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. 4
Out of the blue
RYO
This idiom means something happens without any warning or indication. It is used to describe events that occur unexpectedly.
Example:
- She called me out of the blue after not talking for five years.
- Out of the blue, a deer jumped in front of our car.
- He quit his job out of the blue and moved to another country.
Call it a day
RYO
This idiom means to stop working or end an activity for the rest of the day.
Example:
- We’ve accomplished a lot today. Let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.
- After working on the project for eight hours, they decided to call it a day.
- It’s already 7 PM. I think we should call it a day.
The ball is in your court
RYO
This idiom means that it is someone else’s turn to take action or make a decision.
Example:
- I’ve done all I can for the project; now the ball is in your court.
- She sent her proposal to the manager, and now the ball is in his court.
- We’ve given you the information you need. The ball is in your court now.
Bite off more than you can chew
RYO
This idiom means to attempt to do something that is too difficult for you or to take on more than you can manage.
Example:
- He bit off more than he could chew by agreeing to manage three projects at once.
- She realized she had bitten off more than she could chew when she volunteered to organize the entire event by herself.
- Don’t bite off more than you can chew; focus on completing one task at a time.
Cut corners
RYO
This idiom means to take shortcuts or to do something in a way that saves time or money but sacrifices quality or correctness.
Example:
- The company was accused of cutting corners on safety measures to save money.
- If you cut corners when building a house, it may lead to serious structural issues later.
- He cut corners on his homework and ended up getting a poor grade.
