English idioms. Idioms in English Idioms in English

How often have you come across expressions in English that simply didn’t make sense when translated into Russian? For example, when you heard the phrase “horse around,” you probably thought of a horse first. In reality, it was about fooling around.

And there are many such examples that can be given. Such expressions are called idioms, and the British use them quite often. By remembering the most common ones, you can make your speech brighter and more lively.

So, let's look at some idioms that are most often found in English speech. Let's divide them by topic.

Weather

"When two Englishmen meet, they first talk about the weather." This saying of Samuel Johnson, expressed several centuries ago, is still relevant today. It is not surprising that a considerable part of the idioms is related to the topic of weather.

• rain cats and dogs- pour like a bucket
• face like thunder- darker than the clouds
• storm in a teacup- a storm in a teacup, much ado about nothing
• chase rainbows- chasing the unattainable
• lightning-fast- lightning fast
• have one's head in the clouds- have your head in the clouds
• be snowed under- be overloaded with work
• be under the weather- feel unwell
• twist in the wind- languish
• under the cloud- under suspicion
• as right as rain- All right
• for a rainy day- for a rainy day
• bolt from the blue- out of the blue
• throw caution to the winds- stop being careful
• weather the storm- survive difficult times
• sail close to the wind- walk on the edge of an abyss
• on cloud nine- on the seventh heaven
• shoot the breeze- chat about trifles
• in a fog- confused
• go down a storm- succeed

Money

An equally popular topic of interest is, of course, money. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the most common “money” idioms.

• a piece of the pie- share
• gravity train- Easy Money
• bring home the bacon- provide for family, prosper
• make ends meet- make ends meet
• hit the jackpot- hit the jackpot
• be in the red- to be in debt
• make a bundle- make a lot of money
• bet your bottom dollar- guarantee something
• look like a million dollars- look your best
• cost a pretty penny- cost a lot of money
• go Dutch- pay your share
• nest egg- stash
• golden handshake- large severance pay
• cheapskate- miser
• be flushed with money- bask in luxury
• at all costs- at any cost
• live beyond one's means- live beyond your means
• break the bank- spend a lot
• cost a fortune- cost a fortune
• on the breadline- below the poverty line

Time

"Time is money". This famous saying can often be heard among the English. It confirms their extremely careful attitude to time. It is not for nothing that many idioms are dedicated to him.

• once in a blue moon- very rarely
• behind the times- outdated
• time flies- time flies
• the big time- big success
• around the clock- around the clock
• dwell on the past- live in the past
• have the time of one's life- have a great time
• crack of dawn- at sunrise
• run out of time- run out
• in the blink of an eye- in an instant
• like clockwork- without interruption
• for donkey's years- since time immemorial
• pressed for time- be in a hurry
• give someone a hard time- reprimand
• be ahead of time- get ahead
• to have a whale of a time- have a great time
• go with the times- to keep up with the times
• on the spur of the moment- from a swoop
• in broad daylight- in broad daylight
• catch unawares- take by surprise

Animals

There are hardly any people who love pets more than the British. Therefore, animals occupy a place of honor not only in English homes, but also in speech.

• monkey business- meaningless work
• smell a rat- smell bad
• top dog- winner
• cash cow- source of funds, cash cow
• eager beaver- hard worker, business sausage
• black sheep- White crow
• elephant in the room- I didn’t even notice the elephant, that’s obvious
• when pigs fly- when the cancer hangs down
• like a cat on a hot tin roof- to be out of place
• in the doghouse- out of favor
• be as busy as a bee- work like a bee
• let a cat out of the bag- let the cat out of the bag
• horse around- fool around
• as poor as a church mouse- poor as a church mouse, penniless
• lion's share of something- lion's share
• eat like a horse- have a voracious appetite
• have a tiger by the tail- challenge fate
• hear it straight from the horse's mouth- from the original source
• butterflies in the stomach- neither alive nor dead
• like water off a duck's back- like water off a duck's back

Dialogue

Original

Translation

- Mark, who do you think we should give some bonus for the previous month? - I don't know. Who are the main candidates? - So, there are Lucy, Michael and Judy. - I think that Lucy works a lot, but she is a black sheep of the team. - Yes, I agree with you. What do you think about Michael? - It seems to me that he is an eager beaver. - But he is in the doghouse, isn't he? - Yes, our boss doesn't like him. And what about Judy? - I like her. She is always as busy as a bee. - You're right. She deserves our company's bonus.

