Let’s crack a window to let in some fresh air.
Cross that bridge when you come to it
Meaning: Deal with a problem when, and if, it becomes necessary, not before
Example: I’m not worrying about next week’s test yet. I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: To be upset over something that has already happened and cannot be changed
Example: Yes, you forgot your lunch at home, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk. Let’s figure out a solution.
Curiosity killed the cat
Meaning: Being too curious can get you into trouble
Example: Don’t ask too many questions about people’s personal lives. Remember, curiosity killed the cat.
Cut to the chase
Meaning: Get to the point
Example: We don’t have much time, so let’s cut to the chase and discuss the main issue.
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning: Don’t assume you have something before you actually have it
Example: Yes, you did well on the first interview, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch. Wait for the job offer.
Don’t cry over spilled milk
Meaning: Don’t be upset over something that has already happened and cannot be changed
Example: Yes, you forgot your lunch at home, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk. Let’s figure out a solution.
Don’t give up the day job
Meaning: Someone’s talents are not good enough for them to give up their current job
Example: After hearing her sing, her friends advised her not to give up the day job.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: Don’t risk everything on the success of one venture
Example: Yes, investing in stocks can be profitable, but it’s important not to put all your eggs in one basket.
Don’t put the cart before the horse
Meaning: Don’t do things in the wrong order
Example: Let’s plan the schedule before we book the tickets. We don’t want to put the cart before the horse.
Down to the wire
Meaning: At the very last moment
Example: The game was tied, and the final play brought the score down to the wire.
Drop in the bucket
Meaning: A very small part of something big or whole
Example: The donation he made was only a drop in the bucket compared to what was needed to fund the project.
Elephant in the room
Meaning: A big issue that everyone is aware of but nobody wants to discuss
Example: The fact that no one had cleaned the kitchen was the elephant in the room at the house meeting.
Fish out of water
Meaning: To feel uncomfortable in a new or unfamiliar situation
Example: Being at the fancy dinner party with all the diplomats made Maria feel like a fish out of water.
Get a kick out of
Meaning: To enjoy something a lot
Example: He always gets a kick out of watching funny videos on the internet.
Get the ball rolling
Meaning: To start something, especially a process or a conversation
Example: We need to get the ball rolling on planning the class trip before it’s too late.
Go the extra mile
Meaning: To make an extra effort to achieve something
Example: If you want to win the science fair competition, you’ll need to go the extra mile in your project.
Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem
Example: The teacher hit the nail on the head when she said the students needed to work on their time management skills.
In a nutshell
Meaning: To describe something in a very brief way, using only a few words
Example: In a nutshell, the new student said that he loved his first day at the school.
Jump on the bandwagon
Meaning: To join an activity that has become very popular or successful
Example: After hearing about the new dance craze, everyone wanted to jump on the bandwagon and try it out.
Keep an eye on
Meaning: To watch or monitor someone or something closely
Example: Can you keep an eye on my bag while I go get us some popcorn?
Keep your chin up
Meaning: To stay cheerful in a difficult situation
Example: Even though the game was lost, the coach told the team to keep their chin up and focus on the next game.
Kick the bucket
Meaning: To die
Example: My goldfish kicked the bucket after I forgot to feed it for a week.
Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To reveal a secret
Example: Sarah let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party, so now we have to come up with a new plan.
Like a fish out of water
Meaning: To feel uncomfortable in a new or unfamiliar situation
Example: Being at the fancy dinner party with all the diplomats made Maria feel like a fish out of water.
Make hay while the sun shines
Meaning: To make the most of an opportunity while it is available
Example: The weather is perfect today, so let’s make hay while the sun shines and have a picnic.
Miss the boat
Meaning: To fail to take advantage of an opportunity
Example: I missed the boat on getting tickets to the concert because I waited too long to buy them.
No pain, no gain
Meaning: You have to work hard and suffer to achieve something
Example: If you want to get stronger, you need to work out regularly. No pain, no gain.
Nothing to sneeze at
Meaning: Not something to dismiss or ignore; important
Example: The scholarship she received was nothing to sneeze at—it covered all of her tuition costs.
Off the top of my head
Meaning: Without much thought or planning; from memory
Example: I can’t remember the exact number off the top of my head, but I think it’s around 50.
On cloud nine
Meaning: Extremely happy or joyful
Example: After winning the championship game, the team was on cloud nine.
On the ball
Meaning: To be alert, aware, or attentive
Example: The new student was really on the ball during the science experiment, answering all the questions correctly.
