Popular Idioms with Discussion Questions

The idioms and discussion questions on this page are part of a publication called Number One ESL Discussion Book & Reference Guide.

What is an idiom?

An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative, non-literal meaning. The meaning of the idiom usually cannot be understood simply by looking at the individual words.

Additional points to consider:

• Some idioms are specific to a particular culture or language and might not translate well directly. Understanding the cultural context can help grasp the meaning of the idiom.
• The meaning and usage of idioms can evolve over time.

New idioms are also constantly being created.

A blessing in disguise: Something good that isn’t recognized at first.

Example: “Losing my job at the old company was a blessing in disguise. It forced me to finally start my own business, which has been much more successful.”

Discussion: Think of an example where something was a blessing in disguise – where you initially thought it was bad but later realized it could be positive.

A dime a dozen: Very common and easy to obtain.

Example: “In this area, fast food restaurants are a dime a dozen.”

Discussion: Think of an example of something that is a dime a dozen – very common and easy to obtain.

A leopard can’t change its spots: People can’t change their innate nature or character.

Example: “I know he promised to change, but as you know, a leopard can’t change its spots.”

Discussion: Think of an example of someone who has a bad habit or often behaves badly who you don’t think will ever change.

A snowball effect: A situation in which something grows in significance or intensity rapidly.

Example: “Her success had a snowball effect, leading to more opportunities.”

Discussion: Think of something good or bad that had a snowball effect – something that had grown in significance or intensity very quickly.

Adding insult to injury: Making a bad situation worse.

Example: “Not only did she lose her job, but to add insult to injury, her car broke down too.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where someone or something added insult to injury – a situation that was already bad and then someone or something made it even worse.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away: Regular consumption of healthy foods can prevent illness.

Example: “Trying to convince her son to finish his lunch, Mom said, ‘Remember, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, so take a bite!’”

Discussion: Think of an example of a healthy food (not an apple) that can prevent illness.

Ants in one’s pants: Feeling restless or unable to sit still.

Example: “He couldn’t sit still during the meeting; he had ants in his pants.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you or someone you know had ants in their pants – where they felt restless and were unable to sit still.

Apple of someone’s eye: Someone’s favorite person.

Example: “His granddaughter is the apple of his eye.”

Discussion: Who is the apple of your eye? Are you someone’s favorite person?

Bad apple: Someone who is a negative influence in a group.

Example: “John is the bad apple in his group of friends that spoils the whole bunch.”

Discussion: Think of a person who is a bad apple – someone who is a negative influence in a group.

Beat around the bush: Avoiding the main topic or delaying a decision.

Example: “Stop beating around the bush and just tell me what you want.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you or other people were beating around the bush – where you avoided the main topic or delayed a decision.

Beating a dead horse: Wasting time and effort by continuing to focus on something that is already resolved or irrelevant.

Example: “We’ve already decided, so you’re beating a dead horse by continuing to talk about it.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you or other people were beating a dead horse – where you were wasting time and effort by continuing to focus on something that was already resolved or irrelevant.

Best of both worlds: Enjoying the benefits of two different things at the same time.

Example: “Working part-time allows her to have the best of both worlds – time for her family and a career.”

Discussion: Think of an example where you or someone you know gotthe best of both worlds – where you or they enjoyed the benefits of two different things at the same time.

Big cheese: An important or influential person.

Example: “The CEO is the big cheese around here.”

Discussion: Think of a person who can be described as a big cheese. Why is he or she important or influential?

Bigger fish to fry: More important or more urgent matters to attend to.

Example: “We shouldn’t waste time on that right now. We have bigger fish to fry.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you or other people had bigger fish to fry – where you had more important or more urgent matters to attend to.

Bite the bullet: To endure a painful experience or face a difficult situation bravely.

Example: “He knew he had no choice, so he decided to bite the bullet and admit he was wrong.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you or other people had to bite the bullet – where you had to endure a painful experience or face a difficult situation bravely.

Biting off more than you can chew: Taking on more responsibility or tasks than you can handle.

