Idiom Examples and Exercises
An Introduction to Common Idioms for Students
Many students preparing for university request help understanding common idioms for language learning.
In this introduction there are several simple idiom examples with definitions, examples sentences to show use, example use in conversation and idiom exercises.
What is an Idiom?
- a group of words,
- that have a different meaning,
- when together,
Meaning: good luck
Does not mean: damage your leg
Common Idioms
- jump the gun
- kill two birds with one stone
- under the weather
- spill the beans / don’t spill the beans
- bite your tongue
- keep your chin up
- hit the books
Idiom Definitions
- Jump the gun: to do something too soon, before the right time
- Hit the books: to study or do homework
- Keep your chin up: to remain positive and not get down during difficult times
- Kill two birds with one stone: to do two things at the same time
- Under the weather: feeling unwell
- Don’t spill the beans: do not reveal the secret information
- Bite your tongue: to stop yourself from speaking
Example Sentences
- Tommy jumped the gun and started eating his dessert before finishing his dinner.
- Sarah has a big test tomorrow, so she needs to hit the books tonight to prepare.
- Even though he lost the game, Tim kept his chin up and congratulated the winner.
- Mom decided to go grocery shopping on her way home from work to kill two birds with one stone.
- Jenny stayed home from school today because she’s feeling a bit under the weather.
- Tina promised her friend she wouldn’t spill the beans about the surprise party.
- Even though he was angry, Jack decided to bite his tongue and not say anything hurtful.
Example Conversations
Samantha: “I can’t wait for the pizza to arrive. Can I have a slice now?” Mom: “Not yet, Samantha. Let’s wait for everyone to sit down first. Don’t jump the gun!“
Johnny: “I have a spelling test tomorrow, but I want to play video games.” Dad: “Johnny, you need to hit the books and study for your test before you can play.“
Amy: “I lost my favorite toy at the park today.” Friend: “Don’t be sad, Amy. Keep your chin up. Maybe we can look for it together tomorrow.”
Mom: “We need to buy bread for sandwiches and milk for cereal. Let’s go to the grocery store.” Sarah: “Can we also get some apples for my snack? That way we can kill two birds with one stone.“
Teacher: “Tommy, you look tired today. Are you feeling okay?” Tommy: “Not really, Teacher. I’m feeling a little under the weather.“
Sara: “I have a surprise gift for Mom’s birthday!” Brother: “Shh, Sara! Don’t spill the beans. It’s a secret!“
Dad: “Mom made broccoli for dinner tonight, and I don’t like it.” Mom: “Dad, remember to bite your tongue. We should try new foods and be polite.”
Idiom Exercises
Identify the Correct Idiom
Delete the incorrect idiom:
- I have a headache today and feel a little dizzy, so I’m (under the weather / hitting the books).
- When you are taking a test, it’s important to (keep your chin up / spill the beans) and do your best.
- If you want to finish two tasks at the same time, you can (jump the gun / kill two birds with one stone).
- When you want to say something but it might hurt someone’s feelings, it’s better to __________ (bite your tongue / hit the books) instead.
- My sister loves to talk and sometimes she (jumps the gun / spills the beans) about surprises before they happen.
- If you are feeling sad, it’s important to (keep your chin up / kill two birds with one stone) and find things that make you happy.
- When you have a secret, it’s important to (bite your tongue / hit the books) and not tell anyone.
Complete the Sentence with the Correct Idiom
Fill in the blanks:
- I’m feeling a bit __________ today, so I think I’ll stay home and rest.
- If you want to finish your homework quickly and have time to play, try to __________ and do your chores at the same time.
- My mom told me not to __________ and tell my brother about his surprise party.
- When you want to say something, but it might hurt someone’s feelings, it’s better to __________ instead.
- If you’re feeling down, try to __________ and think positively.
- When you have a big test coming up, it’s important to __________ and study hard.
- During a race, if you start running before the signal, you will __________ and get disqualified.
Give an Example with Idiom Use
Give an example of a situation where someone might need to:
- “jump the gun”
- “bite your tongue”
- “keep their chin up”
- “kill two birds with one stone”
- “hit the books“
Example #1: starting to build a house before the land has been properly surveyed and approved for building.
English Idiom Exercises
7 idioms in each of 7 special booklets with idioms examples and exercises
LESSON 2
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About English Idioms
- What are idioms in English?
Idioms are phrases or expressions whose meanings cannot be understood from the literal definitions of the words. They are commonly used in everyday English to convey ideas in a more colorful or figurative way. For example, “It’s a piece of cake” means something is very easy.
- What are the 10 most common English idioms?
Some of the most common idioms include:
- Break the ice
- Piece of cake
- Hit the sack
- Let the cat out of the bag
- Once in a blue moon
- Under the weather
- Spill the beans
- Bite the bullet
- Costs an arm and a leg
- The ball is in your court
- How can I practice English idioms effectively?
Practice idioms by reading examples, using quizzes, and applying them in daily conversations or writing. Exercises and interactive quizzes help reinforce understanding and improve your English vocabulary and fluency.
- What is the difference between idioms and phrases?
An idiom is a type of phrase with a figurative meaning different from the literal meaning of the words. For example, “kick the bucket” means “to die,” which is an idiom. A phrase can be any group of words that work together but may not have a figurative meaning.
- How do idioms relate to phrasal verbs?
Idioms and phrasal verbs are both common in English and often confuse learners. Phrasal verbs are verbs combined with prepositions or adverbs (e.g., “give up,” “run into”) and usually have a literal or figurative meaning. Idioms are fixed expressions with meanings not deducible from individual words.
- Can idioms help improve my English vocabulary and grammar?
Yes! Learning idioms enhances your vocabulary by introducing you to common expressions and helps you understand English grammar in context. Using idioms correctly also makes your language sound more natural and fluent.
- Are there quizzes or exercises available to learn English idioms?
Many online resources offer quizzes and exercises specifically designed to help learners practice English idioms. These tools test your understanding and help you remember idioms through repetition and usage.
- Why are idioms important in English learning and education?
Idioms are essential because they are widely used by native speakers in both spoken and written English. Understanding idioms improves comprehension, communication skills, and cultural knowledge, which are vital in mastering the English language.
- What are some common expressions related to English idioms?
Common expressions include phrases like “hit the nail on the head” (to be exactly right), “beat around the bush” (avoid the main topic), and “cut to the chase” (get to the point). These expressions enrich your English communication.
- How do idioms reflect ideas or cultural concepts?
Idioms often reflect cultural ideas, history, or social values. For example, “the ball is in your court” comes from sports and means it’s your turn to take action. Learning idioms helps you understand English-speaking cultures better.
