Common English Phrases with Meanings and Examples

Common English Phrases

Boost your English with these everyday phrases!

Common English Phrases with Meaning, Example, and Usage

How’s it going?

• Meaning: How are you?
• Example: Hey John, how’s it going?
• Usage: Casual greeting among friends or acquaintances.

Long time no see

• Meaning: It’s been a while since we met.
• Example: Wow, long time no see! How have you been?
• Usage: Used when meeting someone after a long time.

Better late than never

• Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not at all.
• Example: He finally apologized. Better late than never.
• Usage: When something is done later than expected but still appreciated.

Break the ice

• Meaning: To initiate conversation in a social setting.
• Example: He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
• Usage: Starting conversations in unfamiliar or formal settings.

Hit the road

• Meaning: To leave or start a journey.
• Example: It’s time to hit the road if we want to reach by evening.
• Usage: Used when starting travel.

Under the weather

• Meaning: Feeling sick or unwell.
• Example: I won’t come to work today; I’m feeling under the weather.
• Usage: Informal way to say you’re ill.

It’s not my cup of tea

• Meaning: Something you don’t like or enjoy.
• Example: Horror movies are not my cup of tea.
• Usage: Expressing disinterest or dislike.

A piece of cake

• Meaning: Very easy.
• Example: The test was a piece of cake.
• Usage: Describing easy tasks.

In hot water

• Meaning: In trouble.
• Example: He found himself in hot water after missing the deadline.
• Usage: Used when someone is facing trouble or criticism.

Time flies

• Meaning: Time passes quickly.
• Example: Time flies when you’re having fun.
• Usage: Reflecting on how fast time passes.

Give it a shot

• Meaning: Try something.
• Example: I’ve never played tennis before, but I’ll give it a shot.
• Usage: Encouraging trying something new.

Pull yourself together

• Meaning: Calm down and regain control.
• Example: After the bad news, she had to pull herself together.
• Usage: Advising someone to recover from emotion.

No pain, no gain

• Meaning: Effort is necessary to achieve something.
• Example: You have to study hard to pass. No pain, no gain.
• Usage: Motivation to endure hardship.

The ball is in your court

• Meaning: It’s your turn to act.
• Example: I’ve done all I can. The ball is in your court now.
• Usage: Responsibility is passed to someone else.

Call it a day

• Meaning: Stop working for the day.
• Example: Let’s call it a day and go home.
• Usage: Wrapping up work or tasks.

Cut to the chase

• Meaning: Get to the point.
• Example: Stop the small talk and cut to the chase.
• Usage: Avoiding unnecessary details.

Keep your chin up

• Meaning: Stay positive.
• Example: Don’t worry about the result. Keep your chin up!
• Usage: Encouragement during tough times.

Out of the blue

• Meaning: Unexpectedly.
• Example: He called me out of the blue after five years.
• Usage: Describing surprises.

Spill the beans

• Meaning: Reveal a secret.
• Example: She spilled the beans about the surprise party.
• Usage: Telling something prematurely.

Let the cat out of the bag

• Meaning: Reveal a secret.
• Example: He let the cat out of the bag about our plans.
• Usage: Similar to “spill the beans.”

Raining cats and dogs

• Meaning: Raining heavily.
• Example: Take an umbrella, it’s raining cats and dogs outside.
• Usage: Describing heavy rain.

Actions speak louder than words

• Meaning: What people do is more important than what they say.
• Example: He promised to help but never did. Actions speak louder than words.
• Usage: Emphasizing deeds over speech.

The early bird catches the worm

• Meaning: Those who act early succeed.
• Example: She got the best deal because she arrived first. The early bird catches the worm.
• Usage: Encouraging punctuality.

Don’t cry over spilled milk

• Meaning: Don’t be upset about something that cannot be changed.
• Example: We missed the train, but don’t cry over spilled milk.
• Usage: Advice to move on from mistakes.

Hit the nail on the head

• Meaning: Be exactly right.
• Example: You hit the nail on the head with that answer.
• Usage: Praising accurate statements.

Let sleeping dogs lie

• Meaning: Don’t bring up old problems.
• Example: Don’t mention that issue again. Let sleeping dogs lie.
• Usage: Avoiding reopening past conflicts.

The best of both worlds

• Meaning: Enjoying two advantages.
• Example: Working from home gives me the best of both worlds.
• Usage: Positive combination of two benefits.

