A storm in a teacup in British English means the same as ‘tempest in a teapot’ in American English – to make a big fuss over something small.
What is an Idiom? An idiom is a fixed expression whose meaning isn’t clear from the literal words used. Idioms are deeply rooted in cultural usage and often can’t be translated word for word.
What is an Idiom? Exercises, Definition and Examples
This article deals with similes.
- Break the ice – to start a conversation in a social setting.
- Let the cat out of the bag – to reveal a secret accidentally.
- Hit the nail on the head – to be exactly right about something.
- Bite the bullet – to do something difficult or unpleasant with courage.
- Burn the midnight oil – to work late into the night.
- Cost an arm and a leg – to be very expensive.
- Kick the bucket – a humorous way to say someone died.
What is an Idiom?
An idiomatic expression, or idiom, is a phrase that has a different meaning than the individual words. When we use idioms like spill the beans, we do not mean beans have been split, its a form of figurative language as the speaker is saying to reveal a secret.
There are thousands of idioms with a meaning that can’t be deciphered by looking at the group of words, the literal meaning does not make sense to a language learner, but to English speakers idioms are used in everyday language like other phrases.
An idiom is a group of words that means something different from the actual words. The phrase usually has a figurative meaning — one you can’t guess just by understanding the words alone.
English Dictionary Definition
“An idiom is a group of words in a fixed order that have a particular meaning that is different from the meanings of each word on its own.” [1]
Figurative language
Idioms are a form of figurative language, which means they do not have a literal meaning.
Figurative language helps us express ideas in a creative way. Instead of saying exactly what we mean, we use a phrase that creates an image or feeling.
For example, the idiom “hit the books” means to study hard.
Nobody is actually hitting anything — the phrase is a figurative way to say “start studying.”
2 -Difference Between Idioms and Other Expressions
English includes many kinds of expressions that go beyond their literal meaning. Idioms are just one type, but students often confuse them with metaphors, similes, proverbs, clichés, and other phrases. This section explains how idioms differ from other common expressions and why it matters.
- Metaphors
A metaphor is a direct comparison where one thing is said to be It adds strong imagery or symbolism.
Example: “Time is money” – This doesn’t mean money and time are the same, but it suggests that time is valuable. - Similes
A simile compares two things using “like” or “as.” It’s easier to understand than an idiom, because the comparison is stated clearly.
Example: “She’s as light as a feather” means she is very light in weight. - Proverbs
A proverb is a short, traditional saying that offers advice or general truth.
Example: “The early bird catches the worm” encourages people to act early to succeed. - Clichés
A cliché is a phrase that has been overused so much that it feels unoriginal or dull. Some idioms can become clichés.
Example: “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is a familiar saying that may lose impact through overuse. - Truisms
A truism is a statement that is obviously true and doesn’t add much new information.
Example: “It is what it is” simply accepts a situation without explaining or changing anything. - Sayings
A saying is a short, commonly used phrase. Some sayings are idioms, but many are just everyday expressions.
Example: “Better late than never” is a general phrase people use to express that doing something late is still better than not doing it at all.
Understanding these differences helps us recognize how language can be used in figurative, playful, or persuasive ways — and when a phrase might carry meaning beyond the words themselves.
3 - How to Use Idioms
Idioms are used in spoken and written English to add natural rhythm and expression. They are common in:
- Everyday conversations
- Films and TV
- News headlines
- Business meetings
- Social media and storytelling
Tips for using idioms:
- Only use idioms you fully understand.
- Don’t change the structure — idioms are fixed expressions.
- Use idioms that suit the situation and audience.
- Avoid idioms in very formal writing (e.g., academic essays).
- Learn idioms in context, not in isolation.
4 - Examples of Idioms
To understand idioms and how they are used here are common examples with definitions, example sentences and conversation and an explanation of their use
Hit the nail on the head
Definition: To describe or identify something exactly right.
Example Sentences:
• “When she explained the problem, she really hit the nail on the head.”
• “You hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the situation.”
Example Conversation:
• Person 1: “I think the project failed because there wasn’t enough planning.”
• Person 2: “Yes, you hit the nail on the head. That was the real problem.”
Explanation: This idiom comes from hammering a nail—if you hit the nail exactly on the head, it goes in perfectly. In language, it means being exactly right about something. It’s often used when someone has given a correct opinion or made a very accurate statement.
Let the cat out of the bag
Definition: To accidentally reveal a secret.
Example Sentences:
• “He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.”
