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.
Roads curve through landscapes, rivers bend through valleys, and conversations sometimes take indirect paths. In English, we say these things wind through their surroundings. This visual idiom helps describe twisting, meandering movement through space or time. What Does “Wind Through” Mean? “Wind through” means to follow a twisting, turning, or indirect path through an area…
Have you ever had a long day of work, travel, or studying—and collapsed on the couch, too tired to move? Or heard news about a town hit by a flood or fire? In English, you can say you’re wiped out or that something was wiped out. This vivid phrase is used to describe total exhaustion…
People sometimes tell jokes seriously or make outrageous claims without smiling. In English, we say they say these things with a straight face. This descriptive idiom captures the ability to maintain a serious expression in amusing or unbelievable situations. What Does “With a Straight Face” Mean? “With a straight face” means with a serious expression,…
People sometimes vanish completely, objects disappear mysteriously, and evidence can be entirely absent. In English, we describe these situations as disappearing without a trace. This dramatic idiom emphasizes complete and mysterious disappearance. What Does “Without a Trace” Mean? “Without a trace” means completely disappeared, with no evidence or signs left behind. Think of it like…
Emergency situations, tight deadlines, and critical projects sometimes require extraordinary effort. In English, we describe this continuous, non-stop work as working around the clock. This dramatic idiom emphasizes intense dedication and extended work hours. What Does “Work Around the Clock” Mean? “Work around the clock” means to work continuously, without stopping, through both day and…
Skills need development, projects require progress, and broken items need repair. In English, we say we need to work on these things. This versatile idiom describes effort toward improvement and completion in various aspects of life. What Does “Work On” Mean? “Work on” means to spend time and effort improving, developing, or repairing something. Think…
Disagreements happen, problems arise, and solutions need to be found. In English, we say we need to work something out to resolve these situations. This practical idiom is essential for talking about problem-solving and compromise in daily life. What Does “Work Something Out” Mean? “Work something out” means to find a solution to a problem…
Difficult problems require persistent effort, emotions need processing, and complex tasks demand systematic attention. In English, we say we need to work through these challenges. This practical idiom describes methodical problem-solving in various aspects of life. What Does “Work Through” Mean? “Work through” means to deal with something gradually and systematically until it’s resolved or…
We constantly evaluate whether our time, money, and effort will bring valuable results. In English, we describe these valuable activities as worthwhile. This practical adjective helps us talk about what’s truly valuable in daily decisions. What Does “Worthwhile” Mean? “Worthwhile” means worth the time, money, or effort spent; valuable or important enough to justify what…
Meetings need conclusions, projects require completion, and gifts need packaging. In English, we use the phrase wrap up for all these situations. This versatile idiom helps talk about finishing things in daily life and work. What Does “Wrap Up” Mean? “Wrap up” has three main meanings. It can mean to finish or complete something. It…
Storms destroy property, technical failures disrupt systems, and unexpected events create chaos. In English, we say these situations wreak havoc. This strong idiom perfectly describes widespread damage and disorder in various contexts. What Does “Wreak Havoc” Mean? “Wreak havoc” means to cause great damage, confusion, or disorder. Think of it like a tornado tearing through…
In competitive situations, people sometimes need to take authority from others through determined effort. In English, we say they wrest control to describe this active takeover. This strong idiom describes gaining power through struggle and determination. What Does “Wrest Control” Mean? “Wrest control” means to take power, authority, or command from someone through force, effort,…
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