Idioms

When your friend shows you a photo, they say, “Look at this!” But this common phrase can mean much more. The idiom look at is used for examining something, considering an idea, or viewing something with attention. Learning this phrase will help you in many everyday situations. What Does “Look At” Mean? As an idiom,…

You’ve lost your keys. You’re checking your bag, your pockets, under the couch. You’re “looking for” your keys! Or maybe you’re job hunting—you’re “looking for” a new opportunity. The phrasal verb look for is one of the most useful—and common—expressions in English. Whether it’s an object, a person, or an idea, you’ll use “look for”…

You’re texting a friend: “Are we still meeting at 6?” They reply: “All right!” Or maybe your teacher says, “All right, class—open your books.” The phrase all right is one of the most common—and useful—expressions in English. It can mean “OK,” “agreed,” “everything’s fine,” or even get people’s attention. Knowing how to use it helps…

Have you ever solved a mystery and realized the answer was right in front of you? You might say, “I knew it all along!” This common idiom describes something that was true from the very start. Learning all along will help you express surprise or reveal a hidden truth in conversations. What Does “All Along”…

Is your English improving slowly? You are learning little by little! This common idiom describes how something happens slowly in small steps. We use it to talk about progress that is slow but steady. Learning this phrase will help you describe how things change over time. What Does “Little by Little” Mean? “Little by little”…

After a long hike, playing with kids all afternoon, or studying for hours, you might feel completely exhausted. In English, we often say “I’m tired out” or “That game really tired me out.” The phrasal verb tire out is used all the time to describe deep physical or mental exhaustion. Whether you’re talking about yourself…

Have you been in a meeting when a teacher says a student’s name to answer a question? They are using a common English idiom. The phrase call on means to ask someone to speak or to visit someone. Learning this phrase will help you understand what happens in classrooms, meetings, and social visits. What Does…

You’re telling a friend a story, but they look confused. You stop and say, “Oh, never mind.” Or maybe someone offers to help, but you’ve already fixed the problem—so you say, “Never mind, I got it!” The phrase never mind is short, polite, and used every day in English. It helps you change your mind,…

Is your friend rushing to finish a test? You can tell them, “Just take your time.” This friendly advice is a common English idiom. The phrase take one’s time means to do something slowly and carefully, without feeling rushed. Learning this expression will help you sound more patient and relaxed in conversation. What Does “Take…

Imagine you’re shopping for a gift, trying on clothes, or choosing a song to play. In English, we often say “pick out” when we carefully choose something from a group. The idiom pick out is simple, practical, and used all the time—in stores, at home, or even in school. Knowing how to use it will…

Have you ever been in a meeting or a group chat where someone keeps interrupting you while you’re speaking? Or maybe you and a friend need to “talk over” a problem before making a decision. The idiom talk over is used in both situations—and it’s super common in daily English. Knowing how to use it…

Do you feel tired after a long day? You might say, “I need to lie down.” But this phrase can mean more than just resting your body. The idiom lie down is a common way to talk about taking a break or even accepting a bad situation. Learning this phrase will help you sound more…