• “Don’t let the cat out of the bag—we want to keep it a secret.”
Example Conversation:
• Person 1: “I told Sarah about the trip. Was I not supposed to?”
• Person 2: “No! You let the cat out of the bag!”
Explanation: This idiom originally referred to dishonest sellers who would secretly replace a valuable animal (like a pig) with a cat in a bag. Letting the cat out revealed the trick. Now, it means accidentally telling something that was meant to be a secret. It’s often used when someone spoils a surprise or leaks information.
Under the weather
Definition: Feeling slightly ill or unwell.
Example Sentences:
• “I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’ll stay home.”
• “She’s not coming to class—she’s under the weather.”
Example Conversation:
• Person 1: “You look tired. Are you okay?”
• Person 2: “Just a little under the weather. I think I’m catching a cold.”
Explanation: This idiom is often used to describe feeling sick in a general or minor way. It may come from old sailing terminology when sick sailors were kept below deck (literally under the weather). Today it’s used casually when someone has a cold or isn’t feeling well, without needing to describe serious illness.
Bite the bullet
Definition: To do something difficult or unpleasant that you’ve been avoiding.
Example Sentences:
• “I hate going to the dentist, but I had to bite the bullet.”
• “She finally bit the bullet and told him the truth.”
Example Conversation:
• Person 1: “Have you finished your taxes yet?”
• Person 2: “No, but I’ll bite the bullet and do them tonight.”
Explanation: This idiom comes from old wartime practices where soldiers would bite a bullet during surgery without anesthesia. Today it means accepting and facing a tough or uncomfortable task. It’s often used to describe doing something you don’t want to do, but know you must.
Break the ice
Definition: To start a conversation or activity in a relaxed way, especially among strangers.
Example Sentences:
• “The teacher told a joke to break the ice with the new students.”
• “We played a game to break the ice at the meeting.”
Example Conversation:
• Person 1: “How did the team meeting go?”
• Person 2: “It was awkward at first, but the manager broke the ice with a funny story.”
Explanation: This idiom originally referred to ships breaking through ice so they could move forward. In conversation, it means doing or saying something that makes people feel more comfortable and helps conversation begin. It’s often used in social or professional settings where people are meeting for the first time.
5 - Idiom Examples
There are so many idioms in the English language, and here are a few categorized together in groups.
Climbing the Ladder: Ambition and Success
The Sky’s the Limit
- There are no limits to what someone can achieve
- With her creativity and work ethic, the sky’s the limit for her design career.
- In tech startups, the sky’s the limit for those who innovate and take risks.
Go the Extra Mile
- To put in extra effort beyond what is expected
- If you want to impress the boss, you’ll need to go the extra mile.
- She always goes the extra mile to help her students succeed.
Climb the Ladder
- To rise in rank or position, especially in a job or career
- He started in the mailroom but climbed the ladder to become vice president.
- If you want to climb the ladder, you need to show initiative.
A Rising Star
- Someone who is quickly becoming successful or well-known
- After her breakthrough role, she was considered a rising star in Hollywood.
- His ideas and leadership made him a rising star in the company.
The sky’s the limit expresses the idea that there are no boundaries to what someone can achieve. It often inspires ambition and encourages people to dream big and work hard to achieve success.
Go the extra mile refers to someone making more effort than expected. It highlights dedication and determination, especially when someone willingly does more to help or improve a situation.
Climb the ladder means to make steady progress, often in a career or job. It suggests that success comes step by step, through consistent effort and improvement.
A rising star describes someone who is rapidly gaining success or recognition. It reflects early signs of achievement and potential for future greatness.
Weathering the Storm: Strength in Hard Times
When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going
- Strong people act decisively during difficult times
- She didn’t quit when business slowed — when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
- He faced challenges head-on because he believed that when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Ride Out the Storm
- To survive a difficult situation
- The company had to ride out the storm of financial trouble.
- She stayed calm and rode out the storm during the crisis.
Keep Your Chin Up
- Stay positive in difficult situations
- Keep your chin up — things will get better soon.
- Even after failing the exam, he kept his chin up and tried again.
Bounce Back
- To recover quickly from a setback
- She bounced back after her surgery and returned to work.
- The team bounced back from their loss with a strong performance.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going means that strong and determined people respond to adversity by working harder and facing problems head-on. It emphasizes resilience and action under pressure.
Ride out the storm is about enduring hardship with patience until the difficult time passes. It uses the image of a ship surviving a storm to convey calm persistence through tough periods.
