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.

  • Have to Do With – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever heard someone ask, “What does this have to do with the meeting?” or say, “My comment has nothing to do with politics”? In English, the phrase have to do with is used to show that two things are connected—or not. It’s a clear, everyday way to talk about relevance, relationships, or subject…

  • Out of the Question – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever suggested an idea—like skipping work to go to the beach—and someone replied, “That’s out of the question!”? In English, this strong phrase means something is completely impossible, unacceptable, or not even worth discussing. It’s not just unlikely—it’s ruled out entirely. What Does “Out of the Question” Mean? “Out of the question” means…

  • Go Out – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever left your house to meet friends for dinner? Started dating someone new? Or had the lights suddenly turn off during a storm? In English, all these situations use the phrase go out. This everyday phrasal verb has several key meanings—and context tells you which one is intended. What Does “Go Out” Mean?…

  • Fall in Love – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever met someone and felt an instant connection? Or watched a movie where two people realize they care deeply for each other? In English, we say they fell in love. This warm and universal phrase describes the moment—or process—when strong romantic feelings begin. It’s not just for people; you can also “fall in…

  • Throw Away – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever tossed out spoiled food, deleted an old email, or heard someone say, “Don’t throw away your chance!”? In English, throw away has two main uses: (1) to get rid of something physical as trash, and (2) to waste something valuable like time, money, or an opportunity. It’s a simple phrase—but it carries…

  • Feel Sorry For – Meaning and Examples

    When others experience misfortune, difficulty, or sadness, we naturally want to express our compassion. In English, we say we feel sorry for people in these situations. This empathetic idiom helps us show care and understanding in daily conversations. What Does “Feel Sorry For” Mean? “Feel sorry for” means to experience sympathy, pity, or compassion for…

  • Break Down – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever been stuck on the side of the road because your car stopped working? Or felt so upset that you started crying in front of others? Maybe you’ve seen a teacher explain a complex math problem step by step? In English, all these situations use the phrase break down. This versatile phrasal verb…

  • Turn Out – Meaning and Examples

    Events have unexpected results, gatherings attract specific numbers of people, and situations reveal surprising truths. In English, we use the phrase turn out to describe these various outcomes. This versatile idiom appears frequently in daily conversations about results and discoveries. What Does “Turn Out” Mean? “Turn out” has three main meanings. It can mean to…

  • Give Up – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever felt so frustrated with a problem that you stopped trying? Or heard someone say, “Never give up on your dreams”? In English, give up means to quit, stop trying, or surrender—whether it’s a habit, a goal, or a struggle. It’s one of the most common—and emotionally powerful—phrasal verbs in everyday English. What…

  • Cross Out – Meaning and Examples

    When we make mistakes in writing or need to remove items from lists, we need a simple way to show elimination. In English, we say we cross out the errors or unwanted items. This practical idiom is essential for editing and correcting in daily life. What Does “Cross Out” Mean? “Cross out” means to draw…

  • Take For Granted – Meaning and Examples

    We often fail to appreciate the good things in our lives until they’re gone, and we sometimes assume certain conditions will always exist. In English, we say we take for granted these blessings and assumptions. This important idiom helps talk about appreciation and awareness. What Does “Take For Granted” Mean? “Take for granted” has two…

  • Take Into Account – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever made a choice without thinking about time, cost, or someone’s feelings—and later wished you had? In English, we say you should have taken it into account. This practical phrase means to consider or include something important when making a decision, judgment, or plan. It’s used daily in school, work, and thoughtful conversations….