{"id":1664,"date":"2011-05-12T06:39:11","date_gmt":"2011-05-12T06:39:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/?p=1664"},"modified":"2023-12-01T11:38:56","modified_gmt":"2023-12-01T11:38:56","slug":"idiomatic-phrases-in-english","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/idiomatic-phrases-in-english\/","title":{"rendered":"Idiomatic Phrases in English: 19 of The Best"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\tAccording to the Free Dictionary, there are an estimated\u00a025000 idiomatic phrases in English <\/strong>(idioms<\/a>). Although we don’t have time to cover them all, we’ve handpicked a selection of some of the most common idioms you will hear from English speakers. To help you to get to grips with these strange idiomatic phrases, we have tried to provide some of the background histories to them, explaining their origins and what they actually mean.<\/p>\n

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a piece of cake \/ easy as pie<\/h3>\n

\"Picture<\/a>Fig. <\/em>an activity or task that is very easy to complete successfully.<\/p>\n

If something is referred to as being a piece of cake <\/em>or easy as pie<\/em>, it is very easy to accomplish.<\/p>\n

Both phrases originate in America in the 19th Century. During this time cake and pie were synonymous with ease, and eating them was associated with a pleasant experience.<\/p>\n

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Examples:<\/h4>\n

I don’t know why you’re worried about taking the test, it’s a piece of cake.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Winning the race was easy as pie<\/span> for Fred as a result of all the training he had done.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n


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barking up the wrong tree<\/h3>\n

\"Sign<\/a>Fig. <\/em>to pursue an incorrect course of action or believe an untruth to be accurate.<\/p>\n

When someone is described as barking up the wrong tree<\/em>, the insinuation is that they are making the wrong choice or are following the wrong plan.
\nThe phrase originates from hunting sports, where a dog is used to chase the hunter’s prey. The dog is barking up the wrong tree<\/em> if it stands barking at the base of one tree, while the prey is actually located in a different tree.<\/p>\n

Example of idiomatic phrase in English use:<\/h4>\n

The police are interviewing Jimmy about the burglary, but they are barking up the wrong tree<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If you think I am going to wash your car for you, you are barking up the wrong tree<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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break the ice<\/h3>\n

\"Ice<\/a>Fig. to initiate a conversation or friendship with someone, or to get something started.<\/p>\n

When you break the ice with an individual, you say or do something that causes them to notice you or start a conversation with you. It is also possible to break the ice by acting in a way that starts a new process or action. Many people also use the term to describe an act which diffuses formality and stiffness.<\/p>\n

The term alludes to “Icebreakers,” which are boats that have strengthened hulls and are used to break the ice on large bodies of water so that smaller ships can pass through without damage.<\/p>\n

Examples of idiomatic phrase in use:<\/h4>\n

Tommy is so confident. He’s always the first to break the ice<\/span> with a pretty girl.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I would like to break the ice<\/span> by offering a toast to our bride and groom.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n


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clip your wings<\/h3>\n

\"Picture<\/a>Fig. To remove someone’s power or take away their privileges.<\/p>\n

The idiom clip your wings <\/em>or clip someone’s wings<\/em> has its roots in ancient Rome, when people clipped the wings of pet birds to prevent them from flying away. Today the idiom is used to indicate that someone is being forced to calm their actions or settle down.<\/p>\n

Example of idiomatic phrase in use:<\/h4>\n

If you take away his car keys, you are really clipping his wings<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The head teacher told him he was no longer allowed to play football; his wings were clipped<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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cry wolf<\/h3>\n

Fig. To deliberately raise a false alarm.<\/p>\n

To cry wolf<\/em> means to tell a lie that you know will cause people to react in a certain way. It is mainly used to describe a situation whereby someone pretends to be in danger when they are not, causing people to unnecessarily rush to their aid.<\/p>\n

The idiom emerged from an old folk tale named “The little boy who cried wolf,” in which a young boy was given the responsibility of looking after a flock of sheep. He found the task very boring and was angry that he was being forced to do it so, in order to seek revenge, he alarmed the villagers by claiming he had seen a wolf. He found the fact that the villagers rushed from their beds to his aid very amusing and repeated the prank night after night. However, one night the boy really did see a wolf but the villagers, tired of his games, ignored his cries for help. The wolf attacked and killed the boy.<\/p>\n

