English Idioms

1. In a tight spot (In a very difficult situation)

Example :
a. I know you’re in a tight spot so I hope you will let me treat you to dinner tonight
b. You will be in a tight spot if you don’t start working in your paper tonight
2. Off the mark (Not accurate or wrong)
Example :
a. Believe me, everything she says is off the mark
b. The weather forecast was really off the mark today
3. Bend over backwards (to try so hard for help or make someone happy)
Example :
a. She bent over backwards to help him
b. I only bend over backwards for family
4. Bite off more than you can chew (Do something that is too difficult for you)
Example :
a. I think he’s bitten off more than he can chew by taking all those classes
b. I think I bite off more than I can chew for this job
5. Bitter pill to swallow (Something that unpleasant but must be accepted)
Example :
a. Moving away from family was a bitter pill to swallow
b. This pandemic is a bitter pill to swallow
6. Face the music (To accept responsibility for something you have done)
Example :
a. I accidently broke a vase and I had to face the music when my mother got home
b. If he lied to me, then he will just have to face the music
7. Written all over your face (The expression on someone’s face is showing their true
feelings)
Example :
a. I know she’s guilty, it’s written all over her face
b. Jealousy was written all over my friend’s face after knew that I got scholarship
8. Let your hair down (To relax and enjoy oneself)
Example :
a. After a long day at work, I decided to let my hair down
b. My sister let her hair down after had a final exam
9. Under the weather (Feeling ill)
Example :
a. The twins were under the weather today, so they had to stay at home
b. I was a bit under the weather yesterday, but I’m feeling much better
10. Cold feet (Becoming nervous)
Example :
a. She got cold feet before her wedding
b. It was her chance to speak and she was getting cold feet
11. Kill two birds with one stone (Achieve two things with one action)
Example :
a. If we can get gas and have lunch at the next stop rest, it means we will be killing
two birds with one stone
12. Pretty penny (Expensive)
Example :
a. The dress she wants for her birthday will cost a pretty penny
b. You’ll have to spend a pretty penny if you wanna go on vacation in London
13. Beat around the bush (Not saying it directly)
Example :
a. Jason’s neighbour kept beating around the bush and didn’t give a direct answer
b. If you wanna ask me, just ask. Don’t beat around the bush
14. Call it a day (Stop doing something)
Example :
a. I’m bushed now, let’s call it a day
b. I think we’ve done it enough, let’s call it a day
15. Spill the beans (To reveal a secret)
Example :
a. Jenny spilled the beans about her sister coming to her mom
 b. If I spill the beans will you promise not to tell anyone else?
16. That ship has sailed (It’s too late to do sth)
Example :
a. I’ve thought about going back to college but I feel like the ship has sailed
b. I finally realized that my ex boyfriend was my true love but unfortunately the ship
has sailed
17. Miss the boat (To act slowly and miss an opportunity)
Example :
a. You’ll miss the boat if you wait any longer
b. My friends are off to ski, I missed the boat this time. But I’ll join them next
season
18. Come rain or shine (No matter what happens)
Example :
a. Come rain or shine, I’ll be there for you
b. Come rain or shine, I’ll see you on Thursday
19. Every dog has its day (Everyone gets a chance)
Example :
a.