What are idioms and phrases? Meaning, Usage & Top Examples
Idioms and phrases are essential parts of English vocabulary that add color to writing and speaking. Mastering idiom and phrase usage improves English fluency and helps students perform well in exams. This page explores common idioms and phrases with their meanings, examples, and best tips to remember and use them confidently.
What are Idioms and Phrases?
Idioms and phrases are unique expressions in English where the meaning is not based on the literal definition of individual words. Understanding these helps you sound more natural in both spoken and written English and is important for exams and daily communication.
Difference between Idioms and Phrases
| Idioms | Phrases | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning cannot be guessed from words | Literal or partly literal meaning | Idiom: Break the ice Phrases: In the room |
| Fixed set of words | Flexible word combinations | Idiom: Piece of cake Phrases: After dinner |
Knowing how to distinguish between idioms and phrases enhances grammar clarity for essays and MCQs.
100 Common Idioms and Phrases with Meanings
| Idiom or Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Break the ice | Start a conversation | She told a joke to break the ice. |
| Piece of cake | Very easy | The test was a piece of cake. |
| Blessing in disguise | Something good that seemed bad at first | Missing the bus was a blessing in disguise. |
| Under the weather | Feeling sick | She was under the weather yesterday. |
| Let the cat out of the bag | Reveal a secret | He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise. |
Practicing idioms and phrases with real examples boosts comprehension for both board and competitive exams.
Most Important Idioms and Phrases for Class 10 and 12
Students in class 10 and 12 should focus on idioms frequently asked in CBSE, ICSE, and state boards. Using these in essays and comprehension can improve your scores quickly.
Burn the midnight oil – Study late at night
Once in a blue moon – Very rarely
Hit the nail on the head – Do or say something exactly right
In hot water – In trouble
Through thick and thin – In all circumstances
Revise these idioms for quick exam reference and confident essay writing. Vedantu offers printable lists for easy practice.
How to Use Idioms and Phrases in English
Using idioms and phrases correctly shows advanced language skill. Include them naturally in essays, stories, and dialogues to make your English lively and impressive.
Select idioms suited to the context. Don’t force them.
Practice using idioms in daily conversations and writing prompts.
Learn the meaning and example sentence together.
Avoid confusing idioms with proverbs or literal expressions.
Regular use of idioms helps in spoken English, debates, and creative writing tasks.
Tips to Remember Idioms and Phrases Easily
Memorizing idioms and phrases can be tough, but these tips make it simple for competitive exams and board tests:
Group idioms by themes (e.g., time, health, study).
Use flashcards with meanings and examples.
Create simple stories using new idioms.
Repeat practice with Vedantu quizzes and worksheets.
Idioms and Phrases Practice Worksheet
Test your progress regularly. Choose the correct idiom for each sentence, or give the meaning of highlighted idioms. Download Vedantu’s idiom worksheet for more revision exercises.
Idioms and phrases improve your exam results, conversation skills, and writing fluency. Practice regularly with real examples, lists, and quizzes for lasting confidence in all aspects of English.
FAQs on Idioms and Phrases: Definitions, Lists & Examples
1. What are idioms and phrases?
Idioms and phrases are expressions whose meanings cannot be understood from the individual words. Idioms are fixed expressions, while phrases can be more flexible. Understanding idioms improves reading comprehension and enhances written and spoken communication. They add color and expressiveness to language.
2. What is the difference between an idiom and a phrase?
An idiom is a fixed expression where the meaning is not literal (e.g., "kick the bucket"). A phrase is a group of words expressing a single idea but may or may not be idiomatic (e.g., "a piece of cake" is an idiomatic phrase, but "the blue car" is a simple phrase).
3. What are some common idioms with meanings and example sentences?
Here are a few examples:
• Break the ice: To initiate a conversation; Example: I told a joke to break the ice at the party.
• Piece of cake: Something very easy; Example: The exam was a piece of cake.
• Once in a blue moon: Rarely; Example: We only see each other once in a blue moon.
• Let the cat out of the bag: To reveal a secret; Example: She accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
• Get cold feet: To become nervous; Example: He got cold feet before his wedding.
4. How can I use idioms effectively in my writing and speaking?
Use idioms appropriately to enhance your writing and speaking. Ensure you understand their meaning and use them in the correct context. Avoid overusing idioms, as it can sound unnatural or forced. Choose idioms that accurately reflect your meaning and target audience.
5. What are some idioms useful for exams?
The usefulness of idioms in exams depends on the specific exam. However, learning common idioms will improve your comprehension, especially in reading and writing. It will also showcase your vocabulary.
6. How are idioms and phrases useful for exams?
Using idioms and phrases correctly can enhance your writing style and demonstrate a strong command of the English language. They can add flair and precision to your answers, improving your score in essay writing and potentially comprehension sections.
7. What is the difference between an idiom and a proverb?
While both are figurative expressions, idioms are short, fixed phrases with non-literal meanings. Proverbs are longer, often contain a moral lesson, and provide advice or wisdom (e.g., "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush").
8. What are some tips for memorizing idioms?
Create flashcards with idioms, their meanings, and example sentences. Use them in your daily conversations. Write sentences using the idioms to reinforce your learning. Regular revision and practice are key to effective memorization.
9. Are there different types of idioms?
Yes, idioms can be categorized in various ways. Some common types include: metaphorical idioms (e.g., "raining cats and dogs"), similes (e.g., "as busy as a bee"), personifications (e.g., "the wind whispered secrets"), and idiomatic expressions (e.g., "to have a whale of a time").
10. Can I use idioms in formal writing?
While some idioms are informal, many can be used in formal writing if appropriate to the context and tone. Using them judiciously demonstrates vocabulary depth and stylistic sophistication. However, always ensure the idiom's meaning is clear and suitable for the formal setting.
11. What resources can help me learn more idioms and phrases?
Many online resources, dictionaries, and textbooks provide comprehensive lists and explanations of idioms. You can also find helpful resources within the Vedantu website, focusing on idioms and phrases relevant to different exam boards and skill levels.
12. How do idioms contribute to effective communication?
Idioms make communication more vivid, engaging, and concise. They add nuance and cultural context, allowing for more expressive and impactful language. However, it is important to be aware of their potential for misinterpretation if not fully understood.
