Idiom Study

Idioms are colorful expressions that don’t always make sense literally, but they’re widely used in everyday English. Learning idioms can help you understand native speakers better and sound more fluent. Here are 10 common idioms and what they mean:

1. Break the ice – To start a conversation in a social setting.
   Example: To break the ice, she complimented his shoes.

2. Bite the bullet – To do something unpleasant but necessary.
   Example: He decided to bite the bullet and go to the dentist.

3. Hit the nail on the head – To describe something exactly right.
   Example: Her answer hit the nail on the head.

4. Let the cat out of the bag – To accidentally reveal a secret.
   Example: He let the cat out of the bag about her surprise party.

5. Under the weather – Feeling ill or sick.
   Example: I’m staying home today because I’m feeling under the weather.

6. Spill the beans – To reveal secret information.
   Example: Don’t spill the beans about our trip!

7. The ball is in your court – It’s your decision or responsibility now.
   Example: I’ve made my offer—the ball is in your court.

8. Burning the midnight oil – Working late into the night.
   Example: She’s been burning the midnight oil to finish the project.

9. Piece of cake – Something very easy to do.
   Example: That math test was a piece of cake.

10. Cost an arm and a leg – Very expensive.
    Example: That designer bag cost an arm and a leg.

These idioms are just the tip of the iceberg! Learning and using idioms can make your English more natural and expressive.

What are your favorite idioms? Share them in the comments!