Idioms and Phrases

I broke the leg of my friend, he had an important exam. Scared? 'Break the leg' means wishing someone good luck. English language is full of Idioms and Phrases. Idioms are words or phrases that literally mean something else and metaphorically mean something else. They usually have a cultural meaning behind them. The more English idioms and phrases you know, the more confident you sound especially when you speak with native English speakers.

Idiom - In black and white. Meaning - In writing or printing. Example: I asked him to put the terms and conditions in black and white.

1.0List of Idioms and Phrases

1. A bone of contention: Subject or issue over which there is continuing disagreement. Example : Grandfather's will was a bone of contention for the whole family.
2. Leave no stone unturned: Make every possible effort. Example : We leave no stone unturned when it comes to our children's health, education, well-being and happiness.
3. To pay back in the same coin: To treat someone in the same bad way that they have treated you. Example : I decided to pay her back in her own coin and refused to help her.
4. To get into hot water: To get into trouble or a difficult situation. Example : The young boy got into hot water with his parents when he had a fight at school.
5. To feel like a fish out of water: To feel odd because you are not familiar or very different from/to people around you. Example : I was the only black person in a church full of white people and I felt like a fish out of water.
6. To shed crocodile tears: Insincere tears of sorrow. Example : The child wasn't really hurt but she shed crocodile tears anyway to get his way.
7. To save something for the rainy day: To reserve something (usually money) for some future need. Example : My friend suddenly lost his job thanks to his habit of saving money for the rainy day which is helping him to support his family.
8. To make room for: To provide space for someone or something. Example : The new space makes room for a counter height table and stools, plus a wall of pantry cupboards.
9. A wild goose chase: A foolish and hopeless search. Example : Her dream of being a movie star is a wild goose choose.
10. With flying colours: With brilliant success. Example : Tony was given a tough assignment at work this week, but he passed with flying colours.
11. Under one's nose: Right in front of someone; obvious or not hidden. Example : I searched for my glasses for twenty minutes and finally found them right under my nose.
12. In black and white: In writing or printing. Example: I asked him to put the terms and conditions in black and white.
13. At the eleventh hour: At the last possible moment. Example : The water bombers arrived at the eleventh hour, just in time to prevent the forest fire from engulfing the town.
14. To call a spade, a spade: Speak frankly and bluntly. Example : I should warn you that Sandra calls a spade a spade so if she thinks you say something wrong or make a mistake she'll say so.
15. By hook or by crook: By any means necessary to accomplish the purpose, one way or the other. Example: My friend wanted the decision of the court in his favour, by hook or by crook.
16. Break down: Become useless Example : It was night, all dark and the car broke down on the way, we all were scared.
17. Break into: Force one's way into a building etc. Example : We all had gone to attend the wedding. A thief broke into our house and stole all our valuables.
18. Break up: Come to an end Example : Their long-time friendship has broken up.
19. Call off: Stop something Example : The strike was called off as the Government agreed to the demands of the workers.
20. Call up: Telephone to Example : I am busy now so I will call you up at 4 p.m.
21. Do away with: Finish, abolish Example : It is high time now. We should do away with dowry system.
22. Do up: Renovate Example : Before selling, the house needs to be done up.
23. Go for: Like or perfect Example : I always go for comedy movies.
24. Go off: Explode Example : The gun went off suddenly.
25. Let in: Allow to enter Example : Open the window to let in fresh air.
26. Let in for: Involve in Example : By not attending the classes you are letting yourself in for trouble.
27. Look after: Take care of Example : My mother looks after my son while we are out.
28. Look for: In search of Example : Are you still looking for a job?
29. Bring about: Cause to happen Example : Computers have brought about many changes in our lives.
30. Bring around: Convert to one's views Example : The Prime Minister brought us round to his viewpoint.

2.0Recall

1. Idioms provide a new creative way to one's piece of writing.
2. An idiom is a phrase where the words together have a meaning that is different from the dictionary definitions of the individual words.
3. Idioms and Phrases don't seem to literally make any sense.
4. Idioms add colour and texture to language by creating images that convey meanings beyond those of the individual words that make them up.
5. Idioms are culturally bound, providing insight into the history, culture, and outlook of their users.
6. A burning question: An urgent or crucial issue under heated discussion. To turn over a new leaf: To reform and begin again. Bed of roses: An easy life. Lion's share: The biggest part of something. To cry over spilt milk: To regret in vain for what cannot be undone or rectified. By hook or by crook: By any means necessary to accomplish the purpose, one way or the other.