Idioms

Have you ever noticed your favorite shoes getting scuffed, your phone screen getting tiny scratches, or your car’s tires thinning after years of driving? In English, we call this kind of everyday damage wear and tear! This useful phrase describes the natural, gradual deterioration of something caused by regular use over time—not by sudden accidents…

Patience decreases with repeated annoyances, excuses become less convincing over time, and materials deteriorate with use. In English, we say these things wear thin. This descriptive idiom helps talk about gradual weakening and diminishing effectiveness. What Does “Wear Thin” Mean? “Wear thin” means to gradually lose effectiveness, strength, or patience through overuse or repetition. Think…

Have you ever sorted through job applications and only kept the strongest ones? Or cleaned out your closet and donated clothes you no longer wear? In English, you’d say you were weeding out the weak candidates or the old clothes! This useful idiom means to remove people, things, or ideas that are not wanted, not…

Have you ever gone through a hard time—like a breakup, a financial crisis, or a family emergency—and somehow made it through? In English, we say you weathered the storm. This powerful idiom doesn’t mean you avoided trouble; it means you stayed strong and survived a difficult period without falling apart. What Does “Weather the Storm”…

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by problems, guilt, or responsibilities that it was hard to focus or move forward? In English, you can say you feel weighed down. This expressive phrase describes the emotional or mental heaviness that makes you feel stuck, tired, or unable to breathe easy—even though nothing is physically pressing on…

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by responsibilities—like bills, family worries, or work deadlines? Maybe you’ve seen someone sigh deeply and say, “I’ve got the world on my shoulders.” In English, we often describe that heavy feeling of stress or responsibility as a weight on your shoulders. This vivid idiom captures the emotional or mental burden…

Have you ever arrived somewhere—maybe a friend’s house, a new city, or even a workplace—and felt instantly accepted, loved, and celebrated? In English, we say you were welcomed with open arms! This warm and vivid idiom describes a greeting that’s not just polite, but full of genuine warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm. What Does “Welcome with…

Quick meals need preparation, excitement needs generation, and creative ideas need rapid development. In English, we say we can whip up these things quickly. This energetic idiom describes fast creation and preparation in various situations. What Does “Whip Up” Mean? “Whip up” means to quickly make, prepare, or create something, often with energy and speed….

Have you ever been torn between two choices—like staying in your hometown or moving for a dream job—and finally decided on one? Or watched a quiet but determined candidate get chosen over louder competitors? In English, you’d say the chosen option won out. This clear, decisive phrasal verb means to succeed or prevail after a…

Have you ever been in the middle of a big change—a job switch, a breakup, a family crisis—and someone said, “Just wait until the dust settles”? In English, the phrase when the dust settles is used to describe the moment after a confusing, busy, or emotional situation finally calms down and things become clearer. What…

Have you ever convinced a skeptical friend to try your favorite restaurant? Or seen a candidate gain voters’ trust during a campaign? In English, we say they won over that person. This practical phrasal verb describes the process of earning someone’s support, trust, or affection—especially when they weren’t convinced at first. What Does “Win Over”…

Have you ever felt like everything was going your way—opportunities appeared, people supported you, and even challenges seemed easier to handle? In English, you might say you have the wind at your back! This poetic idiom describes a situation where conditions are in your favor, making progress easier and success more likely. What Does “Wind…