Learning American idioms through conversation can be an effective and engaging way to grasp the nuances of language. Idioms are often deeply rooted in culture, and understanding them can provide insight into the social context of conversations.

1. Summary of the conversation between Art and Logan

In this conversation between Art and Logan, Art reminds Logan of their weekend plans, sparking banter about a past incident where Art had to cancel due to an emergency. The two friends discuss plans for the weekend, settling on a low-key movie night despite their differing tastes. Banter continues over the movie choice, and they decide to grab a bite before the film. Logan playfully insists that dinner is on Art, humorously evening the score for the past canceled plans. Overall, the conversation is characterized by light-hearted teasing and friendly planning for their upcoming get-together.

2. American idiom list and example

1. To pack up shop: To prepare a place in order to leave it
   • Example: Before closing time, the store owner started to pack up shop, turning off lights and securing the doors.
2. To be out the door: To leave. To be gone
   • Example: As soon as the meeting ended, Sarah was out the door, eager to avoid the traffic.
3. To feel up to something: To have the desire to do something
   • Example: Despite feeling tired, James felt up to joining his friends for a game of basketball.
4. To stand someone up: To not show up for a date or appointment without giving the other person advance warning
   • Example: Sarah was disappointed when her date stood her up without any explanation.
5. To stew over something: To be quietly angry about something
   • Example: Instead of confronting the issue directly, Emily tended to stew over her coworker’s comments silently.
6. To cut someone some slack: To give someone a break. To be understanding of someone’s situation
   • Example: Knowing his friend was going through a tough time, Alex decided to cut him some slack for missing the deadline.
7. To fall through: To not be accomplished. To not work out
   • Example: The plans for a weekend getaway fell through due to unexpected weather conditions.
8. To leave someone high and dry: To fail to do something that someone else was depending on
   • Example: When the car broke down, leaving them stranded, Jake felt his friend had left him high and dry.
9. To make it up to someone: To compensate someone for something
   • Example: After forgetting their anniversary, Mark went out of his way to make it up to his wife with a surprise dinner.
10. In the meantime: While waiting. In the time that passer  between one event and another
    • Example: The repair would take a few hours; in the meantime, they decided to explore the nearby shops.
11. To let off some steam: To release or let go of built –up energy anxiety, or pressure
    • Example: After a stressful week at work, Maria decided to let off some steam by going for a long run.
12. Low-key: Relaxed and quiet. Simple 
    • Example: Instead of a big celebration, they opted for a low-key dinner with close friends.
13. Like a chicken with its head cut off: Moving around quickly and crazily, as if without reason or thought
    • Example: When the fire alarm went off, people rushed out of the building like chickens with their heads cut off.
14. To catch a flick: To see a movie
    • Example: Let’s catch a flick this weekend; there’s a new comedy everyone’s talking about.
15. A chick flick: A romantic or emotional movie, as opposed to an action movie or thriller, suggesting (chauvinistically) that these movies appeal mostly to women
    • Example: Mark teased his friend for suggesting a chick flick, but secretly enjoyed the romantic comedy.
16. To zone out: To stop thinking or become unaware of one’s environment
    • Example: During the lecture, Jenny couldn’t help but zone out, her mind wandering to other thoughts.
17. A play-by-play: A moment to moment description of events, either as they happen or after the fact
    • Example: After the game, Tom provided a detailed play-by-play of the crucial moments to his friends.
18. To let someone off easy: To allow someone to get away with unacceptable behavior with only a light punishment
    • Example: Despite the mistake, the manager decided to let the intern off easy, offering guidance instead of reprimand.
19. To grab a bite:  To eat a snack or light meal, usually outside of the house
    • Example: Before heading to the movie, they decided to grab a quick bite at the nearby cafe.
20. To be so hungry you could eat a horse: To be very hungry
    • Example: After a long hike, Sarah was so hungry she could eat a horse; thankfully, they found a restaurant soon.
21. To even the score:  To settle things, to make things even, to arrive at a fair resolution between two people
    • Example: After helping his friend move, John felt they had evened the score for the times his friend had assisted him.
22. To be “on” someone: To be someone’s responsibility especially financially
    • Example: The financial burden of the project was on Jack, who had to manage the budget and expenses.

3. Conversation between Art and Logan

Learning American idioms through conversation can be an effective and engaging way to grasp the nuances of language. Idioms are often deeply rooted in culture, and understanding them can provide insight into the social context of conversations.

