An idiom is a set expression which has a meaning different from the literal meanings of its

components. Idioms present a great variety of structures and combinations that are mostly
unchangeable and often not logical and may not follow basic rules of grammar.

Idioms can be quite clear (in general; come out; at first; the root of all evil) or pretty unclear (on
end; pack it in; high and low; hard cash). Some idioms have proper names in them (a Jack of all
trades; Uncle Sam); some other idioms are comparisons (as clear as a bell; as the crow flies).
Proverbs and sayings may also have idiomatic character (every cloud has a silver lining; still
waters run deep).

It is pointless to ask why idioms have such unusual structure or choice of words, or why they
don't follow basic grammar rules. Let's just accept as fact that idioms are a difficult peculiarity of
English.

In this section Idioms, we are going to study are useful idioms that native speakers use frequently
in their everyday life. These idioms are accepted as part of everyday speech and undoubtedly are
of great practical value to you. Many other idioms, though they are often interesting and colorful,
are not so necessary in your everyday conversational English. Short lists of everyday idioms in
this section include the most common idioms that you need to learn by heart and use actively in
your speech.

Idioms, with definitions or

synonyms
all of a sudden - suddenly
all the same - no difference
as a rule - usually, generally
as for - in reference to
at all - (not) in the smallest
degree
at this point - at this time
be about to do something - I was about to leave when
be close to doing something you called.
be broke - have no money at
all
Examples Translation
All of a sudden, he quit his
неожиданно
job and left town.
If it's all the same to you,
все равно; без разницы
let's go there by bus.
As a rule, he goes for a walk
как правило
after dinner.
As for me, I liked the book
very much. As for the trip, что касается
let's talk about it tomorrow.
She doesn't speak English at
совсем (не)
all.
At this point, we can't turn
на данном этапе
back.
быть готовым сделать что-
то
быть без гроша; разориться
I spent all my money. I'm
broke.