On the fence
Meaning: Undecided or neutral about an issue
Example: She’s on the fence about whether to join the soccer team or the debate club.
Out of the blue
Meaning: Unexpectedly, without warning
Example: She hadn’t seen her cousin in years, so his visit out of the blue was a pleasant surprise.
Over the moon
Meaning: Extremely happy or delighted
Example: She was over the moon when she found out she got accepted to her dream college.
Piece of cake
Meaning: Something that is very easy to do
Example: The math test was a piece of cake for Lily; she finished it in half the time.
Pull someone’s leg
Meaning: To tease or joke with someone
Example: No, I didn’t really see a unicorn in the backyard. I was just pulling your leg.
Rain on someone’s parade
Meaning: To spoil someone’s plans or happiness
Example: She was so excited about the new job offer, but her sister’s negative comments really rained on her parade.
Raining cats and dogs
Meaning: Raining very heavily
Example: We can’t go play outside; it’s raining cats and dogs out there!
Read between the lines
Meaning: To understand the hidden meaning in a message
Example: When he said he was “fine,” I knew I needed to read between the lines and ask what was really bothering him.
Rule of thumb
Meaning: A general principle or guideline
Example: As a rule of thumb, it’s best not to eat right before going to bed.
See eye to eye
Meaning: To agree with someone
Example: The committee members didn’t always see eye to eye, but they compromised and reached a decision together.
Sick as a dog
Meaning: Very sick or unwell
Example: After eating spoiled food, she felt as sick as a dog for the rest of the day.
Sitting duck
Meaning: A person or thing that is vulnerable or unprotected
Example: The lost hiker was a sitting duck for the hungry bear in the woods.
Spill the beans
Meaning: To reveal a secret
Example: We need to spill the beans about the surprise party before she finds out and ruins the surprise.
Take the bull by the horns
Meaning: To confront a difficult situation directly and with courage
Example: Instead of avoiding the problem, he decided to take the bull by the horns and tackle it head-on.
The ball is in your court
Meaning: It is up to you to make the next decision or step
Example: I’ve done my part of the project; now the ball is in your court to finish it.
The best of both worlds
Meaning: To have all the advantages of two different things at the same time
Example: Living in the city but working in the countryside gives her the best of both worlds—excitement and tranquility.
The early bird catches the worm
Meaning: The person who arrives first or acts earliest has the best chance of success
Example: I always arrive at the store before it opens; the early bird catches the worm, after all.
The last straw
Meaning: The final problem or annoyance that causes someone to lose their patience
Example: Her constant interruptions were annoying, but when she spilled coffee on his computer, that was the last straw.
The whole nine yards
Meaning: Everything, all of it
Example: She went the whole nine yards in planning the surprise party—decorations, food, games, and presents.
Throw in the towel
Meaning: To give up, admit defeat
Example: After trying to fix his bike for hours, he finally threw in the towel and took it to the repair shop.
Turn over a new leaf
Meaning: To start fresh, make a change for the better
Example: After the fight, the two friends decided to turn over a new leaf and apologize to each other.
Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling ill or sick
Example: She didn’t come to school today because she’s feeling under the weather.
When pigs fly
Meaning: Something that will never happen
Example: You think I’ll clean my room without being asked? When pigs fly!
Wrap your head around
Meaning: To understand or make sense of something difficult
Example: It took him a while to wrap his head around the new math concept, but eventually, he got it.
Teaching Ideas for Idioms for Kids
Now that you’ve got a great list of English idiom examples for kids, how can you use them in the classroom? Here are a few teaching ideas to get you started:
- Create an “Idiom of the Day” bulletin board where you feature a new idiom each day. Include the meaning and an example sentence to help students understand how to use it.
- Challenge students to use as many idioms as they can in their writing each week. Offer a small prize for the student who uses the most correctly.
- Play a game of charades where students act out the meaning of different idioms. This can be a fun way to review the idioms and get students moving.
- Have students create their own idiomatic expressions. Encourage them to think about situations they encounter every day and come up with phrases that describe those situations in a unique way.
By incorporating idioms into your lessons, you can help students deepen their understanding of the English language and make their writing more colorful and engaging. Plus, learning idioms is just plain fun! So go ahead and dive into the world of idiomatic expressions with your students today.
Jones decided to let him off the hook with just a warning this time.
Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To reveal a secret
Example: I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party when I mentioned it to Sarah.
Like a fish out of water
Meaning: To be in a situation where you feel uncomfortable or out of place
Example: At the new school, Sam felt like a fish out of water until he made some friends.