Keep your chin up is a way to encourage someone to stay strong and optimistic even when things are going badly. It suggests not letting difficulties lower your spirits.
Bounce back describes someone’s ability to recover quickly after a problem or failure. It reflects resilience and the ability to return to normal or improve after being knocked down.
Social Savvy: Understanding People and Relationships
Break the Ice
- To initiate conversation in a socially awkward situation
- He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
- The teacher played a game to break the ice with new students.
Put Yourself in Someone’s Shoes
- To imagine what someone else is experiencing
- Try to put yourself in her shoes before judging her decision.
- It helps to put yourself in their shoes to understand their reaction.
Hit It Off
- To immediately get along with someone
- They hit it off the first time they met.
- I didn’t expect to hit it off with my boss so well.
Bury the Hatchet
- To make peace and end a conflict
- After years of arguing, they finally buried the hatchet.
- It’s time we bury the hatchet and move forward.
Break the ice is used when people make an effort to reduce tension and create a friendly atmosphere in new or uncomfortable social situations. It usually involves humor or casual conversation to help others feel relaxed.
Put yourself in someone’s shoes means trying to understand someone else’s perspective by imagining their experiences or emotions. It encourages empathy and thoughtful communication.
Hit it off refers to two people quickly forming a good connection or bond. It usually suggests instant rapport or chemistry, whether in friendship, work, or romance.
Bury the hatchet is about forgiving someone and ending a disagreement or feud. It comes from a symbolic act of peace and emphasizes the value of reconciliation.
Money Matters: Idioms About Wealth and Value
Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees
- Money is limited and shouldn’t be wasted
- Don’t leave the lights on all night — money doesn’t grow on trees!
- He told his daughter that money doesn’t grow on trees after she asked for another phone.
A Penny Saved Is a Penny Earned
- Saving money is just as valuable as earning it
- She always clips coupons, saying a penny saved is a penny earned.
- He learned early on that a penny saved is a penny earned.
In the Red
- Owing more money than you have
- The business was in the red after several bad investments.
- Many families are in the red due to rising living costs.
Cost an Arm and a Leg
- Extremely expensive
- That designer bag cost an arm and a leg!
- They wanted to remodel their kitchen, but it would cost an arm and a leg.
Money doesn’t grow on trees is used to remind people that money is not unlimited and must be used wisely. It often appears in conversations about budgeting or unnecessary spending.
A penny saved is a penny earned promotes the idea that saving money is just as important as earning it. It reflects a frugal mindset and values small savings over time.
In the red describes financial situations where expenses exceed income, typically in business or personal finance. It’s associated with debt or financial loss.
Cost an arm and a leg is a colorful way to say something is very expensive. It suggests a high price that feels excessive or difficult to afford.
Animal Instincts: Idioms from the Wild
The Elephant in the Room
- An obvious problem that everyone is avoiding
- No one talked about the layoffs — it was the elephant in the room.
- The tension at the dinner table was the elephant in the room.
Let the Cat Out of the Bag
- To reveal a secret accidentally
- She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
- He wasn’t supposed to say anything, but he let the cat out of the bag.
Hold Your Horses
- Slow down or wait patiently
- Hold your horses — we haven’t even packed yet!
- Before we decide, hold your horses and think it through.
A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
- Someone who pretends to be harmless but is dangerous
- The investor turned out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
- Watch out — he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
The elephant in the room refers to a big issue that is clearly present but ignored. It reflects discomfort or avoidance of a sensitive topic that everyone knows about but no one wants to discuss.
Let the cat out of the bag means accidentally revealing a secret or plan. It typically happens without intent, often ruining a surprise or exposing private information.
Hold your horses is a casual expression used to tell someone to slow down, wait, or be patient. It often suggests that someone is rushing into a decision or action.
A wolf in sheep’s clothing warns of someone who hides harmful intentions behind a harmless appearance. It’s about deception and danger disguised as innocence.
Matters of Time: Idioms About the Clock
Beat the Clock
- To finish something before a deadline
- We had to beat the clock to submit the report before midnight.
- She beat the clock and handed in her essay just minutes before it was due.
Around the Clock
- All day and all night without stopping
- The team worked around the clock to meet the launch deadline.
- Emergency services operate around the clock.
Call It a Day
- To stop working for the day
- After ten hours, we decided to call it a day.
- You look exhausted—maybe it’s time to call it a day.
Time Flies
- Time passes very quickly
- The vacation was over before we knew it—time flies!