1. Summary of the conversation between Jeff, Madeline and Simon

In this conversation, Jeff welcomes Madeline and Simon to his countryside home. Simon took the scenic route, leading to a bit of delay, and they acknowledge the remote location, describing it as off the beaten track. Despite getting mixed up, they arrive and decide to shake off the dust. Jeff suggests freshening up while he whips up guacamole. They plan to unwind and catch up on the porch.

Later, they discuss the tranquility of the countryside and Jeff’s transition from city life, avoiding culture shock. Jeff feels at home in the boondocks despite initial challenges. He talks about snapping out of writer’s block and finishing his manuscript. They toast to his success.

The conversation touches on Jeff’s interactions with locals, feeling like a fish out of water initially. Jeff’s secret weapon to break the ice is his famous guacamole, which gained him acceptance in the community. They enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and look forward to a relaxing weekend away from the rat race.

2. American idiom list and example

1. To take the scenic route: to get lost and take a long time to reach a destination.
   • Example: Instead of following the GPS, we decided to take the scenic route through the mountains, and it ended up taking us twice as long to reach the cabin.
2. Off the beaten track: Remote, faraway, hard to get to, and not very well known
   • Example: We found this charming little village completely off the beaten track, away from the touristy areas.
3. Mixed-up: Confused
   • Example: After the confusing directions, we were all mixed-up and had trouble finding the right way.
4. It will be a cold day in hell before something happens: It is highly unlikely or improbable that something will happen
   • Example: If they ever agree on that proposal, it will be a cold day in hell.
5. The middle of nowhere: A very remote place, especially someplace wild and far away from people or towns
   • Example: The cabin was nice, but it was in the middle of nowhere—no neighbors, no shops, just nature.
6. To wing it: To do something without following instructions or directions. To improvise
   • Example: I forgot my speech notes, so I had to wing it during the presentation.
7. To shake off the dust: To rest and compose yourself after a long trip, as if you had been walking for a long time and were covered in dust from the road.
   • Example: After the long hike, we found a spot to shake off the dust and relax by the river.
8. To freshen up: To wash up and relax
   • Example: Before the party, she took a few minutes to freshen up and change into a clean outfit.
9. To whip up: To prepare something, especially food
   • Example: With limited ingredients, she managed to whip up a delicious dinner for unexpected guests.
10. To catch up: To talk and share recent news after not having seen someone in a while
    • Example: Over coffee, we caught up on each other’s lives since we hadn’t seen each other in years.
11. To unwind: To relax and free yourself from stress
    • Example: After a stressful week, she decided to unwind by taking a long bath and reading a good book.
12. To kick off: To begin something
    • Example: The concert will kick off with an opening performance by a local band.
13. R and R (Rest and Relaxation): Rest and Relaxation
    • Example: After months of hard work, they decided to take a weekend off for some much-needed R and R.
14. To recharge the batteries: To rest and regain physical and psychological strength.
    • Example: Going on a beach vacation is a great way to recharge the batteries and clear your mind.
15. A weekend getaway: A place to go to for the weekend where you can rest and relax
    • Example: The cabin by the lake is our favorite weekend getaway spot.
16. The rat race: The total system of life centered around working hard—commuting, struggling to be successful and get ahead, dealing with the stresses of life, worrying about bills, etc
    • Example: Some people choose a simpler lifestyle in the countryside to escape the rat race of the city.
17. Culture shock: Reaction to a very significant change in way of life
    • Example: Moving to a new country can often result in experiencing culture shock as you adapt to a different way of life.
18. The sticks: The country. A rural area
    • Example: He grew up in the city but now lives in the sticks, surrounded by fields and forests.
19. A fish out of water: Out of place, not in your natural environment
    • Example: At the formal event, he felt like a fish out of water, not used to such elegant surroundings.
20. The boondocks: The country, the rural areas far away from cities or big towns
    • Example: Their new house is out in the boondocks, far from the conveniences of city life.
21. A place to hang your hat: A place to call home, a place to feel at home
    • Example: After years of traveling, she finally found a place to hang her hat and call home.
22. To pan out: To be successful, to work out well
    • Example: We weren’t sure if the plan would work, but in the end, everything panned out perfectly.
23. To snap out of it: To recover after a state of confusion, sadness, or psychological fatigue
    • Example: After a moment of confusion, he managed to snap out of it and focus on the task at hand.
24. The locals: The people who live in a certain place. The local people
    • Example: The locals were friendly and eager to share their traditions with the newcomers.
25. To stick out like a sore thumb: To be very visible or obvious
    • Example: Wearing casual clothes at a formal event made her stick out like a sore thumb.
26. To size someone up: To examine or evaluate someone, especially visually
    • Example: When meeting new people, she had a habit of sizing them up to get a sense of their character.
27. To give someone the cold shoulder: To fail to be warm and welcoming to someone, to ignore someone, especially on purpose
    • Example: Despite being in the same group, she couldn’t ignore the fact that he gave her the cold shoulder throughout the meeting.
28. To start from square one: To start again, to start a process from the very beginning
    • Example: After the setback, we had to start from square one and rebuild the project.
29. To reach out: To extend a welcome to a person
    • Example: If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always here for you.
30. To make small talk: To make insignificant conversation with someone, especially only to be polite
    • Example: At social events, people often make small talk about the weather or current events.
31. To break the ice: To put an end to a time of silence or lack of communication
    • Example: Playing a fun icebreaker game helped break the ice at the team-building workshop.
32. Lined up at your door: Eager and in large numbers
    • Example: After announcing the sale, customers were lined up at the door, eager to get the best deals.
33. To raise eyebrows: To bring attention to yourself, to cause people to notice you as someone different or unconventional
    • Example: Her unconventional fashion choices tended to raise eyebrows at formal events.
34. Good old-fashioned: Traditional
    • Example: They enjoyed a good old-fashioned family picnic with homemade food and games.
35. On the clock: On a strict schedule, especially on working time
    • Example: When you’re on the clock, it’s important to stay focused and productive at work.

