An idiom, or idiomatic expression, is a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from the individual words. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, incorporating these expressions will help you sound more natural and fluent in conversation.
A chicken and egg situation
Meaning: A situation where it's impossible to determine which came first or caused the other.
Example: It's a chicken and egg situation: does a bad mood cause poor sleep, or does poor sleep lead to a bad mood?
Back in the saddle
Meaning: Returning to an activity after a break or setback.
Example: After eating unhealthy during the holidays, Anne was back in the saddle, hitting the gym on January 1st.
The whole nine yards
Meaning: Everything that's possible or required in a situation.
Example: The weather was terrible, but I wanted to go the whole nine yards and reach the top of the mountain.
In limbo
Meaning: In an uncertain or undecided situation.
Example: Several hundred employees are in limbo, not knowing what their future holds.
The ball is in your court
Meaning: The decision or responsibility is now yours to make.
Example: We've offered him ten thousand dollars a month; now, the ball's in his court.
Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: Looking in the wrong place for an answer or misunderstanding a situation.
Example: The man told the police that they were barking up the wrong tree, as he had no connection to the robbery.
Break a leg
Meaning: A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.
Example: Leia's family told her to "break a leg" right before she went on stage.
Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling slightly ill or unwell.
Example: I was still feeling a bit under the weather this morning.
Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: To be upset over something that cannot be changed or undone.
Example: I know you didn't mean to break my phone, so there's no use crying over spilled milk.
See eye to eye
Meaning: To agree or come to the same understanding.
Example: Despite their close relationship, the siblings do not always see eye to eye.
Blow hot and cold
Meaning: To change moods or opinions unpredictably.
Example: She keeps blowing hot and cold about the wedding plans.
Bread and butter
Meaning: A person’s primary source of income.
Example: Khalil loves playing with his band, but giving guitar and piano lessons is his bread and butter.
We're confident you'll find these idioms useful!