- Time flies when you’re doing something fun.
Beat the clock emphasizes urgency and success in completing a task just in time. It often relates to deadlines or competitive situations where finishing early is an achievement.
Around the clock describes continuous activity that happens 24/7, without interruption. It’s commonly used to show dedication, urgency, or nonstop service.
Call it a day means to stop working, usually because the task is done or because it’s time to rest. It suggests knowing when to pause and come back refreshed later.
Time flies captures the feeling that time seems to pass quickly, especially when you’re busy or enjoying yourself. It often implies surprise at how fast things change.
Under Pressure: Idioms About Stress and Struggle
On Thin Ice
- In a risky or dangerous situation
- He’s on thin ice with his boss after showing up late again.
- She knew she was on thin ice by ignoring the deadline.
At the End of Your Rope
- Having no strength, patience, or resources left
- After three sleepless nights, he was at the end of his rope.
- I’m at the end of my rope with this noisy neighbor.
Under the Gun
- Under pressure to meet a deadline or expectation
- They were under the gun to finish the project by Friday.
- The editor worked under the gun to publish the article in time.
Crack Under Pressure
- To fail or lose control due to stress
- He cracked under pressure during the final interview.
- The athlete refused to crack under pressure and stayed focused.
On thin ice refers to being in a situation where one wrong move could lead to serious consequences. It suggests danger or the need to be very cautious.
At the end of your rope means you’ve reached your limit emotionally, physically, or mentally. It’s a vivid image of someone who can’t hold on much longer.
Under the gun expresses being in a high-pressure situation, often due to strict deadlines or expectations. It implies urgency and stress.
Crack under pressure describes a person who can’t handle stress and loses control or fails. It’s commonly used in high-stakes situations like sports or job interviews.
Seeing Clearly: Idioms About Perception and Insight
See Eye to Eye
- To agree fully with someone
- They finally saw eye to eye on the budget issue.
- I don’t always see eye to eye with my parents, but we try to understand each other.
A Wake-Up Call
- A warning or realization that something needs attention
- His illness was a wake-up call to take better care of his health.
- The poor test scores were a wake-up call for the school.
A Lightbulb Moment
- A sudden realization or new understanding
- She had a lightbulb moment during the lecture and finally grasped the theory.
- That was a lightbulb moment—I suddenly saw how to solve the puzzle.
See the Big Picture
- To understand the overall situation or goal
- Try to see the big picture before making a decision.
- He focused on details but struggled to see the big picture.
See eye to eye means two people completely agree or share the same opinion. It’s often used to describe mutual understanding or resolution in relationships or work.
A wake-up call is a dramatic realization or event that forces someone to pay attention to a problem. It’s usually a turning point that prompts change.
A lightbulb moment describes the instant someone gains clarity or has a creative insight. The metaphor likens understanding to a light turning on in one’s mind.
See the big picture means to understand how all the pieces fit together in a situation. It’s the opposite of focusing on small details and involves strategic or long-term thinking.
Movement and Change: Idioms of Action
Get the Ball Rolling
- To start something
- Let’s get the ball rolling on this project today.
- She got the ball rolling by sending the first email.
Jump on the Bandwagon
- To join something that’s already popular or successful
- Everyone’s jumping on the bandwagon of using AI.
- He only started painting after it became trendy—just jumped on the bandwagon.
Shift Gears
- To change focus or approach
- After the failure, they shifted gears and tried a new strategy.
- We need to shift gears and think more creatively.
Back to Square One
- To start over after a failed attempt
- The plan didn’t work, so we’re back to square one.
- They lost the data, and now it’s back to square one.
Get the ball rolling suggests initiating an action or process. It implies taking the first step to create momentum for a task or project.
Jump on the bandwagon means to adopt something popular, often without much thought or originality. It usually carries a slightly negative tone, implying imitation.
Shift gears is about changing direction or tactics. It evokes the idea of a vehicle switching speed or direction and is used when adapting to new situations.
Back to square one reflects frustration or disappointment when plans fail, and you must begin again. It’s often used after setbacks in work or planning.
Mind and Memory: Idioms About Thought
Slip Your Mind
- To forget something
- Sorry I missed the meeting—it completely slipped my mind.
- Her name slipped my mind even though I just met her.
Cross Your Mind
- To occur to you briefly as a thought
- It never crossed my mind that he might be lying.
- The idea crossed her mind, but she dismissed it quickly.
Keep in Mind
- To remember or consider something
- Keep in mind that deadlines are strict.
