100 idioms and their meanings and examples
The use of idioms and proverbs in a language adds colour to it and makes it more interesting for the listeners. To improve good English communication, we are going to deal with some common idioms used in the language which you can use in your day to day conversation to make it more effective and interesting.
1. Acid Test: Meaning - Acid test proves proves the effectiveness effectiveness of something. something. Example - I practiced hard at the dance sessions but the acid test will come when the master will assess
our solo performances.
. !ut the ground from under feet : Meaning - "hen you cut the ground from under someone#s feet, you do something which weakens their
position. Example - "hen team India hit more than $%& runs in the '(I, they cut the ground from under the
opponent#s feet.
$. !hase your tail: Meaning - )pending a lot of time and energy doing a lot of things but actually achieving too little. Example - *e#s been chasing his tail all week collecting data but the report is still not ready
+. "hole bag of tricks Meaning - -eans trying all the clever means to achieve something. Example - It was really difficult to find the information even after applying the whole bag of tricks.
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%. (eliver the goods Meaning - (o what is epected or promised. Example - I have given my car to a new mechanic for repair, hope he delivers the goods.
/. 0inetooth comb Meaning - Eamining something carefully to not miss out any details. Example - The boss eamined my report with a fine tooth comb before submitting it to the senior
management.
. Eplore all avenues Meaning - Trying out every possibility to get a result. Example - It is a difficult thing to do but if we really want it done, we must eplore all avenues.
2. 0ast track something Meaning - 3ating something higher on your priority list to achieve the desired result. Example - In view of the seriousness of the crime, the civil society is pressing up on a fast track decision
from the court.
4 . 5et ducks in a row Meaning - 5etting your things well organi6ed. Example - To ensure a successful product launch, we must get our ducks in a row.
1&. 5et the show on the road Meaning - 7utting up a plan or idea into action. Example - 8ow that we have compeleted all the legal formalities, let#s get the show on the road.
11. 9eep your fingers on the pulse Meaning - eing constantly aware of the most recent developments. Example - An entrepreneur must keep his fingers on the pulse of the market to be successful. 2
1. -ean business Meaning - eing serious about what you announce. Example - 8ow that all our policies about work are put up on intranet, we mean business.
1$. Think on your feet Meaning - Ad;usting
1+. )ail through something Meaning - eing successful in doing something without difficulty. Example - The presentation at the national conference was e tremely important for the company. "e
sailed through it.
1%. Tricks of the trade : Meaning - !lever or epert way of doing something. Example - eing into the construction business for last 1& years, I know all tricks of the trade.
1/. 8ot let grass grow under feet Meaning - (on#t delay in getting something done. Example - As soon as he finished all the registration formalities, he put the house on sale. *e doesn#t let
the grass grow under his feet.
1. "ork like a charm Meaning - "orks very well or has the desired effect. Example - I had cloves from my sore throat and they worked like a charm.
12. ackroom boys Meaning - 7eople who perform important work but have no contact with the public. Example - 'ur back room boys deserve an applause for the success of this advertisement. 3
14. (ead wood Meaning - 7eople or things which are no longer useful or necessary. Example - The company bought in a lot of new computers. They no longer want the dead woods.
&. 5et the ae Meaning - lose the ;ob. Example - The pro;ects team was undergoing a ma;or restructuring, recruitment eecutives were the first
to get the ae.
1. 7lum ;ob Meaning - (esirable position which is wellpaid and considered relatively easy . Example - This looks like a plum ;ob but it has its own bunch of complications.
. )hape up or ship out Meaning - This epression is used to warn someone that if they do not improvetheir ways, they will have
to leave their ;ob. Example - "hen Tom started neglecting the customers, he was told to shape up or ship out.
$. 5olden handshake Meaning - ig sum of money given to a person when they leave a company or retire. Example - The management of various 7)=s wanted to cut down on the man power. They offered a
golden hand shake to many of their aged employees.
+. )eparate sheep from goats Meaning - Eamining a group of people a nd deciding their suitability Example - Audition test was conducted by the director to separate sheep from goats.
