Using idioms makes your English sound more natural, fluent, and engaging. At My Planet English (MPE), we help students learn idioms in context so they can use them confidently in conversations, writing, and exams.

Here are 20 idioms every learner should know, with meanings and examples:

1. Break the ice

• Meaning: To start a conversation in a social setting

• Example: He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.

2. Hit the nail on the head

• Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem

• Example: Her comment about the lack of communication really hit the nail on the head.

3. Piece of cake

• Meaning: Something very easy

• Example: The exam was a piece of cake; I finished it in 20 minutes.

4. Once in a blue moon

• Meaning: Very rarely

• Example: We only go to the beach once in a blue moon.

5. Let the cat out of the bag

• Meaning: Reveal a secret accidentally

• Example: He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.

6. Under the weather

• Meaning: Feeling sick

• Example: I felt under the weather yesterday, so I stayed home.

7. Bite the bullet

• Meaning: Face a difficult situation bravely

• Example: I decided to bite the bullet and finish the project on time.

8. Burn the midnight oil

• Meaning: Work late into the night

• Example: She burned the midnight oil to prepare for her IELTS exam.

9. Cost an arm and a leg

• Meaning: Very expensive

• Example: That new laptop costs an arm and a leg.

10. Cry over spilt milk

• Meaning: Worry about something that cannot be changed

• Example: Don’t cry over spilt milk; just focus on the next opportunity.

11. Cut corners

• Meaning: Do something in a cheaper or faster way, usually sacrificing quality

• Example: Don’t cut corners on your English practice if you want real progress.

12. Get cold feet

• Meaning: Feel nervous or anxious about something

• Example: He got cold feet before giving his presentation.

13. Hit the books

• Meaning: Study intensely

• Example: I need to hit the books to prepare for the TOEFL test.

14. Keep your chin up

• Meaning: Stay positive

• Example: Even though it’s tough, keep your chin up and keep practicing English.

15. Kill two birds with one stone

• Meaning: Achieve two things at once

• Example: By listening to English podcasts while commuting, I kill two birds with one stone.

16. On cloud nine

• Meaning: Extremely happy

• Example: She was on cloud nine after getting a perfect score on her exam.

17. Pull someone’s leg

• Meaning: Joke or tease someone

• Example: He was just pulling my leg about failing the test.

18. The ball is in your court

• Meaning: It’s your turn to take action

• Example: I’ve explained everything; now the ball is in your court.

19. Up in the air

• Meaning: Not yet decided

• Example: Our vacation plans are still up in the air.

20. Your guess is as good as mine

• Meaning: I don’t know either

• Example: When he asked why the website crashed, I said, “Your guess is as good as mine.”

Final Thoughts

Using idioms in your daily English conversations makes your speech more natural, fluent, and impressive. Start with a few idioms at a time, practice in context, and gradually expand your list.

✅ At My Planet English, we teach students how to use idioms naturally in speaking, writing, and exams for real-world fluency.