English idioms for general conversation

What is an idiom?

An idiom is a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words.

An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning is different from the literal meaning of the individual words. Idioms are commonly used in everyday language to express complex ideas in a colorful, imaginative, or cultural way.

List of English Idioms for General Conversation

Idiom Meaning Example Sentence
A piece of cake Something very easy That test was a piece of cake.
Break the ice To start a conversation in a social setting He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
Hit the nail on the head To be exactly right You hit the nail on the head with your analysis.
Under the weather Feeling ill I’m feeling a bit under the weather today.
Once in a blue moon Very rarely We go to that restaurant once in a blue moon.
Let the cat out of the bag Reveal a secret She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
Speak of the devil The person you were talking about just showed up Speak of the devil—here comes John!
The ball is in your court It’s your decision or responsibility now I’ve done my part, now the ball is in your court.
Bite the bullet To do something unpleasant that is unavoidable I decided to bite the bullet and go to the dentist.
It’s not rocket science It’s not difficult to understand Cooking pasta isn’t rocket science.
Let sleeping dogs lie Don’t stir up old conflicts Let sleeping dogs lie and don’t bring up past arguments.
Actions speak louder than words What you do is more important than what you say He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words.
Spill the beans Reveal a secret Don’t spill the beans about the gift.
Kill two birds with one stone Achieve two things with one action I killed two birds with one stone by shopping while commuting.
On the same page Agree or have a shared understanding We’re finally on the same page about the project.
Go the extra mile To do more than is expected She always goes the extra mile to help her team.
Up in the air Not yet decided Our travel plans are still up in the air.
Hit the sack Go to bed I’m exhausted—I’m going to hit the sack.
Keep an eye on To watch closely Please keep an eye on the kids while I’m gone.
Get cold feet To get nervous and back out He got cold feet before the wedding.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
A piece of cake	Something very easy	That test was a piece of cake.
Break the ice	To start a conversation in a social setting	He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
Hit the nail on the head	To be exactly right	You hit the nail on the head with your analysis.
Under the weather	Feeling ill	I’m feeling a bit under the weather today.
Once in a blue moon	Very rarely	We go to that restaurant once in a blue moon.
Let the cat out of the bag	Reveal a secret	She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
Speak of the devil	The person you were talking about just showed up	Speak of the devil—here comes John!
The ball is in your court	It’s your decision or responsibility now	I’ve done my part, now the ball is in your court.
Bite the bullet	To do something unpleasant that is unavoidable	I decided to bite the bullet and go to the dentist.
It’s not rocket science	It’s not difficult to understand	Cooking pasta isn’t rocket science.
Let sleeping dogs lie	Don’t stir up old conflicts	Let sleeping dogs lie and don’t bring up past arguments.
Actions speak louder than words	What you do is more important than what you say	He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words.
Spill the beans	Reveal a secret	Don’t spill the beans about the gift.
Kill two birds with one stone	Achieve two things with one action	I killed two birds with one stone by shopping while commuting.
On the same page	Agree or have a shared understanding	We’re finally on the same page about the project.
Go the extra mile	To do more than is expected	She always goes the extra mile to help her team.
Up in the air	Not yet decided	Our travel plans are still up in the air.
Hit the sack	Go to bed	I’m exhausted—I’m going to hit the sack.
Keep an eye on	To watch closely	Please keep an eye on the kids while I’m gone.
Get cold feet	To get nervous and back out	He got cold feet before the wedding.