be in charge of something - He is in charge of быть ответственным за что-

be responsible for something marketing. то
be in good health - be
She is in good health. иметь хорошее здоровье
healthy
be in poor health - not
healthy
be in good shape - be
physically fit
be in bad shape - be in bad
state
be on one's way
be out of date - be outdated
be to blame - be responsible
for a mistake, for something
wrong
be used to something - be
accustomed to something
by heart - by memorizing
by oneself (by myself, by She likes to spend an
himself, etc.) - alone; on one's evening by herself. He did it
own
by the way - incidentally
come true - become reality
do one's best - try very hard
every now and then
occasionally
every other - every second
one
fall in love - begin to love
feel like doing something -
want to do; be inclined to do
something
for good - forever
for the time being - for now;
at this time
from now on - since now
She is in poor health. иметь слабое здоровье
He exercises regularly, and быть в хорошей форме;
he is in good shape. быть в порядке
The patient is in bad shape. быть в плохом состоянии,
His affairs are in bad shape. не в порядке, не в форме
I'm on my way. Я уже еду.
This information is out of
устаревший
date.
Who is to blame for this
быть виноватым за ошибку,
awful mistake? Tom is to
за неправильные действия
blame for this mix-up.
I'm used to hard work. He's
быть привычным к чему-то
used to hot weather.
Learn this poem by heart for
наизусть
tomorrow.
в одиночку; один
by himself.
By the way, Ann is coming
кстати
back today.
His dream came true when
осуществиться
he met Kate.
I did my best to help him in
сделать все, что смог
his work.
- Every now and then I visit
время от времени
my old aunt.
She washes her hair every
через один; каждый второй
other day.
Tom fell in love with Sue at
влюбиться
first sight.
I don't feel like going for a быть склонным к занятию
walk. I'd rather watch TV. чем-то
After her death he left town
навсегда
for good.
For the time being, this
на данное время
house is all right for us.
From now on I forbid you
впредь
to go there.
get in touch with someone - Get in touch with Mr. Smith
contact someone for help.
get lost - lose one's way
get mixed up - get confused
get rid of something or
someone - dispose of; discard
get to the point - speak
directly about the subject;
come to the point
give someone a hand - help
someone
give someone a lift; give
someone a ride - take
someone to some place by car
in advance - well before
in fact - actually; in reality
in general - generally;
generally speaking
in other words - using other
words
in time (to do something) -
early enough; before
something begins
it's time - should do it right
away
It's worth it. It's not worth it.
just in case - to be on the safe
side
Just my luck! - Bad luck!
Hard luck!
keep in mind - bear in mind;
consider; remember
keep in touch - keep in
contact by calling, visiting,
связаться с кем-то
She got lost in the old part
потеряться
of town.
I got mixed up and went the
перепутать
wrong way.
He got rid of his old useless избавиться от чего-то или
car. кого-то
Please get to the point. I перейти к сути дела; начать
don't have much time now. говорить по существу
Can you give me a hand
помочь кому-то
with cooking?
Can you give me a lift to the
bank? He gave her a ride in подвезти кого-то куда-то
his new Porsche.
He told her about his plan in
заранее
advance.
In fact, he works as a фактически; в
manager here. действительности
In general, he likes to be
alone. He described the в общем; вообще; обычно
place only in general.
In other words, you left her
другими словами
when she needed your help.
I came in time to have a cup вовремя; заранее, чтобы
of coffee before class. успеть что-то до начала
Hurry up. It's time to go. пора
Watch this film. It's worth
оно того стоит; оно того не
it. Don't buy this coat. It is
стоит
not worth it.
Take a little more money,
на всякий случай
just in case.
They lost my job
Мне всегда не везет!
application. Just my luck!
Keep in mind that he may иметь в виду; учитывать;
not like this idea. помнить
Good-by! Keep in touch! держаться в контакте
etc.
keep one's word - fulfill a You promised to help me. сдержать слово; выполнить
promise Keep your word. обещание
let it go - forget bad
You can't change anything, забыть, освободиться от
experience; return to normal
so let it go. тяжелого переживания
life
little by little - step by step; Little by little, they saved
понемногу; постепенно
gradually enough money to buy a car.
I lost my way. Can you help
lose one's way - get lost потерять дорогу
me?
make friends - become Anton makes new friends
подружиться
friends easily.
make fun of someone or
He made fun of her German высмеивать кого-то или что-
something - laugh at; joke
accent. то
about
make sense - be logical What you say makes sense. иметь смысл
Will you go there? Make up
make up one's mind - decide принять решение
your mind.
Make yourself at home. - Be Come in, please. Make
Будьте как дома.
comfortable; feel at home. yourself at home.
never mind - don't worry I'm sorry. I lost your book. - неважно; не беспокойтесь
about it Never mind. об этом
not to mention - in addition We have three dogs, not to
не говоря уже о
to mention two cats.
He ate three big fish. No
no wonder - not surprising неудивительно, что
wonder he is sick.
on credit - not having to pay в кредит; не надо платить
He bought a car on credit.
cash right away наличными сразу
He is always cautious and
on guard - on the alert настороже, начеку
on guard.
Do you have a calculator on
on hand - available под рукой
hand?
on one's own (on my own, She likes to live and work
в одиночку; один;
on your own, on his own, on her own. I decided to do
самостоятельно
etc.) - alone; by oneself it on my own.
I didn't do it on purpose. It
on purpose - intentionally нарочно; с целью
just happened so.
I'd like to sit on the aisle.
on second thought - after подумав; по зрелом
On second thought, I'd like
thinking again размышлении
a window seat.

