Idioms

Have you ever described a terrible storm by saying, “It was a bit windy—to put it mildly”? Or called a chaotic party “lively—to put it mildly”? In English, to put it mildly is a polite, often humorous way to say that a situation is actually much more extreme than your words suggest. It’s a form…

Have you ever accepted a project you knew would take every ounce of your energy? Or looked at a messy kitchen after a big party and sighed, “I’ve got my work cut out for me”? In English, the phrase have your work cut out for you means you’re facing a tough, time-consuming, or demanding challenge—and…

Have you ever opened your refrigerator and found old milk? Or maybe a fun plan suddenly turned unpleasant? In English, we have a simple phrase for these situations. Today, you will learn the phrase go bad. What Does “Go Bad” Mean? “Go bad” means to spoil, rot, or become no longer good. Think of it…

Have you ever lost your job, gone through a breakup, or faced a health setback—and slowly rebuilt your life? In English, you can say you’re getting back on your feet. This warm and hopeful idiom describes the process of recovering from a tough time and regaining stability, health, or independence. What Does “Get Back on…

Have you ever made a small mistake that turned into a big problem? Maybe you agreed to do something that became very difficult. In English, we have a common phrase for these situations. Today, you will learn the phrase get yourself into. What Does “Get Yourself Into” Mean? “Get yourself into” means to become involved…

Have you ever kept something just in case, and later you really needed it? Maybe a simple tool saved your day. In English, we have a perfect phrase for this. Today, you will learn the idiom come in handy. What Does “Come in Handy” Mean? “Come in handy” means to be useful or helpful in…

Have you ever shared surprising news that got everyone talking? Maybe a new policy at work made people excited or upset. In English, we have a perfect phrase for this. Today, you will learn the idiom cause a stir. What Does “Cause a Stir” Mean? “Cause a stir” means to create a feeling of excitement,…

Have you ever seen an old phone stop working? Or maybe a friend’s team lost a big game? In English, we have a fun phrase for these situations. Today, you will learn the idiom bite the dust. What Does “Bite the Dust” Mean? “Bite the dust” means to fail, stop working, or be defeated. Think…

Have you ever missed a deadline because your computer crashed—and your backup failed too? Or promised two friends you’d attend their events on the same night? In English, you can say you’re in a bind. This practical idiom describes a tough spot where you’re stuck between bad options, under pressure, or facing a problem with…

Have you ever shared a post about climate change, worn a ribbon for a health cause, or attended a charity walk? In English, all these actions help to raise awareness. This important phrase means to help people notice, understand, or care about an issue—especially one that’s serious, overlooked, or misunderstood. What Does “Raise Awareness” Mean?…

Have you ever looked at two similar photos and noticed a tiny difference? Or sensed that a friend was upset—even though they said they were fine? In English, you can say, “I was able to tell.” This useful phrase means you could notice, recognize, or perceive something—often something subtle or not obvious to everyone. What…

Have you ever made a big decision—like moving cities, starting a new relationship, or investing in a business—and someone said, “Only time will tell if it was the right choice”? In English, this calm, reflective phrase is used when the result of something is uncertain now, but will become clear in the future. It’s a…