Get out of hand

• Meaning: Become uncontrollable.
• Example: The party got out of hand after midnight.
• Usage: Describing loss of control.

Up in the air

• Meaning: Uncertain.
• Example: Our weekend plans are still up in the air.
• Usage: When a decision or situation is undecided.

Go the extra mile

• Meaning: Put in extra effort.
• Example: She always goes the extra mile for her clients.
• Usage: Praising dedication.

Burn the midnight oil

• Meaning: Work late into the night.
• Example: He burned the midnight oil to finish the report.
• Usage: Referring to hard work at night.

Bite off more than you can chew

• Meaning: Take on more than you can handle.
• Example: He bit off more than he could chew with three projects.
• Usage: Warning against overcommitment.

Add fuel to the fire

• Meaning: Make a bad situation worse.
• Example: Yelling back just added fuel to the fire.
• Usage: Worsening arguments or conflicts.

Cold feet

• Meaning: Nervousness before a big event.
• Example: He got cold feet before his wedding.
• Usage: Anxiety before major commitments.

Cry wolf

• Meaning: Raise false alarms.
• Example: He cried wolf so many times, no one believes him now.
• Usage: Warning against fake emergencies.

Face the music

• Meaning: Accept consequences.
• Example: It’s time to face the music for what you did.
• Usage: Taking responsibility.

Get cold feet

• Meaning: Become nervous.
• Example: She got cold feet before the interview.
• Usage: Duplicate of #34, but applicable in more general contexts.

Barking up the wrong tree

• Meaning: Pursue a mistaken course.
• Example: If you think I’m to blame, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
• Usage: Correcting a wrong assumption.

Jump on the bandwagon

• Meaning: Join a popular trend.
• Example: Everyone is investing in crypto. He jumped on the bandwagon too.
• Usage: Following trends.

Make ends meet

• Meaning: Manage financially.
• Example: With rising prices, it’s hard to make ends meet.
• Usage: Talking about financial struggle.

Out of the frying pan into the fire

• Meaning: From bad to worse.
• Example: Leaving that job was out of the frying pan into the fire.
• Usage: Describing worsening situations.

Rome wasn’t built in a day

• Meaning: Big things take time.
• Example: Learning a language takes time. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
• Usage: Encouraging patience.

Think outside the box

• Meaning: Be creative.
• Example: We need to think outside the box for this campaign.
• Usage: Urging innovation.

Hit the sack

• Meaning: Go to sleep.
• Example: I’m tired. Time to hit the sack.
• Usage: Informal term for sleeping.

On cloud nine

• Meaning: Extremely happy.
• Example: She was on cloud nine after winning.
• Usage: Expressing joy.

The tip of the iceberg

• Meaning: Small visible part of a much larger issue.
• Example: The complaints are just the tip of the iceberg.
• Usage: Referring to hidden problems.

Walk on eggshells

• Meaning: Be very careful.
• Example: I had to walk on eggshells around him.
• Usage: Dealing with sensitive people or situations.

A blessing in disguise

• Meaning: A good thing that seemed bad at first.
• Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise.
• Usage: Realizing good outcomes from bad events.

It takes two to tango

• Meaning: Both people are responsible.
• Example: Don’t blame only me. It takes two to tango.
• Usage: Sharing blame or responsibility.

Every cloud has a silver lining

• Meaning: There’s good in every bad situation.
• Example: We were delayed, but met someone special. Every cloud has a silver lining.
• Usage: Finding hope in tough times.

Long time no see

• Meaning: It’s been a while since we met.
• Example: “Hey John, long time no see!”
• Usage: Used as a friendly greeting when seeing someone after a long time.

Better late than never

• Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not at all.
• Example: “He finally apologized. Better late than never.”
• Usage: Often used to excuse a delay in doing something.

Break the ice

• Meaning: To initiate conversation in a social setting.
• Example: “He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.”
• Usage: Used when starting social interactions.

Hit the road

• Meaning: To leave a place or begin a journey.
• Example: “Let’s hit the road before traffic starts.”
• Usage: Common when departing or starting a trip.

Under the weather

• Meaning: Feeling ill.
• Example: “I’m staying home today. I feel under the weather.”
• Usage: Used to express feeling sick.

It’s not my cup of tea

• Meaning: It’s not something I like or prefer.
• Example: “Reality TV isn’t my cup of tea.”
• Usage: Used to express disinterest.

