Want to add personality to your English? An idiom is like a secret code: a special phrase or expression that has a meaning different from the literal words used. Idioms provide a wonderful opportunity to add creativity and flair to everyday conversations while also conveying complex ideas and emotions in a way that is captivating and relatable to others. In this new series, a blend of our 10 Words and Idioms segments, we’ll choose an idea and share different ways to express it in English. Today, we are looking at 18 different ways to communicate that something is easy – let’s get started! a breeze – The test was a breeze. ...
all sweetness and light – harmonious, benevolent in light of something – with something taken into consideration in the cold light of day – after one has had the time to properly consider a situation in the limelight/spotlight – in the centre of attention leading light – an influential person light at the end of the tunnel – a signal that a long period of hardship is coming to an end the light of one’s life – someone who is deeply loved to go out like a light – to fall asleep quickly or suddenly to bring something to light – to make something known, to expose something to come to li...
a safe pair of hands – a capable, responsible, and reliable person all hands to the pump/all hands on deck – all members of a group or team must be involved at hand – close by, accessible at/by the hands of – done or caused by cap/hat in hand – humbly (used to describe someone who is asking for a favour) first-hand – from an original source hand in glove with – closely associated with, in collusion with hand over fist – very quickly hand-me-down – a piece of clothing or other item which has been passed from one person to another hands down – clearly, decisively hands-off – without direct involvemen...
If you’re one of our regular readers you’ll be familiar with articles about idioms, but every now and then we like to share a recap for our new subscribers. Here are Spellzone we believe that one of the reasons English is such a difficult language to learn is because it’s full of idioms. Every few weeks we take a list of popular idioms and translate them for our second-language English speakers. An idiom is an expression which has a figurative meaning rather than a literal one. For example, when someone says ‘needle in a haystack’ they probably aren’t actually talking about a needle and a haystack, but about something that is as difficult to fi...
“Oops-a-daisy!” – an expression of encouragement said to a child who has fallen/ hurt him or herself, an expression of mild annoyance used when something has gone wrong a late bloomer – someone who is slower than their peers to develop in a particular field a shrinking violet – a (comically) shy person a thorn in your side – a source of annoyance or discomfort as fresh as a daisy – healthy, energetic, youthful flowery – a word used to describe speech, writing, or language that uses elaborate (but not necessarily effective) literary words or devices ...
a bad apple spoils the barrel – a bad/corrupt person will ruin the group’s endeavour a bite at the cherry – an attempt at an opportunity a bowl of cherries – a pleasant situation apple of (someone’s) eye – the person someone most loves/cherishes/admires bad/rotten apple – a bad influence/someone who brings trouble gone pear-shaped – gone unexpectedly wrong like a ripe plum – with little or no effort like apples and oranges/like apples to oranges – very different/incompatible sour grapes – someone who is negative about something because they can’t have it for themself the apple/fruit ...
Last week we looked at 25 idioms about farming, here are 25 more: to chicken out – to opt out of doing something because of being frightened to egg someone on – to urge someone to do something foolish/ to encourage someone to do something they don’t want to do to farm out – to delegate work to people outside of your company to flog/beat a dead horse – to spend a lot of energy on something that is a lost cause to get someone’s goat – to annoy someone to go the whole hog – to fully commit to an act to have a cow – to become angry or excited to have egg on your face – to look foolish to h...
“Hold your horses!” – an expression requesting someone to wait a moment/hold on/slow down “Holy cow!” – an exclamation of surprise or shock a good/bad/rotten egg – a good/bad/rotten person a hard row to hoe – something difficult as happy as a pig in mud – very happy as meek as a lamb – very meek as stubborn as a mule – very stubborn as sure as eggs is eggs – without a doubt chickens come home to roost – bad things from your past may come back to cause trouble cock and bull story – a far-fetched and unlikely story dark horse – a less well-known c...
a barrel/bundle of laughs – something that's fun or amusing a bundle of joy – a baby as happy as a clam – very happy as happy as Larry – very happy as pleased as punch – delighted, proud buzzing – very excited fool’s paradise – happiness predicated on ignoring potential problems or troubles happy accident – a mistake or unplanned occurrence which results in something good happy camper – someone who is comfortable and content happy-go-lucky – cheerfully content, unconcerned about the future in seventh heaven – extremely happy in stitches – laughing un...