3. Conversation between Jeff, Madeline and Simon

Learning American idioms through conversation can be an effective and engaging way to grasp the nuances of language. Idioms are often deeply rooted in culture, and understanding them can provide insight into the social context of conversations.

1. Summary of the conversation between Father and Patrick

BJ, a newcomer to the city, asks Keith for directions to the nearest subway stop. Keith provides directions and learns that BJ recently moved to New York for a fresh start. Keith shares that he was fired from his job and is considering going back to school or taking writing classes. BJ teaches dance, specifically salsa, and invites Keith to check out their classes. Despite Keith’s claim of having “two left feet,” BJ encourages him to join. They exchange contact information, and BJ wishes Keith good luck as they part ways.

2. American idiom list and example

1. To take a load off: To rest by sitting down.
   • Example: “After a long day at work, I like to take a load off and relax on the couch.”
2. In a nutshell: Concisely and quickly explained.
   • Example: “To explain the situation in a nutshell, we need to cut costs to stay within budget.”
3. To make a clean break: To forget about something in the past, to start fresh.
   • Example: “After the divorce, she decided to make a clean break with her past and move to a new city.”
4. To turn over a new leaf: To begin a new project or period in your life.
   • Example: “I’ve decided to turn over a new leaf and start exercising regularly for a healthier lifestyle.”
5. To be up in the air: To not have direction or definite shape.
   • Example: “Our vacation plans are still up in the air; we haven’t decided on a destination yet.”
6. No big deal: Not important.
   • Example: “Don’t worry about it; it’s no big deal if you can’t make it to the party.”
7. To put something off: To delay something, to postpone something, to procrastinate.
   • Example: “I tend to put off doing my taxes until the last minute every year.”
8. To have a foot in the door: To be in a situation that could lead to better 
   • Example: “By interning at the company, she now has a foot in the door for potential full-time opportunities.”
9. To show up: To arrive.
   • Example: “I’ll be sure to show up at the meeting on time tomorrow.”
10. The straw that broke the camel’s back: An event or thing that by itself is insignificant, but added to other problems is just enough to leave a big impact or cause a big change.
    • Example: “The argument about household chores was the straw that broke the camel’s back in their relationship.”
11. To have something in mind: To have an idea or conception about something.
    • Example: “I have a few options in mind for our weekend getaway.”
12. To get on your feet: To become stable financially, emotionally, socially, etc.
    • Example: “After losing his job, it took some time, but he eventually got back on his feet.”
13. To get a break: To be given an opportunity to do something you want to do
    • Example: “After years of hard work, she finally got a break and landed her dream job.”
14. To have two left feet: To be ungraceful, to move in a clumsy or awkward way, especially while dancing.
    • Example: “I tried to learn salsa, but I have two left feet, and it didn’t go well.”
15. To be hard on someone: To be strict or difficult with someone, to be demanding, to be overly critical or disciplinary.
    • Example: “The coach is hard on the players because he believes in pushing them to reach their full potential.”
16. To stick to someone or something: To stay with someone or something.
    • Example: “Despite the challenges, she decided to stick to her original plan and pursue her passion.”
17. By the way: This expression introduces an afterthought
    • Example: “We’re going to the beach this weekend. By the way, have you packed your sunscreen?”
18. To hit the road: To begin to travel or move.
    • Example: “It’s getting late; we should hit the road if we want to reach the destination before dark.”
19. To be looking up: To seem positive, to suggest a positive outcome or improvement.
    • Example: “Despite the setbacks, things are looking up; we’ve secured a new client for the project.”