That’s the way the cookie crumbles

• Meaning: That’s how things happen sometimes.
• Example: “We lost the game, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles.”
• Usage: Used to accept disappointment.

No pain, no gain

• Meaning: Hard work is necessary for success.
• Example: “Keep pushing in the gym – no pain, no gain.”
• Usage: Encouragement during tough tasks.

The ball is in your court

• Meaning: It’s your decision or responsibility.
• Example: “I gave you all the info. Now the ball is in your court.”
• Usage: Indicates it’s someone else’s turn to act.

Burn the midnight oil

• Meaning: Work late into the night.
• Example: “She’s burning the midnight oil to finish the report.”
• Usage: Used when referring to working late.

Jump on the bandwagon

• Meaning: Join a popular trend or activity.
• Example: “Everyone’s using that app. I might jump on the bandwagon.”
• Usage: Often used in pop culture or fads.

Throw in the towel

• Meaning: Give up or surrender.
• Example: “After failing five times, he threw in the towel.”
• Usage: Refers to quitting or stopping an effort.

Spill the beans

• Meaning: Reveal a secret.
• Example: “He accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise party.”
• Usage: Refers to disclosure of hidden information.

Piece of cake

• Meaning: Very easy task.
• Example: “That math test was a piece of cake.”
• Usage: Used to describe simplicity.

Hit the nail on the head

• Meaning: Be exactly right.
• Example: “You hit the nail on the head with that answer.”
• Usage: Used to show precision or correctness.

Let the cat out of the bag

• Meaning: Reveal a secret.
• Example: “He let the cat out of the bag about her promotion.”
• Usage: Similar to “spill the beans.”

Barking up the wrong tree

• Meaning: Pursuing a wrong or mistaken course.
• Example: “If you think I did it, you’re barking up the wrong tree.”
• Usage: Used to redirect accusations.

Don’t cry over spilled milk

• Meaning: Don’t waste time worrying about past mistakes.
• Example: “We missed the bus. Don’t cry over spilled milk.”
• Usage: Encouragement to move on.

Beat around the bush

• Meaning: Avoid saying something directly.
• Example: “Stop beating around the bush and tell me the truth.”
• Usage: Urges directness.

I couldn’t agree more

• Meaning: Strong agreement.
• Example: “You’re right, this policy is unfair. I couldn’t agree more.”
• Usage: Used to show emphatic agreement.

You took the words right out of my mouth

• Meaning: You said exactly what I was thinking.
• Example: “When you said the food was terrible, you took the words right out of my mouth.”
• Usage: Agreement with someone else’s opinion.

Tell me about it!

• Meaning: I completely understand or agree.
• Example: “This heat is unbearable.” – “Tell me about it!”
• Usage: Empathetic response.

That’s a no-brainer

• Meaning: An obvious or easy decision.
• Example: “Choosing the cheaper option was a no-brainer.”
• Usage: To express that something is clear and simple.

I’m on the fence

• Meaning: Undecided or unsure.
• Example: “I’m on the fence about going to the party.”
• Usage: When you haven’t made a decision yet.

I beg to differ

• Meaning: I disagree.
• Example: “I beg to differ; I think the movie was excellent.”
• Usage: Polite disagreement.

That’s debatable

• Meaning: Not everyone would agree.
• Example: “He’s the best player? That’s debatable.”
• Usage: To challenge a statement.

Not in a million years

• Meaning: Absolutely never.
• Example: “Would I date him again? Not in a million years.”
• Usage: Strong denial.

Over my dead body

• Meaning: I will never allow that.
• Example: “You’re getting a motorcycle? Over my dead body!”
• Usage: Extreme opposition.

You’re dead wrong

• Meaning: Completely incorrect.
• Example: “You’re dead wrong about her intentions.”
• Usage: Strong disagreement.

No way!

• Meaning: Absolutely not / Expressing disbelief.
• Example: “You won the lottery? No way!”
• Usage: Expressing surprise or rejection.

Are you kidding me?

• Meaning: Expressing surprise or disbelief.
• Example: “They canceled the show? Are you kidding me?”
• Usage: Reacting to shocking news.

You’re pulling my leg

• Meaning: Joking or teasing.
• Example: “You met the president? You’re pulling my leg!”
• Usage: When something sounds unbelievable.

I’m floored

• Meaning: Shocked or amazed.
• Example: “When I heard the news, I was floored.”
• Usage: Emotional reaction.

