What is the difference between Idioms
& Phrases?
Idioms and phrases are both linguistic expressions used in
everyday language, but they are different:
Idioms:
1. Meaning:
Idioms are figurative expressions. They convey a meaning different from the literal interpretation
of the words used. They have connotative
meaning. They often carry a cultural or
contextual significance.
2. Structure: Idioms are fixed
expressions that are not easily changed. They
have a specific structure or wording that is commonly used.
3. Usage: Idioms are used to add
colour, imagery, and emphasis to language.
They are commonly used in informal speech, literature, and informal writing.
4. Examples: “Break a leg,” meaning “good
luck,” or “raining cats and dogs,”
meaning “heavy
rainfall.”
Phrases:
1. Meaning: Phrases are groups
of words that convey a specific meaning.
They may be interpreted literally or figuratively based on the context. In short, they have mostly ‘denotative meaning’
2.
Structure: Phrases can be altered,
expanded, or shortened. They can be formed
by combining words or parts of sentences.
3. Usage: Phrases are used to express ideas or convey information. They can be used in various contexts, including formal and
informal settings.
4.
Examples: “In the morning,” “under the bridge,”
“at the park.”
Thus, idioms are fixed
expressions with figurative meanings. They
usually add colour to the language, while phrases
are groups of words that convey specific meanings and can be interpreted
literally or figuratively based
on the context.
Nature of Question on ‘Idioms & Phrases’ in the Competitive Examinations
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom ‘ to pull one’s leg ’ from
the following options.
a. to bring obstacles in one’s progress
b. to provoke someone
c. to tease someone in a joking manner
d. to pull someone catching his legs
Idioms & Phrases with Meanings & Usage:
Break a leg:
Meaning: It is a way to wish
someone good luck, especially before a performance or event.
Usage: “Hello Raju, you
have an exam, tomorrow. Break a leg!”
Beat around the bush:
Meaning: To avoid addressing a topic directly or to speak in a
roundabout way.
Usage: “Stop beating around the bush and just tell me what
you think!”
Barking up the wrong tree:
Meaning: Accusing or
pursuing the wrong person or thing.
Usage: “If you think
I stole your wallet, you are barking up the wrong tree. I was nowhere near
it.”
Bite the bullet:
Meaning: To face a difficult
or unpleasant situation with courage and determination.
Usage: “I really
don’t want to confront my boss about the issue, but I guess I will have to bite
the bullet.”
Cat got your tongue?
Meaning: Asking someone why
they are not speaking or why they are silent.
Usage: “You seem
quiet today. Cat got your tongue?”
Cry over spilled milk:
Meaning: To lament or be
upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
Usage: “Yes, I made a
mistake, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk. Let’s focus on finding a
solution.”
Curiosity killed the cat:
Meaning: Being too
inquisitive can lead to trouble or unpleasant consequences.
Usage: “Don’t dig too
deep into that matter. Remember, curiosity killed the cat.”
A piece of cake:
Meaning: Something that is
very easy or simple to do.
Usage: “Don’t worry
about the exam. I have studied thoroughly, and it should be a piece of
cake.”
Actions speak louder than words:
Meaning: What someone does
is more significant than what they say they will do.
Usage: “He keeps
promising to help, but actions speak louder than words. I need to see some real
effort.”
Hit the nail on the head:
Meaning: To accurately
describe or identify a situation or problem.
Usage: “You hit the
nail on the head with your analysis of the issue. I completely agree.”
Ball is in your court:
Meaning: It is now up to you
to make the next move or decision.
Usage: “I have
presented my proposal to the client. Now the ball is in their court to accept
or reject it.”
Burning the midnight oil:
Meaning: Working or studying
late into the night.
Usage: “I have an
important deadline tomorrow, so I will be burning the midnight oil to finish
this project.”
Fish out of water:
Meaning: Feeling
uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation.
Usage: “As an
introvert, attending large parties always makes me feel like a fish out of
water.”
In hot water:
Meaning: Being in trouble or
facing a difficult situation.
Usage: “After breaking
the window, he found himself in hot water with his parents.”
Jump on the bandwagon:
Meaning: To join or support
something that is currently popular or successful.
