What Are Idioms in English? A Fun Way to Expand Your Vocabulary!

Have you ever heard someone say, “It’s raining cats and dogs!” or “You’re pulling my leg!” and wondered what that meant? These expressions are called idioms, and they’re a colorful, fun, and sometimes confusing part of the English language!

What Exactly Are Idioms?

An idiom is a phrase or a group of words whose meaning isn’t clear just by looking at each word. Idioms can’t be understood just by the individual words; they have a whole different meaning. This can make them tricky for English learners, but once you “get the hang of them”, idioms can make your language sound more natural.

Why Are Idioms Important?

Idioms are used every day in both casual conversations and formal writing. Understanding idioms is also important if you want to sound more like a native English speaker and understand spoken English better. They can express feelings, describe situations, or add humor to your conversations.

Examples of Common Idioms in English

If we took the meaning of this phrase literally, we would think someone is literally breaking the ice.

But this idiom actually means to start a conversation in a situation where people are feeling shy or uncomfortable, helping everyone feel more relaxed and comfortable.

Let’s now take a look at the idiom, to hit the nail on the head. The top of the nail, the round part, is called the head of the nail. Now, if we took this idiom literally we would be saying we’re hitting the nail (with a hammer or other tool) on the top part (the head).

This idiom actually means to say something that is exactly right. It’s used when someone gives the correct answer or understands something perfectly.

This idiom literally means to spill some beans. If we had beans in a cup and the cup tilted, we would spill the beans.

But in fact this idiom means to reveal a secret that wasn’t supposed to be revealed.

How to Learn Idioms?

The best way to learn idioms is by hearing or reading them in context. Here’s some tips:

1. Watch TV shows or movies in English – Native speakers use idioms all the time.
2. Read English books, blogs, or articles – You’ll come across idiomatic expressions frequently.
3. Practice using idioms in conversation – Once you understand their meaning, try using them in your speaking or writing to reinforce your knowledge.
4. Keep a list of idioms you come across – Write down any new ones and their meanings to study later.

We’ve already prepared some lists of idioms you just can’t miss!