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%. "aiting in the wings Meaning - "aiting for an opportunity to take action, mostly to replace someone else in their ;ob. Example - The senior manager is going to retire in net months. Two of his ;uniors who are waiting in
the wings will have a fierce competition.
/. Eat, sleep and breathe something Meaning - eing so enthusiastic and passionate about somehting that you think about it all the time. Example - -y son has recently learnt cycling. *e eats, sleeps and breathes it now.
. "ith bells on Meaning - "hen you are delighted and eager to go somewhere, you are said to go with bells on. Example - The new year party at the beach is most awaited. I will be there with bells on.
2. 0ever pitch Meaning - "hen a feeling is very intense and eciting, it is said to be at a fever pitch. Example - *is love for music had reached a fever pitch before he became a world known musician.
4. lood, sweat and tears Meaning - )omething that re
and tears which has got him here.
$&. *ave on the brain Meaning - Thinking or talking about it all day long. Example - *e has ;ust got engaged. 8ow, he has his fiance on his brain all the time.
$1. 0ling yourself into Meaning - (oing something with a lot of e nergy and enthusiasm. Example - 0linging himself into the eercise routine is the reason for his good physi
$. 3aring to go Meaning - eing very eager and enthusiastic about the idea of doing something. Example - -y kids wish to see the animals. They are raring to go to 6oo.
$$. >ero subsidy Meaning - =sing the office photocopier for personal use. Example - The office now has a strict policy about ero subsidy.
$+. 5et a grip on yourself Meaning - !ontrolling your feelings to deal with a situation. Example - 3eema saw her ;wellery and cash missing from the almirah. After the initial shock, she got a
grip on herself and called up the police.
$%. *ang on by fingernails Meaning - !ontinuing to do something in a very difficult situation. Example - The market of watches has suffered a big loss after the arrival of mobile phones. The survivors
are ;ust hanging on by their fingernails.
$/. 7ull out all the stops Meaning - (oing everything you can to make something successful. Example - The deadline for the pro;ect is fast arriving? we have pulled out all the stops for timely
completion.
$. uckle down Meaning - (oing some hard work with determination and full attention. Example - 5etting through the eam for civil services is possible when you have buckled down yourself.
$2. 0irst out of the gate Meaning - eing the first one to make a start at something.
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Example - @ohn and his friends had decided to voice their opinion against the new economic policy. @ohn
was the first one to be out of the gate.
$4. 5oing places Meaning - Ehibiting talent and ability that will lead to a successful future. Example - 3akesh was a performer at the school sports club. It was obvious that he was going places.
+&. *ave one#s heart set on Meaning - 7ossessing a determination to obtain something. Example - *e has not become a renowned cardiologist ;ust by chance. *e has his heart set on it after his
father passed away with a cardiac arrest.
+1. -ake headway Meaning - 7rogress in what you are trying to achieve. Example - The police have made a headway with their investigation in the terror attack on the city last
friday.
+. 7unch above one#s weight Meaning - 7erforming beyond your ability. Example - *e was not the best swimmer around but he could win the gold medal at the state s wimming
competition by working hard and punching above his weight in the finals.
+$. )ink your teeth into Meaning - doing something with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Example - -arie ;oined the badminton coaching classes. )he sank her teeth into the practice sessions.
++. )tand one#s ground Meaning - -aintaining your position. Example - *e stood his ground in support of his friend inspite of several family interferences.
+%. !lose to home 7
Meaning - A comment which is true and makes you uncomfortable is close to home. Example - Tom#s comment about his friend#s unethical activities was
embarassed.
+/. !arry the torch for Meaning - *aving strong feelings for someone who can not be yours. Example - *e has been carrying a torch for -amta, who is now married to 8itin, since they studied
together in college.
+. !ork up something Meaning - 0ailing to epress your emotions. Example - )he did not let her grief pour out when her father passed away. Its not good for her to cork up
his feelings.
+2. !ut to the
his boss held him responsible for the theft.
+4. 0ish out of water Meaning - 0eeling uncomfortable in u nfamiliar surroundings. Example - eing a french, I felt like a fish out of water in the group of @apanese
%&. ee in one#s bonnet Meaning - !arrying an idea which constantly occupies your thoughts. Example - )he is not happy in Africa. )he has a bee in he bonnet about moving to (ubai.
