Common English Idioms and Phrases: Examples

Posted on Jan 21, 2025 in Philology

Common English Idioms and Phrases

• After the meal, the comedian soon had the audience laughing.
• All the work I have to do is getting on top of me.
• Are you saying Dan has a short temper?
• As the plane finally came to rest, the passengers sighed in relief.
• Austin takes after his father in his love for sports.
• Being caught in the act of driving without a license can lead to serious consequences.
• Carol’s dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur finally became a reality.
• Dawn suggested playing it by ear when it comes to the weekend plans.
• Do you feel like going to the cinema tonight?
• Ed’s chances of being picked for the team are slim.
• Had it not been for the cost, I would have bought the car.
• Hannah got a promotion and a good deal more experience than her colleagues.
• He hasn’t announced his decision yet, but reading between the lines, I think he will accept the offer.
• Heidi said she was going to let her hair down at the party.
• Honestly, keeping a straight face during his speech was difficult.
• How on earth does she come up with such creative ideas?
• I am in my dad’s bad books for breaking his favorite vase.
• I bought it on a whim, without thinking it through.
• I can’t understand why some people would want to take their own life.
• I do like this job, but now and again, I feel overwhelmed.
• I found myself standing outside the wrong house.
• I have a clear conscience, Mary. I didn’t do anything wrong.
• I have it on good authority that the company is planning a merger.
• I just need to get this work out of the way before I can relax.
• I left my last job because I didn’t really see eye to eye with my boss.
• I often mix up Sean with his twin brother.
• I promise you from the bottom of my heart that I will always be there for you.
• I think Dad has a lot on his mind these days.
• I think you are under the misapprehension that I am responsible for the error.
• I told Jeanne in the mistaken belief that she would keep it a secret.
• I wish I wasn’t out of my depth with this new software.
• I wouldn’t lock horns with the CEO; he’s known for his strong opinions.
• I’d like to remind you that under no circumstances are you allowed to enter this area.
• I’d rather we stayed at a nicer hotel, I want to get my money’s worth.
• I’m afraid the patient’s condition took a turn for the worse overnight.
• I’m glad you’ve come to your senses and decided to apologize.
• I’m sure Nancy is still under the impression that the meeting is tomorrow.
• Ian was under the weather yesterday, so he stayed home from work.
• If Jane hadn’t drawn the short straw, she wouldn’t have had to work overtime.
• If you had searched high and low, you would have found your keys.
• Isn’t it about time we did up the living room? It’s looking a bit dated.
• It goes without saying that honesty is crucial in any relationship.
• It isn’t like Josh to tell lies; he’s usually very truthful.
• It will take me a second to recall her name.
• It’s no good complaining to me about the food; I’m not the chef.
• Jasmine can’t have got the wrong end of the stick; she was at the meeting too.
• Jones was given the ball by his teammate.
• Kevin has turned over a new leaf since he started volunteering at the shelter.
• Maybe I didn’t make it clear that the deadline is next week.
• Molly, her heart is set on going to university in London.
• My answer would have been different if I hadn’t slipped up during the interview.
• My cousin and I got on like a house on fire when we first met.
• No one in this day and age should be subjected to discrimination.
• No sooner had we arrived than it started to rain.
• Only after all bags have been checked can passengers board the plane.
• Our detectives are determined to get to the bottom of this mystery.
• Ralph is known to lose his temper at the drop of a hat.
• Retirement will free me to spend more time with my family.
• Sean, have you made up your mind about the job offer?
• She must have had a word with Bob about the issue.
• Susie asked me if Tony has an interest in joining the team.
• That medicine worked like magic; my headache is gone.
• That’s the girl whose parents are up in arms about the school’s new policy.
• That’s the impressionist that went down badly with the audience.
• That’s the last time I forget to take account of Darren’s views.
• The English team will win the championship so long as they can maintain their current form.
• The Prime Minister was accused of watering his statement down to avoid controversy.
• The building has been cordoned off by the police due to a bomb threat.
• The council’s efforts will smooth the way for the new development project.
• The day got off to a flying start with a beautiful sunrise.
• The doctor advised us to let nature take its course.
• The headmaster was determined to put an end to the bullying in the school.
• The managing director always makes a point of welcoming new employees personally.
• The math problem was child’s play for the gifted student.
• The new theatre is a blot on the landscape; it doesn’t fit in with the surrounding architecture.
• The police expressed that there was so much concern about the situation.
• The price of fuel will increase with effect from next month.
• The website denied me access to my account.
• There are reported to have been several accidents on the highway today.
• There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance.
• There’s no doubt it pays to shop around for the best deals.
• These accusations are outrageous and have no foundation.
• To the best of my knowledge, Tom and Barbara aren’t on speaking terms.
• Try not to fall behind with your studies.
• We got to Milan in a matter of hours.
• We had a friend of ours fix our leaky faucet.
• We were on the point of leaving when the phone rang.
• Were the council to stop wasting money, taxes could be reduced.
• What do you put the failure down to? Lack of preparation?
• What do you think gives them the right to treat people like that?
• What’s the use of me offering advice if you won’t listen?
• Where we live now is a far cry from the noisy city we used to live in.
• Wilson is so talented that he could become a professional musician.
• Would you like to swap places with me for a day?
• You are working against the clock to finish the project on time.
• You don’t have to give me your word; I trust you.
• You have no option but to get a second job to make ends meet.
• You need to keep a sharp eye on your belongings in crowded places.
• You’re in for a treat tonight! We’re having your favorite dessert.
• You’re skating on thin ice with your constant tardiness.
• Your staying here any longer is out of the question.