- Mark, who do you think we should give the bonus for the last month? - I don't know. Who are the main contenders? - So, this is Lucy, Michael and Judy. - I think Lucy works a lot, but she White crow in a team. - Yes, I agree with you. What do you think about Michael? - It seems to me that he hard worker. - But he out of favor, is not it? - Yes, our boss doesn't like him. What about Judy? - I like her. She always works like a bee. - You are right. She deserves company bonuses.

Food

Despite the fact that English cuisine does not shine with variety, the number of idioms dedicated to food is considerable. We present you the most common “delicious” idioms.

• egghead- smart ass
• big cheese- influential person
• couch potato- slacker
• tough cookie- hooligan
• top banana- leader
• bad apple- scoundrel
• eat one's words- take back your words
• the apple of one's eye- the apple of my eye
• hard nut to crack- a difficult task, a tough nut to crack
• in a nutshell- in brief
• have an egg on one's face- look stupid
• as cool as a cucumber- cold-blooded
• be full of beans- be energetic
• as slow as molasses- very slow
• chew the fat- sharpen laces
• sell like hot cakes- be selling like hot cakes
• take something with a pinch of salt- not to trust
• bite off more than one can chew- overestimate your capabilities
• cry over spilled milk- grieve about the irreparable
• hot potato- actual topic

Dialogue

Original

Translation

- Tom, who do you think may be in charge of this project? - I'm not sure, but I think that Jack will cope with it easily. - If I were you, I wouldn't be so sure. Sometimes he is a coach potato. - Yes, but last time he tried to solve a very big problem of the company. - I agree. However, I think that he bit off more than he could chew. - But he has great advantages. He is a very sociable and reliable person. - Ok, I will think about his nomination.

- Tom, who do you think can lead this project? - I'm not sure, but I think Jack can easily deal with him. - If I were you, I wouldn’t be so sure. He sometimes idle. - Yes, but last time he tried to solve a very big problem in the company. - Agree. However, I think that he overestimated his capabilities. - But it also has great advantages. He is a very sociable and reliable person. - Okay, I'll think about his appointment.

We hope that these idioms will help you diversify your speech. And our school’s teachers will be happy to explain to you all the intricacies of their use.

Big and friendly EnglishDom family

We recommend that you get acquainted with English idioms from the very beginning level, since in the process of learning English you can not only learn the vocabulary of a wide variety of topics along the way, but also better understand the way of thinking of the English, their habits and traditions. After all, behind each idiom there is a whole story, by becoming familiar with which you can learn the English idiom itself much faster and more effectively, and, most importantly, begin to use it in speech.

All idioms of the English language can be divided into two groups. The first is those that are identical in meaning in the Russian language, that is, such idioms, the literal translation of which coincides with a similar idiom in Russian. For example, the English idiom “to take the bull by the horns” is understandable to everyone who knows every single word of this idiom - “to take”, “the bull”, “by the horns”. Together we can “take the bull by the horns,” that is, get straight to the point. The meaning of this English idiom is clear to us, since the same one exists in the Russian language.

The second group is those English idioms whose meaning you simply need to learn or, having understood the history of the emergence of the English idiom itself, remember, relying on associations. For example, the English idiom, "donkey work" means unpleasant, boring work. However, the translation of each individual word “donkey” (donkey) and “work” (work) does not lead us to such a conclusion, to such a translation. But, imagining a donkey and its daily physical labor associated with carrying a load, the meaning of this English idiom becomes clear.

By studying idioms of the first group, that is, those that have a direct meaning, the literal translation of which is understandable to a Russian-speaking student, you can very quickly expand your vocabulary and learn many simple, but at the same time, words necessary for communication. The process of memorizing words from English idioms will be simplified by instant understanding and recognition of a phrase that you have heard repeatedly or used in your native speech.

It is the second group of idioms that creates the greatest difficulty for students of all levels studying English; it is misleading in exams, when talking with foreigners, when watching programs and films in English, listening to English podcasts and songs. Only practice will help here:

• systematically study 2-3 idioms a day, written down by yourself in a notebook or notebook
• try in each situation to remember at least one English idiom on the topic and use it in the topic
• re-read notes of English idioms in order to refresh your memory, while saying the idiom out loud, loudly and clearly
• draw those idioms that you can’t remember - the illustrations depicted in person will force you to repeatedly think about the meaning of the idiom, repeat its pronunciation to yourself or out loud, think about the meaning of each individual word
• be observant - when communicating in English, do not just listen to the interlocutor, but hear him - catch idioms in his speech, try to paraphrase what was said or heard using an English idiom

English idioms about animals, food, sports, travel, love, flowers, business, etc. will be an excellent help in conversations with English-speaking interlocutors, examiners and native speakers. You will become more confident in understanding English speech, and also express your point of view at ease and closer to the speech of the British and Americans, which will cause surprise and admiration for your level of language.