Usage: “Many people
are investing in cryptocurrency. I might as well jump on the bandwagon and give
it a try.”
On cloud nine:
Meaning: Feeling extremely
happy or elated.
Usage: “After
receiving the promotion, she has been on cloud nine all week.”
Skeletons in the closet:
Meaning: Hidden secrets or
embarrassing things from the past.
Usage: “The
politician’s opponents are trying to find skeletons in his closet to tarnish
his reputation.”
Steal someone’s thunder:
Meaning: To take credit for
someone else’s idea or to overshadow someone’s achievements.
Usage: “She was about
to present her groundbreaking research, but her colleague stole her thunder by
publishing a similar study first.”
Throw in the towel:
Meaning: To give up or
surrender in a difficult situation.
Usage: “After
struggling for years to make the business profitable, they finally decided to
throw in the towel and close it down.”
When pigs fly:
Meaning: Something that is
highly unlikely or impossible to happen.
Usage: “Sure, I will
believe it when pigs fly! It is impossible for him to arrive on time.”
All ears:
Meaning: To be fully
attentive and ready to listen.
Usage: “I have some
exciting news to share. Are you all ears?”
Go the extra mile:
Meaning: To make an
additional effort or go beyond what is expected.
Usage: “If you want
to succeed in this company, you need to be willing to go the extra mile.”
Keep your chin up:
Meaning: To stay positive
and optimistic in a difficult situation.
Usage: “I know things
are tough right now, but keep your chin up. It will get better.”
Out of the blue:
Meaning: Unexpectedly or
without any warning.
Usage: “I hadn’t
heard from her in years, and then out of the blue, she called me
yesterday.”
Stealing someone’s thunder:
Meaning: To take attention
or credit away from someone by doing or saying something impressive.
Usage: “She had
prepared a fantastic presentation, but her colleague stole her thunder by
introducing a groundbreaking idea.”
Taste of your own medicine:
Meaning: Experiencing the
same negative treatment or behaviour that one has given to others.
Usage: “He is always
making fun of people, but when someone made a joke about him, it was a taste of
his own medicine.”
A blessing in disguise:
Meaning: Something that
initially seems unfortunate but turns out to be beneficial in the long run.
Usage: “Losing my job
was a blessing in disguise because it pushed me to start my own successful
business.”
The apple of my eye:
Meaning: Someone or
something that is cherished or loved above all others.
Usage: “My daughter
is the apple of my eye. I am so proud of her accomplishments.”
Drop the ball:
Meaning: To make a mistake
or fail to fulfil a responsibility or obligation.
Usage: “I apologize
for dropping the ball on the project. I will make sure it doesn’t happen
again.”
In the same boat:
Meaning: In the same
difficult or challenging situation as others.
Usage: “We are all
struggling with the workload. We are in the same boat, so let’s support each
other.”
On thin ice:
Meaning: In a risky or
uncertain situation where one wrong move could have serious consequences.
Usage: “After missing
the deadline multiple times, he is on thin ice with the boss.”
Burn the bridge:
Meaning: To spoil the
relationship or connection, often irreversibly.
Usage: “By spreading
those rumours, she effectively burned the bridge between herself and her
colleagues.”
Kill two birds with one stone:
Meaning: To accomplish two
objectives with a single action.
Usage: “I can
exercise and catch up on podcasts by going for a run. It is killing two birds
with one stone.”
Rain on someone’s parade:
Meaning: To spoil someone’s
plans or joy.
Usage: “She was
excited about her promotion, but her colleague’s criticism rained on her
parade.”
Straight from the horse’s mouth:
Meaning: Information or news
that comes directly from a reliable or authoritative source.
Usage: “I heard from
my friend who works in the company. It is straight from the horse’s
mouth.”
Pull someone’s leg:
Meaning: To tease or joke
with someone in a light-hearted manner.
Usage: “Don’t take
him seriously. He is just pulling your leg.”
Take a rain check:
Meaning: To decline an offer
or invitation but suggest doing it at a later time.
Usage: “I am really
busy tonight, but can I take a rain check on dinner and meet you next week
instead?”