Miss the boat
Meaning: To miss an opportunity
Example: I missed the boat on the sale at the store because I didn’t go shopping yesterday.
Off the top of your head
Meaning: Without taking much time to think about something
Example: When asked about her favorite book, Sarah could name a few off the top of her head.
On the ball
Meaning: To be attentive and quick to understand or act
Example: Mia was on the ball during the debate competition, answering every question confidently.
Out of the blue
Meaning: Something unexpected or surprising
Example: The invitation to the party came out of the blue, but I was excited to go.
Pay the piper
Meaning: Face the consequences of your actions
Example: If you skip class, you’ll have to pay the piper with detention.
Piece of cake
Meaning: Something very easy to do
Example: The science test was a piece of cake for Sarah because she studied all week.
Pull someone’s leg
Meaning: To joke with someone
Example: “I got a pet unicorn for my birthday!” Jake said, pulling his sister’s leg.
Raining cats and dogs
Meaning: Raining very heavily
Example: We had to cancel our picnic because it started raining cats and dogs.
Read between the lines
Meaning: Understand what is implied, not just what is directly stated
Example: When the teacher said the test would be “challenging,” the students knew to read between the lines and study extra hard.
Sick as a dog
Meaning: Very sick
Example: After eating too much candy, Sarah felt as sick as a dog.
These idioms are a fun and expressive way to communicate ideas and emotions in a colorful way. So the next time you’re looking to add some flair to your speech or writing, consider using one of these idioms to spice things up! Walker let him off the hook because she knew he was late for the bus. As he hurriedly packed his bag and rushed out the door, she could see the panic in his eyes. She knew that missing the bus would mean missing the boat on his chance to compete in the school’s spelling bee.
Walker understood the importance of punctuality, but she also knew that everyone makes mistakes. She remembered a time when she had missed an important meeting because her alarm clock had failed. She had felt like she was on thin ice, fearing the consequences of her tardiness. From that experience, she had learned to be more forgiving and understanding of others’ mistakes.
So, when she saw him running towards the bus stop, she decided to give him a break. She didn’t want him to start off on the wrong foot by missing out on the spelling bee just because of a few minutes of lateness. She knew that he was a hardworking student who always gave his best in everything he did. She didn’t want him to feel like he had let himself down or disappointed anyone.
As he boarded the bus, out of breath and relieved, Walker could see the gratitude in his eyes. She knew that she had made the right decision by letting him off the hook. She could see that he was on cloud nine, grateful for the second chance he had been given. And she was glad that she had been able to help him out in his time of need.
Walker’s act of kindness had not gone unnoticed. The other students on the bus had seen what had happened and were impressed by her compassion. They knew that she was a teacher who always thought on her feet and was willing to go out on a limb for her students. They respected her for her ability to see eye to eye with them and understand their struggles.
As the bus pulled away, Walker smiled to herself, knowing that she had done the right thing. She was glad that she had been able to help him out and give him a second chance. She knew that sometimes, it’s important to pull yourself together and show kindness to others. And in doing so, she had not only helped him but also taught her students an important lesson about compassion and understanding.
It’s often said that “time flies when you’re having fun,” and indeed, it does! When we are engaged in enjoyable activities, time seems to pass quickly, and before we know it, hours have gone by. This expression reflects the idea that moments of joy and happiness make time feel fleeting.
But sometimes, despite our best efforts to have fun and enjoy ourselves, we can find ourselves getting bent out of shape over small things. Whether it’s accidentally stepping on someone’s foot or forgetting to do a task, it’s easy to get upset about minor inconveniences. However, it’s important to remember that getting bent out of shape over small issues only adds unnecessary stress to our lives.
When faced with a need to explain something quickly, we often resort to the phrase “to make a long story short.” This expression allows us to summarize the main points of a story or explanation without going into unnecessary detail. It’s a great way to get to the point and avoid long-winded explanations.
Working under the table is a common practice for some individuals who prefer to earn money without declaring it officially. While this may seem like an easy way to make some extra cash, it’s important to remember that working under the table is often illegal and can have serious consequences.
Feeling under the weather is a common experience that we all go through from time to time. Whether it’s a cold, the flu, or just a general feeling of being unwell, it’s important to take care of ourselves and rest when we’re not feeling our best.
When faced with a situation that makes us very angry or passionate, we may find ourselves up in arms. This expression reflects the idea of being highly upset about something and ready to take action to address the issue.
