20 Common English Idioms

• The lesson focuses on 20 common English idioms, 10 at an intermediate level and 10 at an advanced level
• A free PDF worksheet is available with all 20 idioms, definitions, sample sentences, and a challenge question

Intermediate Idioms

• Hands down: Definitely, absolutely the best.

  • Example: "This is hands down the best burger restaurant I have ever been to."

• Right off the bat: Immediately.

  • Example: "When you move to a new city, you cannot expect to make friends right off the bat."

• In a rush: In a hurry.

  • Example: "It's better to leave your house early so that you're not in a rush on your way to work."

• At the last minute: Just in time.

  • Example: "I found my plane tickets at the last minute."

• In over my head: Overwhelmed with too much to do, feeling out of control.

  • The possessive pronoun can change (my, your, his, etc.) depending on who is being referred to.
  • Example: "I realized that I was in over my head when I bought the old house that had too many issues."

• Back in the day: A time that feels like a long time ago in the past.

  • Example: "Back in the day, I couldn't look things up on the Internet because the internet didn't exist."
  • Example: "Back in the day there was no agriculture humans were hunter gatherers"

• All year round: Throughout the entire year.

  • Example: "My mother likes to buy Christmas presents for her grandchildren all year round."

• To steer clear: To avoid something because there's a problem.

  • Example: "There's a lot of traffic today, I would steer clear of the downtown area."
  • It can also apply to people. Example: "Steer clear of the boss today, he's in a bad mood."

• Out of the blue: Unannounced, without any planning.

  • Example: "In some cultures, it's acceptable to drop by your family's house out of the blue."

• On their side: Agreeing with someone, supporting someone.

  • The possessive pronoun changes depending on who is being referred to.
  • Example: "I thought you were on my side. Are you on their side?"

Advanced Idioms

• Why not something: Offering a suggestion.

  • Example: "If you want to make money playing music, why not set up a stand on the side of the road and start playing?"

• It turns out that: The result of something, often unexpected.

  • Example: "He planned to go to college, but it turns out that his application was rejected."

• To have a hand in: Participating in or helping with something.

  • Example: "She had a hand in naming the new restaurant."

• To have an eye for: Being good at noticing something, especially a quality.

  • Example: "Everyone asks her fashion advice because she has an eye for beautiful clothes."

• Off the beaten path: A place that is not well-traveled or a main tourist destination; a hidden place.

  • Example: "Whenever I visit a new city, I like to visit places that are off the beaten path."

• When it comes to: Introducing a topic.

  • Example: "When it comes to baking bread, she always asks her neighbor for help."

• Up the ante: To increase something, make it more difficult.

  • Example: "The coach decided to up the ante and add two extra exercise days each week."

• Under his breath: Saying something quietly so no one else can understand, usually because of anger.

  • The possessive pronoun changes depending on the situation.
  • Example: "After his mother yelled at him, he mumbled something under his breath."

• To shoot the breeze: To chitchat, have a casual conversation.

  • Example: "Every Friday we have our neighbors over to play a game and just shoot the breeze."

• To have a say: To be involved in a decision and have an opinion that is considered.

  • Example: "I have a say in every important decision that happens in my house."
  • Can also be used negatively to indicate someone does not have a choice. Example: "This time you don't have a say."