Learn these 14 idioms for speaking for more natural sounding English, and also to boost your general English comprehension! Have you heard fit as a fiddle, sit tight, and a month of Sundays? If not, don’t worry – we will explore the meanings of these & many more today, along with easy example sentences. Let’s go!
Idioms For Speaking
Here are the first of our idioms for speaking. Read them out loud, and check over their meanings. If you are still unsure, don’t worry, the example sentences further down should clear things up! Idioms are a great way to improve our English, so make sure to check them all out!
| Idioms For Speaking | Meanings |
|---|---|
| As fit as a fiddle | Extremely fit or in good physical condition |
| Healthy as heck/fit as heck | Very healthy/very fit or in great physical shape. |
| The whole works | Everything that is available or included |
| Take off | Leave a place or depart |
| Sit tight | Remain in the same location or stay still |
| All over the place | In a disorganized or confused state |
| Cover a lot of ground | Discuss, analyze, or investigate many things |
Related: 25 Awesome Idioms About Summer: Get That Summer Feeling!
Idioms For Speaking: part 2
Here is the second set of today’s idioms for speaking. I hope you enjoy reading through these, too!
| Idioms For Speaking | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Month of Sundays | A month of Sundays means a very long time |
| To be concerned about | It means you are worried about something |
| Live to learn and learn to live | Emphasizes the importance of learning and leading a fulfilling life |
| More holes than a Swiss cheese | Something (usually an idea) is full of flaws or problems! |
| Snap out of it | It is used as an exclamation to try and correct someone’s attitude or behavior |
| Stay put | Remain in one position |
| Lazy bones | A very lazy person |
Idiom example sentences
Here are 14 idiom example sentences! They review all the phrases we have learned so far today. Read and repeat them all to give your fluency a nice boost!
- Emma is as fit as a fiddle. She ran a marathon last month.
- I have to say, Sophia is as healthy as heck. She has not been off school sick for three years.
- I got the whole works done on my car at the garage this week. It looks as good as new now!
- Freya should take herself off. She has been working 11 hours straight!
- We should sit tight for a while. I’m sure the taxi will arrive soon.
- Ivy, would you tidy up your room? There are things all over the place.
- We covered a lot of ground in today’s meeting. I hope I can remember everything that was said.
- I’ve been going to the same coffee shop for a month of Sundays. It’s about time I changed my regular spot, I think!
- Jack is concerned with about son’s behavior. He has been late for school many times this month.
- At first, I did not enjoy my new career. But then I changed my mindset. I realized it was a great job. It just goes to show, you live to learn and learn to live.
- I will try to snap out of my melancholy mood.
- Everybody stay put! We have to do some more work before we can leave!
- Are you a lazy bones or have you just been having a day off?
- Your plan has more holes than Swiss cheese! How can you take a 3-week Mediterranean cruise when you have so little money?
Idioms For Speaking: FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about today’s idioms for speaking, along with even more example sentences to practice!
Why do they say as fit as a fiddle?
The phrase “as fit as a fiddle” is quite interesting! It is used to describe someone who is in excellent physical condition. The origin of this expression can be traced back to the 17th century when the word “fit” meant suitable or appropriate. The violin, also known as a fiddle, requires a good level of fitness and skill to play, so being as fit as a fiddle was seen as being in top shape. Nowadays, we still use this idiom to describe someone who is healthy and physically fit.
Example sentences:
- Eve is as fit as a fiddle. She runs five miles every morning!
- John exercises regularly and eats a balanced diet, so he feels as fit as a fiddle!
To be concerned with or about?
They sound the same? Both of them are correct and commonly used expressions, but they have slightly different meanings. “Concerned about” is used to express worry or anxiety about something. For example, if you are concerned about a friend’s health, it means you are worried about their well-being. On the other hand, “concerned with” can also mean being involved or interested in a particular topic or issue. For instance, if someone is concerned with environmental conservation, it means they are actively involved in efforts to protect the environment.
- Jack is concerned with his daughter’s education. He wants to ensure she receives the best opportunities.
- Sarah is concerned about her upcoming job interview. She wants to make a good impression.
How do you use the phrase the works?
Oh, the phrase “the works” is a fun one! It is used to describe having or doing everything possible or available. You can use it in a variety of contexts when talking about a range of options, actions, or treatments. For example, if you order a pizza with “the works,” it means you want all the toppings, including mushrooms, olives, peppers, and more!
- Let’s order a burger with the works for our picnic. I want all the toppings, including bacon and avocado!
What is an example of took off?
Ah, the phrase “took off” has multiple meanings. One common usage is to describe leaving a place or departing. It implies a sudden or swift departure. For example, if you have finished your work for the day and want to leave the office, you can say, “I’m going to take off now.” Another example would be if you are on a plane and it leaves the ground, you can say, “The plane took off.”
Example sentences:
- Let’s finish up our work and then we can take off early for the weekend!
- The spaceship took off into the vastness of space, leaving Earth behind.
Where did the phrase sit tight originate from?
The phrase “sit tight” originated in the early 19th century and has its roots in horseback riding. When riding a horse, if you want someone to remain in the same position and not move, you would say, “Sit tight.” Over time, the expression evolved to mean staying still or remaining in the same location. It is often used as an instruction or advice to be patient and wait for something to happen.
- We’re expecting a call from the boss, so let’s sit tight and wait for it.
- Sit tight, I’ll be right back with your order.
What does gaining a lot of ground mean?
“Gaining a lot of ground” is a phrase used metaphorically to describe making significant progress or advancements in a particular situation or activity. It implies moving forward and making substantial achievements. It can be applied to various situations, such as work, sports, or personal growth. When someone gains a lot of ground, it means they are making substantial strides towards their goals.
Idiom examples:
- Our new business strategy has helped us gain a lot of ground in the market. Our sales have doubled!
- The team worked hard and gained a lot of ground during the basketball game. They’re now in the lead!
How do you use more holes than Swiss cheese in a sentence?
The phrase “more holes than Swiss cheese” is used to describe something that is full of flaws, mistakes, or problems. It implies that there are numerous issues or weaknesses in a particular situation or concept, just like the many holes found in Swiss cheese. When using this idiom, it is usually done in a lighthearted or humorous manner!
- Be careful with that explanation. It has more holes than Swiss cheese, and people won’t believe it.
- Her alibi for the crime had more holes than Swiss cheese. The evidence didn’t match up at all!
Idioms For Speaking: a great way to improve your English!
I hope you have enjoyed reading through and saying out loud all of today’s idioms for speaking, along with their respective sentences! Learning idioms is a super way to improve your English in a tangible way! There are a few good reasons:
- Enhancing Fluency: Idioms are an integral part of natural, everyday language. Mastering idioms helps learners sound more fluent and native-like in their speech.
- Cultural Understanding: Idioms are deeply rooted in the culture and history of a language. By learning idioms, learners gain insight into the customs, traditions, and values of English-speaking countries.
- Improved Comprehension: Idioms often have figurative meanings that cannot be inferred from the literal meanings of the words. Understanding idioms helps learners interpret and comprehend English texts, conversations, and media more effectively.
- Effective Communication: Idioms add color, creativity, and depth to language. Knowing and using idioms appropriately allows learners to express themselves more vividly and accurately, making their communication more engaging and impactful.
- Expanded Vocabulary: Idioms introduce learners to new vocabulary and expressions that may not be found in textbooks or formal language materials. This broadens their vocabulary and gives them a broader range of linguistic tools for effective communication.