Blow me away

• Meaning: Greatly impress or surprise me.
• Example: “The performance blew me away!”
• Usage: Expressing admiration.

That’s mind-blowing

• Meaning: Extremely surprising or impressive.
• Example: “The special effects were mind-blowing.”
• Usage: Describing something amazing.

Well, I’ll be damned

• Meaning: Expressing surprise or disbelief.
• Example: “He actually showed up? Well, I’ll be damned.”
• Usage: Casual astonishment.

Shut the front door!

• Meaning: Playful expression of surprise.
• Example: “She got the promotion? Shut the front door!”
• Usage: Slang for disbelief.

Get out of here!

• Meaning: No way! / I don’t believe you.
• Example: “He proposed on live TV? Get out of here!”
• Usage: Casual disbelief.

That’s insane!

• Meaning: That’s crazy or unbelievable.
• Example: “They spent a million dollars on a wedding? That’s insane!”
• Usage: Exclamation of shock.

Hang in there

• Meaning: Don’t give up / Stay strong.
• Example: “I know it’s tough, but hang in there.”
• Usage: Encouraging someone.

Keep your chin up.

• Meaning: Stay positive and strong during tough times.
• Example: “I know this exam was hard, but keep your chin up!”
• Usage: Used to encourage someone feeling down or discouraged.

You’ve got this!

• Meaning: You are capable of succeeding.
• Example: Just focus and do your best—you’ve got this!
• Usage: Used to give motivation or boost confidence.

Rome wasn’t built in a day.

• Meaning: Great things take time to achieve.
• Example: Learning a new language is tough, but remember—Rome wasn’t built in a day.
• Usage: To remind someone to be patient.

Every cloud has a silver lining.

• Meaning: Every bad situation has some positive aspect.
• Example: I lost my job, but now I can explore new opportunities. Every cloud has a silver lining.
• Usage: Used to stay hopeful during hardships.

The sky’s the limit.

• Meaning: There are no limits to what someone can achieve.
• Example: With your talent and hard work, the sky’s the limit.
• Usage: To inspire ambition.

Go the extra mile.

• Meaning: To do more than is expected.
• Example: She always goes the extra mile to help her clients.
• Usage: To praise or suggest superior effort.

Don’t throw in the towel yet.

• Meaning: Don’t give up.
• Example: You’re close to finishing—don’t throw in the towel yet!
• Usage: To encourage persistence.

You’re on a roll!

• Meaning: You’re experiencing a streak of success.
• Example: You’ve won three games in a row—you’re on a roll!
• Usage: Used to celebrate continued success.

Take it with a grain of salt.

• Meaning: Don’t take it too seriously.
• Example: He exaggerates a lot, so take his stories with a grain of salt.
• Usage: Used when information may not be entirely accurate.

Give me a break!

• Meaning: That’s hard to believe or frustrating.
• Example: Another assignment? Give me a break!
• Usage: Used to express disbelief or annoyance.

That’s the last straw.

• Meaning: The final thing that causes one to lose patience.
• Example: He missed another meeting—that’s the last straw!
• Usage: Used when patience has run out.

I’ve had it up to here.

• Meaning: I’m very frustrated or annoyed.
• Example: I’ve had it up to here with your excuses.
• Usage: To express extreme irritation.

This is a nightmare.

• Meaning: A very bad situation.
• Example: Losing all the data? This is a nightmare!
• Usage: To describe a terrible experience.

What a pain in the neck!

• Meaning: Something or someone annoying.
• Example: Filling out this form again? What a pain in the neck!
• Usage: Used to express annoyance.

It’s driving me up the wall.

• Meaning: It’s making me very frustrated.
• Example: The constant noise is driving me up the wall.
• Usage: For irritations that feel unbearable.

Enough is enough.

• Meaning: Stop; this situation can’t continue.
• Example: You’ve been late every day—enough is enough!
• Usage: To demand an end to something.

I’m at my wit’s end.

• Meaning: I don’t know what to do anymore.
• Example: I’ve tried everything—I’m at my wit’s end.
• Usage: For situations of deep frustration or confusion.

You’re getting on my nerves.

• Meaning: You’re annoying me.
• Example: Stop tapping your pen—you’re getting on my nerves.
• Usage: Used when someone is being irritating.

For crying out loud!

• Meaning: An expression of frustration.
• Example: For crying out loud, just answer the phone!
• Usage: Used when exasperated.

