Every language has its own collection of wise sayings. They offer advice about how to live and also transfer some underlying ideas, principles and values of a given culture / society. These sayings are called idioms - or proverbs if they are longer. These combinations of words have (rarely complete sentences) a 'figurative meaning' meaning, they basically work with "pictures".
This List of commonly used idioms and sayings (in everyday conversational English), can help to speak English by learning English idiomatic expressions.
- A hot potato
Speak of an issue which many people are talking about and which is usually disputed
- A penny for your thoughts
A way of asking what someone is thinking
- Actions speak louder than words
People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.
- Add insult to injury
To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation.
- An arm and a leg
Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money.
- At the drop of a hat
Without any hesitation; instantly.
- Back to the drawing board
When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.
- Ball is in your court
It is up to you to make the next decision or step
- Barking up the wrong tree
Looking in the wrong place. Accusing the wrong person
- Be glad to see the back of
Be happy when a person leaves.
- Beat around the bush
Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.
- Best of both worlds
All the advantages.
- Best thing since sliced bread
A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan.
- Bite off more than you can chew
To take on a task that is way to big.
- Blessing in disguise
Something good that isn't recognized at first.
- Burn the midnight oil
To work late into the night, alluding to the time before electric lighting.
- Can't judge a book by its cover
Cannot judge something primarily on appearance.
- Caught between two stools
When someone finds it difficult to choose between two alternatives.
- Costs an arm and a leg
This idiom is used when something is very expensive.
- Cross that bridge when you come to it
Deal with a problem if and when it becomes necessary, not before.
- Cry over spilt milk
When you complain about a loss from the past.
- Curiosity killed the cat
Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation.
- Cut corners
When something is done badly to save money.
- Cut the mustard
To succeed; to come up to expectations; adequate enough to compete or participate
- Devil's Advocate
To present a counter argument
- Don't count your chickens before the eggs have hatched
This idiom is used to express "Don't make plans for something that might not happen".
- Don't give up the day job
You are not very good at something. You could definitely not do it professionally.
- Don't put all your eggs in one basket
Do not put all your resources in one possibility.
- Drastic times call for drastic measures
When you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions.
- Elvis has left the building
The show has come to an end. It's all over.
- Every cloud has a silver lining
Be optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.
- Far cry from
Very different from.
- Feel a bit under the weather
Feeling slightly ill.
- Give the benefit of the doubt
Believe someone's statement, without proof
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