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%1. (eep down Meaning - (escribing what a person really feels deep inside or what is he like. Example - *e appears to be indifferent to the success or failure of his children but deep down he is highly
concerned.
%. *ave your heart in the right place Meaning - 3efers to a person with good intentions? even though the results are not that impressive. Example - The dinner she had cooked wasn#t the best but she had her heart in the right place.
%$. 5roan inwardly Meaning - 3efers to a feeling where you want to epress despair, disapproval or distress, but you keep
groaned inwardly.
%+. eard the lion in his den Meaning - !hallenge someone in his own area. Example - If he doesn#t come to see me today, I#ll have to beard the lion in his den.
%%. 9eep a stiff upper lip Meaning - 3efers to a person who doesn#t show off his emotions. Example - *e heard the news about his father#s demise but kept a stiff upper lip.
%/. 5o bananas Meaning - 3efers to someone who behaves in a cra6y way out of emotions. Example - our decision to go abroad for a year will make your family go bananas.
%. Bump in your throat Meaning - 3efers to a tight feeling in your throat because of an emotion like sadness or gratitude.
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Example - After all the hardships, I saw my son winning a gold medal today I had a lump in my throat.
%2. *ard as nails Meaning - 3efers to a person without sentiments and sympathy for anyone. Example - *e has become as hard as a nail after his brother was brutally murdered.
%4. Bick one#s wounds Meaning - Trying to regain their confidence or boost up the spirits after a defeat. Example - 3a;a is licking his wounds after being dropped from the Indian !ricket Team.
/&. 7roud as a peacock Meaning - 3efers to an etremely proud person. Example - *is son is has finally become a doctor. *e is as proud as a peacock.
/1. Tonguetied Meaning - (ifficulty in epressing yourself because of nervousness or embarrassment. Example - As her prospective in laws came to see her, she was completely tongue tied.
/. Book on the bright side Meaning - Ciew an unpleasant situation in a positive light. Example - ou met with an accident but look on the bright side you managed to get away ;ust with some
bruises.
/$. )wallow one#s pride Meaning - Accepting something humiliating or embarrassing. Example - "hen his son was caught cheating in the eam. *e had to s wallow his pride and meet the
principal.
/+. -akes your flesh crawl Meaning - )omething that makes you feel disgusting or nervous. 10
Example - The sight of the accident made my flesh crawl.
/%. )peak volumes Meaning - Epresses a reaction without words. Example - )he came to pick me at the station at an odd hour. *er actions spoke volumes about her
bravity.
//. 8ot turn a hair Meaning - 3efers to not ehibiting any emotion where it is epected. Example - *e didn#t turn a hair even after his office was raided by the !I.
/. 3educe to tears Meaning - 5etting into tears because of some one#s behavior. Example - *er best friend stopped talking to her. This reduced her to tears.
/2. In the bag Meaning - 3efers to a situation when you are sure that success is sure. Example - The wickets of opponent team fell down very fast, vistory seemed to be in the bag at the end
of % overs.
/4. low up in face Meaning - 3efers to a situation when a plan or pro;ect suddenly fails. Example - It was difficult to get a place in the train to -umbai. It blew up in the face when a train derailed
and blocked the track.
&. ottom fell out Meaning - 3efers to a situation when a plan or pro;ect fails. Example - "hen the police announced a red alert in the city, the bottom fell out of their plan to hold a
rally.
1.!ake not worth the candle 11
Meaning - 3efers to something in which result vs efforts are too less. Example - *e worked very hard to organi6e the party but very few guests walked in. The cake wasn#t
worth the candle.
. !hance one#s arm Meaning - (eciding to do something even though the chances of sucess are very little. Example - )he knew there was little chance of getting through the audition test but she decided to
chance her arm.
$. !ome up roses Meaning - )uccessful end results even though there may be some initial hiccups. Example - After initial hiccups, the pro;ect seems to be coming up roses.
+. !ook someone#s goose Meaning - )poil other person#s chances of success. Example - "hen the opponent team saw Indian batsmen taking wicket after wicket, they realised that
their goose was cooked.