In addition to regularly learning new words, you need to take a serious approach to enriching your vocabulary with new phrases and phrases that are often used in English-speaking countries. Very often in the English language there are expressions that can easily confuse anyone who begins to learn this language. Such phrases are called idioms or phraseological units. They are used quite often by the English in everyday communication, so it would be nice to know some of them. Almost all the idioms are a little funny and funny, so we hope you can remember them easily. We present to your attention some of them. Learn and cheer yourself up!

1. Everything But the Kitchen Sink

What do you think the expression “ Everything But the Kitchen Sink"? Hint: it has nothing to do with the sink. This idiom means “everything you can imagine.” He orders everything but the kitchen sink when he goes out to lunch, especially if someone else is paying for it. He ordered everything he could imagine, especially when someone paid for it all.

2. The lights are on, but nobody’s home

This expression is used when talking about a person who does not shine with intelligence. Ann didn't know he is so stupid. The lights are on but nobody’s home. Anne didn't know he was so stupid.

3. To pig out

How do you think a pig eats? Very fast and a lot. Therefore, this expression means to eat “like a pig,” to overeat, to eat very quickly. He pigs out at Thanksgiving because he loves to eat turkey. Since he loves to eat turkey, he overeats on Thanksgiving Day.

4. Face the music

Well, this idiom has nothing to do with music at all. " Face the music” means to accept the negative consequences of what you have done, to face difficulties or criticism without fear, to face danger, or to get the full benefit. He had to face the music after he had forgotten to call her. He got it in full, forgetting to call her.

5. When pigs fly

This expression literally translates as “when pigs fly.” In Russian there is an analogue of this idiom: when the crayfish whistles on the mountain. This is what they say when they know they will never get what they want. Do you think she will quit her job now that she’s pregnant? Yeah, when pigs fly! Do you think she'll quit her job now that she's pregnant? Yes, when the cancer whistles on the mountain.

6. Bite the bullet

Do you think the bullet tastes good? When the British use this expression in speech, this is not what they mean at all. Phraseologism " Bite the bullet“means to endure, gritting your teeth, resigning yourself and doing something unpleasant, but necessary. There is an opinion that the origin of this idiom is associated with operations without painkillers in the field, when a wounded soldier was put in the mouth of a bullet so that he would not bite off his tongue from the pain. Peter had to bite the bullet and give in to his boss’s unreasonable demands. Peter gritted his teeth and submitted to his boss's unfair demands.

7. Drive someone up a wall

Drive someone up a wall means to drive someone “to the point of white heat”, to drive them crazy. All my problems will drive me up the wall someday. All my problems will one day drive me crazy.

8. Drive something home

This expression means to reach someone, to drive something into their head. The teacher repeated the argument three times just to drive it home. The teacher repeated the topic three times in order to get through.

9. Not so hot

The meaning of this idiom is that something is not very good, does not reach a good level (so-so). The service in this restaurant was not so hot. The food wasn't impressive. The service at this restaurant was so-so. The food was not impressive.

10. To rain cats and dogs

You probably guessed what this idiom means. It is used when talking about bad weather conditions, when there is heavy rain (rain.) It is believed that this expression belongs to the Irish writer J. Swift. It's raining cats and dogs out there! It's raining outside.

11. Nest Egg

Sometimes you can hear the following from your interlocutor in England: I have to take some money out of my nest egg(I need to use money from my savings). Those. " Nest Egg” means money set aside for the future.

12. Finger lickin' good

The idiom “Finger lickin’ good” means something very, very tasty, “finger lickin’ good.” My mom makes the best cake! It's finger lickin' good! My mom bakes the best pie. Real jam!

13. Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover

Literally translated, this means “don’t judge a book by its cover.” This is said when they want to say that someone or something is not really what it seems at first glance, or that first impressions are deceiving. She may seem slow and awkward, but don"t judge a book by its cover. She’s our best colleague. She may seem slow and clumsy, but don't judge by her appearance. She is our best employee.

