Have you ever gotten a phone call from someone you haven’t heard from in years? Or heard news that completely surprised you—like a sudden rainstorm on a sunny day? In English, we say it happened out of the blue! This vivid idiom describes something that occurs suddenly and without warning. What Does “Out of the…

Sometimes, people avoid saying something directly. They talk about other things first because the main topic is difficult or uncomfortable. In English, we call this to beat around the bush. It is a very common idiom you will hear in conversations. What Does “To Beat Around the Bush” Mean? “To beat around the bush” means…

Have you ever seen kids playing silly games instead of doing homework, or friends joking so much they can’t finish a task? Or maybe you’ve heard someone say, “They’re just fooling around,” about two people flirting? In English, to fool around has two main meanings: (1) to waste time by playing or joking instead of…

Everything finishes eventually. A great movie, a long workday, or a fun vacation—they all finish. In English, we often say these things to come to an end. It’s a common and natural way to say something is finishing. What Does “To Come to an End” Mean? “To come to an end” means to finish or…

Have you ever stayed in a hotel room with a stunning view of the ocean, or lived in an apartment that faces a quiet park? In English, you can say your window or balcony looks out on that view! This descriptive phrase is used when a room, building, or space faces and offers a view…

Have you ever tried to explain an idea to someone—and after a while, they finally “get it”? Or maybe a friend kept making the same mistake until one day, they realized a better way? In English, we say they finally saw the light! This encouraging idiom means someone has suddenly understood something, changed their opinion,…

Have you ever heard a name, song, or place that felt familiar—but you couldn’t remember exactly where you knew it from? Maybe someone said, “Dr. Patel from Maple Street,” and you thought, “Hmm… that sounds familiar.” In English, we say it rings a bell! This handy idiom means something sounds familiar, even if you can’t…

Have you ever worked with someone who always notices details, responds quickly, and stays one step ahead? Maybe a teammate who fixes problems before they happen or a friend who remembers everyone’s birthdays. In English, we say they’re on the ball! This energetic idiom describes someone who is sharp, organized, and ready to act. What…

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…