- When traveling, keep in mind the local customs.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
- Remembering past events with nostalgia
- Looking through old photos was a trip down memory lane.
- Visiting my childhood school was a real trip down memory lane.
Slip your mind means you unintentionally forgot something. It’s a casual way to explain minor forgetfulness.
Cross your mind refers to a thought appearing briefly and often unexpectedly. It might not be acted upon, but it’s worth noting that the idea existed.
Keep in mind is a reminder to remember or take something into account. It’s used to help others focus on what matters or what should not be forgotten.
A trip down memory lane describes moments when someone remembers the past fondly. It implies nostalgia and often a strong emotional connection to memories.
6 - Idiom Practice Exercises
PART 1
Exercise 1: Matching Game Match
Match each idiom to the correct meaning by writing the letter next to each number.
- Break the ice
- Hit the nail on the head
- A piece of cake
- Let the cat out of the bag
- Kill two birds with one stone
- Under the weather
- The ball is in your court
Meanings:
A. To feel sick
B. To make the first move in a social situation
C. It’s your decision or responsibility now
D. Accidentally reveal a secret
E. To solve two problems with one action
F. Very easy
G. Say exactly the right thing
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blank
Choose the correct idiom from below and use it to complete each sentence.
spill the beans, cost an arm and a leg, on cloud nine, burn the midnight oil, once in a blue moon, when pigs fly, bite the bullet,
- I had to __________ and tell my boss I made a mistake.
- My sister is __________—she just got accepted into her dream university!
- We only go out to eat at expensive restaurants __________.
- I accidentally __________ about the surprise party.
- That new phone __________!
- She stayed up late to __________ before the exam.
- He’ll clean his room __________—he never does it!
Exercise 3: Complete the Sentence
Finish the sentences with a natural ending that shows you understand the idiom.
- I was nervous at the meeting, but I tried to break the ice by…
- We were running late, but we killed two birds with one stone by…
- He was really under the weather, so he decided to…
- It was a piece of cake, so I didn’t even…
- You hit the nail on the head when you said…
- The ball is in her court now, so she needs to…
- I’ll believe he finishes on time when pigs…
Advanced Bonus Exercise
Each sentence includes an idiom. Underline the idiom and explain what it means in your own words.
- I didn’t want to do it, but I had to bite the bullet.
- Don’t worry, passing that test will be a piece of cake.
- He spilled the beans about our trip.
- We really burned the midnight oil on that project.
- It cost me an arm and a leg, but I bought it anyway.
- You’re always on the ball—I admire that.
- She jumped on the bandwagon after seeing the trend online.
PART 2
In this section we have simple and advanced multiple choice questions.
Simple Multiple Choice Exercise
Choose the best explanation for each idiom.
“Break the ice” means:
A. Break something cold
B. Do something to make people feel comfortable
C. Start a fight
D. Leave quickly“A piece of cake” means:
A. Something delicious
B. A reward
C. Something very easy
D. A celebration“Under the weather” means:
A. Cold
B. Feeling sick
C. Caught in the rain
D. Unhappy“Let the cat out of the bag” means:
A. Free a pet
B. Reveal a secret
C. Go shopping
D. Tell a lie“The ball is in your court” means:
A. You’re playing tennis
B. You should take action
C. It’s someone else’s turn
D. Wait for someone else“Kill two birds with one stone” means:
A. Do something violent
B. Complete two goals at once
C. Be very busy
D. Miss two chances“When pigs fly” means:
A. Something will happen soon
B. Never
C. Very likely
D. An unusual event
Advanced Multiple Choice Exercise
Choose the best interpretation for each of the idioms below.
“Spill the beans” means:
A. Make a mess
B. Tell a secret
C. Cook something
D. Lie about the truth“Bite the bullet” means:
A. Refuse to speak
B. Do something painful or unpleasant bravely
C. Eat quickly
D. Start an argument“Cost an arm and a leg” means:
A. Very expensive
B. A good deal
C. Requires a lot of work
D. Needs surgery“Burn the midnight oil” means:
A. Waste time
B. Stay up late working
C. Go to bed early
D. Light a candle“On cloud nine” means:
A. Angry
B. Confused
C. Very happy
D. Tired“Once in a blue moon” means:
A. Frequently
B. Rarely
C. Every week
D. Always“Jump on the bandwagon” means:
A. Try something new before others
B. Follow a popular trend
C. Get off the bus
D. Argue with someone“You hit the nail on the head” means:
A. You hurt someone
B. You explained something perfectly
C. You started a job
D. You made a mistake“You’re on the ball” means:
A. Confused
B. Late
C. Alert and capable
D. Lucky“Take something with a grain of salt” means:
A. Believe it completely
B. Don’t eat it
C. Be skeptical or cautious
D. Mix salt into food
7 - Idiom Q & A
What is an example of an idiom?