Example: “She took on too many projects at once. She’s definitely biting off more than she can chew.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you or other people bit off more than you could chew – where you took on more responsibility or tasks than you could handle.

Bread and butter: The main source of income.

Example: “His job as a teacher is his bread and butter.”

Discussion: What is your bread and butter – your main source of income? (Or your father’s/mother’s/husband’s/wife’s/partner’s bread and butter.)

Bring home the bacon: To earn a living, especially to provide financial support for one’s family.

Example: “She works hard to bring home the bacon for her family.”

Discussion: How did your grandparents bring home the bacon – how did they earn a living?

Bun in the oven: A way of saying someone is pregnant.

Example: “They just found out they have a bun in the oven. It would be their second child.”

Discussion: Can you think of someone who has a bun in the oven right now?

Burning bridges: Damaging relationships or opportunities to the point where they cannot be repaired.

Example: “Quitting without giving notice is burning bridges; you might need a reference in the future.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you or other people burned bridges – where you or they damaged relationships or opportunities to the point where they could not be repaired.

Buttering someone up: Being overly nice or flattering someone in order to gain favor.

Example: “He’s always buttering up the boss to get what he wants.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you or someone you know buttered someone up – where you or they were being overly nice or flattering in order to gain favor.

By the skin of your teeth: Narrowly avoiding failure or disaster.

Example: “He passed the exam by the skin of his teeth; he only just managed to get enough points.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you (or someone you know) narrowly avoided failure or disaster – where you (or they) survived by the skin of your teeth.

Can’t cut the mustard: Not able to meet expectations or perform adequately.

Example: “I practiced for weeks, but I still can’t cut the mustard on the basketball court.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you or someone you know couldn’t cut the mustard – where you were not able to meet expectations or perform adequately.

Can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs: You can’t achieve something without causing some harm or inconvenience.

Example: “Starting a business is risky, but remember, you can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you or someone you know had to break some eggs to make an omelet – where you had to cause some harm or inconvenience to achieve something.

Caught between a rock and a hard place: Being in a difficult situation with no good options.

Example: “She’s caught between a rock and a hard place; she needs to choose between her job and her family.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you or someone you know were caught between a rock and a hard place – when you were in a difficult situation with no good options.

Chicken out: To back out of something due to fear or cowardice.

Example: “I wanted to try bungee jumping, but I chickened out at the last minute.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you or someone you know chickened out of something. Why did you, or that person, chicken out?

Clam up: Refusing to talk or becoming silent, especially in a tense or uncomfortable situation.

Example: “She clammed up when the police started asking questions about the accident.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you or someone you know clammed up – where you refused to talk or where you became silent. Why did you clam up?

Clouds on the horizon: Indications of trouble or difficulties ahead.

Example: “There are clouds on the horizon for the company; they might face financial difficulties soon.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you could see some clouds on the horizon – where you saw signs of trouble or difficulties ahead.

Cold feet: Feeling nervous or apprehensive about something and not wanting to go through with it.

Example: “He had cold feet about proposing to his girlfriend, but he went through with it in the end.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you or someone you know got cold feet – where you or they suddenly felt nervous about something and didn’t want to go through with it.

Cool as a cucumber: Calm and composed, especially in stressful situations.

Example: “Even though he was nervous during the presentation, he remained as cool as a cucumber.”

Discussion: Do you know someone who is usually as cool as a cucumber – calm and composed, especially in stressful situations?

Costs an arm and a leg: Very expensive.

Example: “That designer purse costs an arm and a leg. I can’t afford it.”

Discussion: Think of something that was very expensive – something that cost you an arm and a leg.

Couch potato: A lazy person who spends a lot of time sitting and watching television.

Example: “After work, he just becomes a couch potato, watching TV for hours.”

Discussion: Think of someone you can describe as a couch potato – a lazy person who spends a lot of time sitting and watching television.

Crying over spilled milk: Regretting something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

Example: “Stop crying over spilled milk; the damage is already done.”