3. Conversation between BJ and Keith

Learning American idioms through conversation can be an effective and engaging way to grasp the nuances of language. Idioms are often deeply rooted in culture, and understanding them can provide insight into the social context of conversations.

1. Summary of the conversation between Father and Patrick

Patrick’s parents express concern about his lifestyle, urging him to be more responsible and take his future seriously. They criticize his frequent job changes, lack of financial planning, and his dream of becoming a writer. Patrick rejects his father’s offer to help him get a job at the family company, insisting on pursuing his passion for writing. The conversation escalates, revealing tensions about Patrick’s girlfriend, Marcie. Ultimately, Patrick’s parents decide it’s time for him to move out and face the real world, but assure him of their love and support. Patrick reacts with surprise and humor, asking if he can still drop off his laundry at his parents’ place.

2. American idiom list and example

1. To give someone a break: To hold back criticism, judgment, or effort against someone
   • Example: “Come on, give him a break! He’s doing his best.”
2. To brush something off: To fail to take something seriously
   • Example: “Don’t just brush off your responsibilities; take them seriously.”
3. To put something away: To save something, such as money
   • Example: “It’s essential to put away some money for unexpected expenses.”
4. To burn through something: To use something very fast, with little care for future supplies
   • Example: “He burned through his savings by spending extravagantly.”
5. To live paycheck-to-paycheck: To earn only enough money to meet weekly or monthly bills
   • Example: “Many young professionals struggle with living paycheck-to-paycheck in expensive cities.”
6. No skin off someone’s nose: To be of no concern or importance to someone
   • Example: “If I decide to change careers, it’s no skin off your nose.”
7. To make your own way in the world: To support yourself, to be responsible for your own needs in life
   • Example: “After college, she decided to make her own way in the world and moved to a new city.”
8. To get the ball rolling: To get started doing something
   • Example: “Let’s have a meeting to get the ball rolling on the new project.”
9. To get your feet wet: To get experience, to try something out
   • Example: “Interning at the company allowed her to get her feet wet in the industry.”
10. Like talking to a wall: Communicating with someone who doesn’t understand or listen
    • Example: “Trying to explain the importance of time management to him is like talking to a wall.”
11. To go about something: To handle, to act, or to perform in a situation or with a certain goal
    • Example: “There are many ways to go about solving this problem.”
12. To have your head in the clouds: To be a dreamer, to fail to be realistic or pay attention to realistic needs
    • Example: “I love her creativity, but sometimes she has her head in the clouds when it comes to practical matters.”
13. To sell out: To betray your principles for money
    • Example: “I won’t sell out my principles for a higher salary.”
14. To get along with: To behave in an agreeable way with someone
    • Example: “She gets along well with her colleagues; they make a great team.”
15. To see eye to eye: To agree 
    • Example: “They rarely see eye to eye on political issues.”
16. To take charge of something: To become responsible for something and make active decisions about it
    • Example: “It’s time for her to take charge of the project and make decisions.”
17. To wake up and smell the coffee: To acknowledge the reality of a situation
    • Example: “It’s time for him to wake up and smell the coffee, realizing the importance of time management.”
18. Neither here nor there: To not be the point
    • Example: “Your opinion on this matter is neither here nor there; we need to focus on the facts.”
19. To cut the cord: To detach yourself from someone or something that you used to have strong influence or control over
    • Example: “Moving to a new city was a way for her to cut the cord and become independent.”
20. It’s about time: To be the right time
    • Example: “You’ve been procrastinating for weeks; it’s about time you start working on your assignment.”
21. To face the music: To confront or accept unpleasant realities 
    • Example: “After skipping classes, he had to face the music when he failed the exam.”
22. To sink or swim: To be in a situation where you must either perform your best or fail
    • Example: “Starting your own business is a sink or swim situation; you have to give it your all.”
23. To cut someone off: To stop someone’s supply of something, often money or support
    • Example: “After years of financial support, his parents decided to cut him off and encourage independence.”

