Idioms and Phrases Examples
Vedantu’s comprehensive guide provides clear definitions and practical examples to enhance your understanding. Idioms and phrases are integral for understanding the nuances of English, enriching your communication with vibrant and expressive language. Whether you're a student aiming to excel in your exams or a language enthusiast eager to expand your vocabulary, this resource is designed to offer valuable insights into these colourful expressions. By familiarising yourself with these idioms and phrases with meanings and examples, you'll improve your comprehension.
- 6.1Funny Idioms
What are idioms? Why are they so important in communication and expression? To find these answers, along with some great examples to get you started, keep reading and try to remember as many as possible. You should also remember to use them as often as possible to be able to get them naturally in your daily communication.
Idioms are a group of words that are put together to be used for a specific purpose or a specific meaning, which is different from each word. These are used in common verbal exchanges to say things in a different way to make the conversation interesting. Let us go through some examples to understand the concept better.
Difference Between Idioms and Phrases
Here is a table outlining the difference Between Idioms And Phrases:
Idioms and Phrases Examples
Some Useful Idioms and Phrases Examples for Kids to Help in Creative Writing
A Hot Potato
Definition: This is an idiom that means something which is not easy to tackle.
An Example: He tried his hand at Coding, but it was a hot potato for him.
Killing two Birds with one stone
Definition: It means to get two tasks done with the effort of one.
An Example: I am killing two birds with one stone by playing a video game that pays me to play.
Warn off
Definition: It means to sternly alert someone of some danger or to ask to stay away.
An Example: A swimming instructor should warn every learner to be careful while inside the pool.
Piece of Cake
Definition: This idiom is used to indicate the ease of doing something.
An Example: Scoring goals against the opponent team should be a piece of cake.
Spin a Yarn
Definition: It means to narrate a lengthy and far-fetched story.
An Example: Andrew likes to spin a yarn about his amazing vacations every year.
Call Names
Definition: It is an idiom used to mock or tease someone, usually by calling the person unpleasant names.
An Example: Richard was upset because his friends at school called him names.
When Pigs Fly
Definition: This expression is used to denote that something is never possible.
An Example: Jensen will stop biting his nails when pigs fly.
Building Castles in the Air
Definition: This idiomatic phrase is used to define ideas that are not very practical.
An Example: Maddy has been building castles in the air about turning into a superhero, flying above the city.
Stir up a Hornet’s Nest
Definition: It means to cause great trouble.
An Example: He always bothers his boss and stirs up a hornet’s nest for everyone around the office.
Class Clown
Definition: This idiom refers to a student who tries to make his/her classmates laugh.
An Example: I remember that Charlie used to be the class clown; he would always do something or the other to keep the class laughing and cheerful.
Tall Story
Definition: It refers to a long story that is usually difficult to believe in.
An Example: Instead of telling tall stories, you should get some actual work done.
Mumbo Jumbo
Definition: It denotes language that is not understandable or is meaningless.
An Example: All kids mostly speak mumbo jumbo when they first learn to talk.
Night Owl
Definition: It is used for people who are awake and active late at night.
An Example: Paul is a night owl; he studies till 3 a.m. every day.
Bob’s your uncle
Definition: It is used to denote how easily or quickly a task can be performed.
An Example: Bob’s your uncle, just go ahead and take a shot at the target.
Born with a silver spoon in mouth
Definition: This idiom is used for people who are born into wealthy families.
An Example: I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth, so I had to work my way through all the troubles to be able to buy a house for myself.
All Ears
Definition: It means to pay undivided attention to listen to something or someone.
An Example: You can tell me your story now. I am all ears.
50+ Idioms List
Here is a table for 50+ Idioms List along with their meanings:
Examples of Funny Idioms from Movies
Idioms from Books
Funny Idioms
Conclusion
Idioms are phrases that do not always mean what they seem to say. But these are very important in making conversation or expressing oneself in a fun and new way. Important idioms and phrases can make a simple statement exciting and unique. In creative writing and writing essays, idioms can come in handy as they can make your piece of work stand out as one of a kind!
Test Your Knowledge: Idioms and Phrases
For each question, choose whether the given sentence contains an idiom or a phrase, and then provide its meaning.
"She was over the moon about her promotion."
Is this an idiom or a phrase?
What does it mean?
"It's raining cats and dogs outside."
Is this an idiom or a phrase?
What does it mean?
"He decided to let the cat out of the bag during the meeting."
Is this an idiom or a phrase?
What does it mean?
"He has a chip on his shoulder."
Is this an idiom or a phrase?
What does it mean?
"The ball is in your court now."
Is this an idiom or a phrase?
What does it mean?
Test Your Knowledge: Correct Answers
Idiom
Meaning: She was extremely happy or delighted about her promotion.
Idiom
Meaning: It is raining very heavily.
Idiom
Meaning: He accidentally revealed a secret or confidential information.
Idiom
Meaning: He is holding a grudge or has a resentful attitude.
Idiom
Meaning: It is now your responsibility to take action or make a decision.
Takeaways from this Page
Comprehensive Understanding: The page provides a thorough explanation of idioms, including their meanings and examples from various sources, such as movies, series, and books.
Practical Examples: Real-world examples are given to illustrate how idioms are used in different contexts, helping readers understand their applications.
Cultural Insight: The idioms are sourced from diverse forms of media and literature, offering insights into how these expressions are woven into cultural narratives and storytelling.
Enhanced Communication: By familiarising yourself with idioms, readers can enrich their communication skills, making their language more vivid and expressive.
Entertainment and Learning: The idioms provide both educational value and entertainment, making learning about them an engaging experience.
FAQs on Idioms and Phrases with Meanings and Examples
1. What is the importance of idioms?
Idioms are used to transform plain, easy to understand ideas into interesting and unique phrases, which can leave a lasting impact on any reader or listener. They have a way of bringing out the creative side in you and show that to the world. Having a rich vocabulary of idioms can greatly help in creative writing, writing essays, and even in delivering great speeches.
2. Why should we use idioms instead of expressing in a simpler way?
Writing or speaking in simple sentences is indeed easier and less time-consuming, but idioms are like magical ingredients. They can make any conversation lively or gloomy, depending on which idioms you use. Idioms have the power to influence listeners or readers in a unique way, which they will remember for a long time.
3. Why are idioms important in language?
Idioms add depth and colour to language, allowing for more expressive and nuanced communication. They often reflect cultural insights and can make language more engaging.
4. Can you give an example of an idiom from the list?
Certainly! “Spill the beans” means to reveal a secret or disclose information unintentionally.
5. How can understanding idioms improve communication?
Understanding idioms helps in learning the intended meaning of expressions used by native speakers, improving comprehension, and making conversations more fluid and natural.
6. Are idioms universal or specific to certain languages?
Idioms are specific to each language and culture. While some idioms may have equivalents in other languages, their literal translations often don’t convey the same meaning.
7. How can I learn idioms effectively?
Engage with idioms through reading books, watching movies or TV shows, and practising their use in conversation. Exposure to idioms in context helps in understanding and remembering them.
8. What does the idiom “Bite the bullet” mean?
“Bite the bullet” means to endure a painful or difficult situation with courage and resolve.
9. Can idioms be used in formal writing?
While idioms are more common in informal speech and writing, they can be used in formal writing if they are appropriate for the context and add value to the content.
10 What is an example of a phrase and its meaning?
Here is an example of a phrase:
“Break the ice” means to initiate a conversation or make people feel more comfortable in a social setting.
11. How do the important idioms and phrases reflect cultural aspects?
Idioms often encapsulate cultural beliefs, traditions, or historical events, reflecting the values and experiences of a particular society.