I thought I’d give you a few nice, common idioms today – who doesn’t love an idiom?!
These are all ones you can easily slip into conversation to express your thoughts and make your English sound really natural.
Meaning from context
Read the example sentences below. You should be able to work out the meaning of the idioms from the context.
Keep your cards close to your chest
It’s hard to know what Gemma really thinks about the situation at work. She keeps her cards close to her chest.
The ball is his court
Well I’ve told Logan how I feel so the ball is in his court now. I’m just waiting for him to get in touch with his answer.
Move the goalposts
Every time I think I’m making progress with the project, they move the goalposts. It’s impossible to reach their targets.
To be rushed off your feet
Sorry I haven’t had a chance to call. I’ve been rushed off my feet all day! It’s just been manic!
Come from a broken home
I know she’s a difficult teenager but you have to understand she comes from a broken home. Her parents went through a nasty divorce when she was a toddler. It hasn’t been easy for her.
His bark is worse than his bite
Don’t worry about Paul. He seems scary but trust me, his bark is worse than his bite! He’s actually a nice guy once you get to know him.
Show somebody the ropes
This is my first time in this office so I’m not sure how everything works here. Maybe you can show me the ropes? I’d really appreciate it.
Bite your tongue
I know you want to tell Pete what you really think about his negative attitude but can you just bite your tongue until the contract is signed?! I don’t want him to cancel our deal.
Practise Activities
Here are a few things you can do to help those common idioms stick in your head:
- Cover my examples and try to remember them word for word
- Have a friend read you the example but with the idiom missing and try to complete the gap
- Record yourself (on your phone) saying the idiom and the example sentence
- Write your own personalised examples for each idiom
Question for you…..
Which is your favourite idiom? Which one can you picture yourself using in a conversation? Leave me your reply below!
7 Responses
Climbing the steps one step at a time to better my approach to speaking and expressing my thoughts in the english language so rich and profound. Reading your column with enthusiasm and delight.
Step by step is exactly the right approach Mohan! I’m so happy to hear your passion for English and that you are enjoying my blog posts 😊
Yes, spend time working on them. Thanks
Nice!
Glad you like it Juan 😊
I think that all phrases/idioms are very usefully. Thanks for the good explanations.
Ah, you’re welcome Kalinka! I’m glad you found the explanations helpful 😊