1. a clean bill of health – a declaration that someone is healthy again 2. a clean break – a complete separation 3. a clean getaway – an undetected escape 4. a clean slate/sheet – free of existing commitments and restrictions 5. a new broom sweeps clean – people who are new to a responsibility will make vast changes 6. as clean as a whistle – very clean 7. clean cut – appearing neat and tidy 8. elbow grease –physical effort...
1. a light-bulb moment – a moment of sudden inspiration or enlightenment 2. a senior moment – a momentary lapse in memory 3. a shot/stab in the dark – a guess 4. at the back of one’s mind – mildly preoccupied by but not constantly thought about 5. by no stretch of the imagination – definitely not the case 6. flight of fancy – an impractical but imaginative idea 7. in a world of one’s own – concerned with one’s own thoughts and unaware of one’s surroundings 8....
1. down to earth – unpretentious, practical, realistic 2. earth to someone – used to get someone’s attention 3. earth-shattering – important, shocking, traumatic 4. from the ground up – completely, from top to bottom 5. heaven on earth – a pleasant/enjoyable place or situation, somewhere that feels like paradise 6. hell on earth – an extremely unpleasant place or situation 7. how/what/when/where/who/why on earth? – used for emphasis when asking a question 8. like noth...
1. a breath of fresh air – a refreshing change 2. airhead – a foolish person 3. as light as air – very light 4. castles in the air – daydreams, unattainable aspirations 5. dead air – a period when no material is transmitted on television or radio due to a signal interruption 6. hot air – empty talk intended to impress 7. in the air – collectively felt my multiple people 8. on/off the air – on/off radio or television 9. out in the open air –...
a dog’s dinner – a mess, a poor piece of work a dog’s life – an unhappy life full of unfair treatment as clean as a hound's tooth – very clean as sick as a dog – extremely unwell dog and pony show – an elaborate presentation or campaign dog-eat-dog – competitive to the point that people are willing to harm/undermine each other in order to succeed every dog has its day – everyone will achieve success at some point in their lifetime hair of the dog – an alcoholic beverage consumed to cure a hangover in the doghouse – in disgrace/trouble raining cats and dogs – raining he...
Click here for Part 1. 26) made of sterner stuff – to have a strong character, to possess the ability to easily overcome problems 27) nice as pie – very nice 28) not a hair out of place – very neat and tidy 29) pie-eyed – drunk 30) proud as a peacock – very proud 31) quick tempered – someone who easily becomes angry 32) rough diamond – someone of good character but who doesn’t necessarily have what’s considered the right schooling or manners 33) set in one’s ways – reliant ...
1) apple of your eye – the person someone most loves/cherishes/admires 2) armchair critic – someone who comments on or criticises something they don’t know very much about 3) bad egg – a bad influence/someone who brings trouble 4) behind the times – out of date, unaware of the latest ideas or technology 5) big cheese – an important person 6) big fish in a small pond – someone who is important within a small/limited field 7) born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth – born into wealth or importance ...
as dull as dishwater/ditch water – incredibly boring blood is thicker than water – loyalty to family is the most important come hell or high water – despite any difficulties that may occur dead in the water – unable to move, unable to function in its usual way doesn't hold water – isn’t valid, isn’t reasonable in deep water(s) – in trouble, in a difficult or dangerous situation in hot water – in trouble like a duck to water – able to pick something up very quickly and easily like a fish out of water – in an uncomfortable/awkward situation mouth-watering &...
a baptism of fire – being pushed/tested in a new experience/position by having to deal with difficult or unexpected circumstances burning – intense ears are burning – subconsciously aware that you’re being talked about fire and brimstone – hell Fire away! – an expression that's used to indicate to someone that they can begin asking questions fired-up – enthusiastic, stimulated, energised on fire – excited, on a roll out of the frying pan into the fire – from a bad situation into a worse one Put that in your pipe and smoke it! – an expression that’s used to indicate that the...
As March 19th marked National Let's Laugh Day and March 20th marked the International Day of Happiness - what better time to share some idioms about laughter? a barrel/bundle of laughs - something that's fun or amusing a laugh a minute - very funny are you having a laugh? - are you joking? belly laugh - a loud, deep, uninhibited laugh for a laugh - for fun, for a joke good for a laugh - fun to be around laughing stock - someone who is mocked/ridiculed no laughing matter - something very serious, something that shouldn't be joked about to burst out laughing - to laugh suddenly to fall about (laughing) - to laugh uncontrollably to have the last laugh - to ...