on the alert - on guard
on the other hand -
considering the other side of
the question
on time - punctually; at the
specified time
out of the question
impossible
pay attention - be attentive
right away - immediately
so far - up to now
take a break - stop for rest
take care of someone or
Can you take care of my
something - look after; see
dog while I'm away? Tom
that something is done
takes good care of his car.
properly
take into account - consider
something
take it easy - relax; be calm
take part in something - Mary is going to take part in
participate the show.
take place - happen
take time - take a long time
take turns - alternate doing
something one after another
That's just the point. - That's
it.
that will do - it's enough
under the weather - feeling a
little ill, a little unwell
настороже, начеку;
He is always cautious and бдительный, внимательный
on the alert.
I'd like to have a dog. On
the other hand, my wife с другой стороны
likes cats.
вовремя; в назначенное
Jim is always on time.
время
- Paying him is out of the
не может быть и речи
question!
Pay attention to his words. обратить внимание
It' very important to do it
сразу же; немедленно
right away.
So far, I have read five до сих пор; пока; к
books by Stephen King. настоящему моменту
Let's take a break. I'm tired. сделать перерыв для отдыха
позаботиться о ком-то или
чем-то; присмотреть за
You must take into account
принять во внимание
her old age and poor health.
Take it easy. Everything
не волнуйся
will be OK.
принять участие
The accident took place on
иметь место
Oak Street.
It takes time to get used to a
занять много времени
new place.
We went to Minsk by car.
делать по очереди; меняться
We didn't get tired because
местами
we took turns driving.
That's just the point! I hate
В этом-то и дело.
this job!
Stop reading. That will do
достаточно
for now.
I'm a little under the
немного нездоровится
weather today.
 (be) up to date - modern,
latest, current
used to do something - did
something regularly in the
past but not now
What's the matter? - What is
it?
would rather - prefer
His reports are always up to современный, с
date. современными данными
He used to live on Maple
в прошлом обычно делал
Street. I used to play the
это, но теперь нет
piano when I was in school.
What's the matter? What
В чем дело?
happened?
I'd rather stay at home
предпочитать
today.

