Would you like to sound more natural when speaking, and at the same time boost your vocab? These idiom examples can help you do just that! Today we will check out over 15 common English idioms covering topics such as animals, the body, and food.
What are idioms? Why do we use them?
Before we jump into our idiom examples, let’s look at precisely what idioms are, and why it is useful to learn idioms in English.
- Idioms are expressions or phrases that have a figurative meaning different from their literal interpretation. They often carry cultural significance and may not make sense word-for-word.
- We need idioms because they add color, depth, and creativity to language.
- They make communication more interesting and engaging
- Idioms really help us express ideas in a concise and memorable way.
- They also play a significant role in cultural understanding. Learning idioms allows us to better comprehend and appreciate the customs, values, and humor of a particular language or community.
- Idioms are also commonly used in everyday conversation, literature, and media.
- Familiarity with idiomatic expressions helps us become more fluent and better integrated into English-speaking environments.
So, I think we can safely say that learning English idioms is super useful! Let’s jump into our fun, beginner-friendly examples now!
5 idiom examples related to food
The first 5 of our idiom examples are about food – a universal topic around the world!
| Idiom | Meaning | Example sentence |
| Piece of cake | Something that is very easy or simple | Don’t worry about the test. It’s a piece of cake! |
| A piece of the pie | A share in something, usually related to profits or benefits | After working hard on the project, she finally got her piece of the pie |
| Not my cup of tea | Something you aren’t interested in | Rock music really isn’t my cup of tea |
| Bread and butter | This means the main details, content, or value of something | Retired people are the bread and butter of the physiotherapy company |
| Full of beans | This means someone is very energetic | My new puppy is absolutely full of beans! |
5 idiom examples related to the body
Next, we will check out 5 idiom examples that are related to the body.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example sentence |
| Cold feet | If we lose our nerve, or don’t have enough confidence to try something, then we can use “cold feet”. It is often said just before starting something challenging. Examples would include a speech, presentation…or wedding! | I got cold feet about moving to Europe. It would be too difficult, I think |
| Cost an arm and a leg | This means very expensive. It is a figurative idiom. Imagine how valuable your arms and legs are! | My new sports car cost an absolute arm and a leg, but it was worth it! |
| On the tip of my tongue | This means we have a word, phrase, or information that we can almost remember, but not quite! | That English idiom is on the tip of my tongue! |
| Cold shoulder | This means we ignore someone or treat them in a cold way. Usually, because we are upset or disappointed in them | Emma has been giving me the cold shoulder. I’ve no idea why! |
| Keep your chin up | This is an encouragement phrase, telling someone to keep trying their best, or to not “lose heart” | Keep your chin up Theo, I am sure your soccer team will win next time! |
Related: 40 Amazing Idioms About Horses: Learn To Speak Fluently!
5 idiom examples related to animals
The last 5 of our idiom examples will talk about animals. The topic of animals is such a large and varied one. I have written full articles on animal idioms including horses, dogs, and cats. They can all be found on our animal idioms main page!
| Idiom | Meaning | Example sentence |
| Barking up the wrong tree | To have the wrong idea or approach. A dog barks. | If you think I took your book, you’re barking up the wrong tree |
| Let the cat out of the bag | To reveal a secret | Don’t let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party! |
| It’s raining cats and dogs | It’s raining heavily. | Don’t forget your umbrella! It’s raining cats and dogs outside |
| Cash cow | A product that produces a steady income | TVs are the company’s cash cow |
| Bug someone | To irritate, pester, or annoy someone | I wish Mike would stop bugging me about my report – it will be ready soon! |
Frequently Asked Questions and idiom examples
To round off today’s idiom examples, let’s look at a few FAQs. Some of my English students have asked questions similar to these, so I think quite many English learners are curious to know the answers!
What are some commonly used idioms?
“All ears”: This means I am listening attentively. We often say this to let someone know we are going to listen to them.
“Sweet tooth”: This means we like sweet things very much. For instance:
I have a sweet tooth and love donuts!
What is an idiom for an important person?
“Bigwig” is an idiom often used to describe an important or influential person.
He is a bigwig in our company
What is the idiom for a smart person?
“The brainiac” is an idiom used to describe a highly intelligent or smart person.
Martin is such a brainiac, he passed the test with ease.
What is an idiom for a shy person?
“A wallflower” is an idiom commonly used to describe a shy or introverted person who tends to stay on the sidelines and avoid attention at social gatherings.
What is an idiom for chatty people?
“A social butterfly” is an idiom often used to describe chatty or outgoing individuals who enjoy socializing and engaging in conversations with others.
What is the idiom easy peasy?
“Easy peasy” is an idiom used to describe something that is extremely easy or simple to do. It’s a playful and informal way of expressing that a task requires little effort or difficulty.
Idiom examples: an ideal way to sound more natural!
I hope you have enjoyed reading, repeating, and remembering today’s idiom examples. Which one was your favorite? As for me, I like the expression “Keep your chin up”. It is an optimistic, forward-looking phrase. If someone is having a difficult time in life, we can always use this phrase to encourage them.