Language Switcher

【Vol. 6】Useful English Idioms Collection

English

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. 6

  • The last straw
  • When pigs fly
  • You can’t judge a book by its cover
  • A blessing in disguise
  • Burn bridges

The last straw

The last straw - 我慢の限界の画像
RYO
RYO

This idiom refers to the final incident that leads to a breaking point, derived from the phrase “the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

Example:
  1. When he arrived late for the third time this week, it was the last straw for his boss.
  2. The constant noise from the construction was bad enough, but the last straw was when they started working at 5 AM.
  3. She had been patient with her roommate’s messiness, but finding dirty dishes in her bed was the last straw.
Audio:

When pigs fly

When pigs fly - 絶対に起こらないの画像
RYO
RYO

This idiom means something is so unlikely to happen that it is virtually impossible, similar to the absurdity of pigs flying.

Example:
  1. He’ll clean his room when pigs fly.
  2. She said she’ll go out on a date with him when pigs fly.
  3. They’ll finish the project on time when pigs fly.
Audio:

You can’t judge a book by its cover

You can't judge a book by its cover - 見かけで判断してはいけないの画像
RYO
RYO

This idiom means that you shouldn’t make assumptions about something or someone based only on how they look, just as you can’t judge a book’s content by its cover.

Example:
  1. She may look quiet and reserved, but you can’t judge a book by its cover; she’s actually very adventurous.
  2. The restaurant doesn’t look fancy from the outside, but you can’t judge a book by its cover; the food is amazing.
  3. He didn’t seem very friendly at first, but you can’t judge a book by its cover; he turned out to be very kind.
Audio:

A blessing in disguise

A blessing in disguise - 不幸中の幸いの画像
RYO
RYO

This idiom means that something initially perceived as unfortunate or negative can turn out to be beneficial or positive in the end.

Example:
  1. Losing that job was a blessing in disguise; it gave me the chance to start my own business.
  2. Her illness turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it made her adopt a healthier lifestyle.
  3. Missing the flight was a blessing in disguise; I avoided being caught in the storm.
Audio:

Burn bridges

Burn bridges - 後戻りできないようにするの画像
RYO
RYO

By quitting without notice, he burned bridges with his former employer.”
This idiom means to sever ties or make a situation irreparable, especially in a way that prevents future reconciliation or return.

Example:
  1. Be careful not to burn bridges with your colleagues; you might need their help in the future.
  2. He burned his bridges by insulting his boss before quitting the job.
  3. Leaving the company without notice is a sure way to burn bridges.
Audio:

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