Use the menu above to find hundreds of phrases and sayings, or choose a category below for a list of them.
How many common phrases can you think of? The total number of expressions used around the world is staggering, yet you might only be able to name a few. You’ll often hear them in everyday conversations at work, school, or even written down in a book. Trying to keep track of all the phrases and sayings in existence will make your head spin, even if you are a native English speaker.
That’s where we come in to help. You will find lists on here of the most common phrases, so go ahead and browse through them at your leisure. Whether you want to learn a few popular sayings for fun, or you’re ready to dive deeper into their possible origin, get comfortable and start reading.
What Are Common Phrases?
Simply put, it’s a phrase that is commonly used in everyday language, typically when we communicate with others. Common phrases are familiar to most people who hear them, and they are an integral part of a language’s culture. There are various types phrases, including idiomatic expressions and sayings, that can be applied in different situations.
Phrases are useful for conveying a specific feeling or idea we have. For example, expressions like “times flies” and “over the moon” are examples of familiar phrases that are used to express the passage of time and the feeling of happiness a person is experiencing.
In general, common phrases are a significant part of any language and culture. Including them in our speech is not only a fun way to enhance our communication, but it also helps us to be more expressive. For more examples, see the categories below.
New phrase: Let Him Cook
This expression has gained a lot of traction the past few years, and now you can learn all about it.
Phrase Lists:
A List of Common Phrases In English
These phrases are a small sample of the diverse range of words and terms that make up the English language. Since we hear expressions like these so frequently in our daily routines, it’s important to understand what they mean. So let’s start by looking at a list with some of the most commonly heard phrases in English:
1. A chip on your shoulder
Being angry about something that happened in the past.
2. A dime a dozen
Something that is abundant and simple to find.
3. A fool and his money are soon parted
Someone acting foolish with their money can easily lose it due to careless behavior.
4. A piece of cake
A task that is simple to complete, requiring little effort.
5. An arm and a leg
Something that is very expensive and costs a high price.
6. Back to square one
A popular saying that means starting over again due to a failed attempt.
7. Barking up the wrong tree
To make a wrong assumption about someone.
8. Beating around the bush
Talking while avoiding the main discussion point.
9. Between a rock and a hard place
Being faced with two difficult choices.
10. Burst your bubble
To ruin the mood by telling someone disappointing news.
11. Calm before the storm
A period of time that comes before a more chaotic one.
12. Cat got your tongue
Having nothing to say; speechless.
13. Cry over spilled milk
Worrying about things that have already happened is not helpful.
14. Cup of joe
This is a nickname for coffee.
15. Cut to the chase
Getting to the point while leaving out all the unnecessary details.
Tip: Check out our full list of phrases and sayings from A to Z, and discover their meaning and origin.
What Are Sayings?
Sayings are short, concise statements that typically contain a held truth or advice. They have different forms, such as proverbs and maxims. Some examples of popular sayings in English include “slow and steady wins the race,” ” you can’t judge a book by its cover,” and “actions speak louder than words.”
In some cases, sayings can also be described simply as common expressions or phrases, which are used to convey a particular thought we have. For instance, the saying “out of the blue” is often used when something unexpected happens, but it does not contain any truth or advice. So, while sayings generally do carry some kind of deeper insight, they can also just be like any other basic expression.
Popular Sayings and Expressions
These sayings will be familiar to individuals who grew up speaking in English. If you’re thinking about using these expressions during a conversation, then make sure you understand their meaning. So then, let’s go over several popular sayings and expressions that potentially have some wisdom to share:
1. Actions speak louder than words
What a person does is more important than what they say.
2. Call it a day
Stopping all work for the remainder of the day.
3. Easier said than done
Saying things is easy, but doing them takes effort.
4. It’s better to be safe than sorry
It is wise to take precautions in advance in order to avoid potential harm.
5. Jump to conclusions
Reaching a conclusion based on little information.
6. Knock it out of the park
An activity or task that is done exceptionally well.
7. Learn the ropes
To gain a basic understanding of a job or skill.
8. Long in the tooth
Someone or something that is old or worn out.
9. Music to my ears
Hearing news or something that is pleasing.
10. Slow and steady wins the race
A slow and consistent approach can have better results than being hasty and rushing in.
About Us
What is this site about? In a nutshell, there are hundreds of common English phrases and sayings on here for you to explore. You can read about them and learn all sorts of things like their meaning, where they came from, and how to use them in example sentences. Use the list of sayings at the top to start exploring!
