Master 7 English Idioms with Examples and Practical Exercises for Language Learners - Set 6

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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.

Idiomatic expressions, or simply idioms, can be difficult to understand for language learners so reading definitions, example sentences and usage, and completing practice exercises can help. Here is the sixth set of idioms in this series. Enjoy!

Common Idioms

  1. All ears
  2. By the book
  3. Caught red handed
  4. Hang in there
  5. On top of the world
  6. Take it easy
  7. Time flies when you’re having fun
  • Note: Time flies is a shortened version of the last idiom with the same meaning.
  • Caught red handed is often written as caught red-handed

Idiom Definitions

  1. All ears: To listen carefully with full attention
  2. By the book: Following the rules very closely
  3. Caught red handed: Getting caught while doing something wrong.
  4. Hang in there: Not give up and keep going, especially during tough times.
  5. On top of the world: Feeling extremely happy and successful.
  6. Take it easy: Relax and not worry too much.
  7. Time flies when you’re having fun: Time seems to pass quickly when you’re enjoying yourself.

Example Sentences

When the teacher announced a surprise, the students sat up and were all ears.

The safety inspector followed the guidelines by the book to make sure everything was in order.

Samantha was caught red handed eating the last piece of cake from the fridge.

Don’t give up! Just hang in there and keep trying, and you’ll improve.

After winning the race, Sarah felt on top of the world, filled with joy and pride.

It’s a weekend, so let’s take it easy and relax by the beach.

We were having so much fun that time flew by quickly.

Example Conversations

  1. Emily: “I have something to tell you.” Sarah: “Sure, go ahead. I’m all ears.”
  2. David: “How should I write this report?” Lisa: “Just follow the guidelines exactly as they’re written. Do it by the book.”
  3. Jack: “Why were you taking cookies from the jar?” Emma: “Oh no!. You caught me red handed.”
  4. Michael: “I’m struggling with this puzzle.” Olivia: “Hang in there and you’ll solve it.”
  5. Daniel: “How do you feel after winning the championship?” Sophia: “I feel on top of the world! It’s amazing!”
  6. Ryan: “I have so much homework to do tonight.” Natalie: “Don’t stress too much. Take it easy and tackle one task at a time.”
  7. Ian: “I can’t believe the party is already over.” Ava: “I know, right? Time really flies when you’re having fun.”

Idiom Exercises

Identify the Correct Idiom

Delete the incorrect idiom:

  1. Don’t give up! (take it easy / hang in there and keep practicing your soccer skills.
  2. Did you see the answers? Yes, I was (taking it easy/ caught red handed).
  3. We were having so much fun at the amusement park that (on top of the world / time flew by) before we knew it.
  4. After getting the promotion, she felt (by the book / on top of the world) and celebrated with her colleagues.
  5. You’ve been studying hard. Now it’s time to (hang in there / take it easy) and enjoy your weekend.
  6. I’m (all ears / on top of the world), I want to hear about your exciting day.
  7. Make sure to do the task (by the book / caught red handed) and follow the guidelines precisely.

Complete the Sentence with the Correct Idiom

Fill in the blanks:

  1. Please tell me your secret. I’m __________.
  2. Remember to do the task __________ and follow the instructions exactly.
  3. He was __________ stealing from the store.
  4. __________ and don’t give up, even when things get tough.
  5. After receiving the award, she felt on __________.
  6. __________.and relax during your vacation.
  7. Tim__________ with your friends.

Provide an Idiom Use

Give an example when you would say the following:

  1. Hang in there
  2. On top of the world
  3. Take it easy
  4. Time flies when you’re having fun

e.g. There were no complaints everything was done by the book.

Try the exercises with the idiom exercises worksheet (free pdf download)

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

What’s the difference between an idiom and a metaphor?
A metaphor compares two things directly (e.g., “time is money”), while an idiom is a fixed phrase with a special meaning (e.g., “beat the clock”).

Are idioms ever used in news articles?
Yes, especially in headlines or quotes. Idioms add emphasis or help express opinions creatively.

Can idioms be used with different tenses?
Yes, some idioms change tense like regular phrases (e.g., “bit the bullet,” “will bite the bullet”), but others stay fixed.

What idioms are helpful in group discussions or debates?
Idioms like “on the same page,” “devil’s advocate,” or “raise a red flag” are useful in conversations and discussions.

Can idioms have different meanings in different regions?
Occasionally, yes. Context usually makes the meaning clear, but always check the idiom’s use in your target region.

How do I know if I’ve mastered an idiom?
When you can use it naturally in speech or writing and explain it clearly, you’ve truly learned it.

What are the most advanced idioms for fluent speakers?
Advanced idioms include ones tied to culture or specific fields (e.g., legal or medical idioms). “Throw the book at someone” is an example from law.

Follow This Lesson to Improve Your English Vocabulary

If you want to learn English and use common English idioms easily, it helps to follow a simple lesson. First, read each idiom carefully. Then try to use the idiom in your own sentence. This will help you remember the meaning and improve your English language skills.

How This Can Relate to University and Education

Idioms are very useful for university and general education. When you write or speak at university, using the right idioms and phrasal verbs shows that you understand natural English vocabulary. It also helps you share your ideas clearly and sound more like a native speaker.

Test Your Skill With a Fun Quiz

After you practice, it’s a good idea to test yourself. Try a small quiz or ask a friend to check your sentences. This will show you which idioms you know well and which ones you need to practice more. A quiz is a great way to check your grammar and idiom use at the same time