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10 Most Common Idioms in English

by Padmaja Singh

Jan 5, 2015 English Language Teaching (ELT) 5761 Views

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English is a language that inspires. Every English learner should know that only developing speaking English skills will fetch you barely any polish. A well-polished speaker is someone who knows and understands the in and out of the language. It should be 'a piece of cake' for you. Confused? Well, 'a piece of cake' is a famous idiom in the English language. It is used to state that 'it is that simple/ easy'. This article will help you learn and understand the ten most common idioms along with their meaning to simplify it further for you.

Ten common idioms used in English:

1. Piece of cake- As mentioned above 'a piece of cake' is referring to something that is very easy or doable. You use it when you find something extremely light and distressful.

Usage- That class test was a piece of cake for me.

2. Break a leg- It might sound funny yet it isn't the literal meaning. Break a leg means good luck or do well. It's used as a well wish in situations that need it.

Usage- Oh! You've got an interview? Make sure to break a leg!

3. Hit the books- Have you heard native speakers in your class use this idiom? If not, here's the meaning. It means to study. Baffled? Let the example ease your confusion.

Usage- I'm going to sleep for now mom. I will definitely hit the books in the evening.

4. Let the cat out of the bag- Why would anyone put a cat into the bag in the first place? Well, worry not; the cat is safe! Let the cat out of the bag actually means to reveal a secret that was supposed to be kept a secret.

Usage- Let's not tell Reena, she always lets the cat out of the bag.

5. Hit the nail on the head- Sounds violent, doesn't it? Hit the nail on the head is used to say that the person is precisely right.

Usage- When he said he wouldn't drink and drive, he hit the nail on the head.

6. Don't judge a book by its cover- Sounds complicated, but gets simpler as and when you understand it. It simply means stop being judgmental, especially by just looking at the external of the individual.

Usage- Don't judge a book by its cover Jake, she's a decent girl with a great personality.

7. Bite more than you can chew- This is a famous idiom that is used when a person takes up more responsibility than he/ she can carry out.

Usage- John always bites more than he can chew and lands himself in trouble.

8. Hear it from the horse's mouth- This is a smart idiom that means to hear the news straight from the source's mouth.

Usage- Wait for a while, you'll get to hear it straight from the horse's mouth.

9. Speak of the devil- When the person you have just been talking about arrives.

Usage- Rita is such a Shopaholic. Oh! Speak of the devil and here she is.

10. Feeling under the weather- This idiom is used when you feel a bit low due to health reasons.

Usage- I can't make it today, feeling under the weather.

English is a simple language if learned with a fun factor. Make sure to use the above mentioned idioms while speaking in English. It's not only impressive but will also help improve your spoken English communication skills, making you more comfortable while using the language. Embrace the language and watch your English communication skills travel from average to excellent in barely any time.

Article source: http://eslarticle.com/pub/english-language-teaching-elt/110628-10-Most-Common-Idioms-in-English.html

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Author Info

Author Name: Padmaja Singh

About Author:

Padmaja Singh is a prolific Mumbai-based freelance writer who writes on numerous topics including English learning tips, Success tips, Education and English speaking, to name a few.

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