In this article, I have compiled English idioms that can be used in everyday conversations.
Make learning a daily habit and gradually expand your English vocabulary!
English Idioms Collection, Vol. 3
Cost an arm and a leg
This idiom means something is very expensive or costs a lot of money, emphasizing its high price.
Example:
- The new smartphone costs an arm and a leg, but it’s worth every penny.
- That luxury car costs an arm and a leg; I don’t know how he can afford it.
- Their wedding was beautiful but it must have cost an arm and a leg.
Bite the bullet
This idiom means to endure something unpleasant or difficult. It originates from the practice of soldiers biting on a bullet during medical procedures in the past when anesthesia was not available.
Example:
- I don’t like going to the dentist, but I need to bite the bullet and make an appointment.
- She decided to bite the bullet and tell her boss about the mistake.
- Moving to a new city is tough, but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and do it.
Raining cats and dogs
This idiom means it’s raining very heavily. The origin is unclear, but it is used to describe extremely heavy rain.
Example:
- We had to cancel our picnic because it was raining cats and dogs.
- Don’t forget your umbrella; it’s supposed to rain cats and dogs later today.
- It was raining cats and dogs all night, so the streets are flooded this morning.
Break the ice
This idiom means to ease tension or create a relaxed atmosphere, especially among people meeting for the first time or in a tense situation.
Example:
- At the beginning of the meeting, the manager told a funny story to break the ice.
- To break the ice at the party, we played a few fun games.
- She always brings up interesting topics to break the ice in awkward situations.
Hit the nail on the head
This idiom means to describe something accurately or to identify the exact issue. It is used when someone makes a precise or insightful observation.
Example:
- When she said that the company’s success was due to its employees, she hit the nail on the head.
- His comment about the project’s delay hit the nail on the head; it was indeed due to a lack of resources.
- You really hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the problem.
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