10 Important English Idioms you can use every day! – with video lesson
Hi everyone! I’ve lately been receiving some questions about English idioms from some of my followers. So I’ve put together this blog post of 10 important English idioms that you will be able to use every day. In this post I’ve also included a YouTube video that I also made on this topic. Let’s get started!
What is an idiom?
An idiom is a group of words that cannot be translated literally.
For example, the idiom “the last straw”, doesn’t actually mean the last piece of straw.
You can watch this lesson and read on for more examples!
1) Take your time:
Definition: Don’t rush. I am happy to wait.
Employee: I can get that report ready for you in the next 10 minutes.
Supervisor: No rush, take your time.
Student: I’m so nervous about my next exam.
Teacher: Just breathe deeply and take your time. You’ll do fine.
2) You can say that again:
Definition: I completely agree with you.
Friend 1: That’s the funniest movie I’ve seen in a long time!
Friend 2: You can say that again! I laughed so hard I was crying!
Friend 1: I find shopping for Christmas presents so stressful.
Friend 2: You can say that again. This year I did all my Christmas shopping in October.
3) I’ll take your word for it:
Definition: I trust you because I don’t have any information.
Hotel attendant: If you get to the pool early, you’ll get a great spot by the water.
Guest: Oh! I’ll take your word for it and set my alarm to wake up early!
Mechanic: With winter coming I highly recommend you get some winter tires. The roads get very icy this time of year.
Customer: Ok, I’ll take your word for it. Can I get them fitted this afternoon?
4) It sounds like you have your work cut out for you.
Definition: Wow, you will be very busy.
Colleague 1: So many of my colleagues have called in sick, so I have to answer all the phones today and reply to everyone’s emails!
Colleague 2: Wow, it sounds like you have your work cut out for you. Let me get you another coffee.
Son: Yeah, my studies are going well. I’m a little stressed because I have a couple of deadlines coming up to hand in my papers. But I think I’ll get them done in time.
Mother: Well, it sounds like you have your work cut out for you.
5) That’s the last straw.
Definition: After many bad things, this is the last time. No more. (usually referring to behavior / services)
Soccer fan 1: 5-0!? Ok, that’s the last straw! This manager has to go!
Soccer fan 2: He should have been fired at the start of the season.
Friend 1: That’s the last straw! This is the third time I’ve stayed home to wait for my package to arrive, and the courier still hasn’t delivered it!
Friend 2: I think you need to find another courier.
You might also like: Idioms with the 12 months
6) Cut someone some slack.
Definition: Don’t be so critical.
Colleague 1: I can’t believe all the mistakes she keeps making. I have to fix her errors as well as get all my own work done.
Colleague 2: She’s only an intern, cut her some slack. Remember how overwhelmed you felt when you started working here?
Father: These grades are good, but they could be better. I’m going to have a talk with him.
Mother: You need to cut him some slack. He studies very hard.
7) I’ll cross that bridge when I get/come to it.
Definition: I will deal with a problem in the future.
Employee: The accountant called, he needs you to send over all the documents so he can complete the accounts.
Boss: I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. I have a big meeting today with our clients to get the contracts signed.
Mechanic: Okay, I’ve fitted the new tires for you. Just a reminder, your next annual service will be due at 70,000 miles. You can book your car in now if you like?
Customer: No thanks, I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.
8) Feel under the weather:
Definition : a little sick
Employee: Hi, I’m really sorry, but I’m going to have to go home early. I’m starting to feel under the weather.
Boss: Okay, call in tomorrow morning and let us know how you’re doing.
Mother: I think we should keep Alice home today. She is really feeling under the weather.
Father: No problem, I’ll call the school to let them know.
9) Long story short:
Definition: The story is longer, but I will tell you the most important point.
Wife: You were gone for a long time! How was your appointment with the doctor? Is everything ok?
Husband: Long story short, I’m fine. I just need to lose a bit of weight and watch my diet.
Mother: Did you call the admissions office? Do they have your application?
Son: I was on the phone to them for 3 hours. Long story short, their system went down and they lost my application. I have to start the process all over again.
10) Hit the sack.
Definition: Go to bed
Housemate 1: Hey, do you need another beer? I’m going to the kitchen.
Housemate 2: No, I going to hit the sack. Tomorrow I’ve got to get up early for work.
Doctor: I’m concerned that maybe you’re not getting enough sleep. What time do you go to bed in the evening?
Patient: Normally I’ll hit the sack around 1 am.
Now that you know 10 important English idioms, do you know these 131 irregular verbs? 131 irregular verbs with images
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