Idiomatic expressions of the English language. English idioms
Honestly, the more I study English, the more I realize how diverse it is. Afterwards, my gaze turned to idioms. What are idioms in English and what does it mean in general?
Idioms are a kind of set expressions, which are interpreted with figuratively. Well, as in Russian “In seventh heaven” or “When the cancer whistles on the mountain.” By the way, very often the meaning of the idiom is similar to English, German, and Russian. The list goes on. That is, the interweaving of meanings is observed among many peoples. Still, the world is one.
- 1. When pigs fly. Verbatim - when pigs fly. In Russian - “When the cancer on the mountain whistles”. That means almost never!
Annie sniffed. ‘The day pigs fly. That will be the day.’-When the crayfish whistles. That’s when it happens,” Anne snorted.
- 2.Piece of cake. Literally - A piece of cake.
In fact, this translates as a trivial matter, as simple as shelling pears, simpler than a steamed turnip
- No problem, piece of cake!- Easily! Not even a question. 3. Cost an arm and leg. Literally - “
Cost an arm and a leg". Looks like it's very expensive.
- 4 . Are you crazy? It costs an arm and leg ! You're crazy? It costs a fortune! Let the cat out the bag. Literally - “
Let the cat out of the bag"
. Well... It's giving away all the secrets or telling an important secret!
- 5 . I`m hurt. You`ve let the cat out of the bag about our relationship.. I'm in pain. You gave away all the secrets of our relationship. Bite off more than one can chew.
Literally - “ bite off more than you can chew" This is beyond your reach and strength.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew
- 6. . - Cut the tree on your own. I sometimes want to disagree with this idiom. After all, human possibilities are limitless. Although at a certain point you have to cut down the tree on your own.
- 7. Speak of the devil . Literally: “Speak of the Devil.” In Russian - “Remember the city and here it is. Or a more cultural one - “Easy in sight”. To have Van Gog`s ear for music. Literally - “
Have Van Gogh's ear for music
.” It means to have poor hearing. .
- 8 . Poor boy. He has got Van Gog`s ear for music. .
Poor boy. He has no ear for music at all
Drink like a lord. Or Drink like a fish A phrase that means getting drunk until you're blue in the face.
- 9.Useyourloaf . Literally - "Use your loaf". Use your head. Guess how to do it. Use your loaf. Figure out how to do it. Think with your head!
- 10. Fingers licking good."Real jam".
Is it tasty? Yes, very tasty! Fingers licking good. It is delicious? Yes very! Real jam!
- 11. To put a sock in it. Literally - "Put your sock in there". In fact - Just shut your mouth. Keep your mouth shut.
Please, no more words! Put a sock in it. Say no more, hold your tongue!
- 12. Lights are on, but nobody`s home. Literally - "The lights are on, but no one is home". In fact. Hello Garage. We speak when the person is here, but in prostration.
Look at him. What`s happened? Lights are on but nobody`s home. Look at him. What's happened? He doesn’t understand anything at all, doesn’t react.
- 13.to be head over heels in love . Verbatim- "Upside Down in Love". Be madly in love!
I can`t speak with her now. She`s head over heels with love. I can't talk to her now. She's head over heels in love!
- 14. wolf in sheep`s clothing.- Easily! Not even a question. Wolf in sheep's clothing". Still waters run deep. He is not who he says he is.
I don`t trust him. I think he`s wolf in a sheep`s clothing. I don't trust him. I think he's a wolf in sheep's clothing.
- 15. As comfortable as an old shoe.- Easily! Not even a question. As comfortable as an old boot". Very cozy
My old house may seem small to you, but I think it’s cozy. It’s as comfortable as an old shoe.
My an old house may seem small for you, but I think it's very cozy.
Idiom- this is a stable phrase characteristic only of a given language, the meaning of which is not determined by the meaning of the words included in it taken individually. Due to the fact that the idiom cannot be translated literally, difficulties in translation and understanding often arise.