Examples:<\/h4>\n

Pay no attention to June, she’s crying wolf <\/span>again.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Johnny, don’t cry wolf<\/span> and pretend you’re drowning in the swimming pool, you never know when you may really need rescuing.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Idiomatic phrases in English: Next Page ><\/a><\/p>\n

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get your feet wet<\/h3>\n

\"Idiom:<\/a>Fig. To try something for the first time, to have a go at something new.<\/p>\n

To get your feet wet<\/em> means to experience something for the first time and the idiom is especially relevant if the task involves some type of risk. This is another idiom that evolved from a story contained within the Bible. During the time of the Exodus of the Children of Israel from Egypt, Moses parted the Red Sea. After the change in leadership from Moses to Joshua, God performed the same miracle, telling Joshua to part the Jordan River so that his people could enter the promised land. On this occasion, however, he tested the faith of the people by telling them that they must first get the soles of their feet wet, i.e. they must walk into the water and have faith that God will help them. Those that had the courage to get the soles of their feet wet were rewarded.<\/p>\n

Examples of idiomatic phrases in use:<\/h4>\n

I’m looking forward to learning to horse ride. I can’t wait to get on that horse and get my feet wet<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

You are encouraged to get your feet wet<\/span> by climbing the smallest mountain first.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Looking for more idioms about body parts? Take a look at our 10 idioms about the human body infographic<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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let your hair down<\/h3>\n

\"Relaxing<\/a>Fig. to act in a carefree manner.<\/p>\n

To let your hair down<\/em> means to behave in a free and uninhibited manner. When you let your hair<\/em> down, you give yourself to the moment and enjoy what is happening around you with no worries or cares.<\/p>\n

The phrase derives from the 17th century when women always wore their long hair pinned up. To be seen in public with your hair down was to disgrace yourself and risk creating the perception that you were unkempt. However, women would often let their hair down in private, especially at bedtime, and hence to have your hair down became synonymous with being relaxed and at ease.<\/p>\n

Examples of phrase in use:<\/h4>\n

You should have seen Kim dancing at the wedding last night. She really let her hair down<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

We have paid for everyone’s drinks for the evening, we want you to have a good time and let your hair down<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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let the cat out of the bag<\/h3>\n

\"Telling<\/a>Fig. <\/em>To reveal some information that was supposed to be kept secret.
\nTo let the cat out of the bag<\/em> means to divulge a secret. It is believed that this phrase originated in the markets and fairs of the medieval period. During this time, people would sell living livestock to their customers. The customer would choose the animal they wished to purchase from the selection on sale, and it would be placed into a sack for them to take home. Some unscrupulous merchants may sneakily switch the animal the customer had chosen for a cat–an animal that was readily available–and the customer may not notice this until they arrived home, by which point it would be too late. However, if the bag was opened in the marketplace, the customer would let the cat out of the bag <\/em>and the con would be revealed; the secret would be out.<\/p>\n

Examples:<\/h4>\n

We were trying to keep our relationship a secret but Sarah went and let the cat out of the bag<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Don’t tell anyone I told you about John’s promotion, I’ll be furious if you let the cat out of the bag<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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nest egg<\/h3>\n

\"Picture<\/a>Fig. Monetary savings or assets that will be used at a later date.<\/p>\n

To have a nest egg<\/em> means to have some savings that are intended for the future. A nest egg<\/em> may be in monetary form, or it may be in a different form of assets, such as stocks and shares, jewelry or a retirement plan.<\/p>\n

The origin of this idiom is very hard to trace. Many sources believe that it alludes to the age-old practice of placing a china egg in a hen’s nest to encourage her to lay. Perhaps the implication was that the egg could be retrieved at a later date when it was needed elsewhere.<\/p>\n

Examples of idiomatic phrase:<\/h4>\n

She has a nice little nest egg<\/span> for her retirement.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Don’t spend all your money, make sure you have a nest egg<\/span> in case something goes wrong.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n


