Idioms

Have you ever done something so rarely that you can barely remember the last time? Maybe you eat dessert, call an old friend, or go camping just once every few years. In English, we say it happens once in a blue moon! This gentle, poetic idiom is used to describe events that are very uncommon…

Have you ever followed a simple trick or shortcut to make a decision—like doubling a recipe, estimating a tip, or knowing when to water your plants? In English, we often call that a rule of thumb! This useful idiom refers to a practical, easy-to-remember guideline that’s not exact but generally helpful in everyday life. What…

Have you ever felt sad, disappointed, or discouraged—but someone gently told you to stay strong and hopeful? In English, a warm and classic way to say that is: “Keep your chin up!” This kind idiom is used to encourage someone to stay positive, brave, or optimistic—even when things feel hard. What Does “Keep Your Chin…

Have you ever heard someone describe a problem, give advice, or explain a feeling—and it felt 100% accurate? Maybe a friend said, “You’re not lazy—you’re just burned out,” and it clicked instantly. In English, we say they hit the nail on the head! This strong, visual idiom means someone said or did something exactly right—especially…

Have you ever started telling a story with lots of details—but realized your listener just wants the main point? Maybe you’re explaining why you were late, how you met a friend, or what happened on vacation. In English, you can say, “Make a long story short” to skip the extra details and jump straight to…

Have you ever talked to a friend who’s also stressed about money, stuck in traffic, or struggling with the same problem as you? When two or more people are dealing with the same issue or challenge, we say they’re in the same boat! This friendly idiom is a simple, relatable way to show that you…

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by stress, sadness, or a difficult situation—and just needed someone to say, “Don’t give up”? In English, a common and caring way to offer support is to say, “Hang in there!” This warm idiom is used to encourage someone to keep going, even when things feel hard. What Does “Hang…

Have you ever thought about bringing up an old argument, a past mistake, or a sensitive topic—but decided it was better to leave it alone? In English, we say it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie! This thoughtful idiom means you should avoid restarting a problem or conflict that’s currently quiet or resolved. What Does…

Have you ever noticed a lot of people suddenly loving a new phone, diet, TV show, or social media trend—and then decided to try it too, just because it’s popular? In English, we say you jumped on the bandwagon! This idiom describes joining a trend, movement, or popular opinion—often because it’s fashionable or everyone else…

Have you ever seen someone do more than what’s required—like a coworker staying late to help finish a project, a friend driving across town to return your forgotten book, or a barista remembering your usual order and adding a free cookie? In English, we say they go the extra mile! This positive idiom describes someone…

Have you ever been unsure whether someone was telling the truth, making a mistake, or acting with good intentions—but decided to trust them anyway? Maybe a friend was late and said traffic was bad, or a coworker missed a deadline but promised it won’t happen again. In English, we say you’re giving them the benefit…

Have you ever been at a party that got too loud, a small argument that turned into a big fight, or a to-do list that kept growing until it felt overwhelming? In English, we say the situation got out of hand! This useful idiom describes when something starts small but quickly becomes too wild, messy,…