Discussion: Think of a time when you cried over spilled milk – when you regretted something that had already happened and could not be changed.

Cutting corners: Doing something in a hasty or incomplete manner to save time or money.

Example: “He got the job done quickly by cutting corners, but the quality suffered.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you (or someone you know) cut corners – when you did something in a hasty or incomplete manner to save time or money.

Devil’s advocate: Someone who takes a contrary position for the sake of argument or debate.

Example: “She played devil’s advocate during the meeting, presenting arguments against the proposal.”

Discussion: Think of a controversial topic like the death penalty or gun control. Now be devil’s advocate – take a contrary position for the sake of argument or debate.

Doing something at the drop of a hat: Doing something instantly or without delay.

Example: “He’s always ready to help. He’ll do anything at the drop of a hat.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you did something at the drop of a hat – without thinking too much about it, and without delay.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch: Don’t make plans based on something that hasn’t happened yet.

Example: “Why are you celebrating? You are counting your chickens before they hatched!”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you (or someone you know) counted your chickens before they hatched – where you made plans based on something that hadn’t happened yet.

Don’t judge a book by its cover: Not judging someone or something based solely on appearance.

Example: “He may seem quiet, but don’t judge a book by its cover. He’s actually very charismatic.”

Discussion: Think of a time when you judged a book by its cover – when you judged someone, or something based solely on their or its appearance.

Egg someone on: Encouraging someone to do something, often something reckless or foolish.

Example: “His friends egged him on to try the spicy food challenge.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you egged someone on – where you encouraged them to do something reckless or foolish, or where someone egged you on.

Every dog has its day: Everyone will have success or good fortune at some point.

Example: “I know things have been tough lately, but remember, every dog has its day.”

Discussion: Think of a time when you or someone you know finally enjoyed some success or some good fortune – where you felt it was indeed true that every dog has its day.

Face the music: To accept the consequences of one’s actions.

Example: “He knew he had no other option, so he decided to face the music and tell the truth.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you (or someone you know) had to face the music – where you had to accept the consequences of your actions.

Feeling under the weather: Not feeling well.

Example: “I’m feeling under the weather today, so I’m going to stay home and rest.”

Discussion: Think of a time when you felt under the weather – when you were not feeling well.

Fit as a fiddle: Being in good physical condition.

Example: “Despite his age, he’s fit as a fiddle and goes jogging every morning.”

Discussion: Think of an older person who is fit as a fiddle – in really good physical condition.

Get down to brass tacks: To focus on the essential aspects of a situation.

Example: “Let’s get down to brass tacks and discuss the details of the project.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you got down to brass tacks – when you had to focus on the essential aspects of a situation, especially after spending some time on other, less important things.

Get something off your chest: To express something that has been bothering you.

Example: “I need to get something off my chest; I’ve been feeling guilty about what happened.”

Discussion: Think of a time when you finally got something off your chest – when you expressed something that had been bothering you.

Get the lion’s share: To receive the largest portion of something.

Example: “She always gets the lion’s share of the credit, even though we all contributed equally.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where someone got the lion’s share of something. Did they deserve it?

Getting a second wind: Finding renewed energy or motivation to continue something.

Example: “After a short break, she got a second wind and continued working on her project.”

Discussion: Think of a time when you got a second wind – when you found renewed energy or motivation to continue something.

Getting a taste of your own medicine: Experiencing the same negative treatment that one has given to others.

Example: “He was always teasing other people, but now he’s getting a taste of his own medicine.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where someone you know got a taste of their own medicine – when that person experienced the same negative treatment that they had given to others.

Giving someone the cold shoulder: Ignoring someone or showing indifference to them.

Example: “She gave him the cold shoulder for days after their argument.”

Discussion: Think of a time when you gave someone the cold shoulder – when you ignored them or showed indifference to them, or when someone gave you the cold shoulder.

Go down in flames: To fail completely or be defeated.

Example: “The new business went down in flames after only a few months.”

Discussion: Think of a time when you, someone you know, or a business went down in flames – when you, that person, or the business failed completely.