Idioms and Proverbs with Proper Names

English proper nouns include people's names and surnames (John Smith, Mary Brown),
geographical names (Africa, the Thames), names of institutions (the United Nations, the British
Museum), places in the city (Central Park, Fifth Avenue), historical and other events (the French
Revolution, the Jazz Festival). English proper nouns also include nationalities (Russian,
Irishman), weekdays (Tuesday, Saturday), months (January, May), and other notions, objects,
and places that are capitalized and used as names. There are many idiomatic expressions that
contain proper names. The same as other idioms, they came from people's everyday life,
folklore, prose and poetry, myths, fairy tales, fables, songs, slang, and other sources.
Idioms with people's names
Barbie Doll – an attractive but mindless
person (man or woman);
before you could say Jack Robinson – very
quickly;
doubting Thomas – a skeptic; a person
who refuses to believe without clear proof;
every Tom, Dick and Harry – any / every
ordinary man;
Jack of all trades – a person who is able to
do many manual jobs;
John Bull – a typical Englishman; the
English people;
Johnny-come-lately – a newcomer; a
participant who started later than the
others;
Jolly Roger – a pirate flag;
keep up with the Joneses – to try to
achieve the same social position and
wealth as one's neighbors or
acquaintances;
Mister Right (or Miss Right) – the person
one would like to marry; a perfect match;
Mr. Nice Guy – a very decent, friendly
man;
Peeping Tom – a voyeur; a person who
secretly watches other people undressing.
the real McCoy – the genuine thing, not an
imitation;
rob Peter to pay Paul – to borrow from one
to give to another;
Tommy Atkins – a British soldier;
Uncle Sam – the U.S.; the U.S.
government.
Idioms with the names of countries,
Идиомы с именами людей
Кукла Барби – привлекательный, но глупый
человек (мужчина или женщина);
быстрее, чем успеешь сказать Джек Робинсон –
очень быстро;
Фома неверующий – скептик; человек, который
отказывается верить без явного доказательства;
каждый Том, Дик и Гарри – любой / каждый
обычный человек;
мастер на все руки; человек, который может
выполнять разные виды ручной работы;
Джон Булл – типичный англичанин; английский
народ;
новичок; участник, начавший позже других;
Веселый Роджер – пиратский флаг;
стараться достичь такого же социального и
материального положения, как у соседей или
знакомых; стараться быть не хуже других;
человек (он или она), который является очень
подходящей партией для брака; прекрасная
пара;
очень порядочный, дружелюбный мужчина;
Любопытный Том – человек, который тайком
подглядывает, как другие люди раздеваются.
настоящая, оригинальная, неподдельная вещь
(не имитация);
занять у одного, чтобы расплатиться с другим,
т.е. все так же в долгу;
Томми Аткинс, британский солдат;
дядя Сэм – США; правительство США.
Идиомы с названиями стран, городов, улиц и
 cities, streets, and nationalities
be Greek to someone – to be completely
unintelligible to someone;
the Big Apple – the nickname of New
York City;
Black Russian – a cocktail made from
coffee liqueur and vodka;
carry coals to Newcastle – to bring
something to a place which has plenty of
such things already;
double Dutch – completely unintelligible
language, especially technical jargon;
French leave – departure without goodbye,
notice, or permission;
go Dutch – to pay for oneself (in a
restaurant, movie theater);
grin like a Cheshire cat – to smile or grin
inscrutably;
Indian summer – a period of warm weather
in autumn;
in plain English – in simple,
understandable language;
Meet one's Waterloo – to be defeated;
on Easy Street – in wealth, in financial
security and comfort;
Pardon my French – used as an apology
for vulgar or obscene language;
Silicon Valley – the world of computers
and high technology;
Idioms with the names of months and
days
национальностей
быть совершенно непонятным, нечитаемым,
бессмысленным для кого-то;
прозвище города Нью-Йорк;
коктейль, приготовленный из кофейного ликера
и водки;
везти уголь в Ньюкасл = ехать в Тулу со своим
самоваром – везти что-то туда, где эти вещи уже
есть в изобилии;
абсолютно непонятный язык, особенно
профессиональный жаргон;
уход по-французски – уход без прощания,
предупреждения или разрешения;
платить каждый за себя (в ресторане,
кинотеатре);
улыбаться / ухмыляться как Чеширский кот –
все время загадочно улыбаться;
бабье лето – период теплой погоды осенью;
проще говоря; говоря простым и понятным
(английским) языком;
потерпеть поражение;
в достатке, в финансовой стабильности и
комфорте;
Извиняюсь за выражение – как извинение за
вульгарное или непристойное выражение;
Силиконовая долина, Кремниевая долина – мир
компьютеров и высоких технологий;
Идиомы с названиями месяцев и дней
April fool – the victim of a joke played on
April Fools' Day;
as mad as a March hare – a mad or
peculiar person;
May queen – a girl crowned with flowers
and honored as queen on May Day;
Blue Monday – Monday as a depressing
workday after Sunday;
Black Friday – any Friday on which
financial or other misfortunes happen;
girl Friday – a low-ranking office assistant
with various duties;
man Friday – a true servant;
a month of Sundays – a very long time;
Sunday best / Sunday clothes – one's best
clothes for special occasions;
Sunday driver – an inexperienced driver;
Sunday School – school for religious
instruction on Sundays;
when two Sundays come together – never.
Idioms from mythology and ancient
history
Achilles' heel – the most vulnerable spot;
Alpha and Omega – the beginning and the
end;
as wise as Solomon – a very wise person;
cut the Gordian knot – to solve a difficult
problem quickly and boldly;
Janus-faced – having two contrasting
aspects or qualities;
Pandora's box – a source of various
unforeseen troubles and evils;
Trojan Horse – something that is designed
to undermine or destroy from within;
апрельский дурак – жертва первоапрельской
шутки в День дураков;
сумасшедший, как мартовский заяц –
сумасшедший или эксцентричный человек;
девушка, которую Первого мая коронуют
цветами и почитают как королеву;
тяжелый / грустный понедельник как рабочий
день после воскресенья;
черная пятница – любая пятница, в которую
происходят финансовые или иные неудачи;
ассистентка в офисе, с невысоким служебным
положением и разнообразными обязанностями;
верный слуга (как Пятница);
очень длительное время;
воскресная одежда – лучшая (новая,
праздничная) одежда для особых случаев;
неумелый водитель (водит только по
выходным);
воскресная школа для религиозного воспитания
детей по воскресеньям;
когда два воскресенья встретятся, т.е. никогда.
Идиомы из мифологии и древней истории
Ахиллесова пята – самое уязвимое место;
альфа и омега – начало и конец;
мудрый как Соломон – очень мудрый человек;
разрубить Гордиев узел – разрешить трудную
проблему быстро и смело;
двуликий (как) Янус – имеющий две
противоположных стороны или качества;
ящик Пандоры – источник всяческих
непредвиденных бедствий и зол;
Троянский конь – что-то, предназначенное для
подрыва или уничтожения изнутри;
 Proverbs with proper names

