Study English Idioms Examples with Idiom Exercises Set 2

Master 7 English Idioms with Examples and Practical Exercises for Language Learners - Set 2

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Improve your English vocabulary with common English idioms exercises – set 2. In education like university or in general in need of improving your English learning, try these idioms, examples, explanations, example sentences and quiz type questions.
 
Here are the second set of seven common idioms in English with their meaning to help students learn English. In the English language when the meaning of the individual words becomes different than their literal meaning it is called an idiomatic expression or simply an idiom. 

Common Idioms

  1. Cost an arm and a leg
  2. Pull someone’s leg
  3. Jump on the bandwagon
  4. Every cloud has a silver lining
  5. Fingers crossed
  6. Raining cats and dogs
  7. Piece of cake

Idiom Definitions

  1. Cost an arm and a leg: very expensive
  2. Pull someone’s leg: to tease or joke with someone in a playful manner, often by saying something that is not true
  3. Jump on the bandwagon: to join or support a popular trend or movement, especially when it becomes popular
  4. Every cloud has a silver lining: there is often something positive even in a bad or difficult situation
  5. Fingers crossed: a gesture of hope for good luck or a positive outcome
  6. Raining cats and dogs: very heavy rain
  7. Piece of cake: easy to do

Example Sentences

  1. The race car was beautiful, but it cost an arm and a leg to buy and maintain.
  2. When Sarah told her amazing story, nobody believed her, thinking she was just pulling their leg.
  3. With the latest trend, everyone jumped on the bandwagon and started wearing the fashionable sunglasses.
  4. Despite the rain ruining their picnic, they found a nice café to take shelter in; every cloud has a silver lining.
  5. Jane crossed her fingers and hoped that she would win the lottery.
  6. We had to cancel the outdoor event because it was raining cats and dogs.
  7. The math problem was challenging for most students, but for Tim, it was a piece of cake; he solved it effortlessly.

Example Conversations

Emma: “I heard the new phone is amazing, but it costs an arm and a leg. I don’t know if I can afford it.” David: “Yeah, it’s too expensive. I will wait for it to get cheaper.”

Alan: “Did you really go to that party last night?” Eric: “No, I was pulling your leg yesterday, I was never really going to go.”

Lisa: “I’ve been hearing a lot about this new fitness craze. Should I try it?” Mark: “Well, a lot of people are jumping on the bandwagon, but make sure it’s suitable for you.”

Emily: “I failed my driving test. I’m really disappointed.” Alex: “I know it’s tough, but every cloud has a silver lining. You can learn from your mistakes and try again.”

John: “I have a job interview tomorrow. I hope I get the position.” Anna: “Fingers crossed for you.”

Kate: “I can’t believe how heavy it’s raining outside!” Tom: “I know, it’s raining cats and dogs.”

Ben: “I have a presentation to deliver tomorrow, but I haven’t prepared yet.” Sophie: “Don’t worry, Ben. You’re a great speaker, and I’m sure it’ll be a piece of cake for you.”

Idiom Exercises

Identify the Correct Idiom

Delete the incorrect idiom:

  1. When my favorite singer released a new song, I (jumped on the bandwagon / pulled someone’s leg) and downloaded it right away.
  2. My teacher told us that (every cloud has a silver lining / it’s raining cats and dogs) and even though we lost the game, we learned a lot from it.
  3. My friend always likes to (pull someone’s leg / cross fingers) and make jokes to make us laugh.
  4. Don’t worry, the test will be easy. It’ll be a (piece of cake / fingers crossed)!
  5. Even though (every cloud has a silver lining / it’s raining cats and dogs), we can stay indoors and play board games.
  6. The new video game console (costs an arm and a leg / has a silver lining) but everyone wants to buy it.
  7. I have an important job interview tomorrow, so please keep (fingers crossed/ pulling my leg) and wish me luck!

Complete the Sentence with the Correct Idiom

Fill in the blanks:

  1. I hope everything goes well in your job interview tomorrow. ____________________ for you!
  2. Even though she lost her job, she remained positive and believed that ____________________.
  3. Yes, it will be ______________, you’ll ace it.
  4. Don’t believe everything he says, he’s always _____________________.
  5. The weather forecast said it would be ____________________ tomorrow, so don’t forget your umbrella.
  6. When the new smartphone was released, everyone ____________________ and bought one.
  7. Wow, that designer handbag must have ________________. It’s so expensive!

Give an Example with Idiom Use

Give an example when you would say the following:

  1. Raining cats and dogs
  2. Fingers crossed
  3. Piece of cake
  4. Pull someone’s leg

Example #1: I know it is only a craze but I will jump on the bandwagon and buy the new single like everyone else.

Reading Comprehension Exercises

The English for study skills lessons will have a section to improve reading skills. Follow this link to read the reading texts and answer the simple reading comprehension questions.

a university student preparing to study

Introduction to Idioms

A balanced learning path included natural English communication which includes idioms. Use idioms examples and practical exercises to improve communicative skills and English proficiency.

idioms exercises

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About English Idioms

  1. What makes idioms difficult for English learners?
    Idioms are hard because their meanings are not literal. Learners often try to understand them word-by-word, which doesn’t work.
  2. Why do native speakers use idioms so often?
    Idioms add color, emotion, and emphasis. They help express complex ideas in a short, vivid way.
  3. Can idioms be outdated or no longer used?
    Yes, some idioms fall out of use. Stick with commonly used expressions that are still part of modern spoken English.
  4. Do idioms follow grammar rules?
    Idioms are fixed phrases and often don’t change form, even if grammar would suggest it. For example, we say “kick the bucket” — not “kicks the bucketed.”
  5. How can idioms improve my listening skills?
    Recognizing idioms while listening helps you follow conversations more easily. Practice with videos or podcasts to hear idioms in real situations.
  6. Are there idioms for specific topics like money or emotions?
    Yes, idioms are often grouped by topic. For example, “costs an arm and a leg” (money) or “feeling blue” (emotion). Learning by theme can help.
  7. Is it okay to ask someone what an idiom means in conversation?
    Absolutely. Most native speakers will explain it. It’s also a great chance to learn and remember the idiom better.

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