Earlier this year we celebrated National Pie Day by looking at expressions about pie in the English language. March 14th marks National Pi Day – a very different celebration indeed! Pi Day is a celebration of the mathematical constant Π (pronounced pi). Click here to learn more. Here are Spellzone, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to look at idioms featuring mathematics and numbers. How many can you think of? a million miles away – distracted, lost in thought, daydreaming a stitch in time saves nine – completing a task or solving a problem immediately may save extra work in the future as easy as one-two-three – as easy as counting at sixes a...
Whether you love Valentine's Day or think it's a complete waste of time, there's no denying that notions of love and heartbreak have inspired writers and artists for thousands of years. There are countless expressions associated with love in the English language: "...from the bottom of my heart", "I have a crush on you", "I'm head over heels in love", and even "broken heart"; and over the years we've looked at how love has influenced the way we speak and write. Here are some of our top Valentine's Day posts: You are the Apple of my Eye If someone is the apple of your eye, it means that you love and value them over all ot...
a square peg in a round hole – someone who is in a situation which is unsuited to their abilities all round – for or by everyone, in every way circle of life – the lifecycle, the death of one thing gives life to another circle/sphere of influence – a field/area/country in which a person/organisation/government has the power to affect developments despite having no formal authority comedy circuit – the venues and events at which comedians perform during a tour left, right, and centre – on all sides literary circle – a group of people (usually writers or students) involved in the literary scene round robin – a competition/tournam...
The square shape is often used in idioms as a metaphor for honesty, fairness, and sometimes conformity. Here is a list of square-related idioms: a square – someone with an old-fashioned/conformist/dull attitude and way of life a square answer – an honest answer a square deal – a fair deal a square meal – a balanced and satisfying meal a square peg in a round hole – someone who is in a situation which is unsuited to their abilities back to square one – back to where you started (before any progress was made) be there, or be square! – a light-hearted expression used to pressure someone into coming to an event fair and square –...
With the sun setting earlier, the leaves changing colour, and a slight chill in the air, we’re ready to start slowing down and enjoying cosy evenings in with hot drinks and blankets. Here are twenty idioms for the autumn season: a bad apple – a bad influence/someone who brings trouble apple of (someone’s) eye – the person someone most loves/cherishes/admires can’t see the wood for the trees – unable to grasp the main issue/wider picture due to being too focused on specific details lost in the mists of time – long forgotten neck of the woods – a particular area/neighbourhood old chestnut – a story/joke made tedious by repet...
a catnap – a short sleep in the day a night owl – someone who stays up late, someone who functions better at night a sleeping giant – someone with unrealised or emerging power a sleeping partner – a partner in a firm who doesn’t take a share in the workload beauty sleep – a stretch of sleep will keep one young and beautiful fast/sound asleep – deeply asleep forty winks – a short sleep in the day not sleep a wink – not sleep at all ready to drop – extremely tired, falling asleep shut-eye – sleep sleep tight! – sleep well! to burn the candle at both ends – to go to sleep early and wake up ear...
At the end of this month, we will have the closest view of the planet Mars since 2003. When Earth and Mars line up directly with the sun, it is called an opposition and this year this takes place on July 27. From this date until July 30, Mars will appear at its brightest since 2003. The planet will be visible for most of the night, hitting its highest point around midnight. Mars will reach its closest approach to Earth on July 31 and then become fainter by the middle of August. Here are 25 idioms about space: are you from Mars? – a question used to indicate that someone is out of touch with reality/the norm everything under the sun – everything on earth failure to la...
If you’re one of our regular readers you’ll be familiar with articles about idioms, but every now and then we like to share a recap for our new subscribers. Here are Spellzone we believe that one of the reasons English is such a difficult language to learn is because it’s full of idioms and every few weeks we take a list of popular idioms and translate them for our second-language English speakers. An idiom is an expression which has a figurative meaning rather than a literal one. For example, when someone says ‘needle in a haystack’ they probably aren’t actually talking about a needle and a haystack, but about something that is as difficult to find as ...
a hive of activity – a place/situation where everyone is busy a flea in (someone’s) ear – an unwelcome idea or answer ants in your pants/antsy – agitated or restless due to nervousness or excitement as busy as a bee – very busy as gaudy as a butterfly – very gaudy as mad as a hornet – very angry as snug as a bug (in a rug) – very comfortable/cosy bee’s knees – an excellent person or thing, of the highest quality birds and the bees – a euphemism for the basic facts about reproduction as told to a child bug-eyed – with bulging eyes dropping like flies – dying or collapsing in large numbers, giv...