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nothing to write home about<\/h3>\n

\"Picture<\/a>Fig. <\/em>Not particularly special, mediocre.
\nIf someone uses the idiom “nothing to write home about” they are implying that the subject or thing to which they are referring was satisfactory but isn’t something that stood out in any way. They have nothing special to say about it, and therefore it isn’t worth writing a letter home to tell others about it.
\nIt is believed that this idiomatic expression first became popular during World War I when soldiers on the front line would communicate with their friends and families back home via letters. If they had nothing to write home about, then the implication was that nothing special had happened that was worth taking the effort to write a letter about.<\/p>\n

Example of phrase in use:<\/h4>\n

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I ate all my food in the restaurant but it was nothing to write home about by any means<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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The hotel was in a good location but the rooms were nothing to write home about<\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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pipe dream<\/h3>\n

Fig. an aspiration or ambition that is impossible to achieve.<\/p>\n

If someone has a pip<\/em>\"Wilee dream<\/em>, it means they have an impossible notion or a wish that they dream of achieving. \u00a0People use the idiom to refer to someone who has unrealistic plans and dreams.<\/p>\n

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The origin of the idiomatic phrase: pipe dream<\/h4>\n

There are two explanations available concerning the origin of the idiom pipe dream. \u00a0The first concerns opium and the fact that this drug, when smoked through a pipe, caused people to hallucinate and have dreams. \u00a0As such, the phrase pipe dream<\/em> emerged as a means of describing a dream that was unrealistic and illusionary.<\/p>\n

The second potential explanation for the idiom pipe dream derives from the story of Samuel Heatherstump, an Englishman whose job it was to empty the chamber pot of royalty. \u00a0He dreamed of a waste sewerage system where the offending waste could be washed away via a system of pipes. \u00a0People laughed at him and said that his “dream of pipes” was unachievable. However, he never gave up and eventually did achieve his pipe dream. \u00a0His story, if anything, demonstrates that we should not always be quick to downgrade the dreams of other people as pipe dreams!<\/p>\n

Examples:<\/h4>\n

He is still in love with Janice. \u00a0He thinks she will notice him one day and they will live happily ever after; it’s just a pipe dream<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Darren is dreaming of quitting his job and starting his own business. We’ll see if he can turn his pipe dream<\/span> into reality.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Idiomatic phrases in English:\u00a0Next Page ><\/a><\/p>\n

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pop your clogs<\/h3>\n

\"Pop<\/a>Fig. <\/em>To pass away, die.
\nIf someone pops their clogs, they die.<\/p>\n

The phrase pop your clogs is believed to have become popular in England in the late 19th – early 20th century. During this time, the word “pop” was a slang expression that meant “to sell.” Therefore, to pop your clogs\u00a0means to sell your clogs. Clogs were the footwear of choice among lower working classes, especially those who worked in the mills. Family members would often sell the clogs of their deceased relatives in order to raise extra income.<\/p>\n

Examples of idiomatic phrase in use:<\/h4>\n

The atmosphere at work hasn’t been the same since poor Henry popped his clogs<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If you don’t stop eating beef burgers on a daily basis you’ll pop your clogs<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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salt of the earth<\/h3>\n

\"Hard<\/a>Fig. a very honest and worthy person.<\/p>\n

If someone is described as being salt of the earth<\/em>, it means that they are considered to be an honest, reliable and worthy individual. The idiom comes from the King James Version of the Bible, in which Jesus says: “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”<\/p>\n

During Jesus’ time, salt was more valuable than gold because it had a wide range of uses and was considered a rare delicacy. Within the quotation, Jesus was telling his disciples that they were more valuable than gold; they are the very best of people because they suffer persecution in order to display their loyalty to him.<\/p>\n

Today the phrase is applied to the type of people that are decent and hardworking and who often go about their daily lives without any type of complaint or criticism.<\/p>\n

Examples of Idiom in use:<\/h4>\n

Tim Jones is an unsung hero. He’s strong and decent – the salt of the earth<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The McDonalds are a really lovely family – salt of the earth<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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streets ahead<\/h3>\n

