Idioms

Have you ever looked outside and seen rain falling so hard that puddles form in seconds, umbrellas flip inside out, and walking to your car feels like swimming? In English, we say it’s raining cats and dogs! This vivid idiom is a fun, exaggerated way to describe a very heavy downpour. What Does “Raining Cats…

Have you ever invested all your savings in one stock, relied on a single client for your entire income, or planned your whole vacation around one activity—only to have it fail? In English, we say you put all your eggs in one basket! This cautionary idiom warns against depending entirely on one plan, person, or…

Have you ever seen someone clip coupons to save $2 on groceries—but then spend $200 on a trendy gadget they don’t need? Or refuse to pay for a small repair, only to face a huge bill later? In English, we say they’re penny wise, pound foolish! This classic idiom describes someone who’s careful with small…

Have you ever been in a situation where something went wrong—and instead of taking responsibility, a person quickly said, “It wasn’t me!” or “Ask someone else”? In English, we say they’re passing the buck! This clear idiom describes the act of avoiding blame or responsibility by shifting it to someone else. What Does “Pass the…

Have you ever done something that put you in a risky position—like being late to work too many times, making a joke that upset someone, or bending the rules just a little too far? In English, we say you’re on thin ice! This cautionary idiom describes someone who’s in a fragile or dangerous situation—where one…

Have you ever felt so happy that you couldn’t stop smiling—like after getting great news, falling in love, or achieving a long-term goal? In English, we say you’re on cloud nine! This cheerful idiom describes a state of extreme happiness, bliss, or euphoria—like floating high above all your worries. What Does “On Cloud Nine” Mean?…

Have you ever been asked a question like, “Name three countries in South America” or “How much did we spend last month?”—and you answered right away without checking notes or thinking too hard? In English, we say you answered off the top of your head! This practical idiom describes a quick, spontaneous response based on…

Have you ever seen someone’s desk covered in papers, their schedule packed with odd tasks, or their plan full of strange steps—and thought, “This is pure chaos!”—only to later realize it all made perfect sense? In English, we say there’s a method to the madness! This clever idiom means that even if something looks disorganized…

Have you ever pushed through a tough workout, studied late into the night, or kept working on a skill even when it felt frustrating? In English, people often say, “No pain, no gain!” This motivational idiom means that you must go through difficulty, effort, or discomfort to achieve something worthwhile. What Does “No Pain, No…

Have you ever made a mistake—like trusting the wrong person, skipping an important step, or assuming something that turned out to be false—and later realized, “Well, I won’t do that again”? In English, we often say, “Live and learn!” This thoughtful idiom means you’ve gained useful knowledge or wisdom from an experience, especially a mistake…

Have you ever made a tough decision—like speaking your truth, quitting a job, or ending a relationship—even though you knew it might cause problems? In English, you might say, “Let the chips fall where they may.” This bold idiom means you’re willing to face the consequences of your actions, no matter what happens. What Does…

Have you ever worried about paying rent, buying groceries, or covering bills on a tight income? Maybe you’ve taken on extra work or cut back on small luxuries just to get by. In English, we say you’re trying to make ends meet! This practical idiom describes the effort to earn just enough money to cover…