Imagine you are in an American bar. Here everyone talks loudly and shares their life events.
You hear one guy talk about hitting books.
...the other says twisting someone's hand.
...and someone was completely stabbed in the back.
What do you think is happening here?!
You scratched your head and wondered why I can’t understand anything if I know all the words?!
The answer is simple - you became familiar with English idioms. Here you will find out best idioms in English with translation.
Why learn idioms in English?
You have learned English grammar, all the rules, hundreds of exceptions. Even an American student might envy your vocabulary. You probably have certificates that adorn your wall and speak of your good command of the English language.
What you learn from the textbook and from real life has differences. Learning everyday idioms in English will help you feel comfortable in any life situation: in a cafe, cinema, park or on a date.
To understand idioms, you don't need to translate them word for word. To help you become familiar with English idioms, we have prepared the best idioms in English with translation.
The best idioms in English with translation
A popular idiom among American students who have a lot of classes.
Translation: study.
Example:“Sorry, but I can’t watch the football game with you tonight. I have to hit the books. I have an important exam next week!” - “Sorry, but I can’t watch football with you tonight. I have to study. I have an important exam next week."
When translated literally, it means you want to hit the bag, but in reality the meaning is completely different.
Translation: go to bed when you are very tired.
Example: “It’s time for me to hit the sack, I’m so tired” - “It’s time for me to go to bed, I’m very tired.”
(To) Twist someone's arm 
If you take this idiom literally, you can twist a person’s arm and cause pain. Be careful!
Translation: convince someone.
Example:
A-"Jake, you should really go to this party tonight!"
B-“You know, I can’t!” I have to hit the books!”
A-“C'mon, you have to come! It’s going to be so much fun and there are going to be lots of girls there. Please come?" B-“Oh, all right, you have twisted my arm. I will come."
A-“Jake, you should go to this party tonight!”
B-“You know I can’t! I need to study!”
A-“Come on, you have to go! It will be a lot of fun and there will be a lot of girls there. Let's go, please!
B-“Okay, you convinced me! I will go!"
(To) Be up in the air 
When translated literally, one might think that something is in the sky. But, in fact, we use this idiom when we want to talk about plans or things that are incomprehensible and completely unknown.
Translation: incomprehensible, unclear
Example:
A:"Ruby, have you set the date for the wedding yet?"
B:“No! Things are still up in the air."
A:“Ruby, have you decided on a wedding date yet?”
B:"No! Everything is still unclear.”
(To) Stab someone in the back 
If you understand this idiom literally, you can end up in the police, since the idiom literally translates as, stab you in the back with a knife. Therefore, be careful! In fact, the idiom is used when we talk about people who have betrayed trust.
Translation: betray someone
Example:
A:“Did you hear Sarah stabbed Kate in the back last week?”
B:“No! How? They were best friends!
A:"Did you hear Sarah betrayed Kate last week?"
B:"No! How? They were best friends."
(To) Lose your touch 
This idiom does not mean losing the ability to touch, but quite the opposite. The real meaning is that you are losing your former acumen or talent for something.
Translation: lose touch, lose skill
Example:
A:“I don’t understand why girls don’t want to speak to me?!”
B:“It looks like you’ve lost your touch with the ladies.”
A:“I don’t understand why girls don’t want to start a conversation with me?!”
B:“You seem to have lost your former grip.”
Translation: wait patiently
Example:
A:“Do you have any idea when the exam results are going to come out?”
B:“Who knows John, sometimes they come out quickly, but it could take some time. You are just going to have to sit tight.”
A:“Do you know when the exam results will be out?”
B:"Who knows!? Sometimes they arrive quickly, but it may take a while. You will just wait patiently."
Translation: chip in, contribute your share, get down to business together
Example:
A:“What are you going to buy Sally for her birthday?”
B:“I don’t know. I don't have much money. Maybe we can pitch in and buy her something great.”
A:“What are you going to buy Sally for her birthday?”
B:"I don't know. I don't have a lot of money. Maybe we can all chip in and buy something good.”