With the birth of Prince Louis last month, and Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle just a few days away, we decided it was the perfect time to look at idioms about royalty. An idiom is a combination of words that has a figurative meaning separate from the actual definitions of the words used. With an estimated 25,000 idioms, it’s no wonder English is such a difficult language to learn! Here are the royalty-related idioms we managed to come up with – can you think of any others? a cat may look like a king – someone of low status still has rights a horse, a horse, a kingdom for my horse – a quotation from Shakespeare’s Richard III that is s...
a chip on your shoulder - an ingrained resentment or grievance due to a feeling of inferiority and often marked by aggressive behaviour afraid of your own shadow - easily frightened as hard as nails - tough, strong/unfeeling, callous as pleased as punch - delighted, proud at the end of your tether/rope - to have lost all your patience cheesed off - annoyed down in the dumps - unhappy, depressed foaming at the mouth - very angry fool’s paradise - happiness predicated on ignoring potential problems or troubles happy camper - someone who is comfortable and content happy-go-lucky - cheerfully content, unconcerned about the future hopping mad - extremely angry in ...
This week we’re looking at thirty more idioms about birds. Click here to learn the thirty idioms we looked at last week. night owl – someone who stays up late, someone who functions better at night pecking order – the social hierarchy rare bird – an unusual person sitting duck – an easy target, someone who is vulnerable to target spring chicken – a young person swan song – a final work/performance before retirement/death to chicken out – to opt out of doing something due to being frightened to clip someone’s wings – to limit someone’s control/freedom to count your chickens before they’re hatched &nd...
a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush – it is better to be content with what you have than to risk losing it in the attempt to seek more a little bird(y) told me – told by a secret informant albatross around your neck – something that makes you feel guilty or frustrated, something that prevents success as bald as a coot – completely bald as crazy as a loon – crazy as dead as a dodo – totally dead, extinct as free as a bird – totally free, carefree as mad as a wet hen – angry as scarce as hens’ teeth – non-existent as the crow flies – in a straight line bird brain – an insult meaning stupid ...
One of the reasons English is so difficult to learn is because it is a language full of idioms. An idiom is a combination of words that has a figurative meaning separate from the actual definitions of the words used. There are an estimated 25,000 idioms in the English language. Here on the blog, in one of our regular features, we translate popular idioms into plain English. Today we are going to look at three common English idioms and how and why they came to be associated with their figurative meanings. 1) Bite the Bullet If someone is described as biting the bullet, it means they are finally doing a difficult or unpleasant task they’ve been putting off. One theory behind t...
Winter won’t officially come for another month, but here in England the days are getting shorter and the weather colder. We’re turning on the central heating, digging out our scarves and gloves, and sipping hot chocolate. With that in mind, here are twenty five idioms about cold weather to learn while nestled under a cosy blanket! a cold snap – a sudden and brief period of cold weather a snowball’s chance in hell – no chance at all as pure as driven snow – innocent, virtuous, flawless cold comfort – not much of a comfort, an insufficient consolation cold light of day – a time and place from which problems can be objectively consid...
It’s said that on All Hallow’s Eve, for just one night, the spirits will rise and roam the earth again. If you’re scared – you’re not alone. The fear of death is so widespread in our culture that the English language is full of ways of referring to death that, in many cases, mean you don’t have to use the word itself. Here are twenty idioms about death: as dead as a dodo – totally dead/extinct as dead as a doornail – obviously dead belly-up – dead beyond the veil – in the unknown state of life after death dropping like flies – dying in large numbers food for worms/worm food – a dead (and buried) person ...
a shoulder to cry on – someone who listens sympathetically birds of a feather flock together – people who have the same outlook/tastes/interests will be found in each other's company close-knit – very close like two peas in a pod – very similar through thick and thin – through all circumstances no matter how difficult to be as thick as thieves – to be very close or friendly to be joined at the hip – to be inseparable to be on the same page/wavelength – to be in agreement to build bridges – to promote friendly relations between people or groups to bury the hatchet – to end a conflict to clear the air &ndash...
a cat may look at a king – someone of low status still has rights a fraidy/scaredy-cat – a timid/fearful person all cats are grey in the dark – if the qualities distinguishing people can’t be perceived, they don’t matter cat burglar – an agile, stealthy, and unnoticed burglar who climbs up walls and through windows to enter buildings cat call - a shrill shout or whistle expressing admiration but in a predatory and victimising manner cat got your tongue? – a question posed to someone who remains silent when expected to speak catnap – a short sleep during the day copycat – someone who copies another’s behaviour/clothe...
