As you probably know, idioms are expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally. They have a metaphorical meaning. For example, when we say “I feel blue today”, we don’t mean the colour but rather that we feel sad or melancholic.
There are numerous idioms in every language. Below you can find some of them used in examples so as to get used to them. Let’s go!
- I need some help with the luggage; will you give me a hand? (help)
- I need you to keep an eye on the baby while I have a quick shower. (pay attention/look after)
- I wanted to lie to her for fun but it was so hard to keep a straight face! (be serious/avoid showing any emotion)
- Both children are good at sports just like their father! It runs in the family (a trait that is inherited/shared among family members)
- I don’t want to risk a lot of money with this investment, so I’ll just play it safe (avoid risks)
- His boss only wanted the report, but she run the extra mile and created a graph to go along with it. (do extra work that is not required but is helpful; to over-deliver)
- I’m really tired. Let’s complete this task and call it a day! (finish working for the day)
- Please come in and make yourself at home! (feel comfortable)
- I’m afraid I won’t be able to come to the exhibition; I’m tied up at work. (very busy)
- She was green with envy when she found out that another colleague was promoted instead of her. (very jealous)
- The fact that the boss treats them badly is just the tip of the iceberg; the real problem is that they haven’t been paid for three months! (minor compared with something else)
- The new professor is a breath of fresh air compared with the other one who was too strict. (good news; a relief)
- He killed his wife in cold blood in order to get the insurance money! (with no emotion or regret)
- He was cheating on her, so she hooked up with his best friend to get even (to take revenge)
- He plays online games to kill time (spend time)
- Susan was fired and had no money to get by. Losing her dog at the same day was the last straw! (the last thing that makes somebody lose patience or hope)