Time flies!

• Meaning: Time passes quickly.
• Example: I can’t believe it’s already December—time flies!
• Usage: Used to reflect on how quickly time has passed.

It’s now or never.

• Meaning: This is the only chance.
• Example: If you want to apply, do it today—it’s now or never.
• Usage: To urge someone to take action immediately.

The early bird catches the worm.

• Meaning: Those who act early succeed.
• Example: I always get to sales early—the early bird catches the worm!
• Usage: To encourage being proactive.

I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

• Meaning: I’ll deal with that problem later.
• Example: I haven’t thought about the exam yet—I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
• Usage: To avoid unnecessary worry.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

• Meaning: Don’t rely on only one plan.
• Example: Invest in multiple stocks—don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
• Usage: For financial or risk-related advice.

A watched pot never boils.

• Meaning: Time seems to move slowly when you’re waiting.
• Example: Stop staring at the clock—a watched pot never boils.
• Usage: To encourage patience.

In the nick of time

• Meaning: Just at the last possible moment.
• Example: He arrived at the station in the nick of time to catch his train.
• Usage: Often used to describe fortunate timing.

Just around the corner

• Meaning: Coming very soon.
• Example: Summer vacation is just around the corner.
• Usage: Used for events or occasions that are approaching.

Running out of time

• Meaning: Having very little time left.
• Example: We’re running out of time to finish this project.
• Usage: Used in urgent situations.

Money doesn’t grow on trees

• Meaning: Money is limited and must be earned.
• Example: Don’t waste electricity—money doesn’t grow on trees.
• Usage: Used to teach or remind about financial responsibility.

Break the bank

• Meaning: To cost too much money.
• Example: Buying a new phone won’t break the bank.
• Usage: Used to suggest affordability or high cost.

Penny for your thoughts?

• Meaning: Asking someone what they are thinking.
• Example: You’ve been quiet today—a penny for your thoughts?
• Usage: Used to prompt someone to share their thoughts.

Cash cow

• Meaning: A product or service that generates a steady income.
• Example: The software division is the company’s cash cow.
• Usage: Used in business and financial contexts.

Foot the bill

• Meaning: To pay the entire cost.
• Example: His parents footed the bill for his education.
• Usage: Used when someone pays for another.

Tighten your belt

• Meaning: To reduce spending.
• Example: With rising prices, we’ll need to tighten our belts.
• Usage: Common in economic downturns.

Rolling in dough

• Meaning: Very wealthy.
• Example: After that big contract, he’s rolling in dough.
• Usage: Informal way to say someone is rich.

Flat broke

• Meaning: Completely out of money.
• Example: I can’t go out tonight—I’m flat broke.
• Usage: Used to emphasize lack of money.

Worth every penny

• Meaning: Completely worth the cost.
• Example: That meal was worth every penny.
• Usage: Used to praise the value of something.

Save for a rainy day

• Meaning: Save money for a time when it’s needed.
• Example: I’m saving for a rainy day in case of emergency.
• Usage: Encourages financial planning.

Head over heels

• Meaning: Deeply in love.
• Example: He’s head over heels for her.
• Usage: Describes strong romantic feelings.

Love at first sight

• Meaning: Falling in love instantly.
• Example: It was love at first sight when they met.
• Usage: Romantic expression.

Tie the knot

• Meaning: To get married.
• Example: They’re planning to tie the knot next year.
• Usage: Informal wedding reference.

Pop the question

• Meaning: To propose marriage.
• Example: He popped the question during dinner.
• Usage: Used when talking about proposals.

Third wheel

• Meaning: A person who feels unnecessary in a group of couples.
• Example: I felt like a third wheel on their date.
• Usage: Describes awkward group dynamics.

Hit it off

• Meaning: To quickly form a good relationship.
• Example: They hit it off from the moment they met.
• Usage: Used for friendships or romance.

On the rocks

• Meaning: In trouble (usually for relationships).
• Example: Their marriage is on the rocks.
• Usage: Describes difficulties in relationships.

Kiss and make up

• Meaning: To reconcile after a fight.
• Example: They argued, but soon kissed and made up.
• Usage: Refers to resolving conflicts.

Match made in heaven

• Meaning: Perfect couple or partnership.
• Example: They’re a match made in heaven.
• Usage: Describes compatibility.

