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Common English Phrases and Idioms to Be Used in Everyday Life with

Their Meanings and Examples
“Learn common English idioms and phrases with their English meaning and examples and
hone your speaking skills.”

PHRASE/IDIOM MEANING EXAMPLE

Back of my hand To have complete I know Delhi like the back of
knowledge about my hand.
something
Take it easy To relax Gaurav, whenever you get
angry, you should take it
easy.
All of a sudden A thing happened We were enjoying our picnic
unexpectedly and and all of a sudden it started
quickly raining.
Herculean task A work that is difficult It is a herculean task to
to do defeat Usain Bolt in racing.
The time is ripe The correct time to do The time from 5:00 A.M. to
something 6:00 A.M. is ripe for a
morning walk.
Double minded One who is confused Ramesh is a double-minded
person, he could not select
his own clothes.
When pigs fly A thing that can never When pigs fly, you will be
happen/impossible punctual.
See eye to eye To be completely Mr. Satish and Mr. Kunal
agreed saw eye to eye on their
business partnership.
A piece of cake A task/work/thing that Typing 40 words per minute
is very easy is a piece of cake for me.

Cost an arm and a leg Very Expensive The diamond necklace she
selected cost an arm and a
leg to me.
Hand to mouth To have enough Sonu is a laborer and he is
resources just to living hand to mouth.
survive/ stay alive
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Break the ice To break the silence/ The local government did
speak up not break the ice on the
matter of a scam done by a
local MLA.
Hit the sack Go to bed Example: I was tired
yesterday, so I hit the sack at
8 o’clock.
Once in a blue moon Something that All of my friends are busy in
happens rarely their lives, so I talk to them
once in a blue moon.
Break a leg To wish somebody “Break a leg, my son! I am
good luck excited about your
performance.” My mother
wishes me on the annual day
function.
By the skin of one’s teeth Barely/ by a narrow I have attempted too many
margin/ just competitive exams and
failed by the skin of my
teeth.
Head over heels To be in love She is head over heels in
love with him.
All Greek and Latin to someone Difficult to understand Today’s Economics lecture
was all Greek and Latin to
me.
Under the weather To feel ill I want to play football, but I
am feeling under the
weather today.

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