to provoke discussion or test the validity of the argument.

Etymology: Originated from the Roman Catholic Church, involving a person arguing against canonization.

Example Sentence: I played devil's advocate in the meeting to ensure we considered all options.

Every cloud has a silver lining

There is something good in every bad situation.

Etymology: Suggests that every negative situation contains a positive aspect, dating back to John Milton's poetry.

Example Sentence: Even after losing her job, she believed that every cloud has a silver lining and would find a better opportunity.

Hit the nail on the head

To be exactly correct about something.

Etymology: Comes from carpentry, where correctly hitting a nail on the head is a sign of skill.

Example Sentence: You really hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the problem.

Let the cat out of the bag

To reveal a secret or a hidden truth by accident.

Etymology: Likely originates from a market scam involving selling a cat in a bag instead of a pig.

Example Sentence: I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.

Once in a blue moon

Something that happens very rarely.

Etymology: Refers to the rare occurrence of two full moons in one calendar month.

Example Sentence: I only go to the gym once in a blue moon, so I’m not very strong.

Piece of cake

Something very easy to do.

Etymology: Implies that something is easy, possibly referring to how enjoyable and simple eating cake can be.

Example Sentence: The test was a piece of cake; I finished it in half the time!

Spill the beans

To disclose secret information or reveal something prematurely.

Etymology: Likely comes from an ancient voting system using beans to select candidates.

Example Sentence: She finally spilled the beans about her surprise engagement.

The ball is in your court

It is up to you to take action, make a decision, or respond to a situation.

Etymology: Comes from tennis, where the ball must be returned to the other player.

Example Sentence: I've made my offer; now the ball is in your court.

Throw caution to the wind

To act without worrying about the risk or negative outcomes.

Etymology: This phrase evokes the idea of disregarding caution as if it is being tossed away and caught by the wind.

Example Sentence: He decided to throw caution to the wind and go skydiving despite his fear of heights.

Under the weather

To feel ill or unwell.

Etymology: Possibly refers to sailors who felt sick during bad weather at sea.

Example Sentence: I’m feeling a bit under the weather, so I might stay home today.

When pigs fly

Used to denote something impossible or unlikely.

Etymology: Suggests an event that will never happen, as pigs cannot fly.

Example Sentence: I’ll help him with his project when pigs fly!

You can't judge a book by its cover

One should not judge someone or something based solely on their appearance.

Etymology: Teaches that outward appearances can be misleading.

Example Sentence: Just because he's quiet doesn't mean he doesn't have good ideas; you can't judge a book by its cover.

Barking up the wrong tree

To pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action.

Etymology: Originating from hunting, where dogs would incorrectly bark at the base of a tree, thinking their prey was there.

Example Sentence: If you think I’m the one who leaked the information, you’re barking up the wrong tree.

Break the bank

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

Etymology: The phrase suggests that spending excessively would lead to the bank being broken or empty.

Example Sentence: Buying that new car will break the bank if you’re not careful.

Burning the candle at both ends

To exhaust oneself by doing too much, especially by working late and getting up early.

Etymology: This imagery refers to a candle burning from both ends, which results in a shorter lifespan for the candle.

Example Sentence: She’s been burning the candle at both ends with her hectic schedule and lack of sleep.

Hit the ground running

To start something and proceed at a fast pace with enthusiasm.

Etymology: The phrase began in the 1980s, originally referring to athletes starting a race quickly from a set position.

Example Sentence: We need to hit the ground running if we want to complete this project on time.

Jump on the bandwagon

To join a popular activity or trend.

Etymology: The term started in the United States in the late 19th century, referring to the colorful wagons used in parades to attract attention.

Example Sentence: After the team started winning, everyone wanted to jump on the bandwagon and support them.

Steal someone's thunder

To take credit for someone else's ideas or achievements.

Etymology: Refers to a playwright named John Dennis, who invented a method of creating thunder for his plays but was later stolen by other productions.

Example Sentence: I worked hard on that presentation, and then my colleague stole my thunder by presenting it first.

Throw caution to the wind

To act without worrying about the risk or negative outcomes.

Etymology: This phrase evokes the idea of disregarding caution as if it is being tossed away and caught by the wind.

Example Sentence: She decided to throw caution to the wind and pursue her dream job in another country.

Put all your eggs in one basket

To risk everything on a single venture or idea.

Etymology: Rooted in the idea that if all eggs are in one basket, dropping it would mean losing everything.

Example Sentence: It’s risky to put all your eggs in one basket; you should diversify your investments.

Cut the mustard

To meet expectations or standards.

Etymology: The origin of this phrase is unclear, but it is believed to relate to the spiciness and quality of mustard.

Example Sentence: He struggled to cut the mustard in his new job, and eventually, he was let go.

The early bird catches the worm

Success comes to those who prepare well and put in effort early.

Etymology: This idiom suggests that being proactive leads to success, as early birds are best positioned to get what they want.

Example Sentence: I wake up at 5 AM to study before work because the early bird catches the worm.

You can’t have your cake and eat it too

You cannot enjoy the benefits of something without facing its drawbacks.

Etymology: This phrase implies that once you eat your cake, you no longer have it, teaching the principle of sacrifice.

