Want to Sound Like a Native? These English Idioms Will Get You There (pt. 2)
After receiving positive feedback on the previous article about English idioms, we’re back with part two! In this article, you will learn about even more idioms and expressions. Why idioms? Learning idioms are a great way to get closer to mastering the intricacies of the English language and get a peek into cultural aspects. These literary devices are used mostly by natives and, therefore, signal a higher level of fluency when used.
Keep in mind that learning idioms does require some extra time and attention. Why? They are phrases that use figurative language and can’t be translated word for word to extrapolate meaning.
In this article, you will learn about some of the most used English idioms and their meaning. Want to read part one first? You can do so here.
Let’s get started:
- Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: to be mistaken about the reason for something happening or the way to achieve something
Example: ‘If you think money will solve all your issues, you’re barking up the wrong tree’. - The best thing since sliced bread
Meaning: referring to a thing or person someone thinks is excellent
Example: ‘I think electric bicycles are the best thing since sliced bread’.
Curiosity killed the cat
Meaning: that being too inquisitive can lead to a harmful situation
Example: ‘Leave it alone. You know what they say, “Curiosity killed the cat”’.
Don’t count your chickens before your eggs have hatched
Meaning: don’t count on something that may or may not happen
Example: ‘Be patient, don’t count your chickens before your eggs have hatched’.
It takes two to tango
Meaning: needing more than one person to make something work successfully
Example: ‘You can’t build a relationship on your own, it takes two to tango’.
Kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: when you accomplish two things at once
Example: ‘I listen to language learning podcasts on my commute. That way, I kill two with one stone’.
See eye to eye
Meaning: agreeing on something
Example: ‘He likes camping, I like hotels. We don’t see eye to eye on the way we like to travel’.
Down for the count
Meaning: to be tired or defeated
Example: ‘I’m not going out anymore, I’m down for the count’.
Finding a needle in a haystack
Meaning: searching for something that is virtually impossible to find
Example: ‘Finding a post box in the city is like finding a needle in a haystack’.
Give it a whirl
Meaning: to give something a try, often for the first time
Example: ‘I’m not sure if I’ll like horseback riding, but I’ll give it a whirl’.
Go the extra mile
Meaning: to make more effort than what is expected
Example: ‘I’m prepared to go the extra mile to achieve my career goals’.
Fish out of water
Meaning: to feel out of place in a situation
Example: ‘I felt like a fish out of water at that corporate job’.
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I hope you enjoyed reading this article and learning more about English idioms! Want to practice idioms on the forums? I encourage you to do the exercise in our practice your English forum. If you’re enjoying this series, I have good news for you: we will publish at least one more article in this series over the summer!
Until next time!
Marieke, OLS Community Manager