Uncertainty is a common part of life, and when we are unsure about something, we often say that it’s up in the air. This expression conveys the idea that a situation is unsettled or undecided and that we will need to wait for more information before making a decision.
There are times when we encounter a problem or challenge that seems overwhelming or difficult to understand. In such situations, it can be hard to wrap our heads around the issue and come up with a solution. However, with time and effort, we can often find a way to overcome even the most complex problems.
When we agree wholeheartedly with someone’s statement or opinion, we may respond by saying “you can say that again.” This expression conveys our agreement and emphasizes the truth of the statement.
There are times when we are faced with a question or problem for which we have no answer. In such situations, we may respond by saying “your guess is as good as mine,” indicating that we are just as clueless as the person asking the question.
Animal-related idioms are a fun and creative way to express ideas and emotions. From feeling like a fish out of water to having ants in your pants, these expressions add color and humor to our language.
Remember, it’s important to enjoy the fun and joyful moments in life, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. By staying positive and focusing on the good things, we can make the most of our time and create lasting memories.
Use idioms as journal prompts
Encourage students to write a journal entry using a specific idiom as a prompt. For example, they could write about a time when they felt as cool as a cucumber or when they felt like they had egg on their face. This activity not only helps students understand the meaning of the idioms but also encourages creative writing.
9. Create idiom flashcards
Have students create their own flashcards with an idiom on one side and its meaning on the other. They can quiz each other in pairs or small groups, helping reinforce their understanding of the idioms. Flashcards are a great tool for memorization and can make learning idioms more interactive and fun.
10. Write idiom poems
Challenge students to write a poem that includes at least three idioms. This activity encourages creativity and helps students think about how idioms can be used in different contexts. Share the poems in class and discuss how the idioms enhance the meaning and imagery of the poems.
11. Play charades with idioms
Charades is a fun and engaging way to practice idioms. Create a list of idioms for students to act out without speaking, and have the rest of the class guess the idiom. This activity not only reinforces the meaning of the idioms but also encourages teamwork and communication skills.
12. Create idiom illustrations
Ask students to choose an idiom and create an illustration that represents both the literal and figurative meanings of the idiom. This visual representation helps students understand the idiom on a deeper level and allows for creative interpretation. Display the illustrations around the classroom for all to see.
13. Write a class idiom story
Have each student contribute a sentence to a collaborative story that incorporates as many idioms as possible. This activity encourages teamwork and creativity while reinforcing the meaning of the idioms. Once the story is complete, read it aloud as a class and discuss the use of idioms throughout.
14. Idiom quiz show
Divide the class into teams and host an idiom quiz show where students can earn points for correctly identifying the meaning of idioms. Include a mix of easy and challenging idioms to keep the game engaging and educational. This activity is a fun way to test students’ knowledge of idioms in a competitive setting.
15. Create an idiom wall display
Encourage students to choose their favorite idioms and create colorful posters to display on a classroom wall. Include the idiom, its meaning, and an illustration that represents the idiom. This visual display not only brightens up the classroom but also serves as a helpful reference for students to reinforce their understanding of idioms.
By incorporating these fun and engaging activities into your lessons, you can help students learn and understand idioms in a creative and memorable way. From acting out idioms to creating visual representations, there are plenty of ways to make learning about idioms exciting and enjoyable for kids of all ages.
So the next time you hear someone say “The early bird gets the worm,” remember that idioms are a fun and colorful way to express ideas and emotions in English!
Idioms are a fun and creative way to add color and personality to our language. They are expressions that often don’t make literal sense, but carry a deeper meaning that is understood by native speakers. Teaching kids about idioms can be engaging and educational, and there are many ways to incorporate them into the classroom.
One way to use idioms as journal prompts is to display an idiom and discuss its meaning with the students. Encourage them to reflect on how the expression was invented, how it applies to their own lives, or how it makes them feel. This can be a great way to get students thinking creatively and expressing themselves through writing.
Another fun activity is to play Idiom Bingo. Create bingo cards with different idioms in each square, and read out the meanings for students to mark off on their cards. When a student gets a row across, down, or diagonally, they can call out Bingo! This game can help students familiarize themselves with a variety of idioms and make learning fun.
You can also challenge students to tell a truth and two lies about idioms. Have each student write the correct meaning and two incorrect meanings for an assigned idiom. When it’s their turn, they can share the three definitions in random order and see if their classmates can guess which one is the truth. This activity can be a great way to test students’ knowledge of idioms and encourage critical thinking.