Wear your heart on your sleeve

• Meaning: Show emotions openly.
• Example: He wears his heart on his sleeve.
• Usage: For emotionally transparent people.

Climb the corporate ladder

• Meaning: To advance in one’s career.
• Example: She’s been climbing the corporate ladder quickly.
• Usage: Business or career-related.

Think outside the box

• Meaning: Be creative or innovative.
• Example: We need to think outside the box to solve this.
• Usage: Encourages creative problem-solving.

Call the shots

• Meaning: Be in control or make decisions.
• Example: She’s the one calling the shots now.
• Usage: Used in leadership or power dynamics.

Back to the drawing board

• Meaning: Start over with a new plan.
• Example: Our strategy failed—back to the drawing board.
• Usage: Used after failure.

Cut corners

• Meaning: Do something poorly to save time or money.
• Example: They cut corners on the project.
• Usage: Often implies low quality.

Learn the ropes

• Meaning: Learn how to do a job.
• Example: It took me a month to learn the ropes.
• Usage: For beginners.

In the same boat

• Meaning: In a similar situation.
• Example: We’re all in the same boat with these deadlines.
• Usage: Creates a sense of shared experience.

Put your foot down

• Meaning: Be firm about something.
• Example: She put her foot down about the curfew.
• Usage: Asserting authority.

Rise and grind

• Meaning: Wake up and start working hard.
• Example: It’s 5 AM—time to rise and grind!
• Usage: Motivational contexts.

Fit as a fiddle

• Meaning: In excellent health.
• Example: Grandma is 90 and fit as a fiddle.
• Usage: Health and wellness.

Run yourself ragged

• Meaning: Exhaust yourself.
• Example: She ran herself ragged planning the wedding.
• Usage: Overwork or stress.

Burning the candle at both ends

• Meaning: Working too much.
• Example: He’s burning the candle at both ends lately.
• Usage: Describes exhaustion from overwork.

A breath of fresh air

• Meaning: Something new and refreshing.
• Example: Her attitude is a breath of fresh air.
• Usage: Used to express relief or positivity.

On the mend

• Meaning: Recovering from illness or trouble.
• Example: He’s on the mend after surgery.
• Usage: Health recovery.

Sick as a dog

• Meaning: Very ill.
• Example: I was sick as a dog all weekend.
• Usage: Describes severe illness.

Catch some Z’s

• Meaning: Get some sleep.
• Example: I need to catch some Z’s before work.
• Usage: Informal way to say sleep.

In bad shape

• Meaning: Unwell or in poor condition.
• Example: The car’s in bad shape.
• Usage: Physical or metaphorical condition.

Back on your feet

• Meaning: Recovering and active again.
• Example: She’s finally back on her feet.
• Usage: Health or financial recovery.

Off the beaten path

• Meaning: Unusual or not mainstream.
• Example: We went somewhere off the beaten path.
• Usage: Travel or lifestyle.

Live out of a suitcase

• Meaning: Travel frequently.
• Example: He lives out of a suitcase for work.
• Usage: Frequent travelers.

Catch the travel bug

• Meaning: Become passionate about travel.
• Example: She caught the travel bug after college.
• Usage: Travel interest.

Get cold feet

• Meaning: Back out due to fear.
• Example: He got cold feet before the wedding.
• Usage: Major commitments.

Take a rain check

• Meaning: Postpone an invitation.
• Example: Can I take a rain check on dinner?
• Usage: Polite way to decline temporarily.

On the go

• Meaning: Always busy or moving.
• Example: She’s always on the go.
• Usage: Describes active lifestyles.

The world is your oyster

• Meaning: You have many opportunities.
• Example: With your skills, the world is your oyster.
• Usage: Encouragement or praise.

Go with the flow

• Meaning: Adapt to circumstances.
• Example: Just go with the flow on vacation.
• Usage: Suggests flexibility.

The more, the merrier

• Meaning: More people means more fun.
• Example: Invite your friends—the more, the merrier!
• Usage: Social gatherings or events.

Easy does it

• Meaning: Proceed slowly and carefully.
• Example: Easy does it, that vase is fragile!
• Usage: Used to caution someone to be gentle or slow down.

All bark and no bite

• Meaning: Someone who talks tough but doesn’t take action.
• Example: He threatens people but never acts—he’s all bark and no bite.
• Usage: To describe a person who is not as aggressive as they seem.