An example of an idiom in the English language is “Break the ice.” This expression does not involve actual ice—it means to make people feel more comfortable in a social situation. Many idioms cannot be understood by looking at the individual words alone.
What is the simple definition of idioms?
An idiom is a group of words whose meaning cannot be predicted from the literal meaning of each word. It is a type of figurative language used to express an idea in an unusual or imaginative manner.
What is the difference between an idiom and a metaphor?
An idiom is a fixed phrase with a specific figurative meaning, like “spill the beans” (reveal a secret). A metaphor, on the other hand, is a direct comparison—“time is a thief”—that doesn’t follow a set structure. Idioms tend to be part of phraseology, while metaphors are more flexible and stylistic.
What is an idiom for kids?
“Hold your horses” is a playful idiom that children can enjoy. It means “wait a moment.” Since idioms are often colorful and imaginative, they can make language learning more fun for younger speakers.
What are some common idioms in English?
Common idiom examples include “under the weather” (feeling ill), “bite the bullet” (face something difficult), and “cost an arm and a leg” (very expensive). These are part of everyday speech and often appear in conversations, books, or films.
What is the difference between an idiom and a proverb?
A proverb is a well-known saying that gives advice or a truth, such as “A stitch in time saves nine.” An idiom, by contrast, is a figurative phrase like “hit the books,” which means to study hard. Idioms are a kind of expression whose meaning is not literal, whereas proverbs usually express a clear message.
How are idioms used in English?
English Idioms are used by speakers to describe something in a more vivid or culturally specific way. They appear in all types of idiomatic language, from casual talk to news writing. Because their meaning cannot be guessed easily, they can be difficult to understand for non-native speakers.
See Also Information for Meaning of Idioms
A dictionary can help identify the idiom meaning, especially when the expression is difficult to understand from the words alone.
Idioms are a form of figurative language that every language has in some way. Their structure often includes a verb and a preposition, forming what’s known as a prepositional idiom or phrasal verb.
Idioms often use a combination of words that may seem strange, e.g. “it’s raining cats and dogs” is a classic example. This idiom is metaphorical, and it describes heavy rain, not actual animals.
The type of idiom used often depends on the context, region, or speaker. Some idioms are specific to American English, British English, or even slang.
Euphemisms are sometimes mistaken for idioms. A euphemism softens unpleasant topics, like saying “passed away” instead of “died.” While both are indirect, euphemisms are used to avoid offense, whereas idioms are often used to enrich everyday speech.
Some idioms date back to Ancient Greek or Shakespearean English. The idiom “Don’t cry over spilled milk” was first attested centuries ago, yet it still appears in modern usage.
Language learners often struggle with idioms because the meaning is not literal and may be based on cultural knowledge. Non-native speakers may assume idioms can be translated word-for-word, but this is rarely true.
Idioms can be constituent-based, meaning the whole phrase must be used together for the meaning to work. If you change one word, the idiom may no longer make sense.
Answers
Exercise 1
- B
- G
- F
- D
- E
- A
- C
Exercise 2
- bite the bullet
- on cloud nine
- once in a blue moon
- spilled the beans
- cost an arm and a leg
- burn the midnight oil
- when pigs fly
Exercise 3 (Sample completions)
- …telling a joke.
- …grabbing lunch on the way to the station.
- …stay home and rest.
- …need to study.
- …we need to focus more.
- …make her final decision.
- …fly.
Advanced Bonus Exercise
- Bite the bullet – Do something difficult or unpleasant bravely
- Piece of cake – Very easy
- Spilled the beans – Revealed a secret
- Burned the midnight oil – Worked late into the night
- Cost an arm and a leg – Was very expensive
- On the ball – Alert and capable
- Jumped on the bandwagon – Started following a trend
Simple Multiple Choice Exercise
- B
- C
- B
- B
- B
- B
- B
Advanced Multiple Choice Exercise
- B
- B
- A
- B
- C
- B
- B
- B
- C
- C
[1] Cambridge English Dictionary
If you want to see other types of expression visit our dedicated page: Types of English Expressions