For a more hands-on approach, have students create idiom collages using old magazines and newspapers. They can cut out examples of idioms and use them to create visual representations of the expressions. This activity can help students see how idioms are used in everyday language and spark their creativity.
Another fun activity is to have students create their own idiomatic expressions in groups. They can come up with new idioms and post them in the classroom, then try to use them in their speech. This activity can be a great way to encourage teamwork and creativity, and students will enjoy coming up with their own unique expressions.
Exploring idioms in other languages can also be a fascinating activity for students. Many languages have their own idiomatic expressions that carry unique meanings. Encourage students to research idioms in other languages and share their favorite examples with the class. This can help students appreciate the diversity of language and broaden their cultural knowledge.
Overall, teaching kids about idioms can be a fun and engaging way to enhance their language skills and creativity. By incorporating idioms into various activities and games, students can learn to appreciate the richness and diversity of language in a hands-on and interactive way. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made every day. One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to revolutionize almost every aspect of our lives, from healthcare to transportation to entertainment.
One of the most promising applications of AI is in the field of healthcare. AI has the ability to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns that humans may not be able to see. This can lead to more accurate diagnoses, more effective treatments, and ultimately, better outcomes for patients. For example, AI algorithms can be used to analyze medical images, such as X-rays and MRIs, to detect early signs of diseases like cancer.
In addition to improving diagnosis and treatment, AI can also help streamline healthcare operations. For example, AI-powered chatbots can be used to provide basic medical advice and answer common questions, freeing up healthcare professionals to focus on more complex cases. AI can also be used to optimize hospital workflows, reducing wait times and improving efficiency.
AI is also making waves in the transportation industry. Self-driving cars, powered by AI algorithms, are already being tested on roads around the world. These cars have the potential to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and increase accessibility for people who are unable to drive themselves. AI can also be used to optimize public transportation systems, reducing congestion and emissions.
In the world of entertainment, AI is being used to create more personalized and immersive experiences for consumers. For example, streaming services like Netflix and Spotify use AI algorithms to recommend content based on users’ viewing or listening history. AI can also be used to create realistic virtual reality environments, allowing users to explore new worlds and interact with virtual characters.
While the potential benefits of AI are vast, there are also challenges and risks to consider. One of the biggest concerns is the impact of AI on jobs. As AI becomes more advanced, there is the potential for many jobs to be automated, leading to job losses in certain industries. There are also ethical considerations to take into account, such as bias in AI algorithms and the potential for AI to be used for malicious purposes.
Despite these challenges, the future of AI looks bright. As researchers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with AI, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the years to come. AI has the potential to improve our lives in countless ways, and it will be fascinating to see how this technology continues to evolve and shape our world. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made every day. From artificial intelligence to virtual reality, there is no shortage of exciting developments in the tech industry. One area that has seen significant growth in recent years is the field of robotics.
Robots have come a long way from their early beginnings as simple machines used for repetitive tasks in factories. Today, they are becoming more sophisticated and versatile, with the ability to perform a wide range of tasks in various industries. From healthcare to agriculture, robots are being used to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity.
One of the most exciting developments in robotics is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enable robots to learn and adapt to their environment. This means that robots can now perform complex tasks that were previously thought to be beyond their capabilities. For example, robots can now navigate through crowded spaces, interact with humans, and even learn new skills on the job.
Another exciting development in robotics is the use of collaborative robots, or cobots, which work alongside humans in a shared workspace. These robots are designed to be safe and easy to program, allowing them to assist workers in tasks that require precision and strength. Cobots are being used in a variety of industries, from manufacturing to healthcare, where they can help increase productivity and improve workplace safety.
In the field of healthcare, robots are being used to assist with surgeries, deliver medication, and provide therapy to patients. These robots are designed to be precise and gentle, allowing them to perform tasks that would be difficult or impossible for humans to do. In addition, robots are being used in the field of rehabilitation to help patients recover from injuries and regain their mobility.
In the agricultural industry, robots are being used to automate tasks such as planting, harvesting, and monitoring crops. These robots are equipped with sensors and cameras that allow them to navigate through fields and identify pests, diseases, and other issues that can affect crop yield. By using robots, farmers can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve sustainability.
Overall, the field of robotics is rapidly expanding and evolving, with new advancements being made every day. From AI-powered robots to collaborative cobots, the possibilities are endless. As robots become more intelligent and versatile, they will continue to revolutionize industries and improve the way we work and live. It is an exciting time to be a part of the world of robotics, and the future looks brighter than ever.
