Idioms and Phrases: Sound More Like a Native Speaker!

Why Idioms Matter

Have you ever listened to a native English speaker and thought, What did they just say? 🤔

English speakers love using idioms and phrases—expressions that don’t always mean exactly what the words suggest. For example, if someone says, “It’s raining cats and dogs,” they don’t actually mean animals are falling from the sky! 🐱🐶

If you want to sound more natural and fluent, learning idioms is a great way to level up your English. In this post, I’ll share some of the most useful idioms and phrases, plus how to use them in everyday conversations!

1. "Break the ice" – Start a conversation

🔹 Meaning: To start a conversation and make people feel comfortable.

🔹 Example: “I was nervous at the party, but telling a joke helped break the ice.”

💡 How to Use It: Perfect for social situations or meeting new people!

2. "Hit the nail on the head" – Be exactly right

🔹 Meaning: To describe something perfectly or to be spot on.

🔹 Example: “You hit the nail on the head! That’s exactly what I was thinking.”

💡 How to Use It: Use this when someone gives a great answer or an accurate observation.

3. "Spill the beans" – Reveal a secret

🔹 Meaning: To accidentally tell a secret before you should.

🔹 Example: “I was planning a surprise party, but Jack spilled the beans!”

💡 How to Use It: Be careful! Use this when someone reveals information they weren’t supposed to.

4. "Under the weather" – Feeling sick

🔹 Meaning: To feel ill or unwell.

🔹 Example: “I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’m going to stay home and rest.”

💡 How to Use It: Instead of just saying “I’m sick,” this makes you sound more natural.

5. "Bite the bullet" – Do something difficult

🔹 Meaning: To do something unpleasant or difficult but necessary.

🔹 Example: “I hate going to the dentist, but I need to bite the bullet and make an appointment.”

💡 How to Use It: When facing a tough or unpleasant task, this idiom is your go-to!

6. "Cost an arm and a leg" – Very expensive

🔹 Meaning: Something that is really expensive.

🔹 Example: “That designer bag costs an arm and a leg!”

💡 How to Use It: Perfect when talking about high prices.

7. "A piece of cake" – Very easy

🔹 Meaning: Something super easy to do.

🔹 Example: “That test was a piece of cake! I finished in 10 minutes.”

💡 How to Use It: Great for talking about simple tasks or challenges.

8. "Let the cat out of the bag" – Reveal a secret

🔹 Meaning: To accidentally reveal a secret.

🔹 Example: “She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party!”

💡 How to Use It: Similar to “spill the beans,” but often used for big surprises.

9. "Burn the midnight oil" – Stay up late working

🔹 Meaning: To work late at night on a project.

🔹 Example: “I had to burn the midnight oil to finish my assignment on time.”

💡 How to Use It: Commonly used by students and professionals.

10. "Pull someone’s leg" – Joke or tease someone

🔹 Meaning: To joke around or trick someone playfully.

🔹 Example: “I didn’t really win the lottery—I was just pulling your leg!”

💡 How to Use It: When you’re joking with friends!

How to Start Using Idioms Today

1️⃣ Listen for idioms in conversations, movies, and TV shows.

2️⃣ Try using one or two new idioms each week.

3️⃣ Write down idioms in a notebook with example sentences.

4️⃣ Practise with a friend or language partner to feel more comfortable.

Final Thoughts: Sound More Natural in English!

Idioms are everywhere in English, and learning them will help you sound more fluent and confident.

🚀 Your Challenge: Pick three idioms from this list and try using them in a conversation this week!

Which idiom is your favourite? Let me know in the comments! 😊💬

Got questions? feel free to contact me

Ready to start your English learning journey? Book a trial lesson with me