20 Common Idiomatic Expressions & Their Meanings

An idiom is an expression that takes on a figurative meaning when certain words are combined, which is different from the literal definition of the individual words. For example, let’s say I said: ‘Don’t worry, driving out to your house is a piece of cake. But in this context, it’s a well-known idiom.

The most common English idioms

An idiom is a phrase or expression that typically presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase; but some phrases become figurative idioms while retaining the literal meaning of the phrase. Categorized as formulaic language, an idiom’s figurative meaning is different from the literal meaning.

Here are 10 of the most common idioms that are easy to use in daily conversation:

1. “Hit the hay.” “Sorry, guys, I have to hit the hay now!”
2. “Up in the air”
3. “Stabbed in the back”
4. “Takes two to tango”
5. “Kill two birds with one stone.”
6. “Piece of cake”
7. “Costs an arm and a leg”
8. “Break a leg”

• She was tickled pink by the good news.
• You are hands down the best player on the team.
• He’s been down in the dumps lately.
• I feel sick as a dog.
• My grandma has been under the weather.
• Rise and shine!
• Close, but no cigar.
• I could play outside till the cows come home.

20 English Idioms with Surprising Origins

• Straight from the horse’s mouth. Meaning: getting information directly from the most reliable source.
• Let the cat out of the bag.
• Butter someone up.
• Pulling someone’s leg.
• Wolf in sheep’s clothing.
• Hands down.
• Riding shotgun.
• Barking up the wrong tree.

English, hands down. << French is a close winner I think. It basic grammar isn’t that hard, but it’s the idioms that makes it such a challenge. >> — I would say French is a close second.

An idiom cannot be one word. A word with many meanings means a word with many meanings. The word “hot” for example has many meanings.

The person saying it might have pretty good intentions. The phrase is also easy to blurt out and frequently overused, often said in haste without much thought put into the statement or what is really going on in the person. It’s used as a quick, generic “something” to say when you’re at a loss for words.

“Have a good day.” might suffice. I might venture, “I hope things go better today!” Another good answer, thank you benny.

What is another word for hang in there?

2015. “Synonyms for Stay strong” https://www.classicthesaurus.com/stay_strong/synonyms (accessed June 22, 2021)….List search.

DON’T SAY: Stay strong. ​When someone passes, it’s perfectly normal to break down in tears, feel weakened by the loss, or even feel absolutely exhausted. When someone tells you to be strong, they mean well, but it just feels like they’re telling you not to process your feelings.

These phrases are ways to tell someone to keep trying:

1. Hang in there.
2. Don’t give up.
3. Keep pushing.
4. Keep fighting!
5. Stay strong.
6. Never give up.
7. Never say ‘die’.
8. Come on! You can do it!.

SYNONYMS. determined, firm, resolute, resolved, purposeful, purposive, sure, self-disciplined, strong-willed, uncompromising, unyielding, unbending, unwavering, unswerving, unfaltering, unshakeable, inexorable, forceful, persistent, persevering, tenacious, dogged, stubborn. dedicated, committed, stalwart.

noun. ( Synonyms. vigour intensity brunt energy intensiveness vigor force impulse forcefulness momentum zip.

Thankfully, the English language is rich in beautiful and powerful adjectives to describe a strong woman….60 powerful words to describe a strong woman.

She is a strong-minded, independent woman. Synonyms: determined, resolute, strong-willed, firm More Synonyms of strong-minded.

What is another word for woman?

A virago is a woman who demonstrates exemplary and heroic qualities. There are recorded instances of viragos (such as Joan of Arc) fighting battles, wearing men’s clothing, or receiving the tonsure.

lady