dancing in the streets – very happy footloose and fancy free – free from commitment it takes two to tango – both people/parties are responsible for the argument/problem to be all-singing, all-dancing – to have a large range of impressive features/skills to be light on one’s feet – to be nimble to step out of line – to behave inappropriately/to break the rules to dance on air – to be very happy to dance to someone’s tune – to comply with someone’s demands and whims to drag one’s feet/heels – to stall to land/fall on one’s feet – to have good luck to follow in someone’s footst...
a cog in the machine – an insignificant member of a huge organisation or system a well-oiled machine – an organisation that operates smoothly acid test – a test of something’s value or success as bright as a button – very intelligent bells and whistles – extra features and trimmings cutting edge – advanced and innovative in tune with – in agreement or harmony with someone or something it’s not rocket science – it’s not difficult on the ball – alert on the same wavelength – to be in agreement/to have similar views and ideas to blow a fuse – to lose your temper to button your lip &ndash...
Happy Mother’s Day! Here are 20 words and expressions about mothers and parenting. a mother has eyes in the back of her head – a mother knows what her children are doing even when she can’t see them a tiger mother – a strict and demanding mother everyone and his mother – lots of people like mother, like daughter – daughters often behave like their mothers did before them mama’s boy – a boy or man who is easily influenced by his mother Mother Goose – a fictitious collector of nursery rhymes from the eighteenth century mother hen – someone who fusses over others in a maternal way mother house – the pr...
Happy Valentine’s Day! To celebrate, we’re looking at thirty idioms about love. If you’ve found this post useful, why not check out our other articles on idioms? a match made in heaven – a relationship/pairing in which each member/part perfectly complements the other an item – a couple who are involved in an established relationship better half – partner/spouse birds of a feather flock together – people who have the same outlook/tastes/interests will be found in each other’s company blind date –a meeting between two people who do not know each other, arranged in the hope that a romance might develop between the...
This year, to get us in the festive spirit, we’ve made a list of all the Chritmassy expressions we could come up with – can you think of any others? a grinch – a grumpy and mean-spirted person a white Christmas – a snowy Christmas all the trimmings – all the traditional accompaniments (usually used in reference to a meal) Bah humbug! – a phrase used to express grumpiness and disdain for Christmas Boxing Day – the day after Christmas (which is a public holiday in Britain) Christmas comes but once a year – since Christmas is celebrated only one time a year,we should make the most of the occasion (this expression is either used to ...
a dog and pony show – an elaborate presentation or campaign a hard/tough act to follow – an achievement that sets a high standard that other success will struggle to compare to ‘Break a leg!’ – ‘Good luck!’ class clown – a student who makes jokes and/or plays pranks footloose and fancy free – free from commitment number – a song/dance/performance out of step – not conforming to what others are thinking showstopper – a scene or song that receives a long applause from the audience/something that is very popular showbiz – show business star-studded – featuring many famous people the show m...
a closed book – a topic or person about which/whom very little is known an open book – a topic or person that/who is easy to understand or about which/whom a lot is known book smart – possessing knowledge acquired from reading or study but lacking common sense bookworm – a keen reader by the book – in accordance with the rules ‘You can’t judge a book by its cover!’ – the outward appearance of something or someone is not a reliable indication of its/their true nature every trick in the book – all available methods of achieving what’s desired in my book – in my opinion in someone’s good/bad books &...
Surely we can’t be the only ones who are obsessed with The Great British Bake Off? We’re so obsessed, in fact, that we found ourselves wondering how baking has influenced the English language over the years. Below is a list of the baking-related idioms we came up with – can you think of any others? a piece of cake – very easy a piece/slice of the pie – a share of what’s available a smart cookie – a clever person as easy as pie – very easy as flat as a pancake – very flat as slow as molasses – very slow as sweet as pie – very sweet bread and butter – the necessities bread and circuses – enterta...
Read part one of our fifty idioms about travel and transport here. to cross that road when you come to it – to deal with a problem if and when it occurs rather than planning for it to drive a hard bargain – to be unwilling to compromise when making a deal to drive someone up the wall – to irritate someone to fall off the wagon – to give in and drink alcohol after trying to abstain to get the show on the road – to put a plan into action to go down a rocky road – to move into a difficult/challenging period to go to town – to go about something enthusiastically/extravagantly to hit a roadblock – to reach a difficulty/challenge ...