Turn a blind eye:
Meaning: To ignore or
pretend not to notice something, usually something wrong or improper.
Usage: “The teacher
turned a blind eye to the students’ cheating during the exam.”
Cut corners:
Meaning: To take shortcuts or
do something in a hasty or careless manner to save time or money.
Usage: “The
construction company cut corners on the building materials, and now the
structure is unstable.”
Hit the ground running:
Meaning: To start a project
or task quickly and energetically, without wasting time.
Usage: “I have
prepared extensively for this job, so I am ready to hit the ground running on
my first day.”
Keep your fingers crossed:
Meaning: To hope for good
luck or success in a particular situation.
Usage: “I have an
important interview tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for me!”
Let the cat out of the bag:
Meaning: To reveal secret or confidential information.
Usage: “I wasn’t
supposed to know about the surprise party, but my sister let the cat out of the
bag.”
Make ends meet:
Meaning: To manage or have
enough money to cover one’s expenses.
Usage: “With rising
expenses, It is becoming increasingly difficult to make ends meet.”
Play it by ear:
Meaning: To handle a
situation spontaneously or without a predetermined plan.
Usage: “We don’t have
a set schedule for the day, so let’s just play it by ear and see what we feel
like doing.”
Put all your eggs in one basket:
Meaning: To rely heavily on
a single plan or option, without having a backup.
Usage: “Investing all
your money in one stock is risky. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
Saved by the bell:
Meaning: To be rescued or
saved from a difficult or unpleasant situation at the last moment.
Usage: “I was about
to get a penalty, but the phone rang, and I was saved by the bell.”
Throw caution to the wind:
Meaning: To take a risk or
act without considering the potential consequences.
Usage: “After years
of careful planning, she decided to throw caution to the wind and pursue her
passion.”
Wear your heart on your sleeve:
Meaning: To openly display
or express one’s emotions or feelings.
Usage: “He wears his
heart on his sleeve, so It is easy to know when he is happy or upset.”
All bark and no bite:
Meaning: Someone who talks
or threatens a lot but doesn’t take action or follow through.
Usage: “Don’t worry
about him. He is all bark and no bite. He won’t actually do anything.”
Diamond in the rough:
Meaning: Someone or something
with great potential or talent but lacking refinement or polish.
Usage: “He may seem
rough around the edges, but he is a diamond in the rough when it comes to
playing the piano.”
Hit the sack:
Meaning: To go to bed or go
to sleep.
Usage: “It has been a
long night. I think it is time to hit the sack.”
Make a mountain out of a molehill:
Meaning: To exaggerate or
make a small problem seem much bigger or more important than it actually is.
Usage: “She always
makes a mountain out of a molehill. It is just a minor disagreement.”
Penny for your thoughts:
Meaning: A phrase used to
ask someone what they are thinking or to ask for their opinion.
Usage: “You have been
quiet. Penny for your thoughts?”
Steep learning curve:
Meaning: A difficult or
challenging process of learning something new.
Usage: “When I
started learning English, it had a steep learning curve, but with practice, it
became easier.”
Take it with a grain of salt:
Meaning: To not take
something completely seriously or to be skeptical about its accuracy.
Usage: “He tends to
exaggerate, so take his stories with a grain of salt.”
Up in the air:
Meaning: Uncertain,
undecided, or unresolved.
Usage: “The plans for
the event are still up in the air. We haven’t finalized anything yet.”
When in Rome, do as the Romans do:
Meaning: To follow the
customs, practices, or behaviour of a particular place or group.
Usage: “I know it is
different here, but when in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
You can’t judge a book by its cover:
Meaning: You should not
judge someone or something based solely on appearances.
Usage: “She may seem
quiet and reserved, but you can’t judge a book by its cover. She is incredibly
talented.”
Birds of a feather flock together:
Meaning: People with similar
interests, backgrounds, or characteristics tend to associate with one another.
Usage: “It is no
surprise they get along so well. Birds of a feather flock together.”
Cut the mustard:
Meaning: To meet
expectations or perform satisfactorily.
Usage: “We need to
find a candidate who can cut the mustard and handle the demands of the
job.”
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch:
Meaning: Don’t assume
something will happen or be successful until it actually does.
