Idioms

Have you ever brought up a topic—like someone’s past mistake, a breakup, or a failed project—and noticed they suddenly got quiet, defensive, or upset? In English, we say that subject is a sore point (or a sore spot)! This gentle idiom describes a topic that causes emotional pain, discomfort, or tension because it’s tied to…

Have you ever heard a news story about someone who committed a violent act—not as part of a plan, but in a sudden burst of anger, jealousy, or heartbreak? In English, this is often called a crime of passion. This serious phrase describes a criminal act (usually assault or murder) that happens in the heat…

Have you ever needed to reach out to an old friend, contact a company for help, or reconnect with a coworker after a long time? In English, you can say you want to get in touch with them! This practical phrase simply means to contact or communicate with someone—by phone, email, text, or any method….

Have you ever seen someone cry or act upset—but you suspected they weren’t really sad? Maybe a coworker “sobbed” after losing a competition they didn’t care about, or a friend dramatically apologized without meaning it. In English, we call that crocodile tears! This vivid idiom describes fake, insincere, or exaggerated sadness—often used to manipulate or…

Have you ever been offered a tiny payment for a lot of work—like $5 for helping someone move furniture or $10 for a full day of babysitting? In English, you might call that amount chicken feed! This informal idiom describes a very small sum of money—so small it’s almost not worth mentioning. What Does “Chicken…

Have you ever kept a job offer on the table while waiting for another? Or told a friend, “Let’s keep our plans flexible for now”? In English, you might say you want to leave it open. This practical phrase means to keep something undecided, available, or not finalized—so you can act later if needed. What…

Have you ever heard someone refer to a CEO, politician, or business owner as a fat cat? In English, this informal (and often critical) idiom describes a rich, powerful person—usually one who uses their wealth or influence in selfish or unfair ways. It’s not about their weight; it’s about privilege, greed, or excess. What Does…

Have you ever heard news about a car crash where the driver didn’t stop to help or give their information—but just drove away? In English, this is called a hit and run accident. This serious phrase describes a traffic collision where the driver who caused the crash leaves the scene without stopping, reporting the incident,…

Have you ever been in a situation where someone clearly had the upper hand—like a job candidate with perfect qualifications, a negotiator with all the facts, or a player with the best cards in a game? In English, we say they hold all the aces! This strategic idiom describes someone who has a powerful advantage,…

Have you ever received a message that seemed polite on the surface—but you sensed there was more to it? Maybe a friend said, “I’m fine,” but their tone suggested they were upset. Or your boss wrote, “Interesting approach…” after your proposal—and you knew it wasn’t a compliment. In English, we say you need to read…

Have you ever felt so full of potential that nothing seemed impossible? Maybe you just landed your dream job, started your own business, or discovered a new talent—and suddenly, the future feels wide open. In English, we say the sky’s the limit! This uplifting idiom means there are no boundaries to what you can achieve—your…

Have you ever been in an awkward or tough spot—and then something unexpected happened that got you out of it? Maybe you were about to give a wrong answer in class when the fire alarm rang, or your phone rang just as someone asked an uncomfortable question. In English, we say you were saved by…