all hands on deck – immediate involvement of everyone present asleep at the wheel – not attentive at a crossroads – at a point where an important decision must be made at fork in the road – at a point where an important decision must be made backseat driver – a passenger in a car who gives unwanted advice/someone who gives unwanted advice cart before horse – in the wrong order clear the decks – to prepare for a task by getting rid of or tidying up anything that might hinder the process cool your jets! – calm down! country mile – a long distance fifth wheel – someone who is superfluous full throttle – usi...
a big fish - an important or influential person a big fish in a small pond - someone who is important within a small/limited field a drop in the ocean - a small amount compared to what is expected a loan shark - a moneylender who charges very high interest rates a whale of a time - a very enjoyable time all’s fish that comes to net - you should take advantage of all that comes your way another kettle of fish - an entirely different thing any port in a storm - any source of relief or escape in an unfavourable situation fishy - suspicious in the doldrums - low-spirited, depressed like a fish out of water - in an uncomfortable/awkward situation like shooting fish ...
a little bird(y) told me - told by a secret informant an armchair critic - someone who offers advice in a given situation without proving that they could cope any better the situation like talking to a brick wall - talking to an unresponsive/unsympathetic/unpersuadable person “spit it out!” - a saying used to urge someone to get to the point/confess something quickly the gift of gab - the gift of being able to speak with eloquence to be all mouth - to talk boastfully about something to try and impress someone without intending on acting on your words to beat around the bush - to avoid addressing the most important matter to cut to the chase - to directly address ...
One of the reasons English is so difficult to learn is because it is a language full of idioms. An idiom is a combination of words that has a figurative meaning separate from the actual definitions of the words used. There are an estimated 25,000 idioms in the English language. Today we’re going to look at twenty five idioms about keeping secrets. anyone’s call – a situation in which any result, outcome, or consequence might happen as luck would have it – an expression used to describe something useful that has happened by chance fat chance! – an expression used to describe something that one believes has little or no chance of happening the luck of ...
One of the reasons English is so difficult to learn is because it is a language full of idioms. An idiom is a combination of words that has a figurative meaning separate from the actual definitions of the words used. There are an estimated 25,000 idioms in the English language. Today we’re going to look at twenty five idioms about keeping secrets. as quiet as a mouse – silent or very quiet behind closed doors – out of sight, in secret, without public knowledge dark horse – a less well-known competitor or candidate who succeeds to an unexpectedly high level fly on the wall – an unnoticed witness like a thief in the night – someone behaving in ...
English is one of the most-used languages in the business world, and if you don’t know what an idiom means you can quickly lose track of the conversation and lose out on opportunities. Here are some popular idioms and what they mean to help get your business ahead of the rest! Click here for part 1 of our list of business idioms. to explain something in a nutshell – to explain something in a few words to get (back) into the swing of things – to get used to/to return to a routine or activity to get down to business – to stop stalling and begin matters more seriously to get the pink slip – to get fired to get/have a foot the door – to gain/h...
English is one of the most-used languages in the business world, and if you don’t know what an idiom means you can quickly lose track of the conversation and lose out on opportunities. Here are some popular idioms and what they mean to help get your business ahead of the rest! Find out how to use Spellzone to help improve English in your workplace here and here. 24/7 / round-the-clock – 24 hours a day a backroom deal – a decision that is made in secret (sometimes because it is against regulations/public interest) a ballpark figure – an estimate a no brainer – a decision that should be obvious/easy to make a no-win (lose-lose) situation – a...
a home truth – an uncomfortable truth that you don’t want to hear a house divided cannot stand – an organisation that is divided by internal disagreements will not be able to cope with external pressures home (away) from home – somewhere you are as comfortable as you are in your own home home comforts – the things that make you feel as comfortable as you would be at home home is where the heart is – a home is not a physical place, but where the people you love are on the house – free, at the management’s expense (usually in reference to a drink or meal at a restaurant or bar) safe as houses – very safe, totally safe close...
“An A for effort!” – a recognition of effort over achievement a bookworm – a keen reader a school of thought – a particular way of thinking, a particular philosophy a schoolboy error – a foolish mistake (usually made by someone who should have known better) a show of hands – collecting a vote by asking people to raise their hands in the air a teacher’s pet – a favourite student as easy as ABC – very easy copycat – someone who copies another’s behaviour/clothes/ideas/work eager beaver – someone who is very keen and hardworking old school – old-fashioned/traditional (usually said with appro...
a song and dance – a fuss and all that jazz – and other similar things as clean as a whistle – very clean or clear/without any incriminating evidence clear as a bell – perfectly clear/very clear fit as a fiddle – very fit/in perfect health for a song – very cheaply it takes two to tango – both people/parties involved are equally responsible like a broken record – annoyingly repetitive (usually used to describe someone constantly repeating an unwanted or unpleasant opinion) music to my ears – welcome good news rings a bell – sounds familiar to call a tune – to take initiative/to decide what to do on behal...
