Learning English isn’t just about grammar rules and vocabulary lists. If you truly want to understand the language, especially the way native speakers use it, idioms are essential. These expressions can be confusing at first because their meanings aren’t always obvious. But once you get familiar with them, they’ll make your English sound more natural and fluent.
This post explores 25 common English idioms every student should know. We’ll cover what they mean and how to use them. By the end of this article, you’ll be well on your way to sounding like a native speaker.
Why Idioms Matter in English
Idioms are phrases or expressions with figurative meanings that differ from the literal interpretation of the words. For example, if someone says “it’s raining cats and dogs,” they don’t literally mean animals are falling from the sky—they just mean it’s raining heavily.
English idioms appear in movies, books, songs, everyday conversations, and even academic settings. Learning them will improve your listening comprehension, enrich your writing, and make you a more confident speaker.
25 Must-Know English Idioms for Students
Let’s dive into the idioms, complete with meanings and simple examples.
Break the iceTo make people feel more comfortable.She told a joke to break the ice.Hit the booksTo study seriously.I need to hit the books tonight.A piece of cakeSomething very easy to do.That math test was a piece of cake!Under the weatherFeeling ill or unwell.I stayed home from class because I was under the weather.Burn the midnight oilTo stay up late working or studying.She burned the midnight oil to finish her project.Let the cat out of the bagTo reveal a secret unintentionally.He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.Hit the nail on the headTo describe something exactly right.Your answer hit the nail on the head!Cost an arm and a legVery expensive.That phone cost an arm and a leg.In hot waterIn trouble.He was in hot water for missing the deadline.The ball is in your courtIt’s your turn to take action.Now the ball is in your court.Bite the bulletTo do something unpleasant but necessary.I had to bite the bullet and take the test.Once in a blue moonSomething that happens very rarely.We go on vacation once in a blue moon.Add fuel to the fireTo make a bad situation worse.His comments added fuel to the fire.Cry over spilled milkTo be upset over something that can't be changed.Don’t cry over spilled milk.Jump on the bandwagonTo join others in doing something popular.She jumped on the bandwagon and bought the latest phone.Pull someone’s legTo joke or tease someone.Are you pulling my leg?Hit the sackTo go to bed or sleep.I'm tired—time to hit the sack.Sit on the fenceTo remain neutral.He sat on the fence during the argument.Spill the beansTo reveal a secret.She spilled the beans about the party.Keep your chin upStay positive.Keep your chin up—you’ll do better next time.Get cold feetTo suddenly become nervous.She got cold feet before the speech.Through thick and thinIn good times and bad.They stayed together through thick and thin.Bend over backwardsTo make a great effort.The teacher bent over backwards to help.A blessing in disguiseSomething that seems bad but turns out good.Losing that job was a blessing in disguise.Get the hang of somethingTo learn how to do something.I finally got the hang of it.
How to Practice and Remember Idioms
Learning idioms is one thing—remembering and using them correctly is another. Here are some practical tips to help:
1. Use flashcards
Create digital or paper flashcards with the idiom on one side and its meaning and an example on the other. Quiz yourself regularly.
2. Watch English media
TV shows, movies, and YouTube videos often use idioms. Listen closely and try to identify the expressions.
3. Write them in sentences
Instead of memorizing idioms in isolation, write your own sentences. Personalizing them makes them easier to remember.
4. Practice speaking
Use new idioms in conversations with classmates, teachers, or language exchange partners. The more you use them, the more natural they’ll become.
5. Learn in context
Group idioms by theme—like school, health, emotions, etc.—so you can recall them when a specific topic arises.
Final Thoughts
Idioms are a powerful tool for students learning English. They enhance your understanding of the language, help you connect with native speakers, and make your communication more expressive. By mastering even a handful of common idioms, you’ll see a big improvement in both your fluency and confidence.
So, the next time you want to say something’s easy, don’t just say “It’s easy.” Say, “It’s a piece of cake!” That little change can make a big difference.
Which idioms from this list do you already use? Which ones will you try today? Let us know in the comments!
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