Bite the bullet

• Meaning: To do something unpleasant but necessary.
• Example: I hate going to the dentist, but I had to bite the bullet.
• Usage: Used when accepting a tough or unpleasant task.

By the skin of your teeth

• Meaning: Just barely succeed or escape.
• Example: He passed the exam by the skin of his teeth.
• Usage: For close calls or near failures.

Cry over spilled milk

• Meaning: Worry about something that can’t be changed.
• Example: It’s done—don’t cry over spilled milk.
• Usage: Used to suggest moving on from past mistakes.

Devil’s advocate

• Meaning: Someone who argues a point to provoke discussion.
• Example: I’ll play devil’s advocate to test your argument.
• Usage: Used in debates or discussions.

Down to earth

• Meaning: Practical and humble.
• Example: Despite her fame, she’s very down to earth.
• Usage: A compliment for someone realistic and approachable.

Elephant in the room

• Meaning: An obvious issue no one wants to address.
• Example: We need to talk about the elephant in the room—our budget problems.
• Usage: Used when avoiding uncomfortable truths.

Fly on the wall

• Meaning: A silent observer of a situation.
• Example: I wish I could be a fly on the wall during their meeting.
• Usage: Used to express interest in overhearing a private event.

Get a taste of your own medicine

• Meaning: Be treated the same bad way you treat others.
• Example: He finally got a taste of his own medicine.
• Usage: Often used when someone receives poetic justice.

Give the benefit of the doubt

• Meaning: Trust someone without proof.
• Example: I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt—maybe she just forgot.
• Usage: Used when you assume the best about someone.

Hit the sack

• Meaning: Go to bed.
• Example: I’m exhausted—I’m going to hit the sack.
• Usage: Informal way to say “go to sleep.”

In hot water

• Meaning: In trouble.
• Example: He’s in hot water for missing the meeting.
• Usage: Used when someone is facing consequences.

Keep it under wraps

• Meaning: Keep something secret.
• Example: The surprise party is under wraps.
• Usage: For confidential or undisclosed matters.

Let sleeping dogs lie

• Meaning: Don’t stir up old conflicts.
• Example: Don’t bring up that argument again—let sleeping dogs lie.
• Usage: Advises leaving the past in the past.

Miss the boat

• Meaning: Miss an opportunity.
• Example: He missed the boat on investing early.
• Usage: Used when someone acts too late.

On thin ice

• Meaning: In a risky or dangerous situation.
• Example: You’re on thin ice with your boss.
• Usage: Used as a warning.

Play it by ear

• Meaning: Decide how to act as a situation unfolds.
• Example: Let’s play it by ear and see what happens.
• Usage: For flexible or improvised plans.

Pull someone’s leg

• Meaning: Joke or tease someone.
• Example: Relax, I’m just pulling your leg!
• Usage: Used when someone is not being serious.

Rain on someone’s parade

• Meaning: Spoil someone’s happiness.
• Example: I don’t mean to rain on your parade, but that plan won’t work.
• Usage: When delivering disappointing news.

See eye to eye

• Meaning: Agree with someone.
• Example: We finally see eye to eye on the budget.
• Usage: For harmony and agreement.

Sit tight

• Meaning: Wait patiently.
• Example: Sit tight—we’ll be right with you.
• Usage: To instruct someone to stay and wait.

Steal someone’s thunder

• Meaning: Take credit or attention from someone.
• Example: She stole my thunder by announcing her news first.
• Usage: When someone overshadows another’s moment.

Take it easy

• Meaning: Relax or stay calm.
• Example: You’ve been working hard—take it easy.
• Usage: Encourages relaxation or calmness.

Up in the air

• Meaning: Undecided or unresolved.
• Example: Our travel plans are still up in the air.
• Usage: For uncertain situations.

Wild goose chase

• Meaning: A futile or hopeless pursuit.
• Example: Searching for that file was a wild goose chase.
• Usage: When time is wasted chasing nothing.

You can say that again

• Meaning: I strongly agree.
• Example: “This traffic is awful.” “You can say that again!”
• Usage: Expresses enthusiastic agreement.

Zero in on something

• Meaning: Focus closely on something.
• Example: We need to zero in on the root cause of the problem.
• Usage: Used for intense focus or targeting.

A dime a dozen

• Meaning: Very common and easy to get.
• Example: Fast food restaurants are a dime a dozen.
• Usage: Used to describe abundance or lack of uniqueness.

List of Common English Phrases

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