10 Commonly Used Idioms and What They Mean

Idioms are phrases that carry meanings different from the literal words. They’re commonly used in English and can make conversations more colorful and expressive. Here are 10 popular idioms and their meanings:

Break the ice: To start a conversation in a social setting, especially when people feel shy or uncomfortable.
Example: To break the ice at the meeting, Sarah made a joke.

Hit the nail on the head: To be exactly right about something.
Example: When John described the problem, he really hit the nail on the head.

Piece of cake: Something that is very easy to do.
Example: The test was a piece of cake; I finished it in 20 minutes.

Let the cat out of the bag: To reveal a secret unintentionally.
Example: Emma let the cat out of the bag when she mentioned the surprise party.

Under the weather: Feeling sick or unwell.
Example: I didn’t go to work today because I was feeling under the weather.

Spill the beans: To disclose confidential information.
Example: Mark couldn’t keep the secret and spilled the beans about the project.

Burn the midnight oil: To work late into the night.
Example: I had to burn the midnight oil to finish the report on time.

Bite the bullet: To do something difficult or unpleasant that you’ve been avoiding.
Example: I hate going to the dentist, but I need to bite the bullet and make an appointment.

Once in a blue moon: Something that happens very rarely.
Example: We only see our cousins once in a blue moon since they live far away.

Cost an arm and a leg: Something that is very expensive.
Example: That new phone costs an arm and a leg, but I still want it.

These idioms add flavor to everyday conversations and help convey ideas in a fun, expressive way. Learning and using them can make your English sound more natural!