Going on a wild goose chase: Pursuing something unlikely to succeed, or trying to find something that is very difficult to find.

Example: “Searching for the lost key turned out to be a wild goose chase – it was in his pocket all along.”

Discussion: Think of a time when you (or someone you know) went on a wild goose chase – when you pursued something, but you were unlikely to succeed, or when you tried to find something that was very difficult to find.

Hard nut to crack: A difficult problem to solve or a difficult person to deal with.

Example: “Solving this math problem is a hard nut to crack.”

Discussion: Think of someone who is a hard nut to crack, or a problem that is difficult to solve.

Having your head in the clouds: Being dreamy or not paying attention to what is happening.

Example: “Pull your head out of the clouds and pay attention to what’s happening.”

Discussion: Think of a time when you had your head in the clouds – when you were thinking of other things and not paying attention to what was actually happening.

He is off his rocker / She is off her rocker: Someone who is crazy or behaving strangely.

Example: “After hearing his ridiculous plan, we all agreed he’s off his rocker.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where someone was off his or her rocker – where someone behaved strangely or in a crazy manner.

Head over heels: Completely infatuated or deeply in love.

Example: “She’s head over heels in love with him.”

Discussion: Think of a time when you or someone you know were head over heels – completely infatuated or deeply in love.

Heard it through the grapevine: Learning information indirectly or through gossip.

Example: Person A: “The boss is having an affair with his assistant.” Person B: “How do you know?” Person A: “I heard it through the grapevine.”

Discussion: Think of something you heard through the grapevine – some information you learned indirectly or through gossip.

Hitting the nail on the head: Describing something perfectly or identifying the main point accurately.

Example: “You really hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the situation.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you or someone you know hit the nail on the head – where you or they described something perfectly or identified the main point accurately.

Hold your horses: Asking someone to be patient.

Example: “Hold your horses! Let’s think about this before making a decision.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you asked someone to hold their horses – where you asked someone to be patient.

In a nutshell: Summarizing something briefly.

Example: “To put it in a nutshell, the company is facing financial difficulties.”

Discussion: Think of a popular story or something in the news. Now describe it in a nutshell.

It takes two to tango: A situation where both parties are responsible for a problem.

Example: “They both need to compromise – it takes two to tango.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where two people were responsible for a problem – where you could say, “It takes two to tango.” (This especially applies to situations where one person wants to blame the other one, but both are actually responsible.)

It’s always darkest before dawn: Things often seem worst just before they improve.

Example: “Don’t lose hope! Remember, it’s always darkest before the dawn.”

Discussion: Think of a situation in your life where it was darkest before dawn – where things seemed worst just before they improved.

Keep your chin up: To stay positive and optimistic in difficult situations.

Example: “Even though things are tough right now, keep your chin up. Things will get better.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where someone told you to keep your chin up – to stay positive and optimistic in a difficult situation. Alternatively, think of a situation where you told someone else to keep their chin up.

Letting someone off the hook: Allowing someone to escape punishment or responsibility.

Example: “She’s always letting him off the hook for his mistakes.”

Discussion: Think of a case where someone was let off the hook – where someone was allowed to escape punishment or responsibility. (Think of a case in the news, or something that happened to you or someone you know.)

Letting the cat out of the bag: Revealing a secret or something that was supposed to be kept confidential.

Example: “I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.”

Discussion: Think of a time when you or someone you know let the cat out of the bag – when you or that person revealed a secret or something that was supposed to be kept confidential.

Like riding a bike: Something that is easy to remember or pick up again after a long time.

Example: “Once you learn how to do it, it’s like riding a bike – you never forget.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you stopped doing something for a long time but then started doing it again, and you felt it was like riding a bike – it was easy to pick up again.

Like two peas in a pod: Very similar or closely related.

Example: “You and your cousin are so alike – you’re like two peas in a pod.”

Discussion: Think of two people who are like two peas in a pod – very similar or closely related.

Makes my blood boil: Makes me very angry.

