English Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Lists of well-known English idioms used in everyday conversations, with their meaning.
Idioms are words, phrases or expressions which are commonly used in everyday conversation by
native speakers of English. They are often metaphorical and make the language more colourful. People use them to express
something more vividly and often more briefly. They serve as an image or mental picture.
Example:- Let the cat out of the bag: If you let the cat out of the bag, you reveal a secret.
N.B. It is important to remember that idiomatic expressions are used when speaking informally.
They are not used in formal exchanges.
- Lists of common idioms by theme:
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actions and behaviour
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age
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agreements-arrangements
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ambition-determination
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anger-annoyance-irritation
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animals-fish-birds-insects
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anxiety-fear
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arguments-disagreements
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authority-power
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beauty-appearance
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body
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business-work
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choices-options
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clothes
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colours
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communication-contact-information
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comparison-similarity
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consequences-effects
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descriptions of people
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descriptions of places, things and events
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efficiency-competence
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employment-jobs
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enthusiasm-eagerness-motivation
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feelings-emotions
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food and drink
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frankness-openness-sincerity
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fun-enjoyment
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happiness-sadness
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health-fitness
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hesitation-indecision-doubt
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honesty-dishonesty
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house-furniture and fittings
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intelligence-understanding-comprehension
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law and order
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lifestyle - way of life
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luck-opportunity
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madness-insanity
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memory-remembering
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mind expressions
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mistakes-errors
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money-finance-wealth
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music
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negotiations
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numbers-quantities-amounts
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plants-flowers-trees
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politeness-manners
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problems-difficulties
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relationships
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safety-danger
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secrets-discretion
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shopping
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sleep-tiredness
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speed-rapidity
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sports-games-athletics
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success-failure
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surprise-astonishment-disbelief
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thoughts-ideas-imagination
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time
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travel-transport
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violence
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weather
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actions and behaviour
- Lists of idioms in alphabetical order: (A-Z list of idioms)
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alphabetical list A
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alphabetical list B
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alphabetical list C
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alphabetical list D
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alphabetical list E
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alphabetical list F
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alphabetical list G
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alphabetical list H
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alphabetical list I
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alphabetical list J
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alphabetical list K
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alphabetical list L
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alphabetical list M
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alphabetical list N
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alphabetical list O
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alphabetical list P
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alphabetical list Q
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alphabetical list R
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alphabetical list S
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alphabetical list T
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alphabetical list U
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alphabetical list V
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alphabetical list W
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alphabetical list XYZ
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alphabetical list A
Please note that British English spelling is used on this website.