Idioms

Have you ever had a day where many small problems added up, and one final small problem made you feel overwhelmed? In English, we have a perfect phrase for that final, breaking point. Today, you will learn the idiom the last straw. What Does “The Last Straw” Mean? “The last straw” means the final problem…

Have you ever watched a movie where the story suddenly changed in a surprising way? Or heard news that completely changed a situation? In English, we have a perfect phrase for these unexpected changes. Today, you will learn the idiom the twist. What Does “The Twist” Mean? “The twist” means an unexpected change or surprise…

Have you ever removed some plants from a garden to help others grow better? Or noticed a crowd becoming smaller as people leave? In English, we have a simple phrase for things becoming less dense or numerous. Today, you will learn the phrasal verb thin out. What Does “Thin Out” Mean? “Thin out” means to…

Have you ever done a group project where someone claimed all the praise? Or seen someone receive recognition for work they didn’t do? In English, we have a clear phrase for this situation. Today, you will learn the phrase take credit for. What Does “Take Credit For” Mean? “Take credit for” means to claim recognition,…

Have you ever started a new medicine and waited for it to kick in? Or read a news headline like, “New traffic rules take effect Monday”? In English, take effect is the standard phrase used when something—like a law, policy, drug, or decision—officially begins to work or apply. It’s precise, neutral, and used constantly in…

Has someone ever said something you strongly disagreed with? Or made a comment that felt personally offensive? In English, we have a formal phrase for expressing strong objection. Today, you will learn the phrase take exception to. What Does “Take Exception To” Mean? “Take exception to” means to strongly disagree with something or to find…

Do you tell friends to relax when they’re stressed? Or say a casual goodbye at the end of a conversation? In English, we have one friendly phrase for both situations. Today, you will learn the phrase take it easy. What Does “Take It Easy” Mean? “Take it easy” has two common meanings. First, it means…

Have you ever removed a splinter, borrowed a book from the library, ordered pizza for dinner, or treated a friend to a movie? In English, all these actions use the phrase take out. This versatile phrasal verb has several everyday meanings—and context tells you which one fits. What Does “Take Out” Mean? “Take out” has…

Have you ever had a coworker speak for you in a meeting without asking? Or seen a movie that changed a true story so much it felt unfair? In English, you might say they took liberties. This phrase describes when someone acts freely—often in a way that oversteps boundaries, ignores rules, or assumes permission they…

Have you ever worked too hard for too long and felt exhausted? Or noticed how stress slowly affects your health? In English, we have a perfect phrase for these gradual negative effects. Today, you will learn the idiom take its toll. What Does “Take Its Toll” Mean? “Take its toll” means to cause gradual damage,…

Have you ever noticed a problem at work and fixed it before anyone asked? Or organized a surprise party for a friend without being told to? In English, you can say you took it upon yourself to act. This phrase describes when someone voluntarily takes responsibility for something—without being assigned, ordered, or even expected to…

Have you ever flipped a pancake in a pan, handed your car keys to a mechanic, or promised to “turn over a new leaf” after a mistake? In English, all these actions use the phrase turn over. This versatile phrasal verb has several practical meanings—and context tells you which one is intended. What Does “Turn…