Idioms

Have you ever struggled to explain an idea—and then finally found the right words so someone said, “Oh, now I get it!”? In English, you make something clear when you explain it so it’s easy to understand. This practical phrase is used every day in school, work, and personal conversations to remove confusion and share…

Have you ever faced a decision where the right choice was obvious? Or read instructions so simple you didn’t need to ask for help? In English, you’d say it was clear-cut! This helpful adjective describes something that is unambiguous, straightforward, and easy to understand—without confusion or hidden complexity. What Does “Clear-Cut” Mean? “Clear-cut” means something…

Have you ever described what someone is wearing—like “She has a red dress on”—or checked your calendar and said, “I have a meeting on Friday”? In English, the phrase have on covers both ideas! It’s a simple but useful phrasal verb with two main meanings: (1) to be wearing something, and (2) to have something…

Have you ever heard someone say, “He finally came to after fainting,” or “The bill came to $45”? In English, the phrase come to has several important meanings—and context tells you which one is being used. Whether it’s about waking up, making a decision, or adding up a total, “come to” is a flexible phrase…

Have you ever demanded justice after a wrong was done, said a recipe needs three eggs, or gone to a friend’s house to pick them up for a movie? In English, all of these situations use the phrase call for! This versatile phrasal verb has three main meanings: (1) to demand or ask for action,…

When facing difficult challenges or important responsibilities, we need to assess whether we or others can handle them successfully. In English, we describe capable people as being up to the task. This practical idiom helps evaluate readiness and competence. What Does “Up to the Task” Mean? “Up to the task” means having the necessary ability,…

Have you ever tried to convince someone to change their mind, fought for a cause with little support, or worked toward a goal that felt nearly impossible? In English, you can say you’re facing an uphill battle. This vivid idiom describes any situation that’s extremely difficult to win or overcome—like pushing a heavy cart up…

Have you ever been in a negotiation where you knew the other side needed your offer more than you needed theirs? Or watched a team dominate a game because of better strategy and skill? In English, we say they have the upper hand! This powerful idiom describes a position of advantage, control, or superiority over…

Have you ever considered a new job, a move to another city, or even buying a pet—and weighed the good parts against the bad? In English, you can talk about the upside and downside of any decision. This simple, balanced phrase helps you see both sides of a situation—just like saying “pros and cons,” but…

Have you ever passed a bakery and smelled fresh bread as you strolled past? Or seen a friend across the street but kept walking because you were running late? In English, you’d say you walked by the bakery or your friend. This simple phrasal verb means to go past someone or something while walking—without stopping…

People sometimes walk without a specific destination, explore new places casually, or move aimlessly while thinking. In English, we say they wander around. This descriptive idiom captures the feeling of relaxed, undirected movement. What Does “Wander Around” Mean? “Wander around” means to walk or move without a specific destination or purpose, often exploring or enjoying…

Have you ever heard a parent say, “Go wash up before dinner!”? Or seen someone cleaning dishes after a party? In American English, wash up usually means to clean your hands and face—or to clean dishes. But in British English, it can also mean the end of something, like a TV show or career. Knowing…