Idioms and their uses
Idiom is a commonly used phrase or expression whose meaning is different from the meanings of the
individual words.
e.g. ‘Let the cat out of the bag’ is an idiom meaning to tell a secret by mistake.
Sl Idioms
1. All in all
2. Apple of discord
3. An eye opener
4. As if
5. As usual
6. At a loss for words
7. At least
8. At random
9. A bolt from the blue
10. By all means
11. By the by
12. By hook or by crook
13. By and large
14. Big gun
15. Bring to light
16. Bring to book
17. Burning question
18. Breathe ones last
19. Call it a day
20. Call of nature
21. Call a spade a spade
22. Crying need
23. Crocodile tears
24. Dead of night
25. End in smoke
Meanings Idioms in use
Supreme All in all, I am glad that I visited Oxford.
Matter of disputes The only property they had was their apple orchard,
but it appeared as an apple of discord to Mr.
Reckman’s family.
Showing something that one did not know The trip to the US was a real eye opener for her.
before
As it would be He smiled innocently as if he had done nothing.
Habitually The boy ran to the school as usual forgetting the
punishment waiting for him.
Unable to speak He was at a loss for words as he was over surprised.
At the lowest You must secure at least 8 marks in the assessment.
Without any aim The gunman walked into the crowded restaurant and
fired at random.
Something quite unexpected The news of his father’s death was a bolt from the blue
to the son.
In all possible ways He tried to save his son by all means but he couldn’t.
In course of talking By the by, he was also running his father’s business.
By any means, legal or illegal. I will get the job done by hook or by crook.
Generally/ usually By and large rose bushes need lots of water.
A leading man He is a big gun in his locality.
Make open At last the victim brought light on the mysterious
happening.
Punish He was brought to book for his evil activities.
Matter of strong debate It is a burning question of all time whether boys are
better than girls.
Die The destitute old woman breathed her last at the lap
of her only daughter.
To leave work and go home/to say that a They are not engaged any more. They called it a day
day’s work has been completed
The need to go to the lavatory There was no interval in the meeting to take account of
the call of nature.
To speak plainly I believe it’s time to call a spade a spade.
Urgent need It was a crying need for the family to have one
thousand dollar for the treatment of the baby.
Pretended cry Nobody was moved to see the crocodile tears of the
mother who killed her own daughter.
Midnight At the dead of night the girl came home.
Fail All his efforts ended in smoke at last.