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

  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.

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.

Comprehensive List of Idioms

If you are interested in learning idioms then visit our series of articles with definitions, examples and exercises. If you want to find the meaning of an idiom then there is an ultimate list where you will find many idioms with the definitions and example sentences.

English Idioms

Introduction to Idioms

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intro to idioms

Idiom Exercise 1

idioms written in colorful letters for students
English idioms 1

Idiom Exercise 2

idioms written in colorful letters for students
English idioms 2

Idiom Exercise 3

idioms written in colorful letters for students
English idioms 3

Idiom Exercise 4

idioms written in colorful letters for students
English idioms 4

Idiom Exercise 5

idioms written in colorful letters for students
English idioms 5

Idiom Exercise 6

idioms written in colorful letters for students
English idioms 6

Ultimate List of Idioms

idioms written in colorful letters for students
list of idioms

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