(To) Go cold turkey
This idiom appeared in the 20th century and is used when people abuse something harmful, such as alcohol or smoking, and their complexion resembles the color of a chilled turkey.
Translation: quit a bad habit
Example:
A:“Shall I bring you a glass if wine?”
B:“No, thank you. I went cold turkey last month"
A:“Should I get you a glass of wine?”
B:"No thanks. I stopped drinking."
Translation: be responsible for your actions
Example:
A:“I can’t understand why I failed math.”
B:“You didn’t study hard, so you’re going to face the music, but you can take the class again next semester.”
A:"I don't understand why I failed math."
B:“You didn't study hard, so you'll have to answer for it. But you can go to class again next semester."
In addition to regularly learning new words, you need to take a serious approach to enriching your vocabulary with new phrases and phrases that are often used in English-speaking countries. Very often in the English language there are expressions that can easily confuse anyone who begins to learn this language. Such phrases are called idioms or phraseological units. They are used quite often by the English in everyday communication, so it would be nice to know some of them. Almost all the idioms are a little funny and funny, so we hope you can remember them easily. We present to your attention some of them. Learn and cheer yourself up!
1. Everything But the Kitchen Sink
What do you think the expression “ Everything But the Kitchen Sink"? Hint: it has nothing to do with the sink. This idiom means “everything you can imagine.” He orders everything but the kitchen sink when he goes out to lunch, especially if someone else is paying for it. He ordered everything he could imagine, especially when someone paid for it all.
2. The lights are on, but nobody’s home
This expression is used when talking about a person who does not shine with intelligence. Ann didn't know he is so stupid. The lights are on but nobody’s home. Anne didn't know he was so stupid.
3. To pig out
How do you think a pig eats? Very fast and a lot. Therefore, this expression means to eat “like a pig,” to overeat, to eat very quickly. He pigs out at Thanksgiving because he loves to eat turkey. Since he loves to eat turkey, he overeats on Thanksgiving Day.
4. Face the music
Well, this idiom has nothing to do with music at all. " Face the music” means to accept the negative consequences of what you have done, to face difficulties or criticism without fear, to face danger, or to get the full benefit. He had to face the music after he had forgotten to call her. He got it in full, forgetting to call her.
5. When pigs fly
This expression literally translates as “when pigs fly.” In Russian there is an analogue of this idiom: when the crayfish whistles on the mountain. This is what they say when they know they will never get what they want. Do you think she will quit her job now that she’s pregnant? Yeah, when pigs fly! Do you think she'll quit her job now that she's pregnant? Yes, when the cancer whistles on the mountain.
6. Bite the bullet
Do you think the bullet tastes good? When the British use this expression in speech, this is not what they mean at all. Phraseologism " Bite the bullet“means to endure, gritting your teeth, resigning yourself and doing something unpleasant, but necessary. There is an opinion that the origin of this idiom is associated with performing operations without painkillers in field conditions, when a bullet was put in a wounded soldier’s mouth so that he would not bite off his tongue in pain. Peter had to bite the bullet and give in to his boss’s unreasonable demands. Peter gritted his teeth and submitted to his boss's unfair demands.
7. Drive someone up a wall
Drive someone up a wall means to drive someone “to the point of white heat”, to drive them crazy. All my problems will drive me up the wall someday. All my problems will one day drive me crazy.
8. Drive something home
This expression means to reach someone, to drive something into their head. The teacher repeated the argument three times just to drive it home. The teacher repeated the topic three times in order to get through.
9. Not so hot
The meaning of this idiom is that something is not very good, does not reach a good level (so-so). The service in this restaurant was not so hot. The food wasn't impressive. The service at this restaurant was so-so. The food was not impressive.
10. To rain cats and dogs
You probably guessed what this idiom means. It is used when talking about bad weather conditions, when there is heavy rain (rain.) It is believed that this expression belongs to the Irish writer J. Swift. It's raining cats and dogs out there! It's raining outside.
