Common Idioms and Phrases

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.

An idiom is a group of words that has a meaning different from the meanings of its individual words.
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:

“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:

“In a hurry”
✨ Meaning: To be in a rush.
✅ Usage: He left the room in a hurry.

📌 Importance of Learning Idioms and Phrases

✅ Adds fluency and naturalness to language.
✅ Boosts vocabulary and expression in writing and speaking.
✅ Essential for cracking the English section of competitive exams.
✅ Makes comprehension of native-level English (movies, books, articles) easier.

🗂️ Categories of Common Idioms and Phrases

📚 1. Idioms Related to Daily Life

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

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

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

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

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.

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