Hello, my wonderful English learners! Today I’ve written a blog for you all titled “25 Advanced English Vocabulary Phrases.” If you’re comfortable with intermediate English and ready to challenge yourself, you’re in the right place. Together we will explore a range of useful and interesting phrases that will enhance your English conversations and writing. Below each phrase, there will be a definition and an example to give you a clear understanding, allowing you to start using them confidently in your daily life. Let’s begin!
1. beat around the bush
Definition: avoiding the main topic, not speaking directly about the issue
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what the problem is.
2. break the ice
Definition: to initiate a conversation in a social setting
Example: I told a joke to break the ice and soon we were all laughing.
3. cut corners
Definition: doing something poorly or cheaply
Example: If you cut corners when you’re renovating, you might end up spending more on repairs.
4. hit the nail on the head
Definition: describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem
Example: You really hit the nail on the head when you described the issue with our strategy.
5. let the cat out of the bag
Definition: reveal a secret, usually unintentionally
Example: I was trying to keep the party a secret, but my sister let the cat out of the bag.
6. once in a blue moon
Definition: something that happens very rarely
Example: I only see my cousin once in a blue moon since he moved abroad.
7. piece of cake
Definition: something very easy to do
Example: The test was a piece of cake, much easier than I expected.
8. sit on the fence
Definition: not making a decision or taking a side in a dispute
Example: You can’t sit on the fence any longer, you need to make a decision.
9. speak of the devil
Definition: when the person you have just been talking about arrives
Example: Speak of the devil, here comes John now!
10. take with a grain of salt
Definition: not take what someone says too seriously
Example: I take everything he says with a grain of salt because he often exaggerates.
11. throw in the towel
Definition: to give up, to admit defeat
Example: After several failed attempts, he decided to throw in the towel and try something else.
If you’re finding these advanced English vocabulary phrases useful, please be sure to check out this YouTube lesson below! 
12. under the weather
Definition: feeling ill or sick
Example: I’m feeling a bit under the weather, so I’m going to stay home today.
13. barking up the wrong tree
Definition: to be mistaken, to be looking for solutions in the wrong place
Example: If you think I’m responsible for the error, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
14. bite off more than you can chew
Definition: to take on a task that is way too big
Example: She bit off more than she could chew by enrolling in too many classes.
15. burn the midnight oil
Definition: to stay up late working on a project or task
Example: I have to burn the midnight oil tonight to finish my report on time.
16. cry over spilled milk
Definition: to be upset about something that cannot be undone
Example: There’s no point crying over spilled milk. Let’s just move on and try to fix the situation.
17. fit as a fiddle
Definition: to be in perfect health
Example: Even at 80, my grandfather is fit as a fiddle.
18. in a nutshell
Definition: briefly, in a few words
Example: In a nutshell, our plan is to increase sales by improving online marketing.
19. jump on the bandwagon
Definition: join a popular trend or activity
Example: Everyone is jumping on the bandwagon of this new diet trend.
20. kill two birds with one stone
Definition: to accomplish two different things at the same time
Example: By studying while I commute, I can kill two birds with one stone.
21. miss the boat
Definition: to miss an opportunity
Example: I missed the boat on investing in that company when its stocks were cheap.
To add to these advance English vocabulary phrases, here are 10 important idioms you can use everyday!
22. on the ball
Definition: doing a good job, being prompt, or being responsible
Example: Our project leader is really on the ball and keeps everything running smoothly.
23. hit the sack
Definition: go to bed or go to sleep
Example: I’m exhausted; it’s time to hit the sack.
24. taste of your own medicine
Definition: to experience the same unpleasantness that you’ve given others
Example: He finally got a taste of his own medicine when he was treated the same way he treats others.
25. when pigs fly
Definition: something that will never happen
Example: She claims she’ll finish the entire project by tomorrow, but I think that will happen when pigs fly.
