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."