Idioms - Every person who speaks English should know!

Idioms. Native English speakers love using them in conversation, and you’ll often find them popping up in books, TV shows and movies too. To perfect your English, you really need to become confident in using idioms and knowing the difference between breaking a leg and pulling someone’s leg. Here are 20 English idioms that everyone should know: 1. Under the weather What does it mean? To feel ill How do you use it? In England we love to talk about the weather and will do so often, but don’t be fooled by this common phrase. If someone says they’re feeling under the weather, your response should be ‘I hope you feel better!’, not ‘Would you like to borrow my umbrella?’. 2. The ball is in your court What does it mean? It’s up to you How do you use it? It’s your move now, but this idiom refers to life rather than a sport. If you’ve got the ‘ball,’ the decision is yours and someone is waiting for your decision. 3. Spill the beans What does it mean? To give away a secret How do you use it? If you told someone about their own surprise party, you’d have ‘spilled the beans’ or even ‘let the cat out of the bag’. The secret is out. 4. Break a leg What does it mean? To wish someone luck How do you use it? This idiom is not at all threatening. Often accompanied by a thumbs up, ‘Break a leg! ’is an encouraging cheer of good luck. It originates from when successful theater performers would to bow so many times after a show that they would break a leg. 5. Pull someone’s leg What does it mean? To play a practical joke How do you use it? This is the perfect phrase to learn if you’re a fan of practical jokes. ‘Pull their leg’ is similar to ‘wind someone up’. Use it in context: ‘Relax, I’m just pulling your leg!’ or ‘Wait, are you pulling my leg?’. 6. Sat on the fence What does it mean? To be undecided How do you use it? If you’re sat on the fence, you’ve not decided which side of an argument you agree with. ‘I’m on the fence about hot yoga classes,’ translates as ‘I’m not sure whether I enjoy yoga in a sauna yet.’ 7. Through thick and thin What does it mean? To be loyal no matter what How do you use it? Often used to describe families or BFFs, ‘through thick and thin’ means that you’re by each other’s side no matter what happens, through the bad times, as well as the good. 8. Once in a blue moon What does it mean? Rarely How do you use it? This charming phrase is used to describe something that doesn’t happen often. Example: ‘I remember to call my parents from my study abroad trip once in a blue moon.’ 9. It’s the best thing since sliced bread What does it mean? It’s really, really good How do you use it? Sliced bread must have revolutionised life in England because it’s since been used as the ultimate benchmark for things that are great. We love it almost as much as tea. 10. Take it with a pinch of salt What does it mean? Don’t take it too seriously How do you use it? ‘I heard that elephants can fly now, but Sam often makes up stories so I take everything he says with a pinch of salt.’ 11. Come rain or shine What does it mean? No matter what How do you use it? You guarantee to do something, regardless of the weather or any other situation that might arise. ‘I’ll be at your football game, come rain or shine’. 12. Go down in flames What does it mean? To fail spectacularly How do you use it? This phrase is fairly obvious. ‘That exam went down in flames, I should have learned my English idioms.’