The term ‘five senses’ is used to refer to the faculties of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. Today we’re going to take a look at five idioms about each of the five senses and tell you what they mean. Sight: In the blink of an eye - in an instant Out of sight, out of mind – an expression used to suggest that one is likely to forget someone/something when they are/it is no longer present/visible The apple of someone’s eye – a person whom someone admires very much To see things eye to eye – to agree on things To turn a blind eye – to pretend not to notice Smell: To follow your nose – to follow your insti...
Last Friday was the first day of spring. All over the country, leaves are turning green, blossom is blooming, and flowers are pushing their way up out of the ground – it’s no wonder nature has inspired many an English expression! Here are twenty idioms about plants, flowers, and trees: “Oops-a-daisy!” – an expression of encouragement said to a child who has fallen/has hurt him or herself, an expression of mild annoyance used when something has gone wrong a late bloomer – someone who is slower than their peers to develop in a particular field a needle in a haystack – something that is difficult/impossible to find because...
With Valentine’s Day just days away, this week we’re looking at idioms that concern the heart. Click here to read last year’s Valentine’s Day post. “Eat your heart out!” – an expression used to tell someone you think they will experience jealousy, regret, or anguish From the bottom of my heart – with utmost sincerity (and usually regret) “Have a heart!” – “Show some pity!”, “Try and be sympathetic!” Heart and soul – energy, enthusiasm In a heartbeat – immediately “My heart bleeds for/goes out to…” – “...
January always feels like the perfect time of year to make some lifestyle changes – last week we even looked at five New Year’s resolutions to help you improve your spelling. Here are twenty idioms for new beginnings: a change is as good as a rest – a change of occupation can be as relaxing as a break. at the crossroads – at the point where you must make the choice between two courses of action with diverging consequences. early bird catches the worm – the person who takes the earliest opportunity to do something will have an advantage over other people. a breath of fresh air – a refreshing or invigorating change. &...
Click here for part one of our list of clothing idioms. to get along on a shoestring – to manage on a small budget. to get the boot/to give someone the boot – to get fired from a job/to fire someone from a job. to hang one’s hat somewhere – to settle down and live somewhere. to hang up one’s hat – to retire. to have a bee in one’s bonnet – to be preoccupied with or obsessed by a single thought. to have a card up one’s sleeve – to have a secret strategy to gain advantage. to have ants in one’s pants – to feel agitated or restless due to nervousness or...
a feather in one’s cap – an honour, an achievement to be proud of. a hand–me–down – an item that has been passed on to a person from someone else. as tough as old boots – very tough. at the drop of a hat – without hesitation, immediately. below the belt – unfair/disregarding the rules. birthday suit – naked. bulging/bursting at the seams – overflowing. by the seat of one’s pants – by instinct rather than skill or knowledge. cloak–and–dagger – involving mystery and sometimes espionage. cut from the same ...
In our previous posts about idioms, you might have noticed how we like to argue that these useful expressions add colour to the English language. By this, we mean that idioms often make the English language feel more alive – they add emotion and character to what we say. Idioms also often have very colourful (i.e. interesting!) origin stories. And then there the idioms about colour…today we’ll take a look at some of those. Scroll down! a grey area – a situation or area which is not clearly defined (i.e. not black and white). a white lie – a small (and supposedly harmless) lie. black and blue – badly bruised. black an...
Here at Spellzone, we love Halloween. Many words and phrases in the English language have gruesome origins, and October 31st seems like the perfect time to explore them! Last year we looked at three everyday-seeming idioms which have terrifying origin myths – ever wondered where the phrases ‘saved by the bell’, ‘rule of thumb’ or ‘bless you’ might have come from? You can find out here! This year, we’ve been looking at idioms and their definitions. Scroll down for figurative phrases about cats, witches, and ghosts…as well as a number of different ways of expressing just how scared you are! a Jekyll and Hyde – someone who...