%. !ut one#s own throat Meaning - (oing something that will cause your own failure. Example - 3aghav is not sincere in the class since the beginning. *e is cutting his own throat.
/. 0oot in the door Meaning - )mall but good start with a p ossibility for a bright future. Example - "ith customers coming in, his new venture has got a foot in the door.
. 5o great guns Meaning - eing successful. Example - 3am#s preparation for the final eams is going great guns. *e scored 4&D marks in the
practice test. 12
2. (ead in the water Meaning - 7lan or pro;ect that has ceased to function and is not epected to be reactivated in future. Example - ecause of the revolt from the civil society, the plan to get the 0(I in various sectors is now
dead in the water.
4. 0lying start Meaning - )omething that is immediately successful. Example - The film hit the bo office with a flying start and collected the highest revenue on day 1.
2&. -ake a go of Meaning - )ucceeding in your enterprise. Example - "ith his hard work and dedication, he has made a go of his new venture.
21. 5o to the dogs Meaning - 5etting comparably less successful than before. Example - "ith new corruption scams unveiling everday, the country is going to dogs.
21. 5o up in smoke Meaning - )omething that ends before getting a result. Example - "ith a vigilant police force around the town, the plan of antisocial elements to cause chaos
went up in smoke.
2. Bive on the breadline Meaning - *aving very little income. Example - The partition of the country has left many people on the breadline.
2$. -ake or break Meaning - !ircumstances causing total success or total ruin. Example - The huge investment in this big pro;ect with make or break him. 13
2+. Bandslide victory Meaning - 'verwhelming victory received by a candidate of political party at an election. Example - "ith a win of more of than +&D seats in the first two hours of counting, they are epecting a
landslide victory.
2%. Bet slip through fingers Meaning - 0ailing to obtain or keep up a good opportunity. Example - This opportunity can be your break through in the industry. (on#t let it slip through your fingers.
2/. 3ags to riches Meaning - ecoming very rich while starting very poor. Example - *is innovative ideas in business got him from rags to riches.
2. 'n the pig#s back Meaning - 3efers to a person in successful and well situation. Example - The tourism in the state was on the pig#s back before the terror attacks hit the capital.
22. -iss the boat Meaning - 0ailing to take advantage of an opportunity because of slow actions. Example - I managed to get a discount of 1&D but could not get an early bird offer. 3eaching late made
me miss the boat.
24. )mash hit Meaning - 3efers to music, films which are very successful. Example - *is music became a smash hit in a week#s time.
4&. -urphy#s law Meaning - -eans that if anything can go wrong, it will. Example - Bet#s be prepared for the worst but don#t forget the -urphy#s law. 14
41. 7lace in the sun Meaning - 0inding a place in the sun refers to a position which provides you all the success and
happiness you want in your life. Example - 5etting married into the renowned business family in the town, she found a place in the sun.
4. )ink or swim Meaning - fail or succeed. Example - The test will decide if he sinks or swims.
4$. !hampagne on a beer budget Meaning - "anting epensive things that you can not afford. Example - )he always buys things out of her budget. )he has developed a taste for champagne on beer
budget.
4+. Top dog Meaning - Cery successful group, company, person, country etc. Example - The economic survey proved that they are the top dogs of the IT industry.
4%. 9eep up appearances Meaning - -aintaining an outward show of prosperity or wellbeing while hiding your difficulties Example - 9eeping up the appearances was important for him to secure the new big pro;ects.
4/. "ooden spoon Meaning - Imaginary pri6e for the last person in a race. Example - "e won a wooden spoon at the fashion show.
4. *ave the world by its tail Meaning - Cery successful person who can shoose from a lot of opportunities. Example - eing the pioneers in the pharmaceutical industry, they are now having the world by its tail. 15
42. Bive beyond means Meaning - )pending more money than you can afford. Example - *e has a habit of living beyond his means. -ost of the times, you will find him borrowing the
money from his friends.
44. Bive in an ivory tower Meaning - Biving a lifestyle that saves you from the real world problems. Example - *er ineperience in dealing with tough situations is because she has lived in an ivory tower
1&&. *it the road running Meaning - )tart performing immediately. Example - )he was our old employee. )he hit the road running when she ;oined us back.
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