Example: “Her rude comments make my blood boil every time!”

Discussion: Think of a situation that makes your blood boil – something that makes you very angry.

Neck of the woods: A particular area or neighborhood.

Example: “I haven’t seen him in our neck of the woods for years.”

Discussion: In which neck of the woods do you live? Give a description of the particular area or neighborhood where you live.

Nest egg: Savings set aside for the future or for emergencies.

Example: “They’ve been saving for years, building up their nest egg for retirement.”

Discussion: If you have already started building up a nest egg, at what age did you start? If you are still under 25, when are you going to start building up a nest egg?

No pain, no gain: You have to work hard and endure discomfort in order to achieve success.

Example: “I know exercising is hard, but remember: No pain, no gain.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you or someone you know had to work hard and endure discomfort in order to achieve success. Do you agree with what people say: No pain, no gain?

Not my cup of tea: Something that one is not interested in.

Example: “I’m sorry, but horror movies are not my cup of tea.”

Discussion: Think of a type of food or a type of movie, or even an experience that isn’t your cup of tea – something that you’re not interested in. Give a reason why it’s not your cup of tea.

Once in a blue moon: Something that happens very rarely.

Example: “He visits us once in a blue moon; he’s always traveling.”

Discussion: Think of something in your life that happens very rarely, or something you enjoy once in a blue moon.

Piece of cake: Something very easy to do.

Example: “Don’t worry – this would be a piece of cake.”

Discussion: Think of a challenge or a task that is a piece of cake for you – something that is very easy to do.

Pig out: To indulge in a large amount of food.

Example: “After abandoning his diet, he pigged out on pizza and ice cream.”

Discussion: Think of the last time you pigged out – when you indulged in a large amount of food.

Pulling someone’s leg: Teasing or joking with someone, often in a playful manner.

Example: “I thought he was serious, but he was just pulling my leg.”

Discussion: Think of the last time you pulled someone’s leg – or when someone teased you in a playful manner.

Raining cats and dogs: Raining heavily.

Example: “Don’t forget your umbrella. It’s raining cats and dogs outside.”

Discussion: When was the last time it rained cats and dogs in your city? Did you go to work or school that day or did you stay home?

Rule of thumb: A practical guideline or general principle.

Example: “As a rule of thumb, it’s best to arrive 15 minutes early for interviews.”

Discussion: What is your rule of thumb when it comes to choosing a movie to watch?

Run like the wind: To run very fast.

Example: “When the dog chased him, he ran like the wind to get away.”

Discussion: Think of a time where you or someone you know had to run like the wind – especially to get away from danger, or to be on time for something important.

See eye to eye: To agree or have a similar view as someone.

Example: “We don’t always see eye to eye on everything, but we respect each other’s opinions.”

Discussion: Think of someone with whom you see eye to eye – someone with whom you agree or whose viewpoint you share.

Smell a rat: To suspect that something is wrong or suspicious.

Example: “Something doesn’t seem right; I smell a rat.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you smelled a rat – where you suspected that something was wrong or suspicious.

Speak of the devil: When someone you have been talking about suddenly appears.

Example: “Speak of the devil! We were just talking about you.”

Discussion: Think of a time when someone you had been talking about suddenly appeared. Did anybody whisper, “Speak of the devil”?

Spill the beans: To reveal a secret or disclose confidential information.

Example: “She spilled the beans about the surprise party; now everyone knows.”

Discussion: Think of a time when you (or someone you know) spilled the beans on something – when you revealed a secret or disclosed confidential information.

Stealing someone’s thunder: Taking credit for someone else’s achievements or ideas or taking attention away from them.

Example: “He announced his engagement, but then his brother’s news stole his thunder.”

Discussion: Think of an example where someone stole someone else’s thunder – where they took credit for someone else’s achievements or ideas, or took attention away from them.

Stick your neck out: To take a risk or make oneself vulnerable.

Example: “I’m sticking my neck out by investing in this new business.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you stuck your neck out for someone or something – where you took a risk or made yourself vulnerable.