It’s about time we talked about time! With it getting dark earlier and earlier, surely it isn’t just us who are wondering where the hours in our days are going? Since the clocks are being put back an hour on Sunday (here in the UK anyway!), we thought this week it would be appropriate to look at idioms about time. In case you haven’t been following along, an idiom is a combination of words that has a figurative meaning separate from the actual definitions of the words used. There are an estimated 25,000 idioms in the English language and their existence is one of the reasons we believe English is so difficult to learn. Some users have even told us that knowing the mea...
a penny for your thoughts? – what are you thinking about? a pretty penny – very expensive a quick buck – money which was easy to make cash cow – a business/product which generates a stable flow of income/profit daylight robbery – obvious, unfair overcharging from rags to riches – from poverty to wealth he who pays the piper calls the tune – the person who provides the money should choose how it is spent I don’t have two nickels/pennies to rub together – I am very poor if I had a nickel/penny for every time this happened – this happens a lot ...
One of the reasons English is so difficult to learn is because it is a language full of idioms. An idiom is a combination of words that has a figurative meaning separate from the actual definitions of the words used. When someone talks about a ‘storm in a teacup’, for example, they probably aren’t referring to actual storms in actual teacups! It can be quite hard, as a second-language English speaker, to keep up with all these expressions, and so this year we’ve been compiling lists of idioms alongside their meanings. Last week we looked at the first half of 50 Idioms about the Human Body – now it’s time for part two! to have egg on your face &nda...
This week, continuing with our series on idioms and what they mean, we’re looking at idioms about the human body. For those of you who are new to our blog – an idiom is a combination of words which has a figurative meaning separate from the actual definitions of the words used. There is supposed to be something like 25,000 idioms in the English language, and while planning this blog we came up with almost a hundred that were related to the human body. We managed to narrow the list down to fifty idioms to share with you over the next two posts, but be warned: we haven’t included any idioms concerning the human heart – we’ll save that fascinating subject for a ...
In English, we love comparing one thing to another. We love analogies. As a result, over the years, the English language has become chock-full of idioms. An idiom is a combination of words which has a figurative meaning separate from the actual definitions of the words used. There are an estimated 25,000 idioms in the English language, and this year we’ve been looking at their meanings on the blog. Today’s idioms are all about food. If a friend has ever confused you by suddenly talking about cups of tea when you’ve asked them if they fancy watching a Twilight film, this post’s for you! a bad apple/egg – a bad influence/someone who brings trouble a couch ...
With everyone’s attention on Wimbledon and the World Cup at the moment, it’s hard to leave home without sports coming up in conversation. But do we actually talk about sports more than we realise? Today – just in case you’re not sick of sports quite yet – we’re sharing some sports-related idioms alongside their definitions. across the board – applying to all at this stage of the game – at this point during the activity/event ball is in your court - it is up to you to make the next move ballpark figure – an approximate guess blow-by-blow – detailed step-by-step description ...
Here at Spellzone we’ve been taking a look at various idioms and telling you exactly what they mean. Back in March, we shared a list of animal-related idioms and last week we started a list of idioms which use the atmosphere and weather as metaphors to describe something else. In case you haven’t been following along, an idiom is a combination of words that has a figurative meaning separate from the actual definitions of the words used. There are an estimated 25,000 idioms in the English language and their existence is one of the reasons we believe English is so difficult to learn. Some users have even told us that knowing the meaning of certain idioms has saved them from an a...
One of the reasons English is so difficult to learn is because it is a language full of idioms. An idiom is a combination of words that has a figurative meaning separate from the actual definitions of the words used. There are an estimated 25,000 idioms in the English language – let’s take a look at some of them that use the weather and environment as metaphors to describe something else. Cold light of Day – a time and place from which problems can be objectively considered Fair-weather friend – a friend who cannot be relied on in difficult times Under the weather – unwell or in low spirits To weather a storm – to successfully deal with a probl...
One of the reasons English is so difficult to learn is because it is a language full of idioms. An idiom is a combination of words that has a figurative meaning separate from the actual definitions of the words used. There are an estimated 25,000 idioms in the English language - and many of them feature animals! dropping like flies - dying or collapsing in large numbers / giving up on or pulling out of an endeavour in large numbers fly on the wall - an unnoticed witness fly in the ointment - a small problem which nonetheless spoils the whole plan ants in your pants / antsy - agitated or restless due to nervousness or excitement to make a beeline - to move swiftly and directly t...
Whether you love Valentine’s Day or think the day is a complete waste of time, there’s no denying that notions of love and heartbreak have inspired writers and artists for thousands of years. There are countless idioms associated with love: “…from the bottom of my heart”, “I have a crush on you”, “I’m head over heels in love”, and even “broken heart” – but today we’re going to look at the expression “apple of my eye”. In case you’ve forgotten, an idiom is a figure of speech which is used to describe something other than its literal meaning – so in this case, the expression isn’t...
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