Idioms: How to Add Color and Flavor to your English!

Idioms make languages more interesting and help to deepen understanding which is why many English language learners aim to master idioms. In this blog post, we'll go over ten common English idioms, their origins, and give examples.

1. "Bite the bullet"

The origins of this phrase go back to the days when there were wars limited to muskets. Ammunition was not as advanced as it is today, so when the soldiers ran out of ammo and needed to reload their gun, they actually had to bite the bullet to keep from screaming out in pain. Nowadays, this phrase means to endure a painful or unpleasant situation.

“I finally decided to bite the bullet and get my teeth fixed."

2. "A piece of cake"

The phrase "a piece of cake" means something is very easy to do. An odd origin tale explains that in the nineteenth century, slaves were often given the leftover unsold cakes from parties to take home as a reward for their services. This phrase's meaning is due to the cake's relatively easy consumption.

"Don't worry, you'll pass that exam with flying colors. It's a piece of cake!"

3. "The ball is in your court"

This phrase is in reference to tennis, where the opponent's strategy is dependent on how their opponent returns the ball. So when someone says, "The ball is in your court," they are saying that the next move belongs to the other person, and they have to make decisions.

For example, if someone says, "I've presented the project to the boss. The ball is in her court now," they mean it's up to the boss to make a decision.

4. "Break a leg"

This phrase means to wish someone good luck. The origins of this phrase are debatable, but one theory suggests that it comes from the belief that saying good luck will lead to bad luck instead. Over time, saying the opposite of what is meant clears that negative connection.

For example, right before a theatre actor goes on stage to perform, the director might say, "Break a leg!"

5. "Raining cats and dogs"

This idiom describes heavy or torrential rain. It implies that the rain is falling heavily. The origin of this idiom is uncertain, however, one theory suggests that it originates from old English folklore where dogs and cats were associated with the forces of wind and rain.

"You better grab an umbrella, it’s raining cats and dogs outside!"

6. "Cost an arm and a leg"

This phrase means something is exceptionally expensive. No one knows about the origin of this phrase. Still, arms and legs were often lost in accidents, wars, or other circumstances in the past, so maybe the phrase refers to a significant loss or price paid.

"I can't believe I'll have to pay $1,000 for this book. It costs an arm and a leg!"

7. "Spill the beans"

This phrase means to reveal a secret unintentionally or intentionally. The phrase's origin is intriguing as it says in ancient Greece, ballots were made of beans, and when counting votes, to make the process fairer, an empty pot was used for the rejected beans and a full one for the accepted ones. Accidentally "spilling" the beans, or revealing them too early, would give away the outcome of the vote before the counting was complete.

"He accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise party for Jane."

8. "Once in a blue moon"

According to NASA, a blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month. It is a relatively rare occurrence that happens about every 2.5 years. The phrase means something that happens very rarely.

"It only snows in this city once in a blue moon."

9. "Turn a blind eye"

"Turning a blind eye" means to pretend that you haven't noticed something or avoiding confronting or addressing a problem. The expression comes from a story about Admiral Horatio Nelson, who supposedly turned a blind eye during the battle of Copenhagen. When his superior ordered him to abort the mission, Nelson used his telescope to pretend he didn't hear the instructions.

"My neighbor always throws loud parties past midnight, but I prefer to turn a blind eye and maintain a good relationship."

10. "Under the weather"

The phrase "under the weather" means to feel ill or unwell. The phrase originates from the concept that the weather can make people feel unwell.

"I'm feeling a little under the weather today; I think I'm coming down with a cold."

Learning idioms can be a fun way to expand your English vocabulary. By using them in your everyday conversations and text messages, you can improve your language skills and sound more like a native speaker!