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.

  • Write Off – Meaning and Examples

    Businesses sometimes accept financial losses, and people often dismiss ideas or possibilities. In English, we use the phrase write off to describe these situations. This versatile idiom appears in both financial and everyday conversations. What Does “Write Off” Mean? “Write off” has two main meanings. In business, it means to officially record something as a…

  • Year-round – Meaning and Examples

    Some activities, services, and weather conditions continue consistently through all seasons. In English, we describe these continuous things as year-round. This practical idiom helps talk about consistency and availability throughout the entire year. What Does “Year-round” Mean? “Year-round” means happening, available, or operating throughout the entire year, without seasonal breaks. Think of it like an…

  • Zero In On – Meaning and Examples

    When we need to concentrate on something important or identify the main point, we direct our attention precisely. In English, we say we zero in on our target. This focused idiom is perfect for talking about concentration and precise targeting. What Does “Zero In On” Mean? “Zero in on” means to focus all your attention…

  • Give an Impression – Meaning and Examples

    People form opinions about us based on our words, actions, and appearance. In English, we say we give an impression to others through how we present ourselves. This important idiom helps discuss how we communicate without words. What Does “Give an Impression” Mean? “Give an impression” means to create a particular feeling or opinion in…

  • Eat In / Eat Out – Meaning and Examples

    Every day we decide whether to prepare food at home or enjoy a meal at a restaurant. In English, we describe these choices as eat in or eat out. These practical idioms are essential for daily conversations about food and dining. What Do “Eat In” and “Eat Out” Mean? “Eat in” means to have a…

  • Cut and Dried – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever faced a decision that was obvious? Or heard someone say a rule has no exceptions? In English, you might describe that situation as cut and dried. This useful idiom means something is straightforward, settled, or lacking complexity—like a problem with a clear answer or a process that follows a fixed pattern. What…

  • Look After – Meaning and Examples

    Children need care, pets require attention, and belongings need protection. In English, we say we need to look after these important people and things. This caring idiom is essential for talking about responsibility and care in daily life. What Does “Look After” Mean? “Look after” means to take care of someone or something, ensuring their…

  • Feel Like – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever said, “I don’t feel like cooking tonight,” or “This soup feels like home”? In English, the phrase feel like is used all the time to talk about what you want, what you believe, or how something affects you physically or emotionally. It’s simple, flexible, and perfect for daily conversations. What Does “Feel…

  • Once and For All – Meaning and Examples

    Some problems keep returning, and some decisions need to be made permanently. In English, we say we want to solve these issues once and for all. This emphatic idiom expresses finality and permanence in decisions and solutions. What Does “Once and For All” Mean? “Once and for all” means finally and permanently, with no need…

  • Hear From – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever waited for a text from a friend after a job interview? Or wondered if your application was accepted—and hoped to hear from the company soon? In English, “hear from” means to receive a message, call, email, or any kind of communication from someone. It’s a simple but essential phrase for talking about…

  • Hear Of – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever learned about a new restaurant from a friend? Or read about a singer you’d never known before? In English, you can say, “I’ve never heard of them!” This simple but essential phrase is used whenever you talk about whether you’re aware that something or someone exists—based on what you’ve been told, read,…

  • Make Fun Of – Meaning and Examples

    People sometimes joke about each other’s habits, appearance, or mistakes in social situations. In English, we say they make fun of each other. This common idiom describes both friendly teasing and hurtful mocking in daily interactions. What Does “Make Fun Of” Mean? “Make fun of” means to joke about someone or something, often by laughing…