Usage: “Yes, we have
made progress, but let’s not count our chickens before they hatch.”
Keep a stiff upper lip:
Meaning: To remain brave and
determined in the face of adversity or difficulty.
Usage: “Despite the
setback, he kept a stiff upper lip and continued with his plans.”
Light at the end of the tunnel:
Meaning: A sign of hope or
relief after a challenging or difficult period.
Usage: “I know things
are tough right now, but there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.”
On the same wavelength:
Meaning: Thinking or
understanding something in a similar way as someone else.
Usage: “We work well together because we are on the same
wavelength when it comes to problem-solving.”
Put the cart before the horse:
Meaning: To do things in the
wrong order or to prioritize things incorrectly.
Usage: “Let’s not put
the cart before the horse. We need to plan first before taking action.”
Rain or shine:
Meaning: Regardless of any
difficulties or obstacles that may arise.
Usage: “The event
will take place, rain or shine. We are prepared for any weather
conditions.”
The early bird catches the worm:
Meaning: The person who acts
or arrives first has the best chance of success.
Usage: “If you want
to secure the best seats, make sure you arrive early. The early bird catches
the worm.”
You scratch my back, and I will scratch yours:
Meaning: A mutual exchange
of favours or benefits between two people.
Usage: “I will help
you with your project if you help me with mine. You scratch my back, and I will
scratch yours.”
A picture is worth a thousand words:
Meaning: Visual images can
convey a complex message more effectively than words alone.
Usage: “Instead of
describing it, I will show you the picture. After all, a picture is worth a
thousand words.”
Caught between a rock and a hard place:
Meaning: Being in a situation
where there are no easy or favourable options.
Usage: “I don’t know
which job to choose. I am caught between a rock and a hard place.”
Every cloud has a silver lining:
Meaning: There is always
something positive or beneficial, even in difficult situations.
Usage: “I lost my job,
but every cloud has a silver lining. It gives me an opportunity to explore new
career paths.”
Keep your shirt on:
Meaning: Remain calm and
patient.
Usage: “I understand you
are frustrated, but keep your shirt on. We will find a solution.”
Put all one’s cards on the table:
Meaning: To be open and
honest about one’s intentions or plans.
Usage: “It is time to
put all our cards on the table and have an honest conversation about the
project’s challenges.”
Steal the show:
Meaning: To attract the most
attention or admiration in a performance or event.
Usage: “Her solo
dance performance was incredible. She really stole the show.”
Take the bull by the horns:
Meaning: To confront a
difficult or challenging situation directly and with determination.
Usage: “Instead of
avoiding the problem, let’s take the bull by the horns and address it
head-on.”
When it rains, it pours:
Meaning: When things go
wrong, they often seem to go wrong all at once.
Usage: “First, I got
a flat tire, and then my phone died. When it rains, it pours.”
Barking up the wrong tree:
Meaning: Accusing or
pursuing the wrong person or course of action.
Usage: “If you think
I ate your lunch, you are barking up the wrong tree. I was out of the office
all day.”
Fish out of water:
Meaning: Feeling
uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation or environment.
Usage: “As an
introvert, attending a large party made me feel like a fish out of water.”
In hot water:
Meaning: In trouble or
facing a difficult or uncomfortable situation.
Usage: “He is in hot
water with his boss for missing the deadline.”
Jump the gun:
Meaning: To start or do
something too early, without proper preparation or information.
Usage: “Let’s not
jump the gun and make a decision without considering all the facts.”
Let sleeping dogs lie:
Meaning: To avoid discussing
or stirring up old problems or conflicts.
Usage: “We had a
disagreement, but It is best to let sleeping dogs lie and move on.”
Play devil’s advocate:
Meaning: To argue against or
challenge a position, even if one doesn’t necessarily agree with it, in order
to stimulate discussion or explore different perspectives.
Usage: “I will play
devil’s advocate and present some counter-arguments to your proposal.”
Sit on the fence:
Meaning: To remain neutral
or undecided, not taking sides in an argument or decision.
Usage: “I can’t make
up my mind about the job offer. I am sitting on the fence.”
Throw in the towel:
Meaning: To give up or
surrender, especially after facing a difficult situation.
