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I understand you’re looking for a comprehensive list of idiomatic expressions. Here’s a more detailed compilation,
categorized by themes, with examples and explanations:
1. Everyday Situations
A blessing in disguise
Meaning: Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.
Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise because it pushed me to start my own business.
A dime a dozen
Meaning: Very common and easy to find.
Example: Those souvenir keychains are a dime a dozen at the tourist shops.
Bite the bullet
Meaning: To face a difficult situation bravely.
Example: I have to bite the bullet and tell him the truth, even though it might hurt him.
Break the ice
Meaning: To initiate conversation in a social setting.
Example: He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
Example: You hit the nail on the head when you said the project needed more resources.
2. Emotions and Reactions
All ears
Meaning: Fully listening and paying attention.
Example: Go ahead, I’m all ears. Tell me what’s been on your mind.
Cold feet
Meaning: Feeling nervous or hesitant about doing something.
Example: I was going to ask her out, but I got cold feet at the last moment.
Drive someone up the wall
Meaning: To irritate or annoy someone greatly.
Example: Her constant humming drives me up the wall; I can’t concentrate with that noise.
On cloud nine
Meaning: Extremely happy.
Example: She’s been on cloud nine since she got the promotion.
Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: To worry or complain about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
Example: Yes, we made a mistake, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk. Let’s focus on finding
a solution.
3. Work and Effort
Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working or to end an activity.
Example: We’ve been painting all afternoon; let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.
Cut corners
Meaning: To do something quickly or take shortcuts, often sacrificing quality.
Example: Don’t cut corners on this project; it needs to be excellent to impress the new client.
Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To work late into the night.
Example: She’s been burning the midnight oil to finish her thesis.
Hit the ground running
Meaning: To start something and proceed at a fast pace with enthusiasm.
Example: The new manager hit the ground running, implementing new policies on her first day.
Pull your weight
Meaning: To do your fair share of work.
Example: Everyone needs to pull their weight if we want to finish this project on time.
4. Relationships and Social Situations
Bury the hatchet
Meaning: To reconcile or make peace after a conflict.
Example: After years of not speaking to each other, they finally decided to bury the hatchet and
become friends again.
By the skin of your teeth
Meaning: Just barely or narrowly escaping a difficult situation.
Example: I passed the exam by the skin of my teeth; I got the minimum required score.
Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: To worry or complain about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
Example: Yes, we made a mistake, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk. Let’s focus on finding
a solution.
Hit it off
Meaning: To get along well with someone immediately.
Example: They hit it off right away and have been best friends ever since.
Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To reveal a secret unintentionally.
Example: She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
5. Money and Value
Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: To be very expensive.
Example: That luxury car must have cost him an arm and a leg.
A penny for your thoughts
Meaning: A way of asking someone what they are thinking.
Example: You look deep in thought. A penny for your thoughts?
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Meaning: Something you already have is more valuable than something you might get in the future.
Example: John already has a job offer, but he is considering waiting for a better one. I think he should
take the offer because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Break the bank
Meaning: To cost too much money.
Example: We can go out to dinner, but let’s not break the bank.
Money doesn’t grow on trees
Meaning: Money is not easy to get and should not be wasted.
Example: You need to be more careful with your spending; money doesn’t grow on trees.
6. Health and Well-being
Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling ill.
Example: I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I think I’ll stay home.
Fit as a fiddle
Meaning: In good health.
Example: Despite his age, he’s as fit as a fiddle.
Burn out
Meaning: To become very tired or sick from working too hard.
Example: She’s been working so much lately that she’s starting to burn out.
Kick the bucket
Meaning: To die.
Example: He’s not afraid of kicking the bucket; he’s lived a full life.
Break a leg
Meaning: Good luck (often said to performers).
Example: You’re going to do great in the play tonight. Break a leg!
7. Time and Speed
In the nick of time
Meaning: Just in time; at the last possible moment.
Example: We got to the airport in the nick of time; our flight was about to leave.
Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Very rarely.
Example: He only comes to visit once in a blue moon.
Time flies
Meaning: Time passes quickly.
Example: Time flies when you’re having fun.
Around the clock
Meaning: All day and all night.
Example: The hospital staff worked around the clock to care for the patients.
Against the clock
Meaning: Rushed and short on time.
Example: We’re working against the clock to finish the project by the deadline.
These idioms cover a wide range of themes and can be very useful in making your conversations more engaging
and expressive. If you need more idioms or specific categories, feel free to ask!
