An idiom is a phrase or expression that typically has a figurative, not literal, meaning. The intended meaning is often different from the individual words’ literal definitions.
Idioms are culturally specific and enrich language by adding color and uniqueness. Here are 20 idioms with their meanings and example sentences:
20 Idioms with Their Meanings and Sentences
- Break the ice
Meaning: To initiate conversation in a social setting, making people feel more comfortable.
Example: “John told a joke to break the ice at the party.”
- Bite the bullet
Meaning: To endure a difficult or unpleasant situation.
Example: “I decided to bite the bullet and visit the dentist for my toothache.”
Meaning: Very expensive.
Example: “That luxury car costs an arm and a leg.”
- Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To work late into the night.
Example: “She was burning the midnight oil to finish her research paper.”
- Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
Example: “Her analysis of the company’s issues hit the nail on the head.”
- Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling ill.
Example: “I’m feeling a bit under the weather today.”
- Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To reveal a secret.
Example: “We were planning a surprise party, but Carol let the cat out of the bag.”
Meaning: Something very easy to accomplish.
Example: “This math problem was a piece of cake for her.”
- Burn bridges
Meaning: To ruin relationships or connections.
Example: “You shouldn’t burn bridges with colleagues even if you change jobs.”
- A blessing in disguise
Meaning: Something that initially seems negative but ends up being beneficial.
Example: “Losing his job was a blessing in disguise because he found a better opportunity.”
Related – Check out these 10 Idioms and Colloquialisms Examples!
- The ball is in your court
Meaning: It is your decision or responsibility to take the next action.
Example: “I have given my opinion, now the ball is in your court.”
- Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working for the day.
Example: “We’ve been working for hours; let’s call it a day.”
- Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Something that happens very rarely.
Example: “She only visits her hometown once in a blue moon.”
- When pigs fly
Meaning: Something that will never happen.
Example: “He’ll get a promotion when pigs fly.”
- Hit the sack
Meaning: To go to bed.
Example: “I’m exhausted, so I’m going to hit the sack early tonight.”
- Go the extra mile
Meaning: To put in extra effort.
Example: “The team is willing to go the extra mile to meet the project deadline.”
- Pull someone’s leg
Meaning: To joke or tease someone.
Example: “Relax, I’m just pulling your leg about the surprise.”
- Jump on the bandwagon
Meaning: To join a trend or activity that is popular.
Example: “Many companies are jumping on the bandwagon of social media marketing.”
- In the same boat
Meaning: Facing the same challenges as someone else.
Example: “We’re all in the same boat when it comes to handling the new policy.”
- Throw in the towel
Meaning: To give up or admit defeat.
Example: “After several unsuccessful attempts, he finally threw in the towel.”
Related – Check out some of my other posts on this topic; idioms vs adages, and idoms vs metaphors – Thanks!