3. Conversation between Father and Patrick

Learning American idioms through conversation can be an effective and engaging way to grasp the nuances of language. Idioms are often deeply rooted in culture, and understanding them can provide insight into the social context of conversations.

Summary of the conversation between Paul and Doctor

Paul visits the doctor with a painful toe, which he believes is broken due to dropping a desk on it while helping his brother move. The doctor confirms the injury and recalls Paul’s previous visit for sprained fingers. The doctor informs Paul that he won’t be able to walk for eight weeks.

Paul expresses concern about an upcoming camping trip in six weeks, and the doctor suggests that with rest and intensive physical therapy, Paul might be able to participate. The doctor advises Paul to follow instructions and take it easy during the trip. They discuss bandaging the foot, monitoring swelling, and scheduling a follow-up appointment in two weeks. Paul agrees to comply and schedules the follow-up before leaving. The doctor emphasizes the importance of taking it easy, and Paul promises to do so.

American idiom list and example

1. To be tied up with something or someone: To be busy
   • Example: “I can’t join the meeting right now; I’m tied up with a project deadline.”
2. To be killing someone: To be very painful
   • Example: “My headache is killing me; I need to take a break.”
3. A beauty: A very good or vivid example of something
   • Example: “That car crash was a beauty—completely smashed up.”
4. To do a number on something: To damage, destroy, or hurt something badly
   • Example: “The storm did a number on our garden; we’ll have to replant everything.”
5. A surefire way to do something: A way that will definitely have a certain outcome or result
   • Example: “Following the recipe exactly is a surefire way to make a delicious cake.”
6. To live something down: To be allowed to forget about an embarrassing situation
   • Example: “I spilled coffee on the boss during the meeting; I’ll never live that down!”
7. To outdo yourself: To do something very well
   • Example: “You really outdid yourself with this dinner—it’s amazing!”
8. A tall order: An unusually difficult request
   • Example: “Completing the project in just one day is a tall order, but we’ll do our best.”
9. To be out of the question: To be impossible to accomplish
   • Example: “Going on a vacation right now is out of the question; I have too much work.”
10. To be back in the saddle: To return to your normal activities, especially after an illness or injury
    • Example: “After recovering from the flu, I’m finally back in the saddle at work.”
11. To handle something: To cope with or manage a situation
    • Example: “She can handle difficult customers with ease.”
12. To be a piece of cake: To be very easy
    • Example: “Solving that math problem was a piece of cake for him.”
13. To take it easy: To do things slowly and carefully
    • Example: “After a hectic week, I just want to take it easy this weekend.”
14. To baby someone or something: To treat very carefully and with great sensitivity
    • Example: “She babies her plants, watering them every day and talking to them.”
15. To keep an eye on: To watch carefully
    • Example: “Can you keep an eye on my bag while I go grab a coffee?”
16. To get in touch with: To contact, to talk to someone
    • Example: “I’ll get in touch with you as soon as I have more information.”
17. To drop by: To visit someone.
    • Example: “Feel free to drop by my place anytime; I’d love to see you.”

Conversation between Paul and Doctor

Let your hair down
This expression is more often used as advice to tell someone to rest or relax. For instance: “It’s Saturday night, you can let your hair down!” (It’s Saturday night, you can relax!)

Have the time of your life
Literally, this phrase means “the moment of your life”. The idiomatic meaning is similar: to have a lot of fun, or to have the best day of your life. For example: “My son had the time of his life at Disney World.” (My son had the best day at Disney World.)

With bells on
Are you going to a party? Go “with bells on.” In other words, go with enthusiasm, ready to have fun. “Is it your birthday party? I’ll be there with bells on!” (Is it your birthday party? You can count on me to be there and have fun!)

Take it easy
This expression is commonly used as a suggestion or request, to ask someone to relax or calm down. For example: “Hey, take it easy, you can’t work 12 hours a day, every day.” (Hey, relax, you can´t work 12 hours a day every day.)

