10 Common Idioms in English and How to Use Them Correctly

By Robby

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Hello, my dear English learners! Today, I want to talk to you about a topic that can be a little tricky for non-native speakers: idioms. Idioms are expressions that have a figurative meaning that is different from their literal meaning. They are used all the time in English conversation, and if you’re not familiar with them, they can be quite confusing.

In this article, I want to share with you 10 common idioms in English and how to use them correctly. These idioms are used in everyday conversation, and if you can learn how to use them, you will sound more natural and fluent in English.

1. A Piece of Cake

This idiom means that something is very easy. For example, “That math test was a piece of cake.”

2. Break a Leg

This idiom is used to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance or presentation. For example, “Break a leg on your big presentation tomorrow!”

3. Hit the Nail on the Head

This idiom means to be exactly right about something. For example, “You hit the nail on the head with that suggestion.”

4. Under the Weather

This idiom means that someone is feeling sick or unwell. For example, “I can’t come into work today, I’m feeling a little under the weather.”

5. Once in a Blue Moon

This idiom means that something happens very rarely. For example, “I only see my old high school friends once in a blue moon.”

6. Piece of Mind

This idiom means to say something that you’ve been thinking about for a while, in order to get it off your chest. For example, “I finally gave my boss a piece of my mind about how he’s been treating me.”

7. On the Ball

This idiom means that someone is alert and quick to react. For example, “She’s always on the ball when it comes to solving problems.”

8. A Dime a Dozen

This idiom means that something is very common or easy to find. For example, “Those cheap knockoff purses are a dime a dozen.”

9. Bite the Bullet

This idiom means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage. For example, “I know it’s going to be tough, but we just have to bite the bullet and get through it.”

10. The Ball is in Your Court

This idiom means that it’s someone else’s turn to take action or make a decision. For example, “I’ve given you all the information you need, now the ball is in your court.”

Now that you’ve learned these 10 common idioms, how can you start using them in your own conversations? The best way to learn idioms is to practice using them in context. Try to use these idioms in conversations with native speakers, or practice writing sentences or short paragraphs using them. You can also read books, watch movies or TV shows, and listen to English podcasts to hear idioms being used in natural contexts.

Remember, idioms are an important part of English conversation, and learning how to use them correctly can help you sound more natural and fluent. So don’t be afraid to give them a try!

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