Study English Idioms Examples with Idiom Exercises Set 7

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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. bigger fish to fry
  2. blessing in disguise
  3. chip off the old block
  4. happy camper
  5. head over heels
  6. rule of thumb
  7. up in the air

Idiom Definitions

  1. Bigger fish to fry: When you have more important things to do or worry about.
  2. Blessing in disguise: Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.
  3. Chip off the old block: A person who is similar in character or behavior to their parent or relative.
  4. Happy camper: Someone who is happy with their situation.
  5. Head over heels: Being completely in love or very excited about something.
  6. Rule of thumb: A general guideline that is usually true or helpful.
  7. Up in the air: Something that is uncertain or undecided.

Example Sentences

  1. I can’t play video games right now; I have bigger fish to fry—I need to finish my homework.
  2. Losing my wallet was a blessing in disguise because I found it later with other things that I had lost.
  3. Sarah is a chip off the old block; she loves playing the piano just like her mom.
  4. After getting a puppy, Tim became a happy camper because he had a new play friend.
  5. When Sarah saw the surprise gift, she fell head over heels in love with it.
  6. A good rule of thumb is to brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bed.
  7. 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:

  1. My son is a (chip off the old block/ rule of thumb) – he loves playing the guitar, just like his father.
  2. 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.
  3. Our vacation plans are still (for a happy camper/ up in the air) because we haven’t decided on the destination yet.
  4. Jenny fell (head over heels/ with a blessing in disguise) in love with the new dress she saw at the store.
  5. 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.
  6. As a general (chip off the old block/ rule of thumb), it’s best to study a little every day to prepare for exams.
  7. 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:

  1. After trying the new chocolate cake, Sara was a _______ and couldn’t stop smiling.
  2. As a _______, it’s best to check the weather forecast before planning an outdoor event.
  3. Moving to a new city turned out to be a _______ for John as he made new friends and found exciting opportunities.
  4. My younger brother is a _______ – he loves playing soccer, just like our older brother.
  5. When Sarah saw the cute puppy at the shelter, she fell _______ in love with it.
  6. The decision to move is _________ because mum has fallen very ill.
  7. 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:

  1. bigger fish to fry
  2. blessing in disguise
  3. happy camper
  4. head over heels

Example #1: I take an umbrella to work as a rule of thumb, just in case.

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

  1. What are some visual ways to learn idioms?
    Use drawings, memes, or infographics that show the literal and figurative meanings side by side. This helps memory.
  2. Can idioms be used in public speaking or presentations?
    Yes, but choose ones your audience understands. Idioms can make a point more memorable if used well.
  3. How do idioms vary across English-speaking countries?
    Some idioms are local. For example, UK speakers say “not my cup of tea,” while Americans might say “not my thing.”
  4. Can idioms help with creative writing?
    Absolutely. Idioms can make writing more expressive and engaging, especially in dialogue or storytelling.
  5. What are “dead idioms”?
    A dead idiom is one so common that people don’t recognize it as figurative anymore (e.g., “fall in love”). They’re still idioms, but their origin is often forgotten.
  6. Are idioms ever misunderstood by native speakers?
    Rarely, but yes — especially if used out of context. Using idioms correctly is key to clear communication.
  7. Is it better to learn idioms one at a time or in groups?
    Groups are better — they reinforce patterns and make it easier to remember when idioms are related by topic or function.

Follow a university lesson to learn idioms

Many students find it helpful to follow a university lesson or class plan when they study common English idioms. A clear lesson gives structure and helps you connect each phrase to an idea or example. This makes it easier to improve your English vocabulary and understand how grammar, phrasal verbs, and idioms relate to real English language use. If you learn English step by step, you will remember the idioms and use them with confidence in your education, study, or daily life.

Take a quiz to practice idioms

After you finish an exercise or a lesson, try a short quiz. A quiz is a good way for a student to check how well they can use common English idioms in sentences. You can also test yourself on phrasal verbs, grammar, and English vocabulary at the same time. This practice will improve your knowledge of the English language and give you new ideas for how to learn English more effectively. Many students say this active style of practice feels like a small university activity, and it helps them build confidence step by step.