11. Nest Egg
Sometimes you can hear the following from your interlocutor in England: I have to take some money out of my nest egg(I need to use money from my savings). Those. " Nest Egg” means money set aside for the future.
12. Finger lickin' good
The idiom “Finger lickin’ good” means something very, very tasty, “finger lickin’ good.” My mom makes the best cake! It's finger lickin' good! My mom bakes the best pie. Real jam!
13. Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover
Literally translated, this means “don’t judge a book by its cover.” This is said when they want to say that someone or something is not really what it seems at first glance, or that first impressions are deceiving. She may seem slow and awkward, but don"t judge a book by its cover. She’s our best colleague. She may seem slow and clumsy, but don't judge by her appearance. She is our best employee.
Idioms - The best way to know foreign language and get to know better the characteristics of the people who came up with these unusual expressions. Knowing them will help you easily communicate with friends, acquaintances and colleagues and “not lose face”!
Often in English speech you can hear phrases or expressions that confuse any foreigner for whom English is not their native language. These are idioms, or phraseological units, which for English-speaking people are an integral part of daily communication. And if you decide to improve your English skills, pay attention to 20 idioms that are found quite often. Some of them will make you smile.
20 common idioms
A Chip on Your Shoulder
No, this does not mean that a piece of something fell on your shoulder. “To have a chip on one’s shoulder” means resentment for a past failure, as if having passed through a destroyed building, a piece of it remained with the person for many years.
Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
This idiom means something akin to when you take a huge bite of a sandwich and end up unable to move your jaws to chew it. That is, you take on more than what you can handle successfully. For example, your agreement to create 10 websites in a week, while usually you can only do 5.
You Can't Take It With You
The meaning of this idiom is that you can't take anything with you when you die, so don't constantly deny yourself everything, or save things for special occasion. You Can't Take It With You encourages you to live now because eventually your things will outlive you.
Everything But the Kitchen Sink
This expression means that almost everything has been packed/taken/stolen. For example, if someone says “The thieves stole everything but the kitchen sink!” this means that the thieves stole everything they could take with them. In fact, it is very difficult to lift and carry the sink with you.
Over My Dead Body
Most of us will understand this phrase. An idiom that has the same meaning as the Russian expression "Only over my corpse."
Tie the Knot
Meaning: to get married. The phrase remains from the tradition of tying the hands of newlyweds with a ribbon so that their lives are sealed together for many years to come.
Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover
This phrase can be literally translated as “don’t judge a book by its cover.” It is used in cases where they want to explain that things are not always what they seem at first glance, and even if the first impression was not positive, sometimes you should give it another chance.
When Pigs Fly
Akin to our phrase “when the cancer whistles on the mountain,” only with a different hero. The idiom means "never".
A Leopard Can't Change His Spots
The meaning of the phrase: “you are who you are.” A person cannot change who he really is deep down in his soul, just as a leopard cannot change the pattern on his skin.
Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve
That is, express your emotions freely, as if your heart was outside your body.
Bite Your Tongue!
Another great phrase is “bite your tongue” (an understatement). Used when it is recommended to a person. Goes in step with the following idiom.
Put a Sock In It
And this expression is sharper - it means “shut up.” The idea is clear - if you put a sock in your mouth, a person will not be able to speak. It's probably used when the previous idiom didn't work.
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
The idea is that if several dogs are sleeping peacefully after a fight, it is better to leave them alone. The idea is that you should not bring up old disputes/thorny topics, as they can start a quarrel again.
Foam at the Mouth
Describes a condition in which a person hisses and growls, foaming at the mouth, like a rabid dog. Our equivalent is “to be furious.”
A Slap on the Wrist
Means a very mild punishment. A slap on the wrist will not cause much pain, but will be a good deterrent to misbehaving again.
You Are What You Eat
An idiom, the literal translation of which is firmly established in our language. "You are what you eat".
It's a Piece of Cake!
Means it's incredibly easy. What could be easier than eating a piece of pie?
