Master 7 English Idioms with Examples and Practical Exercises for Language Learners - Set 5

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Idioms exercises are a fun way to build your English learning skills. They help you understand the meaning of each word and use it correctly in sentences. These exercises will make it easier to speak and write in English.

Welcome to the fifth set of idiom definitions, guides and exercises in this series for students. Good luck!

Learn Idiom Vocabulary

  1. Actions speak louder than words
  2. Back to the drawing board
  3. Beat around the bush
  4. Cat got your tongue
  5. Out of the woods
  6. Play it by ear
  7. The ball is in your court

English Idioms Definitions

  1. Actions speak louder than words: What you do is more important than what you say.
  2. Back to the drawing board: When a plan or idea doesn’t work, sometimes it is better to go back to a fresh start with a new plan or idea.
  3. Beat around the bush: When someone avoids talking about something directly and talks about other things instead.
  4. Cat got your tongue: When someone is silent and unsure what to say.
  5. Out of the woods: When you are no longer in a difficult or dangerous situation.
  6. Play it by ear: Making decisions as you go along, without having a plan beforehand.
  7. The ball is in your court: It’s your turn to make a decision or take action.

Example Sentences

  1. Sarah said she would help, but her actions speak louder than words because she never actually helps anyone.
  2. Our science experiment didn’t work as we expected, so we’ll have to go back to the drawing board and try again.
  3. Instead of telling me directly, my friend likes to beat around the bush and talk about everything else except the topic we need to discuss.
  4. When the teacher asked him to read aloud, he suddenly became quiet. It’s like the cat got his tongue!
  5. Jack was very sick, but now he’s feeling better and out of the woods.
  6. We didn’t make a schedule for the picnic. Instead, we decided to play it by ear and do whatever we feel like doing.
  7. I’ve given you all the information you need. Now, the ball is in your court to decide what we should do next.

Example Conversations

Sarah: “I promise I’ll help you with your homework.”” Emily: “Well, let’s see if you actually help me. Remember, actions speak louder than words.”

Mark: “Our plan to build a play house didn’t work.” Lily: “That’s okay! We can go back to the drawing board and come up with a new plan.”

Amy: “Can you tell me why you’re upset?”
David: “Well, instead of directly addressing the issue, you keep beating around the bush and talking about other things.

Lucy: “Why were you so quiet during the class today, cat got your tongue?” Tim: “Sorry, I didn’t know what to say.”

Dad: “You were really sick, how are you feeling now, much better?” Emma: “Yes, I’m glad I’m out of the woods. I can finally go back to school and play with my friends.”

Lisa: “What should we do this weekend?” Mike: “I’m not sure yet. Let’s play it by ear and decide as we go.”

Tina: “I’ve finished my part of the project. Now, it’s your turn to complete your tasks.” Sam: “Okay, I understand. The ball is in my court, and I’ll make sure to finish my tasks on time.”

Idiom Exercises

Identify the Correct Idiom

Delete the incorrect idiom:

  1. Instead of directly answering the question, Mary tends to (beat around the bush / have the ball in her court) and talk about unrelated topics.
  2. When the teacher called on him to answer, he suddenly went silent. It seemed like (he was out of the woods/ the cat got his tongue).
  3. John always promises to help with the project, but (his actions speak louder than words / the cat got his tongue) when he never shows up to do any work.
  4. I have presented all the facts and options. Now, (you have egg on your face/ the ball is in your court) to make the final decision.
  5. Our first attempt at solving the puzzle failed, so we need to (go back to the drawing board / play it by ear) and come up with a new strategy.
  6. We don’t have a fixed plan for the weekend. Let’s just (go back to the drawing board/ play it by ear) and decide what to do as we go along.
  7. After months of hard work and preparation, we finally finished the project and we’re (out of the woods / playing it by ear).

Complete the Sentence with the Correct Idiom

Fill in the blanks:

  1. I have presented all the facts and options. Now, ________ to make the final decision.
  2. After facing real danger of failing, we finally completed the project successfully and are ________.
  3. Instead of giving a direct answer, he tends to ________ and avoid making a decision.
  4. We don’t have a fixed plan for the weekend. Let’s just ________ and decide what to do as we go along.
  5. He always talks about how talented he is, but his lack of action shows that ________.
  6. When the teacher asked him to give a presentation, he froze and couldn’t speak. It seemed like ________.
  7. Our marketing campaign didn’t have the desired impact, so we need to ________ and come up with a new strategy.

Give an Example with Idiom Use

Give an example when you would say the following:

  1. Back to the drawing board
  2. Beat around the bush
  3. Out of the woods
  4. Play it by ear

Example #1: I kept my side of our agreement, now the ball is in your court

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

Common Idiom Questions and Answers

How can I organize idioms in my notes?
Try grouping idioms by topic (money, feelings, time) or situation (school, work, travel). Use color coding or images to remember better.

Why do idioms sometimes change a little?
Idioms can have small variations, especially across regions. But most have a fixed form that’s best to learn and use correctly.

Are idioms used in exams like IELTS or TOEFL?
Idioms might appear in listening or reading sections, but you should avoid using them in formal writing tasks.

Can children learn idioms too?
Yes! Many idioms are used in children’s stories, cartoons, or conversations. Start with simple, visual ones like “raining cats and dogs.”

Are idioms different from slang?
Yes. Idioms are expressions with figurative meanings. Slang is informal language that often changes quickly and isn’t always widely understood.

What are some idioms used in job interviews?
Expressions like “go the extra mile” or “think outside the box” are common. They show creativity and effort when used appropriately.

Can I use idioms in everyday text messages?
Yes, idioms work well in casual writing like messages, chats, or social media posts. Just be sure your reader understands them.

Follow This Lesson to Improve Your English Vocabulary

This lesson helps you learn English and use common English idioms in speaking and writing. When you practice these phrases, your English language skills will get better. Try to use these new idioms in simple sentences every day. This is a good way to improve your grammar too.

How This Can Relate to University and Education

If you learn English well, it will help you at university. Many teachers use common English idioms and phrasal verbs when they speak. Learning the meaning of these phrases will help you follow lessons and write better. Good grammar and vocabulary are important for all students in education.

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