A few proverbs with proper names are listed below. Bear in mind that proverbs may exist in
several variants. For example: I fear the Greeks even when bringing gifts; I fear the Greeks
bringing gifts; I fear the Greeks bearing gifts. Because proverbs are widely known, people often
say just part of a proverb: Greek gifts; Greek gift (i.e., a gift from an enemy may be dangerous).
Russian translation of the proverbs below is approximate; in some cases a corresponding Russian
proverb is given instead.

All roads lead to Rome. Все дороги ведут в Рим.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull
Работа без отдыха отупляет человека.
boy.
An Englishman's home is his castle. Дом англичанина – его крепость.
April showers bring forth May flowers. Ливни в апреле родят цветы в мае.
Bacchus has drowned more men than
Бахус (Вакх) утопил больше людей, чем Нептун.
Neptune.
Caesar's wife must be above suspicion. Жена Цезаря должна быть выше подозрений.
East or West, home is best. В гостях хорошо, а дома лучше.
I fear the Greeks even when bringing Боюсь греков (данайцев), даже приносящих
gifts. дары.
If the mountain will not come to
Если гора не идет к Магомету, Магомет должен
Mahomet, Mahomet must go to the
идти к горе.
mountain.
Jack is no judge of Jill's beauty. Влюбленные не видят недостатков друг друга.
Jack of all trades is master of none. Тот, кто умеет все, ни в чем не специалист.
March comes in like a lion and goes out Март приходит как лев, а уходит как ягненок.
like a lamb. Март приходит с бурей, а уходит с теплом.
Render to Caesar the things that are
Кесарю кесарево.
Caesar's.
Rome was not built in a day. Рим не за один день был построен.
Too far East is West. Противоположности сходятся.
В чужой монастырь со своим уставом не ходят.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Most Common American Idioms

American slang is different from British slang because of the evolution of American English.
When the pioneers living in the new world had children, they taught their children to pronounce
words the way they were written, in order to keep things simple. This was the first break from
British English. As the nation grew, so did its own casual variety of the English language, which
was influenced by cowboys, sports, the building of the railroad, the card game of poker, African-
American culture, immigrants, natives, etc.

Here are some of the most commonly used slangs in America:

HE WHO LAUGHS LAST LAUGHS LONGEST! - the person who plays the last joke (trick)
has the longest laugh!

E.g. Bob made fun of Lou's pronunciation but the next day, Lou put a toy snake on Bob's chair.
Bob thought it was real and screamed when he sat on it. Lou thought it was really funny. He who
laughs last laughs longest!!!

TO LEND A HAND= to help

E.g. The Smiths' neighbors lent a hand when they were building their new fence (The neighbors
helped them build the new fence).

IN HOT WATER = in trouble

E.g. Bob didn't do his homework, so he's going to be/get in hot water! (from the teacher)

PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS! = If you believe that what you are saying
is true/right, let's bet on it!

THAT TAKES THE CAKE! = That's unbelievable/incredible/ridiculous!

NOT PLAYING WITH A FULL DECK= crazy

E.g. That guy always talks and shouts to himself. He's not playing with a full deck!

PUT A LID ON IT! = Be quiet!!!

