Twenty of the most common expressions in English.

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Idioms. Native English speakers love using them in conversation, and you’ll often find them popping up in books, TV shows and movies too. To perfect your English, you really need to become confident in using idioms and knowing the difference between breaking a leg and pulling someone’s leg.

If you intend taking an IELTS exam in the future, using common expressions in your writing and speaking sections will be very important. Using common expressions shows a good understanding of the language.

Here are 20 English idioms that everyone should know:

How to do this lesson: 

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Read the expression an the meaning to your teacher.
                     2. Write a simple sentence using the expression in the correct way.
                     3. If there are errors then rewrite the sentence again with the help of your teacher.

1. Under the weather

What does it mean? To feel ill

How do you use it? In England we love to talk about the weather and will do so often, but don’t be fooled by this common phrase. If someone says they’re feeling under the weather, your response should be ‘I hope you feel better!’, not ‘Would you like to borrow my umbrella?’.

NEW VOCABULARY:

Now write a simple sentence using the expression: 

2. The ball is in your court

What does it mean? It’s up to you

How do you use it? It’s your move now, but this idiom refers to life rather than a sport. If you’ve got the ‘ball,’ the decision is yours and someone is waiting for your decision.

NEW VOCABULARY:

Now write a simple sentence using the expression: 

3. Spill the beans

What does it mean? To give away a secret

How do you use it? If you told someone about their own surprise party, you’d have ‘spilled the beans’ or even ‘let the cat out of the bag’. The secret is out.

NEW VOCABULARY:

Now write a simple sentence using the expression: 

4. Break a leg

What does it mean? To wish someone luck

How do you use it? This idiom is not at all threatening. Often accompanied by a thumbs up, ‘Break a leg! ’is an encouraging cheer of good luck. It originates from when successful theater performers would to bow so many times after a show that they would break a leg.

NEW VOCABULARY:

Now write a simple sentence using the expression: 

5. Pull someone’s leg

What does it mean? To play a practical joke

How do you use it? This is the perfect phrase to learn if you’re a fan of practical jokes. ‘Pull their leg’ is similar to ‘wind someone up’. Use it in context: ‘Relax, I’m just pulling your leg!’ or ‘Wait, are you pulling my leg?’.

NEW VOCABULARY:

Now write a simple sentence using the expression: 

6. Sat on the fence

What does it mean? To be undecided

How do you use it? If you’re sat on the fence, you’ve not decided which side of an argument you agree with. ‘I’m on the fence about hot yoga classes,’ translates as ‘I’m not sure whether I enjoy yoga in a sauna yet.’

NEW VOCABULARY:

Now write a simple sentence using the expression: 

7. Through thick and thin

What does it mean? To be loyal no matter what

How do you use it? Often used to describe families or BFFs, ‘through thick and thin’ means that you’re by each other’s side no matter what happens, through the bad times, as well as the good.

NEW VOCABULARY:

Now write a simple sentence using the expression: 

8. Once in a blue moon

What does it mean? Rarely

How do you use it? This charming phrase is used to describe something that doesn’t happen often. Example: ‘I remember to call my parents from my study abroad trip once in a blue moon.’

NEW VOCABULARY:

Now write a simple sentence using the expression: 

9. It’s the best thing since sliced bread

What does it mean? It’s really, really good

How do you use it? Sliced bread must have revolutionised life in England because it’s since been used as the ultimate benchmark for things that are great. We love it almost as much as tea.

NEW VOCABULARY:

Now write a simple sentence using the expression: 

10. Take it with a pinch of salt

What does it mean? Don’t take it too seriously

How do you use it? ‘I heard that elephants can fly now, but Sam often makes up stories so I take everything he says with a pinch of salt.’

NEW VOCABULARY:

Now write a simple sentence using the expression: 

11. Come rain or shine

What does it mean? No matter what

How do you use it? You guarantee to do something, regardless of the weather or any other situation that might arise. ‘I’ll be at your football game, come rain or shine’.

NEW VOCABULARY:

Now write a simple sentence using the expression: 

12. Go down in flames

What does it mean? To fail spectacularly

How do you use it? This phrase is fairly obvious. ‘That exam went down in flames, I should have learned my English idioms.’

NEW VOCABULARY:

13. You can say that again

What does it mean? That’s true

How do you use it? Generally exclaimed in agreement. When a friend says ‘Ryan Reynolds is gorgeous!’, you can reply ‘You can say that again!’

NEW VOCABULARY:

Now write a simple sentence using the expression: 

14. See eye to eye

What does it mean? To agree completely

How do you use it? We’re not suggesting a staring contest – to see eye to eye with someone is to agree with the point they’re making.

NEW VOCABULARY:

Now write a simple sentence using the expression: 

15. Jump on the bandwagon

What does it mean? Following a trend

How do you use it? When a person joins in with something popular or does something just because it’s cool. See this brunch-based example: ‘She doesn’t even like avocado on toast. She’s just jumping on the bandwagon.’

NEW VOCABULARY:

Now write a simple sentence using the expression: 

16. As right as rain

What does it mean? Perfect