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…

Have you ever shared a great idea—only to have someone else present it as their own? Or planned a big announcement, but someone else made news that stole all the attention? In English, we say they stole your thunder! This dramatic idiom describes when someone takes credit for your idea or overshadows your special moment….

Have you ever been talking about someone—and right at that moment, they walk into the room? Maybe you said, “I haven’t seen Sam in weeks,” and then Sam showed up at the door! In English, we say, “Speak of the devil!” This playful idiom is used when the person you’ve just been mentioning appears unexpectedly….

Have you ever said something you immediately regretted—like making a joke that offended someone, asking a personal question by mistake, or commenting on something you didn’t understand? In English, we say you put your foot in your mouth! This relatable idiom describes saying something awkward, tactless, or embarrassing—usually by accident. What Does “Put Your Foot…

Have you ever skipped making a detailed plan and just decided what to do based on how things felt in the moment? Maybe you didn’t book dinner reservations but chose a restaurant after seeing what looked good—or you waited to see the weather before deciding on a hike. In English, we say you’ll play it…