Fig. to be ahead of a rival, a long way in front.<\/p>\n

If someone is described as being streets ahead<\/em>, they have a significant lead over their competitor or rival.<\/p>\n

It is believed that the idiom developed as a result of the way in which news was spread in the times before newspapers, televisions or radios. In England, town criers would circulate the streets, shouting the news to passers-by. The criers would start at the town hall, in the centre of the town, and spread the news gradually through the streets. If you lived in a street close to the town hall, you were streets ahead<\/em> of those on the edge of the town because you heard the news first.<\/p>\n

Examples:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

He won the race by a mile. He was streets ahead<\/span> of the boy who finished second.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The new corporation is streets ahead<\/span> of its rivals when it comes to innovation.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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the eleventh hour<\/h3>\n

\"Just<\/a>Fig. On the last possible minute, at the latest time.<\/p>\n

To do something on the eleventh hour<\/em> means to do it at the very latest time possible. The expression originates from the Bible, within which it is detailed that the eleventh hour<\/em> is the last hour before the world ends. The 11th hour was also the last hour of sunlight before darkness ascended in the Bible.<\/p>\n

Examples:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Why do you always leave your homework until the eleventh hour<\/span>?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Brian finally made the sale and hit his targets in the eleventh hour<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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the thin edge of the wedge<\/h3>\n

Fig. <\/em>the start of a potentially harmful development.<\/p>\n

When people use the phrase\u00a0the thin edge of the wedge, <\/em>they are referring to an insignificant act or idea that they believe is highly likely to lead to something much more serious.<\/p>\n

The term refers to the way in which a wedge is often used to break apart heavy materials, such as wood or stone. The thinner edge of the wedge is driven into the material and then the thick end is hit with a hammer, forcing the material apart. Hence, the idiom insinuates that taking a small action could have very significant consequences.<\/p>\n

Example of idiomatic phrase in use:<\/h4>\n

Asking us to start work 5 minutes earlier is the\u00a0thin edge of the wedge<\/span>. It won’t be long until we’re working an extra hour with no overtime.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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thick as thieves<\/h3>\n

\"Girls<\/a>Fig. <\/em>Very close, heavily involved with one another.<\/p>\n

When people use the phrase thick as thieves, <\/em>they are implying that two or more people have a very close relationship with one another and are intimately allied. It can also be used to insinuate that two or more people are involved in some sort of conspiracy; they are in cahoots with one another.
\nIt is believed that the term originates from the concept of people within a criminal network. Thieves and partners in crime are required to share secret information and work closely with one another to conduct criminal activity.<\/p>\n

Idiomatic phrases in English use:<\/h4>\n

Tim and Harry used to argue and fight all the time but now they’re thick as thieves<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Those girls are up to no good; they are as thick as thieves<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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straight from the horse’s mouth<\/h3>\n

\"Picture<\/a>Fig. <\/em>from the highest authority available.<\/p>\n

When people talk about something coming straight from the horse’s mouth, <\/em>they are inferring that the information they have has come from a very reliable source, often from the highest authority available on the subject.
\nThe phrase originates in horse racing and, in particular, betting circles. When people place bets on horses to win a race, they like to have insider knowledge and look for tips on a horses form from those who are the closest to the horse, e.g. stablehands or trainers. To hear straight from the horse’s mouth<\/em> would be the best information available although, of course, this is notional!<\/p>\n

Examples:<\/h4>\n

It’s true that the head teacher is leaving, I heard it straight from the horse’s mouth<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If you don’t believe me, go and ask John so you can hear it yourself, straight from the horse’s mouth<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Another very popular idiom about an animal is the term black sheep of the family<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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If there are any idiomatic phrases in English that you would like us to cover, get in touch with us on Twitter: @vappingo<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 \t\t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

According to the Free Dictionary, there are an estimated\u00a025000 idiomatic phrases in English (idioms). Although we don’t have time to cover them all, we’ve handpicked a selection of some of the most common idioms you will hear from English speakers. To help you to get to grips with these strange idiomatic phrases, we have tried … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":253,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1664","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-editing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1664","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1664"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1664\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9458,"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1664\/revisions\/9458"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1664"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1664"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1664"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}