The world is your oyster
This is another funny phrase if taken literally. After all, if the world were an oyster, you would be stuck in a shell. As an idiomatic expression, however, this phrase means that you are free to enjoy the pleasures of life and the opportunities it offers; the sky is the limit.

To get along like a house on fire
This expression can be misleading, as a “house on fire” certainly doesn’t sound positive. However, if two people “get along like a house on fire,” they actually like each other and get along really well.

More fun than a barrel of monkeys
If you imagine a big group of monkeys, you’d probably think of them as energetic, excitable and probably quite entertaining. Something that is “more fun than a barrel of monkeys” is very entertaining.

Chill out
If someone says “I’m going to chill out,” it means they’re going to relax and enjoy life. For example: “After working late, at the end of the day, I go home where I can chill out.” (After working late, at the end of the day, I go home where I can relax.)

Have a ball / have a blast
These two expressions have the same meaning: to really enjoy something and have fun. “The party was great, I had a blast!” (The party was great, I really enjoyed it!)

Paint the town (red)
Would you like to go out and have fun, or do something exciting? You can invite someone to join you by saying: “Let’s go out and paint the town red!” (Let´s go out and have fun!) The “red” in the phrase is optional. Today, the term is more common without it

idioms to express understanding
After some angry expressions, we will try to help you express understanding with the idioms of this section.

In English, there are several ways to say you understand something:

Shed light
When you “shed light” on a topic, it is clearer to understand. For example: “The teacher explained again and shed light on the process.” (The teacher explained again and made the process clearer.)

Get someone’s drift
Did you understand what a friend said? Then you could say that you “got his drift.”

Get it
This expression is very similar to “get someone’s drift,” while being even more direct. It can be used as a complete sentence, with an object, or as a phrase: “I get it, you need to rest.” (I understand that you need to rest.) “Get it?” (Did you understand?)

Get the message/picture
This is another way of saying that you understand. For example: “Did you get the message?” (Did you understand?)

Hammer home
If you want to be really sure someone understands what you’re saying, then you need to “hammer your point home.” For instance, “She repeated her point three times to really hammer it home.”

Wrap your brain around
To understand something that is going to require more concentration and effort, you’ll need to “wrap your brain around it.”

Get wise to
When you discover that someone is trying to trick or deceive you, you could say that you “got wise to” their intentions. For example: “I thought she was paying me a compliment, but I soon got wise to the fact she was really teasing me.”

Take a hint
This means to understand an indirect suggestion. “Take a hint!” can also be used as a command or an exclamation.

Figure someone/something out
This expression means to make sense of something. When you “figure something out,” you finally understand it. This expression can also be used for people: “I can’t figure him out, he is confusing!” (I can’t understand him, he confuses me!)

Let’s see some expressions you can use in these situations:

Blow a fuse
A “fuse” or a wick is used to light an explosive. This expression means losing control or being too angry. For example: ‘’He spilled coffee on me and I blew a fuse,’’ meaning: “He spilled coffee on me and I got very angry.’’

Get on your nerves
This happens when someone or something really irritates you. For instance, “All this noise gets on my nerves!’’ (All this noise irritates me!)

Get Lost!
You might say this when a person has upset you want him or her to go away and leave you alone.

Cut it out!
Alternatively, you might say to a person who is irritating you: “Cut it out!” That is, to stop.

Come down like a ton of bricks

Now, if you want a person to stop (cut it out), then ask him or her to leave (get lost). If that doesn’t work, a possible approach is to tell that person what you really think and “come down on them like a ton of bricks.” You might say: “He got on my nerves, so I came down on him like a ton of bricks.” (He got on my nerves, so I criticized him.)

Give someone a piece of your mind
There are times when you just have to say what you think. In those situations, you must “give someone a piece of your mind”. For example: “She parked on my spot for the sixth time this week, so I had to give her a piece of my mind.” (She parked in my spot for the sixth consecutive time, and I had to tell her the truth of how I really felt about it.)

Rub someone up the wrong way
Imagine petting a cat against its fur: that’s “rubbing it the wrong way.” Occasionally you might meet someone who makes you feel like that cat. Some people just “rub you the wrong way.” and annoy or irritate you without a reason.

Get off my back!
If someone is annoying you so much that you want him or her to leave you alone, you can tell them to: “Get off my back!” This is a strong request not to be disturbed.

