7 English Idioms - Idiom Examples and Exercises
for Students #7
Here is another set of idioms for students to learn using the idiom definitions, example sentences and conversations, and also practice exercises.
Common Idioms
- bigger fish to fry
- blessing in disguise
- chip off the old block
- happy camper
- head over heels
- rule of thumb
- up in the air
Idiom Definitions
- Bigger fish to fry: When you have more important things to do or worry about.
- Blessing in disguise: Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.
- Chip off the old block: A person who is similar in character or behavior to their parent or relative.
- Happy camper: Someone who is happy with their situation.
- Head over heels: Being completely in love or very excited about something.
- Rule of thumb: A general guideline that is usually true or helpful.
- Up in the air: Something that is uncertain or undecided.
Example Sentences
- I can’t play video games right now; I have bigger fish to fry—I need to finish my homework.
- Losing my wallet was a blessing in disguise because I found it later with other things that I had lost.
- Sarah is a chip off the old block; she loves playing the piano just like her mom.
- After getting a puppy, Tim became a happy camper because he had a new play friend.
- When Sarah saw the surprise gift, she fell head over heels in love with it.
- A good rule of thumb is to brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bed.
- Our weekend plans are still up in the air. We haven’t even decided whether to go out or stay home yet.
Example Conversations
Tom: Do you want to play basketball with us? Emily: Sorry, I can’t. I have bigger fish to fry. I need to study for my math test.
Liam: I’m sorry but I can’t get to your house today, my bike broke. Sophie: Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise. Now you can get a new and better bike!
David: My dad loves playing soccer, and so do I! John: You’re a chip off the old block, just like your dad!
Anna: How was your trip to the amusement park? Oliver: It was so good! I was a happy camper all day.
Emma: Look at Lily! She’s head over heels for that new book she got. Sophia: Yes, she can’t put it down. She loves it!
Jack: How much water should I drink every day? Sarah: A good rule of thumb is to drink at least eight glasses of water.
Alex: Are we going to the zoo tomorrow? Emily: I’m not sure yet. Our plans are still up in the air. We’ll decide tomorrow morning.
Idiom Exercises
Identify the Correct Idiom
Delete the incorrect idiom:
- My son is a (chip off the old block/ rule of thumb) – he loves playing the guitar, just like his father.
- I can’t go to the park today because I have (bigger fish to fry/ up in the air) – I need to finish my homework for tomorrow.
- Our vacation plans are still (for a happy camper/ up in the air) because we haven’t decided on the destination yet.
- Jenny fell (head over heels/ with a blessing in disguise) in love with the new dress she saw at the store.
- Losing my job turned out to be a (bigger fish to fry/ blessing in disguise) because it led me to discover a new career opportunity.
- As a general (chip off the old block/ rule of thumb), it’s best to study a little every day to prepare for exams.
- After receiving a surprise gift, Emily became (head over heels/ a happy camper) and couldn’t stop smiling.
Complete the Sentence with the Correct Idiom
Fill in the blanks:
- After trying the new chocolate cake, Sara was a _______ and couldn’t stop smiling.
- As a _______, it’s best to check the weather forecast before planning an outdoor event.
- Moving to a new city turned out to be a _______ for John as he made new friends and found exciting opportunities.
- My younger brother is a _______ – he loves playing soccer, just like our older brother.
- When Sarah saw the cute puppy at the shelter, she fell _______ in love with it.
- The decision to move is _________ because mum has fallen very ill.
- I’m not bothered by your silly questions, I have __________.
Give an Example with Idiom Use
Give an example when you would say the following:
- bigger fish to fry
- blessing in disguise
- happy camper
- head over heels
Example #1: I take an umbrella to work as a rule of thumb, just in case.
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.
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.