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.
Table of Content
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 Great Idiom Examples: Fun and Common English Idioms
1. What exactly is an idiom in English grammar?
An idiom is a group of words or a phrase whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal definition of its individual words. For example, the idiom "it's raining cats and dogs" has nothing to do with animals; it simply means it is raining very heavily. Idioms are a form of figurative language that adds colour and creativity to expression.
2. Why is it important to use idioms in communication?
Using idioms is important because it makes your language more vivid, expressive, and engaging. Instead of using simple, direct sentences, idioms allow you to convey complex ideas or emotions in a more creative and memorable way. They demonstrate a deeper understanding of the language and can make both your writing and speaking more natural and impactful, which is especially useful in creative writing assignments.
3. What are some common examples of idioms that students can use?
Here are a few common and fun idiom examples suitable for students:
- A piece of cake: This means something is very easy to do. (e.g., "The math test was a piece of cake.")
- Spill the beans: This means to reveal a secret. (e.g., "She spilled the beans about the surprise party.")
- Once in a blue moon: This describes an event that happens very rarely. (e.g., "I only see my cousin once in a blue moon.")
- Kill two birds with one stone: This means to achieve two things with a single action. (e.g., "By cycling to school, I get exercise and save bus fare, killing two birds with one stone.")
4. What is the main difference between an idiom and a phrase?
The main difference lies in their meaning. A phrase is any group of two or more words that work together as a unit in a sentence, and its meaning is usually literal (e.g., "in the morning"). An idiom is a specific type of phrase where the meaning is figurative and cannot be guessed from the individual words (e.g., "kick the bucket"). Essentially, all idioms are phrases, but not all phrases are idioms.
5. Can idioms be used in formal writing, like in CBSE exams?
While idioms are more common in informal, spoken English, they can be used carefully in formal writing to make a point more powerful. However, it is generally advisable to avoid overusing them in academic or exam answers, such as those for CBSE. If you do use an idiom, ensure it is well-known and appropriate for the context. For creative writing sections, using an idiom correctly can enhance your score, but for factual answers, it's safer to use clear, direct language.
6. How do idioms reflect the culture and history of a language?
Idioms are like small time capsules that offer insights into a culture's history, values, and past occupations. For example, many English idioms come from sailing ("learn the ropes"), historical events, or even old trades. Their meanings are tied to a shared cultural understanding that has been passed down through generations. This is why idioms often don't translate directly from one language to another—they are deeply rooted in their specific cultural origins.
7. What is an effective way to learn and remember new idioms?
The most effective way to learn idioms is through context. Instead of just memorising a list, try to:
- Read books and watch movies where English is spoken naturally.
- Pay attention to when and how an idiom is used.
- Try to use the new idiom in your own conversations or writing soon after learning it.
- Group idioms by theme (e.g., idioms about happiness, idioms about weather) to make them easier to remember.
8. Why are idioms often considered one of the most challenging parts of learning English?
Idioms are challenging for learners because their meanings are non-literal. You cannot use grammar rules or a dictionary for individual words to figure out what an idiom means. A learner might be confused if someone says to "bite the bullet," thinking it involves an actual bullet. This requires moving beyond literal translation and learning the figurative meaning that native speakers understand instinctively, which takes a lot of exposure and practice.
