Idioms

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…

Do you switch off lights when you leave a room? Have you ever lost interest in something that initially seemed exciting? In English, we use the same phrase for both situations. Today, you will learn the phrasal verb turn off. What Does “Turn Off” Mean? “Turn off” has two common meanings. First, it means to…

Have you ever submitted a homework assignment, gone to bed early, or seen a criminal surrender to the police? In English, all these situations use the phrase turn in. This practical phrasal verb has three main meanings—and context tells you which one is intended. What Does “Turn In” Mean? “Turn in” has three common uses:…

Have you ever started walking somewhere, then realized you forgot something and had to return? Or driven the wrong way and needed to reverse direction? In English, we have a simple phrase for these situations. Today, you will learn the phrasal verb turn back. What Does “Turn Back” Mean? “Turn back” means to return the…

Have you ever baked a cake from scratch for the first time? Signed up for a painting class? Or attempted to fix a leaky faucet with a YouTube tutorial? In English, you can say you decided to try your hand at it. This warm and encouraging idiom means to give a new activity or skill…

Have you ever been sick for days, then suddenly started feeling better? Or struggled with a problem for weeks before finding a solution? In English, we have a perfect phrase for when things finally improve. Today, you will learn the idiom turn a corner. What Does “Turn a Corner” Mean? “Turn a corner” means to…

Have you ever paid for a friend’s coffee “just because”? Or taken your parents out for dinner to say thank you? In English, you can say you treated them to coffee or dinner. This warm and generous phrase means to give someone something enjoyable—like a meal, show, or gift—as a kind gesture or celebration. What…