Language is not just about grammar and vocabulary—it is also about expressions that convey meaning beyond the literal words. These expressions are known as idioms and phrases.
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An idiom is a group of words that has a meaning different from the meanings of its individual words.
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A phrase is a small group of words that form a meaningful unit within a sentence but may not have a subject or verb.
Understanding idioms and phrases enhances your communication skills, helps you grasp native-level English, and is crucial for doing well in competitive exams, group discussions, and writing tasks.
🧠 What is an Idiom?
An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words.
📌 Example:
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“Break the ice”
✨ Meaning: To initiate a conversation in a social setting.
✅ Usage: She told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
🧠 What is a Phrase?
A phrase is a group of words that acts as a single part of speech. It may or may not be idiomatic, but it does not form a complete sentence.
📌 Example:
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“In a hurry”
✨ Meaning: To be in a rush.
✅ Usage: He left the room in a hurry.
📌 Importance of Learning Idioms and Phrases
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✅ Adds fluency and naturalness to language.
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✅ Boosts vocabulary and expression in writing and speaking.
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✅ Essential for cracking the English section of competitive exams.
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✅ Makes comprehension of native-level English (movies, books, articles) easier.
🗂️ Categories of Common Idioms and Phrases
📚 1. Idioms Related to Daily Life
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Hit the sack – Go to bed.
I’m really tired. I think I’ll hit the sack. -
Spill the beans – Reveal a secret.
He spilled the beans about the surprise party. -
Under the weather – Feeling ill.
She’s feeling a bit under the weather today.
💼 2. Idioms for Work and Business
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Back to the drawing board – Start again from scratch.
The plan failed, so it's back to the drawing board. -
Call the shots – Be in control.
In this company, it's the manager who calls the shots. -
Think outside the box – Be creative.
We need to think outside the box for this project.
❤️ 3. Idioms for Emotions and Behaviour
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Blow off steam – Release pent-up emotions.
He went jogging to blow off steam after the argument. -
Cry over spilt milk – Worrying about something that has already happened.
Don’t cry over spilt milk—it’s in the past now. -
Wear your heart on your sleeve – Show emotions openly.
She always wears her heart on her sleeve.
🕒 4. Time-related Idioms
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Once in a blue moon – Very rarely.
We go out for dinner once in a blue moon. -
Beat the clock – Finish something before the deadline.
We managed to beat the clock and submit it on time. -
In the nick of time – Just at the last possible moment.
He caught the train in the nick of time.
📈 5. Idioms from Exams and Academics
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Hit the books – Start studying.
It’s time to hit the books for the upcoming exams. -
Pass with flying colours – Pass with excellent results.
She passed the exam with flying colours. -
Burn the midnight oil – Study late into the night.
He’s burning the midnight oil to prepare for the test.
📝 Practice Section: Q&A with Explanation
Q1. What is the meaning of the idiom “Bite the bullet”?
🔘 A. Avoid something unpleasant
🔘 B. Face a difficult situation bravely
🔘 C. Hide your emotions
🔘 D. Delay an important task
✅ Answer: B. Face a difficult situation bravely
📘 Explanation:
“Bite the bullet” means to do something unpleasant or difficult that you have been avoiding.
Example: I had to bite the bullet and visit the dentist.
Q2. Choose the correct meaning of: “Let the cat out of the bag.”
🔘 A. Reveal a secret
🔘 B. Hide something important
🔘 C. Avoid responsibility
🔘 D. Do something unexpected
✅ Answer: A. Reveal a secret
📘 Explanation:
This idiom means to unintentionally reveal a secret or surprise.
Example: She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
Q3. Select the idiom that means: “To take a risk.”
🔘 A. Break a leg
🔘 B. Hit the sack
🔘 C. Go out on a limb
🔘 D. Hold your horses
✅ Answer: C. Go out on a limb
📘 Explanation:
“To go out on a limb” means to do something risky or outside your comfort zone.
Example: She went out on a limb to invest in a startup.
Q4. Identify the meaning of “Cost an arm and a leg.”
🔘 A. Be very expensive
🔘 B. Cause injury
🔘 C. Be difficult to find
🔘 D. Be worthless
✅ Answer: A. Be very expensive
📘 Explanation:
This idiom is used when something costs a lot of money.
Example: That luxury car cost him an arm and a leg.
Q5. What does the phrase “On cloud nine” mean?
🔘 A. Daydreaming
🔘 B. Extremely happy
🔘 C. Lost in thought
🔘 D. Confused
✅ Answer: B. Extremely happy
📘 Explanation:
Being “on cloud nine” means being in a state of intense happiness.
Example: She was on cloud nine after winning the competition.
