English idioms lend a layer of colour and expressiveness to the language, providing a unique and often metaphorical way to convey ideas. These idiomatic expressions have become an integral part of everyday communication, enriching conversations and making language more vivid. In this article, Cafe Converse Delhi’s Top Online Spoken English Institute shares 10 essential English idioms that everyone should know.
- “Bite the bullet“: To “bite the bullet” means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and resilience. This idiom has its origins in historical medical practices when soldiers would bite on a bullet during surgery to endure the pain without making noise.
- “Break the ice”: When you “break the ice,” you initiate a conversation in a social setting to alleviate tension or awkwardness. The metaphor comes from the idea of breaking through the metaphorical ‘ice’ that exists in initial interactions.
- “Hit the nail on the head”: To “hit the nail on the head” is to describe someone who has accurately identified the main issue or point in a situation. This idiom likens hitting a nail on the head with a hammer to pinpointing the crux of a matter.
- “Cost an arm and a leg”: If something “costs an arm and a leg,” it is extremely expensive. This vivid idiom implies that the price is so high that it feels like one is parting with a substantial part of their body.
- “Spill the beans”: To “spill the beans” means to disclose a secret or reveal confidential information. The origins of this idiom are uncertain, but it is thought to relate to an ancient Greek voting system where black or white beans were used to cast votes secretly.
- “Burn the midnight oil”: When someone is “burning the midnight oil,” they are working late into the night or early morning hours. This idiom refers to the use of oil lamps or candles before the advent of electric lighting.
- “Kick the bucket”: This morbid idiom means to die or pass away. While its origin is not definitively known, one theory suggests that it may have come from the act of someone standing on a bucket to hang themselves.
- “Piece of cake”: When something is a “piece of cake,” it means that it is very easy to do. This idiom likens a simple task to the ease of eating a slice of cake.
- “Let the cat out of the bag”: To “let the cat out of the bag” is to reveal a secret, often unintentionally. The origin dates back to the medieval marketplace, where farmers would bring a pig to market in a sack. Unscrupulous sellers would sometimes replace the pig with a less valuable cat, and if the secret was disclosed, the cat would be out of the bag.
- “A piece of the pie“: When someone wants “a piece of the pie,” they desire a share of the profits, success, or benefits in a particular situation. This idiom draws on the imagery of dividing a pie into portions, each representing a share of the whole.
English idioms not only add flair to language but also offer glimpses into cultural history and metaphorical thinking. Knowing these 10 essential idioms can enhance your understanding of English expressions and contribute to more engaging and expressive communication. So, don’t be afraid to “bite the bullet” and start incorporating these idioms into your everyday conversations – it’s a “piece of cake”!
Ms Sonu Goel is a professionally acclaimed certified ESL trainer from the British Council having 15 years of strong background for teaching the English language in both online and physical classes. She is dedicated to teaching of English in an interactive and practical way, whereby learners feel enriched with knowledge and experience the language hands-on. She uses creative ideas and aids to let the learning happen as organically and efficiently as possible. Ms Goel has travelled to various European countries and experienced an array of cultures and linguistic skills for the English language.
To learn more about Sonu Goel please visit : https://cafeconverse.com/best-english-tutor-coach-teacher-sonu-goel.html