Idioms are the best way to learn a foreign language and get to know the peculiarities of the people who came up with these unusual expressions. Knowing them will help you easily communicate with friends, acquaintances and colleagues and “not lose face”!

Idiom- this is a stable phrase characteristic only of a given language, the meaning of which is not determined by the meaning of the words included in it taken individually. Due to the fact that the idiom cannot be translated literally, difficulties in translation and understanding often arise.

Imagine you are in an American bar. Here everyone talks loudly and shares their life events.

You hear one guy talk about hitting books.

...the other says twisting someone's hand.

...and someone was completely stabbed in the back.

What do you think is happening here?!

You scratched your head and wondered why I can’t understand anything if I know all the words?!

The answer is simple - you became familiar with English idioms. Here, you will learn the best idioms in English with translation.

Why learn idioms in English?

You have learned English grammar, all the rules, hundreds of exceptions. Even an American student might envy your vocabulary. You probably have certificates that adorn your wall and speak of your good command of the English language.

What you learn from a textbook and from real life is different. Learning everyday idioms in English will help you feel comfortable in any life situation: in a cafe, cinema, park or on a date.

To understand idioms, you don't need to translate them word for word. To help you become familiar with English idioms, we have prepared the best idioms in English with translation.

The best idioms in English with translation

A popular idiom among American students who have a lot of classes.

Translation: study.

Example:“Sorry, but I can’t watch the football game with you tonight. I have to hit the books. I have an important exam next week!” - “Sorry, but I can’t watch football with you tonight. I have to study. I have an important exam next week."

When translated literally, it means you want to hit the bag, but in reality the meaning is completely different.

Translation: go to bed when you are very tired.

Example: “It’s time for me to hit the sack, I’m so tired” - “It’s time for me to go to bed, I’m very tired.”

(To) Twist someone's arm

If you take this idiom literally, you can twist a person’s arm and cause pain. Be careful!

Translation: convince someone.

Example:

A-"Jake, you should really go to this party tonight!"

B-“You know, I can’t!” I have to hit the books!”

A-“C'mon, you have to come! It’s going to be so much fun and there are going to be lots of girls there. Please come?" B-“Oh, all right, you have twisted my arm. I will come."

A-“Jake, you should go to this party tonight!”

B-“You know I can’t! I need to study!”

A-“Come on, you have to go! It will be a lot of fun and there will be a lot of girls there. Let's go, please!

B-“Okay, you convinced me! I will go!"

(To) Be up in the air

When translated literally, one might think that something is in the sky. But, in fact, we use this idiom when we want to talk about plans or things that are incomprehensible and completely unknown.

Translation: incomprehensible, unclear

Example:

A:“Ruby, have you set the date for the wedding yet?”

B:“No! Things are still up in the air."

A:“Ruby, have you decided on a wedding date yet?”

B:"No! Everything is still unclear.”

(To) Stab someone in the back

If you understand this idiom literally, you can end up in the police, since the idiom literally translates as, stab you in the back with a knife. Therefore, be careful! In fact, the idiom is used when we talk about people who have betrayed trust.

Translation: betray someone

Example:

A:“Did you hear Sarah stabbed Kate in the back last week?”

B:“No! How? They were best friends!

A:"Did you hear Sarah betrayed Kate last week?"

B:"No! How? They were best friends."

(To) Lose your touch

This idiom does not mean losing the ability to touch, but quite the opposite. The real meaning is that you are losing your former acumen or talent for something.

Translation: lose touch, lose skill

Example:

A:“I don’t understand why girls don’t want to speak to me?!”

B:“It looks like you’ve lost your touch with the ladies.”

A:“I don’t understand why girls don’t want to start a conversation with me?!”

B:“You seem to have lost your former grip.”

Translation: wait patiently

Example:

A:“Do you have any idea when the exam results are going to come out?”

B:“Who knows John, sometimes they come out quickly, but it could take some time. You are just going to have to sit tight."

A:“Do you know when the exam results will be out?”

B:"Who knows!? Sometimes they arrive quickly, but it may take a while. You will just wait patiently."

Translation: chip in, contribute your share, get down to business together

Example:

A:“What are you going to buy Sally for her birthday?”

B:“I don’t know. I don't have much money. Maybe we can pitch in and buy her something great.”

A:“What are you going to buy Sally for her birthday?”

B:"I don't know. I don't have a lot of money. Maybe we can all chip in and buy something good.”

(To) Go cold turkey

This idiom appeared in the 20th century and is used when people abuse something harmful, such as alcohol or smoking, and their complexion resembles the color of a chilled turkey.

