20 important English idioms

Idioms in any language can be quite difficult. Idioms are phrases we use that are not word for word or literal--they are metaphorical or figurative, which makes them extra-tough for second language learners. We have hundreds of idioms in English, and here are some common idioms we use. It's important to start with just a few or you will not remember them all! Follow the link below to find flashcards to study these 20 idioms: FLASHCARDS 20 Idioms 

These idioms are:

1.  to hit the books
2.  to hit the sack
3.  to twist someone's arm
4.  to be up in the air
5.  to stab someone in the back
6.  to sit tight
7.  to lose your touch
8.  to pitch in
9.  to quit cold turkey
10.  to face the music
11.  to be on the ball
12.  to ring a bell
13.  a rule of thumb
14.  to be under the weather
15.  to blow off steam
16.  to look like a million bucks
17.  to cut to the chase
18.  to find your feet
19.  to get over something
20.  keep your chin up!

Below is a practice conversation using all 20 Idioms (they are that common!)

Idiom Practice Conversations:

A: Would you like to go to the movies with me tonight? I’ve been dying to see the new one, “Get Out.”

B: Oh! I really want to see that too, but I have to ______________tonight because I have a huge final tomorrow. I plan to study pretty late and then ______________, so I’m well rested for the test. But, maybe we can go tomorrow night? If you wait to go until tomorrow, I’ll buy your ticket and popcorn!

A: Okay, you’ve ______________. I’ll wait one more night and we can go tomorrow!

B: Do you have anything planned for Spring break?

A: I have a couple of options with a couple different groups of friends. It’s still ______________.

B. If one of your options is going with Katie and her friends, I don’t think you should.

A: Why not? 

B: She started dating your ex boyfriend. She definitely ______________.

A: That is so wrong! You’re right. I won’t go with them. I guess I’ve ______________in knowing when people are lying to me. At least I certainly ______________him a while ago. He’s her problem now.

B: Hey, can you ______________for a minute while I run to the bathroom? I want to finish this conversation.

A: Sure!

...

B: So, my friends and I are going to the beach for a week. We found a beach house to rent. You can totally come with us if you can ______________for the house.

A: Okay! I’d love to. But remember I quit cigarettes ______________. Are there any smokers going? That will make it harder. 

B: No! I was totally ______________when planning this trip. I know you just quit. My friends that are coming don’t smoke, so there won’t be any peer pressure or temptation.

A: Who is going?

B: Maggie, Chris, Ryan, Josh, Christina, and Alexis.

A: Which Alexis?

B: Alexis Smith

A: The name ______________but I can’t remember what she looks like.

B: You’ll see! I can introduce you again. 

A: The ______________with my friends is to make sure you bring everything you want to drink so that nobody is stealing any drinks from anyone else.

B: We do the same thing! 

A: I hope no one is ______________for the trip. It’s always a bummer when someone is sick.

B: As far as I know everyone is healthy and ready.

A: It’ll be so nice to let go of the stress and ______________with a fun trip to the beach.

B: Definitely, I already bought a new swimsuit, here’s a picture. Do you like it?

A: Oh I bet you ______________in that! You’ll be the best dressed for sure.

B: So there are some details to work out but I’ll ______________and just tell you about the money because that’s usually the most important. It costs about 250$ per person for the whole trip, but you also should factor in some money for food and drinks.

A: Okay, that sounds great! I meant to ask you, how is your new job going?

B: Well, I’m still ______________. It’s very different from my last job.

A: ______________! You’ll get used to it soon I’m sure.  I need to ______________at work. I made a mistake and I'm nervous about telling my boss. But it’s the right thing to do.

B: I agree. I have to run, please keep me updated! We’ll talk soon.

A: Okay, talk to you later!