Idioms

Discover the most common English idioms and learn how to use them naturally in conversation. Each lesson includes clear meanings, examples, and short dialogues to help you sound fluent and confident.

  • Tight-Lipped – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever asked a friend about a surprise party—and they just smiled and said nothing? Or noticed a politician avoiding questions during an interview? In English, we might say they’re being tight-lipped. This vivid idiom describes someone who is deliberately silent or secretive—refusing to share information, even when asked. What Does “Tight-Lipped” Mean? “Tight-lipped”…

  • Throw Yourself Into – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever started a new hobby and spent every spare minute practicing it? Or joined a project so exciting that you couldn’t stop thinking about it? In English, you can say you threw yourself into it. This vivid phrase means to do something with total energy, focus, and enthusiasm—like diving in headfirst! What Does…

  • Thorn in Your Side – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever had a coworker who constantly interrupts you? A recurring bill you can’t seem to pay off? Or a small problem that just won’t go away—no matter how hard you try? In English, you can call that persistent nuisance a thorn in your side. This expressive idiom paints a picture of something small…

  • Third Time’s the Charm – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever failed at something twice—but decided to try one more time… and finally succeeded? Maybe you passed a driving test on your third attempt, or your third job interview led to an offer. In English, people often say, “Third time’s the charm!” This cheerful idiom expresses the belief that after two failures, the…

  • Think Twice – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever been about to send an angry text, quit your job, or buy something expensive—when someone said, “You might want to think twice”? In English, this practical idiom means to reconsider a decision carefully, usually because it could have negative consequences. It’s a gentle warning that encourages pause, reflection, and wisdom. What Does…

  • Think Straight – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever been so stressed, tired, or overwhelmed that you couldn’t make a simple decision? Maybe you’ve said, “I can’t think straight right now!” In English, this natural phrase describes the feeling of being unable to think clearly, logically, or calmly—often because of emotions, fatigue, or chaos. What Does “Think Straight” Mean? “Think straight”…

  • All of a Sudden – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever been walking down the street—and all of a sudden, it started pouring rain? Or been in a quiet meeting when someone unexpectedly shouted? In English, we use the phrase all of a sudden to describe moments that happen quickly, without warning, and often surprisingly. It’s a natural, everyday expression you’ll hear in…

  • Point Out – Meaning and Examples

    We often need to draw attention to important details, indicate locations, or mention facts others might have missed. In English, we say we point out these things. This practical idiom is essential for clear communication in daily life. What Does “Point Out” Mean? “Point out” means to draw attention to something, indicate it, or mention…

  • Be Up – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever texted a friend at 7 a.m. and asked, “Are you up yet?” Or heard someone say, “My subscription is up—it ends today”? In English, be up has several everyday meanings, depending on context. It can mean waking from sleep, being available or ready, or something coming to an end. Knowing the situation…

  • Be Over – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever checked the clock during a long meeting and thought, “When will this be over?” Or heard a friend say, “My breakup was hard, but it’s finally over”? In English, “be over” is a simple but powerful phrase used to describe when something ends—whether it’s a movie, a crisis, a party, or even…

  • On Time – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever caught a train the moment it was scheduled to leave? Or arrived at a meeting exactly at 10 a.m.—not early, not late? In English, we say you were on time. This simple but important phrase describes doing something exactly when it’s scheduled—not before, not after. It’s all about punctuality and reliability. What…

  • In Time To – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever rushed to the airport and caught your flight just before the gate closed? Or finished a report minutes before your boss asked for it? In English, you can say you did it in time to meet the deadline, catch the bus, or join the meeting. This practical phrase describes acting quickly enough…