It Takes Two to Tango
The point is that one person cannot dance tango. So, if something happened in a case in which 2 people took part, and two people are responsible for the result.
Head Over Heels
The idiom means "to be incredibly joyful and in a good mood, especially in love ( close value- “head over heels”). How to go down a hill on wheels, fly upside down.
An Arm and a Leg
Great phrase meaning too high price for anything. When the price is so high that you have to sell part of your body to afford it.
Do you like idioms?
Personally, I love idioms, because with their help you can “dig” into the language and get acquainted with the characteristics of the people who came up with these strange expressions. I often draw a picture in my head of what an idiom means, and next to it a picture of the literal translation. In addition to the fact that the results are often uplifting, this method also helps to visually memorize new expressions and then use them in speech.
Do you have anything to add? Write your favorite (or not so favorite) idioms in the comments.
There are idioms in the languages of the world. For the Russian language, the word “phraseologism” is more familiar.
An idiom is a combination of several words that conveys one common meaning. These words lose their meaning individually.
You can't understand the meaning if you don't know the meaning of the idiom. In addition, phraseological units give color to our statements. Therefore, they need to be remembered and used in speech.
This article will be presented with translation. And their equivalents in Russian. So.
English idioms. Weather
In Great Britain they don’t talk about politics, religion, or family. Especially with strangers. The only suitable topic for conversation is the weather. Therefore, many English idioms are on this topic.
Rain cats and dogs - it's raining. In Russian - it’s pouring like a bucket.
This English idiom originated in the 18th century. Entered her British writer J. Swift. In those days there was poor protection for sewer pipes. Even heavy rains broke through them. All the contents poured out, including the corpses of domestic animals: cats and dogs.
Steal one's thunder - steal someone's idea.
This English idiom came from theaters in the 18th century. There was no sound equipment then, and to create the sound of thunder, lead balls were shaken in a bowl. Playwright J. Dennis used metal ones in his play. The play was rejected, but the idea of metal balls was stolen from Dennis.
Then he shouted a phrase that developed into an English idiom: “They”ve stolen my thunder!” - They stole my thunder.
Break the ice - break the ice. Russian version - melt the ice (about relationships); get closer.
The first icebreakers appeared in the 19th century. To get to their destination, they had to cope with a thick crust of ice. This is where the English idiom comes from. “Breaking the ice” - that is, making efforts to improve relationships.
Get wind of smth - find out something ahead of time. In Russian you can express it this way: “to sniff out”, to find out, to scout out.
This phrase is a comparison to how animals receive information through their sense of smell. Our smaller brothers “sniff out” their relatives and enemies.
Take a rain check. Verbatim : get a rain ticket. In Russian, this phraseological unit means “to postpone until better times”
The expression came from America in the 19th century. If a baseball game was canceled due to rain, fans were given "rain checks" with which they could come to any event whenever they wanted.
Calm before the storm - quiet before the storm. The Russian language has a well-established expression “the calm before the storm.”
It happens when, out of the blue, some problem pops up on your head. And the person doesn’t even know about it.
The meaning of the idiom is completely similar to what happens at sea. Usually before a strong storm there is a calm.
Food
Couch potato. "Couch" is "sofa", "potato" is "potato". This is such a “sofa potato” person, that is, a lazy person and a couch potato.
Egghead - smart ass. In our country they are called botanists, and in the USA - eggheads.
Chew the fat - to slander, Literally: to chew fat.
Animals
When pigs fly - when pigs fly. Russians say this: That is, not soon.
Eager beaver. Literally - a tense beaver. In Russian - “hard worker”, a business person.
Black sheep - literally, black sheep, but in meaning - White crow. Denotes a person who is different from the rest.
Be as busy as a bee - to be as busy as a bee. In Russian, it means working with your sleeves rolled up.
Money
A piece of a pie - "piece of the pie", that is, a share.
Be flushed with money - throw money away.
Make ends meet - to survive from bread to kvass, to be in need.
Bring home the bacon - provide, bring home a penny.
