Idioms

Have you ever kept arguing about something that’s already decided—or kept bringing up an old issue that no one wants to discuss anymore? Maybe you’re still complaining about a canceled trip from last year, or rehashing a mistake that’s long been fixed. In English, we say you’re beating a dead horse! This strong idiom means…

Have you ever seen a topic that everyone avoids—like politics at dinner, a workplace scandal, or a tricky family decision? Maybe your team keeps passing the problem to someone else because it’s too sensitive or risky. In English, we call that a hot potato! This vivid idiom describes an issue that’s so controversial, difficult, or…

Have you ever faced a situation that truly showed what you—or someone else—was made of? Maybe a high-pressure job interview, a moment of crisis, or a tough ethical choice that revealed true character. In English, we call that the acid test! This strong idiom describes a critical moment or challenge that reveals the true quality,…

Have you ever been discussing different possibilities—but wanted to make it clear that one thing stays true no matter what? For example: “I might not get the job, but I’ll keep applying. In any case, I need to stay positive.” This helpful phrase is used to highlight a fact, decision, or action that holds true…

Have you ever estimated how long something will take, how much it costs, or how many people will come—and added, “plus or minus a little”? In English, you can say give or take! This practical phrase is used to show that a number or amount is approximate, with a small margin of error. What Does…

Have you ever met someone who seemed nice at first—but later showed they couldn’t be trusted? Maybe they lied, broke promises, or acted selfishly when it mattered most. In English, you might call them a bad egg! This old-fashioned but vivid idiom describes a person who is dishonest, unreliable, or morally flawed—despite appearing normal on…

Have you ever heard someone say, “She’s the breadwinner in their household”? In English, the breadwinner is the person who earns the main income to support their family. This practical term is used to describe whoever brings in the most money—whether through a job, business, or other source—to pay for housing, food, bills, and other…

Have you ever been unsure about the future—but stayed open to possibilities? Maybe you didn’t get the job you wanted, but something even better came along. Or you hesitated to say hello to a stranger—and they turned out to be a lifelong friend. In English, we often say, “You never know!” This simple phrase expresses…

Have you ever needed to talk to someone about a problem—like a noisy neighbor, a billing error, or a misunderstanding at work? Or maybe you’ve started spending time with a new friend or joined a new hobby? In English, you might say you’ll take it up with them or take up with a group. This…

Have you ever seen someone give lots of compliments to a teacher before asking for an extension, or praise their boss nonstop before requesting a raise? In English, we say they’re trying to butter someone up! This playful idiom means to flatter or praise someone excessively—usually to win favor or get something in return. What…

Have you ever looked away for just a second—and suddenly your toddler spilled juice, your phone battery died, or your train pulled away? In English, we say it happened in the blink of an eye! This vivid idiom describes something that occurs so fast it feels instantaneous—faster than the time it takes to blink. What…

Have you ever received news that was hard to accept—like a rejection, a loss, or harsh feedback—even though you knew it was true? In English, we call that a bitter pill to swallow! This vivid idiom describes a painful truth or difficult situation that you must accept, even though it’s emotionally hard or disappointing. What…