For crying out loud!
This is a common English phrase used to express exasperation. It´s like saying “Oh for goodness sake!” It can be followed by an order: “For crying out loud, turn that videogame off!” (Oh for goodness sake, turn that video game off!)

At your wits’ end
This when your patience is running out and you don’t know what to do with the situation. “I’m almost at my wit’s end trying to deal with this chaos!” (I’m tired of trying to deal with this chaos!)

Idioms referring to Parts of the Body

The use of body parts to form idioms is also very common. Now, we will take a look at everyday English expressions that refer to body parts:

To have butterflies in one’s stomach
You can use this phrase when you are excited or even in love. It may also represent a sense of fear or anguish. To get “butterflies in the stomach” is a very common expression to describe for nervous excitement.

Feel it in your bones
Do you trust your intuition? Then you are “feeling it in your bones.” You can use this expression for a good or a bad feeling.

Hands down
When someone or something is an undisputed winner, we say that it is the winner “hands down.”

This cost an arm and a leg

You will use this expression when a product or service is pretty expensive: ‘’Do you want a Montblanc pen? They cost an arm and a leg!’’ (Do you want a Montblanc pen? They are very expensive!)

Slap on the wrist
A “slap on the wrist” is a small, but non-physical punishment. For example: ‘’He stole from the Company and just got a warning. It was a slap on the wrist!’’ (He stole from the Company and just got a warning. It was a minimal punishment!)

Get cold feet

The expression “cold feet’’ means that a person has become nervous or afraid of doing something that was already planned. Fox example: “He was planning to ask her out on a date, but got cold feet at the very last minute.”

Have your mind set on something

Is George Harrison your favorite Beatle? Then you will probably have already heard the expression “I’ve got my mind set on you.’’ If you say that you’ve “got your mind set” on something, it means that you have already decided on accomplishing something.

Born with a silver spoon in your mouth

Is synonymous with wealth, It means born into an aristocratic or very rich family: “James doesn’t know anything about working for a living; he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth”.

Skin-deep

Something with a depth measured as only ‘’skin-deep’’ is easy to imagine: it’s superficial, without much importance or significance. You can use this expression as in the following example: ‘’Her interest for politics is only skin-deep.’’ This means her interest in politics is only superficial.

Learn more: 6 Idioms topics in daily life

There are many idioms that refer to parts the natural world, such as the weather or animals. Because these things are already common in English vocabulary, it’s only natural that they end up being part of idiomatic expressions.

Here are just a few of the most common:

Raining cats and dogs
When you hear someone say “it’s raining cats and dogs’’ you can
bet that there is a downpour of heavy, torrential rain. Don’t forget
your umbrella!

Hold your horses
Calm down when you hear this expression. It doesn’t mean you
literally have horses, instead it means that someone is asking you
to take it slow, and reconsider before acting.

Make hay while the sun shines
The expression above is an order: don’t waste time; work hard
whenever you have the opportunity. Here, “hay’’ means ‘’money’’,
so, this expression probably arose from the fact that farmers
have to take advantage of the good weather if they want to grow
profitable crops.

Under the weather
If one day you don’t feel very well, you can show off your English
and say ‘’I am feeling under the weather,’’ which means that you
are feeling ill

When pigs fly
If someone says ‘’I’ll do it when pigs fly’’, it really means that they
will never do it.

Over the moon
Have you ever felt like jumping for joy? You feel that way when
you’re “over the moon.” This means you’re extremely happy.

Till the cows come home
Cows are known for wandering very slowly. If someone wants to
say in English that someone is slow or takes too long, they could
use this expression. For example: “He loves reading. He could stay
at the library till the cows come home.” (He loves to read, so he
could be in the library until wee hours of the night.)

It is like herding frogs
Imagine how difficult it would be to gather hundreds of frogs in the
same space. Can you picture the chaos? This expression means
that an action is complicated, chaotic or nearly impossible.

A sitting duck
If you hear someone say, “Her silly comments made her a sitting
duck for jokes,’’ it means that the silly comments she made left
her as an easy target for jokes. So, a sitting duck means an easy
target to attack.

Every rose has its thorn
Roses are beautiful and elegant, but they all have thorns. Like
roses, all good things have a negative side, and that is exactly what
this phrase means

Learn more: 6 Idioms topics in daily life