I is for Idiomatic Expressions!
- thespanglishspeake
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
Welcom back to our A-Z English learning series. Today we're going to learn about idioms!
What is an idiomatic expression?
An idiom is a phrase where the meaning isn't obvious from the individual words. Not in English and not in Spanish! If you try to translate idioms literally, they won’t make any sense at all!
Learning these types of expressions makes your English more colourful and helps you sound more like a native.
Here are 10 common everyday English idioms, what they mean, and how to use them.
I is for Idiomatic expressions!
1. Piece of cake
Meaning: Something that is very easy to do.
Don't worry about the English exam; it's going to be a piece of cake.
2. Break a leg
Meaning: A way to wish someone good luck, but only if it’s a performance (dance, music or even a presentation)
I know you're nervous about the interview, but go there and break a leg!
3. Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling slightly sick or unwell.
I won't be able to come to class today because I'm feeling a bit under the weather.
4. Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: To be extremely expensive.
I would love to buy that new smartphone, but it costs an arm and a leg.
5. Spill the beans
Meaning: To reveal a secret, often accidentally.
We were planning a surprise party for Sarah, but David spilled the beans.
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6. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Something that happens very rarely.
My brother lives in Australia, so I only get to see him once in a blue moon.
7. Bite the bullet
Meaning: To face a difficult situation with courage and get it over with.
I hate going to the dentist, but I just need to bite the bullet and make an appointment.
8. Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem; to be exactly right.
When you said the company needs better marketing, you hit the nail on the head.
9. Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To stay up late working or studying.
I have a huge presentation tomorrow morning, so I'll be burning the midnight oil tonight.
10. Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To mistakenly or prematurely reveal a secret plan.
It was supposed to be a hidden destination, but mom let the cat out of the bag.
We have an endless number of idiomatic expressions in English. Don’t try to learn all ten of these all at once. Choose one or two and try to use them in the right moment!
See you next time!
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