Idioms are an important part of American English and can make conversations more colorful and engaging. For ESL students, learning idioms can help you sound more natural and better understand native speakers. Below, we’ve listed 20 common idioms used in the USA, along with their meanings and examples to help you incorporate them into your vocabulary.
1. Break the ice
Meaning: To start a conversation in a social setting.
Example: "To break the ice at the party, I introduced myself to everyone."
2. A blessing in disguise
Meaning: Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.
Example: "Losing that job was a blessing in disguise because I found a better one."
3. Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling sick or unwell.
Example: "I didn’t go to work today because I was feeling under the weather."
4. The ball is in your court
Meaning: It’s your decision or responsibility to act.
Example: "I’ve given you all the details; now the ball is in your court."
5. Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To work late into the night.
Example: "I had to burn the midnight oil to finish my project on time."
6. Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To describe something accurately.
Example: "You hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the problem."
7. Bite the bullet
Meaning: To do something difficult or unpleasant.
Example: "I had to bite the bullet and tell my friend the bad news."
8. Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To reveal a secret.
Example: "She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party."
9. Piece of cake
Meaning: Something very easy.
Example: "That math test was a piece of cake."
10. Costs an arm and a leg
Meaning: Very expensive.
Example: "That designer bag costs an arm and a leg."
11. Kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: To accomplish two things at once.
Example: "By studying on the train, I can kill two birds with one stone."
12. Spill the beans
Meaning: To reveal a secret.
Example: "Don’t spill the beans about the surprise!"
13. On the same page
Meaning: To agree or share the same understanding.
Example: "Let’s meet before the meeting to ensure we’re on the same page."
14. Hit the road
Meaning: To leave or begin a journey.
Example: "We need to hit the road early to beat the traffic."
15. Jump on the bandwagon
Meaning: To follow a trend or do what everyone else is doing.
Example: "She jumped on the bandwagon and started using that new app."
16. Keep your chin up
Meaning: Stay positive during difficult times.
Example: "Even after failing the test, he kept his chin up and tried again."
17. The early bird catches the worm
Meaning: Being early can lead to success.
Example: "You should get to the sale early—the early bird catches the worm."
18. Pull someone’s leg
Meaning: To joke or tease someone.
Example: "Are you serious, or are you just pulling my leg?"
19. Straight from the horse’s mouth
Meaning: Directly from the source.
Example: "I heard the news straight from the horse’s mouth."
20. Wrap your head around something
Meaning: To understand something complicated.
Example: "I’m still trying to wrap my head around that physics concept."
Why Learn Idioms at American English Language School?
At American English Language School, we specialize in helping ESL students become fluent and confident in English. Our ESL classes focus on practical language skills, including idioms and phrases commonly used in the United States. With small class sizes (a maximum of 8 students), personalized instruction, and cultural immersion activities, we ensure students have the tools to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Learning idioms can make your English sound more natural and engaging. At American English Language School, we help students master the language with fun and interactive lessons. Contact us today to start your journey to fluency!
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Published on January 17, 2025
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