Want to Sound Like a Native? These English Idioms Will Get You There (pt. 3)
In this third and final article in this series, you will learn about some of the most used English idioms and their meaning. Would you like to read parts one and two first? You can do so here and here.
What are idioms again? Idioms are phrases that have a different meaning from what is said with the words alone. Studying them is almost like learning a new language and can take some extra time. But, when you finally get a grasp on using these literary devices, you signal a much higher level of fluency.
Let’s get started with the last 12 idioms in this series:
A taste of your own medicine
Meaning: undergoing the same unpleasant experience you’ve caused someone else
Example: ‘I told you not to drive through puddles when pedestrians are on the pavement. Now you’re getting a taste of your own medicine.’
Another string to your bow
Meaning: to have more than one skill, interest or resource that you could use if and when needed
Example: ‘That course in urban sketching wasn’t enjoyable, but at least I now have one more string to my bow.’
In the nick of time
Meaning: just in time
Example: ‘She ran across the station hall and boarded the train just before the whistle. ‘Phew, just in the nick of time’, she mumbled.’
Plain as day
Meaning: (very) obvious
Example: ‘Blushing cheeks and a sparkle in her eyes. It is plain as day that she is in love.’
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: to not focus all your efforts, attention and resources on just one thing
Example: ‘He’s applying to multiple jobs at once, as he doesn’t want to put all his eggs in one basket.’
You can’t judge a book by its cover
Meaning: one should not judge the value of something or someone by their outward appearance alone
Example: ‘He may not look friendly, but you can’t judge a book by its cover.’
The ball is in your court
Meaning: it is up to you to make the next move
Example: ‘The manager told you she wants to hire you for that new project. So, now the ball is in your court.’
Straight from the horse’s mouth
Meaning: to hear something from the person who has reliable and personal knowledge of that particular thing
Example: ‘I wish that weren’t true, but as you heard it straight from the horse’s mouth, it must be true.’
Sleep on it
Meaning: to reflect on something (overnight) before making a decision
Example: ‘He asked me to marry him, but I have to sleep on it.’
24/7
Meaning: all the time; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Example: ‘I’m thinking about you 24/7.’
By the skin of your teeth
Meaning: to only just succeed in doing something
Example: ‘I thought I would get caught in that snowstorm, but I made it home by the skin of my teeth.’
Draw the line
Meaning: to set a limit on what one is willing to do or accept
Example: ‘She can be rude to me, but I won’t accept her being unkind to my children. That’s where I draw the line!’
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I hope you enjoyed reading this article on English idioms! Want to practice what you’ve learned? I highly encourage you to pick two or three idioms from the list in today’s article and use them while speaking to someone this week. And if you can’t get enough of these literary devices, please check out part 1 and part 2 of this popular series to learn more!
Until next time! And, as always, keep learning!
Marieke, OLS Community Manager