English Idioms

Why do we use idioms?

Idioms are used in the English language because they add color, interest, and depth to our language. Idioms are expressions that are figurative in nature and are not meant to be taken literally. They often reflect cultural values, beliefs, and traditions and convey messages that cannot be expressed through literal language. Idioms are also used to create a more conversational and informal tone in speech and writing, making communication more engaging and enjoyable. Additionally, idioms can be used to express emotions, add humor, and make communication more efficient by conveying a complex idea in a simple, familiar phrase.

How to learn idioms

  • Read and listen to English materials, such as books, articles, movies, and TV shows, that contain idioms in context.
  • Make a list of the idioms you encounter and try to understand their meanings and usage by looking them up in an idiom dictionary or asking a native speaker.
  • Practice using idioms in your own writing and speaking to help solidify their meaning and usage in your mind.
  • Play games or quizzes that focus on idioms, such as matching idioms to their meanings or using them in a sentence, to help reinforce your understanding of their usage.

Idiom examples

“Bite the bullet” – This idiom means to endure a painful or difficult situation with courage and determination. Its origins come from the practice of giving wounded soldiers a bullet to bite down on during surgery before anesthesia was widely available.

“Hit the nail on the head” – This idiom means to accurately identify or describe the crux of a matter. It comes from the practice of carpentry, where hitting the nail on the head means driving the nail into the wood precisely where it needs to be.

“Break a leg” – This idiom is a way of wishing someone good luck, especially in a performance or artistic endeavor. Its origins are uncertain, but it’s thought to come from the idea that an actor breaking the “leg line” by stepping out of the wings and onto the stage was a good omen.

“Couch potato” – This idiom is used to describe a person who spends a lot of time sitting or lying down and watching TV. It’s thought to have originated in the 1970s when the term “couch” became popular as a slang term for a sofa or a place to sit and relax, and “potato” was added as a humorous reference to the shape of a person who spends a lot of time on the couch.