Example Sentence: If you want to go on vacation, you can't have your cake and eat it too; you'll have to save money.

Actions speak louder than words

What you do is more important than what you say.

Etymology: This phrase emphasizes that intentions and promises are less significant than actual behavior.

Example Sentence: He talks a big game, but actions speak louder than words; let's see if he can follow through.

A penny for your thoughts

A way of asking someone what they are thinking.

Etymology: This phrase suggests that a person's thoughts are worth a penny, indicating curiosity about their feelings or opinions.

Example Sentence: You look deep in thought; a penny for your thoughts?

Birds of a feather flock together

People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with one another.

Etymology: This phrase suggests that similar types of birds will be found together in the wild.

Example Sentence: It's no surprise that he's friends with other artists; birds of a feather flock together.

Caught red-handed

To be caught in the act of doing something wrong or illegal.

Etymology: The term originated in the 15th century, with 'red-handed' referring to a person who had blood on their hands.

Example Sentence: She was caught red-handed trying to steal from the store.

I’ve got your back

To support or protect someone.

Etymology: This expression likely comes from the idea that having someone’s back means being there to defend them during trouble.

Example Sentence: Don’t worry about it; I’ve got your back in this project.

Look before you leap

Consider the consequences before taking action.

Etymology: This phrase cautions against acting impulsively and encourages planning ahead.

Example Sentence: Before you quit your job, remember to look before you leap.

Out of the frying pan and into the fire

To go from a bad situation to a worse one.

Etymology: The phrase alludes to a regrettable transition from one negative state to an even more dire circumstance.

Example Sentence: Leaving that job seemed like a good idea, but I went out of the frying pan into the fire with the next one.

The best of both worlds

A situation where one can enjoy the advantages of two different things.

Etymology: This idiom refers to being in a favorable position that offers contrasting advantages.

Example Sentence: Working from home gives you the best of both worlds: good work-life balance and flexibility.

Bite off more than you can chew

To take on a task that is too big or difficult.

Etymology: This phrase is rooted in the metaphor of attempting to eat more food than one can handle.

Example Sentence: He really bit off more than he could chew by agreeing to lead two projects at once.

By the skin of your teeth

To narrowly escape a situation or achieve something.

Etymology: This expression comes from the Biblical phrase stating that one can be saved by a narrow margin.

Example Sentence: I passed the exam by the skin of my teeth, just barely making the passing grade.

Hit the sack

To go to bed or to sleep.

Etymology: This idiom dates back to the early 1900s, with 'sack' referring to a mattress stuffed with straw.

Example Sentence: I’m exhausted; I think it’s time to hit the sack.

Keep your chin up

To remain positive in a challenging situation.

Etymology: The phrase encourages a person to maintain an optimistic posture and attitude during difficult times.

Example Sentence: Things will get better; just keep your chin up!

Let sleeping dogs lie

To avoid interfering in a situation that could lead to trouble.

Etymology: Suggests that letting something be can prevent unnecessary problems or conflict.

Example Sentence: Just let sleeping dogs lie and don’t bring up that topic at dinner.

Make a long story short

To summarize a lengthy explanation or narrative.

Etymology: This phrase indicates the desire to omit details and focus on the main point of interest.

Example Sentence: To make a long story short, we ended up missing our flight after all.

Pass the buck

To shift responsibility to someone else.

Etymology: The term comes from poker, where a buck was passed to indicate who was responsible for dealing cards.

Example Sentence: Stop passing the buck and take responsibility for your actions.

Pull yourself together

To regain control of your emotions and behavior.

Etymology: This phrase suggests a person collect their thoughts and emotions together to handle a situation effectively.

Example Sentence: After the shocking news, she needed some time to pull herself together before joining the meeting.

Speak of the devil

Used when someone appears just after being mentioned.

Etymology: This idiom emphasizes the uncanny coincidence of timing when a person appears unexpectedly after being the topic of conversation.

Example Sentence: Speak of the devil! We were just talking about you!

The whole nine yards

Everything; all of it; the entire amount.

Etymology: The origin of this expression is debated, but it often relates to the full extent of something.

Example Sentence: He prepared the whole nine yards for the party: food, decorations, and entertainment.

Throw shade

To criticize someone in a subtle manner.

Etymology: The term reflects the act of presenting a criticism indirectly or with subtlety.

Example Sentence: She was throwing shade at her ex when she posted that photo on social media.

Two heads are better than one

Collaborating with someone leads to better ideas and solutions.

Etymology: This idiom implies that synergy in teamwork can yield more effective results than working alone.

Example Sentence: Let’s work together on this project; two heads are better than one.

What goes around comes around

Your actions, good or bad, will eventually return to affect you.

Etymology: This saying suggests that karma or fate ensures that one's behavior will eventually come back to them.

Example Sentence: Treat people well because what goes around comes around.

You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs

One must make sacrifices to achieve significant goals.

Etymology: This phrase indicates that difficulties or sacrifices are often necessary to create something worthwhile.

Example Sentence: Starting this business won't be easy, but you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.

Your guess is as good as mine

I have no better idea than you about the situation.

Etymology: This phrase implies equal uncertainty between individuals discussing something unknown.

Example Sentence: I have no idea why he didn't show up; your guess is as good as mine.