English has many expressions that cannot be understood by looking at each word alone. These expressions are very common in everyday conversation and can be confusing for English learners. In today’s Language of the Day, we explore idiomatic expressions, what they are, and how to understand them more easily.

🌟 What Is an Idiomatic Expression?

An idiomatic expression (or idiom) is a group of words that has a meaning different from the literal meaning of the individual words.

👉 This means:

You cannot translate the words one by one
You must understand the whole phrase as a single idea

✨ Example of an Idiom: “For good”

❌ Literal meaning: for something good
✔️ Idiomatic meaning: forever / permanently

Example:

He moved abroad for good.
(= He moved abroad permanently.)

Common idiomatic expressions

🏠 Everyday life

Break the ice → make people feel comfortable
She told a joke to break the ice.
Under the weather → feeling sick
I’m under the weather today.
Hit the sack → go to sleep
I’m exhausted. I’m going to hit the sack.
In a hurry → rushed / short on time
I left in a hurry this morning.

⏳ Time & frequency

Once in a blue moon → very rarely
We eat out once in a blue moon.
In the long run → over time
This decision will help us in the long run.
At the last minute → very late
He finished the project at the last minute.

😟 Emotions & situations

At odds → in disagreement
They are at odds about the plan.
Out of hand → out of control
The situation got out of hand.
On edge → nervous or anxious
She’s been on edge all day.

💼 Work & communication

The ball is in your court → it’s your decision
I’ve explained everything. The ball is in your court.
Get straight to the point → talk directly
Let’s get straight to the point.
Cut corners → do something cheaply or badly
They cut corners to save money.

🤫 Secrets & honesty

Spill the beans → reveal a secret
Who spilled the beans?
Beat around the bush → avoid the main topic
Stop beating around the bush and tell me.

Why idioms are important

Idioms help you:

🗣️ Understand real English conversations
🎬 Enjoy movies, shows, and books more
🌱 Sound more natural when speaking
💬 Express ideas more like native speakers

Tips for learning idioms

✔ Learn idioms with examples
✔ Don’t translate them word for word
✔ Practice a few at a time
✔ Listen for them in real English

💭 Final Thought

Idiomatic expressions are everywhere in English.
You don’t need to learn them all at once—start with the common ones, use them often, and they will slowly become natural. 😊

Language of the Day: English Expressions That Don’t Mean What They Say