Translation: quit a bad habit

Example:

A:“Shall I bring you a glass if wine?”

B:“No, thank you. I went cold turkey last month"

A:“Should I get you a glass of wine?”

B:"No thanks. I stopped drinking."

Translation: be responsible for your actions

Example:

A:“I can’t understand why I failed math.”

B:“You didn’t study hard, so you’re going to face the music, but you can take the class again next semester.”

A:"I don't understand why I failed math."

B:“You didn't study hard, so you'll have to answer for it. But you can go to class again next semester."

Often in English speech you can hear phrases or expressions that confuse any foreigner for whom English is not their native language. These are idioms, or phraseological units, which for English-speaking people are an integral part of daily communication. And if you decide to improve your English skills, pay attention to 20 idioms that are found quite often. Some of them will make you smile.

20 common idioms

A Chip on Your Shoulder

No, this does not mean that a piece of something fell on your shoulder. “To have a chip on one’s shoulder” means resentment for a past failure, as if having passed through a destroyed building, a piece of it remained with the person for many years.

Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

This idiom means something akin to when you take a huge bite of a sandwich and end up unable to move your jaws to chew it. That is, you take on more than what you can handle successfully. For example, your agreement to create 10 websites in a week, while usually you can only do 5.

You Can't Take It With You

The meaning of this idiom is that you can't take anything with you when you die, so you shouldn't constantly deny yourself everything, or save things for a special occasion. You Can't Take It With You encourages you to live now because eventually your things will outlive you.

Everything But the Kitchen Sink

This expression means that almost everything has been packed/taken/stolen. For example, if someone says “The thieves stole everything but the kitchen sink!” this means that the thieves stole everything they could take with them. In fact, it is very difficult to lift and carry the sink with you.

Over My Dead Body

Most of us will understand this phrase. An idiom that has the same meaning as the Russian expression "Only over my corpse."

Tie the Knot

Meaning: to get married. The phrase remains from the tradition of tying the hands of newlyweds with a ribbon so that their lives are sealed together for many years to come.

Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover

This phrase can be literally translated as “don’t judge a book by its cover.” It is used in cases where they want to explain that things are not always what they seem at first glance, and even if the first impression was not positive, sometimes you should give it another chance.

When Pigs Fly

Akin to our phrase “when the cancer whistles on the mountain,” only with a different hero. The idiom means "never".

A Leopard Can't Change His Spots

The meaning of the phrase: “you are who you are.” A person cannot change who he really is deep down in his soul, just as a leopard cannot change the pattern on his skin.

Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve

That is, express your emotions freely, as if your heart was outside your body.

Bite Your Tongue!

Another great phrase is “bite your tongue” (an understatement). Used when it is recommended to a person. Goes in step with the following idiom.

Put a Sock In It

And this expression is sharper - it means “shut up.” The idea is clear - if you put a sock in your mouth, a person will not be able to speak. It's probably used when the previous idiom didn't work.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

The idea is that if several dogs are sleeping peacefully after a fight, it is better to leave them alone. The idea is that you should not bring up old disputes/thorny topics, as they can start a quarrel again.

Foam at the Mouth

Describes a state where a person hisses and growls with foam at the mouth, like a rabid dog. Our equivalent is “to be furious.”

A Slap on the Wrist

Means a very mild punishment. A slap on the wrist will not cause much pain, but will be a good deterrent to misbehaving again.

You Are What You Eat

An idiom, the literal translation of which is firmly established in our language. "You are what you eat".

It's a Piece of Cake!

Means it's incredibly easy. What could be easier than eating a piece of pie?

It Takes Two to Tango

The point is that one person cannot dance tango. So, if something happened in a case in which 2 people took part, and two people are responsible for the result.

Head Over Heels

The idiom means “to be incredibly joyful and in a given mood, especially in love (close meaning is “head over heels”). How to go down a hill on wheels, fly upside down.

An Arm and a Leg

A great phrase that means paying too much for something. When the price is so high that you have to sell part of your body to afford it.

Do you like idioms?

Personally, I love idioms, because with their help you can “dig” into the language and get acquainted with the characteristics of the people who came up with these strange expressions. I often draw a picture in my head of what an idiom means, and next to it a picture of the literal translation. In addition to the fact that the results are often uplifting, this method also helps to visually memorize new expressions and then use them in speech.

Do you have anything to add? Write your favorite (or not so favorite) idioms in the comments.