Usage: “After several
failed attempts, he decided to throw in the towel and pursue a different
career.”
Turn over a new leaf:
Meaning: To make a fresh
start or change one’s behaviour for the better.
Usage: “After the
accident, he realized he needed to turn over a new leaf and prioritize his
health.”
A watched pot never boils:
Meaning: When you eagerly
wait for something to happen, it feels like it is taking longer to occur.
Usage: “I keep
checking my email for a response, but it seems like a watched pot never
boils.”
All that glitters is not gold:
Meaning: Things that appear
attractive or valuable may not always be as good as they seem.
Usage: “Be cautious
when making a decision based solely on appearances. All that glitters is not
gold.”
Back to square one:
Meaning: Returning to the
beginning or starting point of a task or endeavour.
Usage: “We thought we
made progress, but due to a setback, we are back to square one.”
Cross that bridge when you come to it:
Meaning: To deal with a
problem or difficult situation only when it arises, not in advance.
Usage: “Don’t worry
too much about the future. Cross that bridge when you come to it.”
Every dog has its day:
Meaning: Everyone gets a
chance or opportunity for success or recognition at some point.
Usage: “She may be
struggling now, but every dog has its day. Her time will come.”
Kill two birds with one stone:
Meaning: To accomplish two
tasks or goals with a single action.
Usage: “By combining
our shopping trip with a visit to the library, we can kill two birds with one
stone.”
Let bygones be bygones:
Meaning: To forgive past
mistakes or conflicts and move on without holding grudges.
Usage: “We have had
our differences, but let’s let bygones be bygones and start fresh.”
Out of the woods:
Meaning: No longer in a
dangerous or difficult situation; out of danger.
Usage: “The patient
is recovering well and out of the woods now.”
Spill the beans:
Meaning: To reveal a secret
or disclose confidential information.
Usage: “I can’t
believe she spilled the beans about the surprise party. Now it is not a
surprise anymore!”
When the going gets tough, the tough get going:
Meaning: In difficult
situations, strong or resilient individuals become more determined and
resilient.
Usage: “It is a
challenging project, but remember: when the going gets tough, the tough get
going.”
Keep your eyes peeled:
Meaning: To remain vigilant
and watchful for something important or unusual.
Usage: “We need to
find the hidden key. Keep your eyes peeled for any clues or signs.”
Off the beaten path:
Meaning: Away from the usual
or popular routes or methods, unconventional.
Usage: “We decided to
explore some off the beaten path hiking trails for a more unique
experience.”
You can’t have your cake and eat it too:
Meaning: You can’t have or
enjoy two conflicting things or options simultaneously.
Usage: “You want to
travel the world and save money at the same time. Unfortunately, you can’t have
your cake and eat it too.”
Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater:
Meaning: To discard
something valuable or important along with things that are undesirable.
Usage: “Yes, we need
to make changes, but let’s be careful not to throw the baby out with the
bathwater.”
Rome wasn’t built in a day:
Meaning: It takes time and
patience to achieve great things.
Usage: “Don’t get
discouraged. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Keep working towards your
goals.”
The devil is in the details:
Meaning: Small or hidden
things can cause difficulties or complications.
Usage: “The overall
plan looks good, but remember, the devil is in the details. Pay attention to
the specifics.”
Weather the storm:
Meaning: To endure and
overcome a difficult or challenging situation.
Usage: “These are
tough times, but we will weather the storm and come out stronger.”
Cut to the chase:
Meaning: To get to the main
point or important part without wasting time.
Usage: “We don’t have
much time, so let’s cut to the chase and discuss the key findings.”
Hit the jackpot:
Meaning: To achieve a great
success or find something extremely valuable.
Usage: “She invested
in the right stocks and hit the jackpot with significant financial gains.”
Jump on the bandwagon:
Meaning: To join or support
a popular trend or opinion.
Usage: “Many people
are jumping on the bandwagon and buying the latest smartphone model.”
You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs:
Meaning: In order to achieve
something, there may be sacrifices or negative consequences.
Usage: “Changing
careers won’t be easy, but you can’t make an omelette without breaking
eggs.”