TWO HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE! = Two people who work together will have more
ideas than just one person!

TO LOSE YOUR SHIRT = to lose all of or most of your money

E.g. I lost my shirt at the casino! Joe lost his shirt betting on the horses.

TO LOSE TOUCH = to fail to keep in contact/communication with someone

E.g. After I graduated from university, I lost touch with most of my classmates.

PAINT THE TOWN (RED) = Let's go out and enjoy the exciting entertainment of the city!

E.g. After the exam, let's go out and paint the town!
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS! = A picture explains things better than
words can explain things

LET'S GET THE BALL ROLLING! = Let's start now! (Usually said about an important
project)

I HEAR YOU! = I agree with what you are saying!

YOU BET! = Yes, sure, of course!

ONCE IN A BLUE MOON = Once in a while, occasionally

E.g. I go swimming outside once in a blue moon.

IT'S A DEAL! = Okay, I agree, it will be done!

TO BET ON THE WRONG HORSE = To make an incorrect guess about the future

E.g. If you think the Queen plans to retire, you're betting on the wrong horse!

TO BE FULL OF HOT AIR! = When someone talks a lot about something he/she can or will
do but in reality, there is no truth in any of what he/she is saying - just hot air!

E.g. He went on the job interview because the company said they would be able to offer him a
good position, but during the interview, he realized it was too small, with no opportunities. The
manager was just full of hot air!

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING! = When there are
problems, strong people take action to solve the problems! When the going gets tough = When
life becomes difficult the tough get going = strong people take action and do something

MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO! =When one person does something, everyone follows and
does the same thing!

TO BLOW ONE'S OWN HORN = when a person boasts about how great he/she is!

E.g. Don always blows his own horn. In staff meetings, he tells everyone how great HIS ideas
are!

BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER! = People who have something in common

feel comfortable together.

HIT THE BOOKS = to study, prepare for class E.g. Tonight I'm going to hit the books!

I CAN HAVE MY CAKE AND EAT IT TOO! = I can have EVERYTHING I want in life!

A POKER FACE = a face with no expression (This idiom originates from the card game of
poker because no gambling poker player should have an expression that is easy to read! (that
way, the other players in the game won't be able to guess how good/bad his/her cards are)

E.g. George has a poker face so you never know what he's thinking!
TO LOOK LIKE A MILLION DOLLARS = to look great, to be very well dressed!

E.g. Julia Roberts looked like a million dollars at the Oscars!

A DIME A DOZEN = very common, easy to find (countable nouns in plural form)

E.g. In North America, shopping malls are a dime a dozen!

YOU HAVE A ONE TRACK MIND! = You always think about the same (one) thing! (we can
also say he/she/we/they "has/have a one track mind")

TO HAVE THE INSIDE TRACK = To have an advantage because you know certain people or
you have special information

E.g. Bob knows what the president is going to announce in his televised speech this evening
because he has the inside track!

I would write an article about Julia Roberts' life if I could get the inside track!

ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACKS = in a bad/poor/undesirable neighborhood

E.g. Sam grew up on the wrong side of the tracks.

CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT! = It's not good to be too curious!

THE CAT'S OUT OF THE BAG! = The secret is not a secret anymore!

IT'S RAINING CATS AND DOGS! = It's raining hard (a lot)!

THERE'S NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT! = It is best to do it now!

TIME HEALS ALL WOUNDS = With time, sadness will pass

TIME OUT! = Stop, calm down! (usually said in the middle of a discussion or argument)

= Let's take a break now!

A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS! = A friendly way to say "What are you thinking about?"

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND! = If you treat people badly, something bad will
happen to you and if you treat people well, something good will happen to you. This common
idiom proves that Americans are superstitious!

ALL THAT GLITTERS ISN'T GOLD! = Not everything is as wonderful as it seems (this can
refer to material things and also situations)

YOU SCRATCH MY BACK AND I'LL SCRATCH YOURS! = If you do a favor for me, I
will do a favor for you!

MONEY TALKS = Money has power/influence!