IDIOMS

Idioms are expressions that have a figurative meaning different from their literal meaning.

  • Why we use them

    Idioms are used to express ideas in a more colorful and imaginative way. Sometimes you can sum up a lot of words with a few words by using an idiom.

  • When to use them

    Use idioms in informal conversations, creative writing, and to add emphasis or humor. They can also be used in a business setting to sum up a long thought in a few words.

CASUAL IDIOMS

  • Break a leg - A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.

    "Break a leg before your performance!"

            

  • A piece of cake - Something very easy to do.

    "It’s a piece of cake."

  • Hit the nail on the head - To be exactly right about something or to describe a situation accurately.

    "He hit the nail on the head."

  • Let the cat out of the bag - To reveal a secret or disclose something that was supposed to be kept hidden.

    "She let the cat out of the bag."

  • In the same boat - To be in the same situation, usually a challenging one, as others.

    "They are in the same boat."

  • A walk in the park - Something that is very easy or straightforward.

    "This task is a walk in the park."

  • Kick the bucket - A euphemism for dying or passing away.

    "He kicked the bucket."

  • Bring the house down - To give a very successful or well-received performance.

    "She brought the house down with her performance."

  • Bite the bullet - To endure a painful or difficult situation that is unavoidable.

    "Bite the bullet and face your fears."

  • Burn the midnight oil - To work late into the night, usually to finish a task or project.

    "We burned the midnight oil to finish the project."

BUSINESS IDIOMS

  • Back to the drawing board - Starting over after a plan or project fails.

    "Our marketing strategy didn't work, so it's back to the drawing board."

  • Ballpark figure - An estimate or rough calculation.

    "Can you give me a ballpark figure of how much this project will cost?"

            

  • Cutting corners - Doing something in a cheaper or easier way, often at the expense of quality.

    “We can't afford to cut corners on this project; quality is important."

            

  • Ahead of the curve - Being more advanced or innovative than others.

    "Our company is ahead of the curve in renewable energy solutions."

            

  • Touch base - To make brief contact or have a quick conversation with someone.

    "Let's touch base next week to discuss the progress on the report."

            

  • Bite the bullet - To endure a painful or unpleasant situation that is unavoidable.

    "We have to bite the bullet and make these budget cuts to stay profitable."

            

  • In the loop - Being informed and included in a group’s communications or decisions.

    "Please keep me in the loop regarding any updates on the merger."

            

  • Raise the bar - To set a higher standard or expectation.

    "The success of this product has really raised the bar for our competitors."

            

  • Throw in the towel - To give up or admit defeat.

    "After months of declining sales, the company decided to throw in the towel and close the store."

            

  • Hit the ground running - To begin a project or task with great energy and immediately start producing results.

    “We need someone who can hit the ground running and take charge of the project from day one."

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