Idioms

Sometimes a person does something wrong but doesn’t get caught or punished. In English, we say they get away with it. This idiom is very common in everyday conversation. You will hear it in stories about rules, mistakes, and clever actions. What Does “To Get Away With” Mean? “To get away with” means to do…

Have you ever seen someone stand up to a bully, protest an unfair policy, or take action against a big corporation that’s been mistreating customers? In English, we might say they’re sticking it to the system! This bold, informal idiom means to defiantly oppose, challenge, or retaliate against someone—usually someone in a position of power…

Have you ever felt like someone is always criticizing you, giving you extra work, or treating you unfairly—even when you haven’t done anything wrong? In English, you might say they have it in for you! This common idiom describes a situation where someone seems to hold a grudge or is deliberately being hard on another…

Have you ever wanted to say that something is mostly good—or mostly bad—even if there were a few small problems? In English, we often use the phrase on the whole to share a general opinion. It’s a simple, natural way to summarize your thoughts in conversations, emails, or reviews. What Does “on the whole” Mean?…

Have you ever agreed to help a friend move, signed up for an event, or committed to a project—and then changed your mind and decided not to do it? In English, we say you backed out. This common phrasal verb means to withdraw from a promise, agreement, plan, or commitment—usually at the last minute or…

Have you ever asked someone about their weekend plans—and they say, “I’m not sure yet”? Or waited for news about a job, a trip, or an event that hasn’t been confirmed? In English, we say those plans are up in the air! This relaxed idiom describes anything that’s uncertain, undecided, or still being figured out….

Have you ever looked up from your work and realized an hour has passed in what felt like minutes? Or blinked and suddenly it’s the end of the year? In English, we say time flies! This gentle idiom expresses how quickly time seems to pass—especially when you’re busy, having fun, or not paying attention. What…

Have you ever faced a challenge that felt impossible—like learning a tough skill, fixing a broken device, or dealing with a frustrating situation—and finally decided, “I can’t do this anymore”? In English, we say you throw in the towel! This strong idiom means to give up or admit defeat, usually after trying hard for a…

Have you ever dealt with a series of frustrating problems—and then one tiny thing happens that makes you say, “That’s it!”? Maybe your computer crashed, your coffee spilled, and then you missed the bus… and that last little thing was the last straw. This powerful idiom describes the final problem in a series that makes…

Have you ever found a way to enjoy two great things at the same time? Maybe you work from home so you save time on commuting *and* get to wear comfy clothes. Or you take a vacation that’s both relaxing and full of adventure. In English, we say you’re getting the best of both worlds!…

Have you ever been in a conversation where everyone avoids mentioning a big, uncomfortable topic? Maybe someone lost their job, a couple is having relationship trouble, or a team is ignoring a major mistake—but no one says a word. In English, we call that the elephant in the room! This vivid idiom describes an obvious…

Have you ever waited for someone to reply to your message, make a choice, or take the next step in a project? Maybe you sent a job application and are waiting to hear back, or you asked a friend to pick the movie—and they haven’t decided yet. In English, we say the ball is in…