Straight from the horse’s mouth: Information obtained directly from someone who has personal knowledge of the topic.

Example: Person A: “I heard they’re getting married.” Person B: “Where did you hear that?” Person A: “Straight from the horse’s mouth.”

Discussion: Think of something you learned or found out straight from the horse’s mouth – from someone who has personal knowledge of the topic.

Take it with a grain of salt: To be skeptical or not fully believe something.

Example: “He tends to exaggerate, so take what he says with a grain of salt.”

Discussion: Think of some news or gossip you heard that you took with a grain of salt – something you were skeptical about or did not fully believe.

Take the bull by the horns: To face a difficult situation directly and with courage.

Example: “It’s time to take the bull by the horns and confront the problem.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you took the bull by the horns – where you faced a difficult situation directly.

The birds and the bees: An idiom used to explain the facts of life, especially regarding sex, to someone, usually a child.

Example: “When I was 12 years old, my parents sat me down and explained the birds and the bees to me.”

Discussion: How and at what age are young people in your country or in your culture taught about the birds and the bees?

The cat’s got someone’s tongue: When someone is at a loss for words or suddenly silent.

Example: “Why are you so quiet? Has the cat got your tongue?”

Discussion: Think of a situation where someone was suddenly silentor at a loss for words – where you could say the cat got that person’s tongue.

The elephant in the room: An obvious problem or issue that no one wants to address.

Example: “Let’s address the elephant in the room and talk about the budget.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where there was an elephant in the room – an obvious problem or issue that no one wanted to address or talk about.

The last straw: The final problem in a series of problems that makes a situation intolerable.

Example: “His lateness was the last straw. I can’t tolerate it anymore.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where something was the last straw – the final problem in a series of problems that made a situation intolerable.

The whole nine yards: Doing everything possible; giving all effort.

Example: “When my wife decided to redecorate the living room, she went the whole nine yards – new furniture, paint, curtains, everything!”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you gave the whole nine yards – where you did everything possible for someone or something.

Through thick and thin: Supporting someone in good times and bad.

Example: “I’ll support you through thick and thin. You can count on me.”

Discussion: Think of a time when you supported someone through thick and thin – when you supported someone in good times and bad.

Throwing caution to the wind: Acting without considering the consequences; taking a risk.

Example: “They decided to go on a spontaneous trip to the Amazon, throwing caution to the wind.”

Discussion: Think of a time when you or someone you know threw caution to the wind – when you acted without considering the consequences, or when someone took a big risk.

Time is money: Time should be used productively because it has value.

Example: “Don’t waste time! Remember: Time is money.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you wanted to tell someone, “Time is money” – when you wanted to remind them that time should be used productively because it has value.

Until the cows come home: For a very long time; indefinitely.

Example: “You can argue with him until the cows come home; he won’t change his mind.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you thought you would be waiting for something until the cows came home.

Wag the dog: Manipulating attention away from a potentially damaging situation by focusing on something else.

Example: “Some critics believe the recent foreign policy initiative is just the government wagging the dog to distract from the ongoing domestic scandal.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where the government wagged the dog – where they tried to get attention away from a potentially damaging situation by focusing on something else.

Wash your hands of something: To disassociate oneself from responsibility or involvement in a situation.

Example: “After the breakup, she washed her hands of him and moved on.”

Discussion: Think of a time when you washed your hands of something – when you disassociated yourself from responsibility or involvement in a situation.

Weather the storm: To endure a difficult situation until it passes.

Example: “We’ll weather the storm together and come out stronger.”

Discussion: Think of a time when you had no choice but to weather the storm – when you had to endure a difficult situation until it passed.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink: You can provide someone with an opportunity, but you can’t force them to take it or make use of it.

Example: “I can give you advice, but you have to take action; you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”

Discussion: Think of a situation where you led a horse to water, but you couldn’t make it drink – where you provided someone with an opportunity, but you couldn’t force them to make use of it.

Number One ESL Discussion Book & Reference Guide: CONTENTS