Commonly used Idioms

Idiom: a manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language

Every language has its own collection of wise sayings. They offer advice about how to live and also
transfer some underlying ideas, principles and values of a given culture / society. These sayings are called
"idioms" - or proverbs if they are longer. These combinations of words have (rarely complete sentences) a
"figurative meaning" meaning, they basically work with "pictures".
This List of commonly used idioms and sayings (in everyday conversational English), can help to speak
English by learning English idiomatic expressions. This is a list, which contains exactly 66 of the most
commonly used idioms and their meaning.

1-A hot potato

Speak of an issue (mostly current) which many people are talking about and which is usually disputed A
controversial subject that no one wants to talk about is one kind of hot potato. A hot potato is an issue
that makes everyone feel uncomfortable.
The phrase hot potato comes up a lot in politics. For example, a reporter might explain that a candidate
won't speak about a controversial topic because it's "a political hot potato," or an issue that people
disagree strongly about. Hot potato comes from the idea of passing a literal hot baked potato from one
person to another no one wants to be left holding it for very long, because it will burn their fingers.
he dropped the topic like a hot potato Gun control is a political hot potato.

2-A penny for your thoughts

A way of asking what someone is thinking.
It means: What are you thinking about?
Example of use: Steffany, you look very pleased today. A penny for your thought?
(I'll give you a penny if you tell me your thoughts) a way to ask someone what he/she is
thinking about
Example: A: What do you think about your new classmate Jane? Penny for your thoughts?
B: I think she is very smart and very knowledgeable.
3-Actions speak louder than words
People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS means that what someone says is different from from
what they do. It is often used when someone makes a promise but then doesn't keep it. For
example:
"Dad, I promise I'll be on time for class and do all my homework as soon as I get it."
"Well that sounds great, but actions speak louder than words. Lets wait a couple of weeks and
see if can you really do it."
4-An arm and a leg
Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money.
Example Sentence:
The mans new sports car cost an arm and a leg.
A: Do you want to go to that new restaurant?
B: No
A: Why not?
B: Because everything there costs an arm and a leg. Its too expensive for me.
5-At the drop of a hat
Meaning: without any hesitation; instantly.
When you use the expression At the Drop of a Hat you mean that something is
happening instantly, without any delay.
Example of use: Were all packed and ready to go; we can leave at the drop of a hat.
6-Back to the drawing board
When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.

if you go back to the drawing board, you have to start planning a piece of work again because t
he previous plan failed.
Our proposalmight not be accepted, in which case we'll have to go back to the drawing board.
7-Ball is in your court
It is up to you to make the next decision or step.
The Ball is in your court means that its someone elses turn to make a move.
Example of use: Its not Daniels fault the deal isnt finished, he made the last offer. The ball is
in Harrys court now.
8-Barking up the wrong tree
Looking in the wrong place. Accusing the wrong person.
My mother barked up the wrong tree when she accused me of stealing. It was my sister!

9-Be glad to see the back of

Be happy when a person leaves.
be glad to see the back of someone
To be happy to get rid of someone; to be happy because someone has left.
Example:
The young man was glad to see the back of his father-in-law after he had stayed for a month.
10-Beat around the bush
Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.
The phrase Beating around the Bush means to avoid answering a question; to stall; to waste
time.
Example of Use: If you want to ask me, just ask; dont beat around the bush.
11-Can't judge a book by its cover
Cannot judge something primarily on appearance. said to show that you cannot know what
something or someone is like by looking only at that person or thing's appearance.
something that you say which means you cannot judge the quality or character of someone or
something just bylooking at them She doesn't look very intelligent, but you can't judge a book
by its cover.