Understanding English Idioms

An idiom is a commonly used expression that has a special meaning.

This meaning may be different from what the words have to say.

Never bite the hand that feeds you.

to harm someone who has been helping you.

He stayed home because he was under the weather

Feeling ill

You are "barking up the wrong tree" when you are trying to find something, but you are looking in the wrong place.

Fortunately she’s back in the pink.

Very strong and healthy

Since he got the news, he’s been on cloud nine.

Feeling extreme happiness or elation.

That hairdo is so behind the times.

Old fashioned

Out of date

"How was your test today?" Reply: "It was a

piece of cake."

Very easy to do

Please keep me in the loop.

Fully informed

In the know

Never bite off more than you can chew.

To take on a challenge that is too big

Mom’s washing machine is on the blink.

Isn’t working properly

Is out of order

His girlfriend broke up with him out of the blue.

Suddenly and unexpectedly

He has his head in the sand.

to refuse to think about an unpleasant situation or face the facts.

The manager is really on the ball.

Competent

Doing a good job

The business is finally in the black

Making a profit

Out of debtin

He was so tired that he hit the hay right after dinner.

Went to bed

Knock on wood, I'm much better now

To have good fortune and hope it will continue.

His idea was really off the wall.

Strange or very different

Give away a secret.

A policeman’s job is not a bed of roses.

an easy and pleasant situation

Please get to the point!

Tell me the essential information.

Skip all the details

He shouldn’t be a backseat driver.

Someone who criticizes from the sideline

Annoyingly giving unwanted advice

Get off my back! I do it in a minute.

Quit nagging or bothering me.

When she started the job, she was still wet behind the ears.

Either very young or inexperienced.