There are thousands of popular idioms and English phrases that we encounter every day in our lives. You might be surprised at how often these common expressions come up, whether at work, school, or even at home. While you are likely to recognize a few, there are many more common idioms that may be new to you, each with their own unique meanings that are worth exploring.
At Know Your Phrase, we’ve created a comprehensive idioms dictionary to help you explore the most popular expressions in English. Our website features an A-to-Z list of popular idioms, where you can click on each phrase to learn more about its meaning, origin, and how to use it in our daily conversations. To get started, visit our Idioms and Phrases Starting With A page and begin learning about the many common idioms we use every day.
Popular Idioms With Examples
Ever heard someone say ‘it’s raining cats and dogs’ or ‘spill the beans’? These popular idioms are perfect examples of the quirky expressions people use to add personality to how they express themselves. Now, let’s look at more common idioms with some examples to discover what we can learn.
If you’re completely unfamiliar with what idioms are, check out our idiom examples with sentences page that will teach you all about them.
1. Drawing a blank
Meaning: Having difficulty coming up with an answer, idea, or solution.
Example: I tried remembering her name, but I kept drawing a blank no matter how hard I thought.
2. Knock it out of the park
Meaning: To perform exceptionally well at something.
Example: She knocked it out of the park with her presentation, leaving everyone impressed.
3. Out of left field
Meaning: Something that is unexpected or surprising.
Example: Their parents showing up without notice came completely out of left field.
4. Right out of the gate
Meaning: Starting an activity or task immediately, without delaying.
Example: After waking up early, he hit the gym right out of the gate to get energized for the day.
5. Under the weather
Meaning: Someone who is feeling physically or mentally unwell.
Example: She’s usually so lively, but today she felt under the weather and stayed home.
Common Phrases in English and Their Meanings
It’s clear that many common phrases have become deeply ingrained in our speech. While most people can easily understand their meanings right away, some phrases have idiomatic meanings that aren’t immediately obvious. Take the expression ‘cost an arm and a leg’, for instance, which refers to something that’s expensive. Or the familiar phrase ‘cry over spilled milk,’ which means to worry about something that has already happened and can’t be changed.
For more idioms like these, check out our Popular Phrases Starting With C page for a list of everyday expressions. Now, let’s take a closer look at the meanings for some of the most common phrases in English:
1. Easier Said Than Done
It’s easier to talk about something than actually doing it
2. Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
Even in difficult times, there is always something to be positive about.
3. Go Out on a Limb
Putting yourself in a risky situation in order to help someone.
4. Get The Ball Rolling
To start something, especially an activity.
5. Long In The Tooth
Something that has grown old in age.
6. Music To My Ears
A piece of news or something else that is very pleasing to hear.
7. Nothing To Sneeze At
Something that is significant and should not be easily ignored.
8. Practice Makes Perfect
Repeating the same activity can help a person get better at it.
9. Rome Was Not Built In a Day
Certain things take time to complete and should not be rushed.
10. Swinging For The Fences
To make a big effort towards something.
The journey to understand phrases doesn’t have to end here! There are countless popular idioms still to discover. Head over to our Famous Idioms: Phrases Starting With B page to learn more.