American English is full of colorful and vivid expressions that can often leave non-native speakers confused and scratching their heads. These expressions, known as idioms, can be found in everyday conversation, books, movies, and music. Learning these idioms is crucial for anyone looking to improve their English language skills and better understand American culture. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at American Idioms. Download the American idioms PDF for later use.
American Idioms with Meaning and Examples
A piece of cake– Something that is very easy or effortless.
Example: Don’t worry, the exam was a piece of cake.
Hit the nail on the head– To be exactly right or accurate.
Example: He hit the nail on the head when he said the new proposal was unrealistic.
Let the cat out of the bag– To reveal a secret or surprise.
Example: She accidentally let the cat out of the bag when she told everyone about the surprise party.
Break a leg– A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.
Example: Break a leg at your audition tomorrow!
By the skin of your teeth– To barely escape or succeed in something.
Example: He passed the exam by the skin of his teeth.
Kick the bucket– A euphemism for dying.
Example: Unfortunately, my grandpa kicked the bucket last week.
Burn the midnight oil– To work late into the night.
Example: She had to burn the midnight oil to finish her report on time.
The ball is in your court– It is your turn to take action or make a decision.
Example: I have given you all the information you need, now the ball is in your court.
Barking up the wrong tree– To pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action.
Example: He’s barking up the wrong tree if he thinks he can get away with lying.
Cut corners– To do something quickly or carelessly to save time or money.
Example: He cut corners on the construction to save money, but it ended up being unsafe.
Easy American Idioms
Hit the sack ==> used to mean going to bed
Hang in there ==> used to encourage someone to persevere
Spill the beans ==> used to mean revealing a secret
Cut to the chase ==> used to mean getting to the point quickly
Let the cat out of the bag ==> used to mean revealing a secret
Kick the bucket ==> used to mean dying
On the same page ==> used to mean having a shared understanding
Bite the bullet ==> used to mean facing a difficult situation with courage.
A dime a dozen ==> used to describe something as being very common or easy to find
Break the ice ==> used to mean initiating a conversation or social interaction
Cost an arm and a leg ==> used to mean something is very expensive
Get cold feet ==> used to mean becoming nervous or hesitant before doing something
Keep your chin up ==> used to mean staying optimistic in a difficult situation
Pull someone’s leg ==> used to mean teasing or joking with someone
A piece of the pie ==> used to mean sharing in a reward or benefit
Catch someone’s eye ==> used to mean getting someone’s attention
To have a sweet tooth ==> used to mean liking sweet foods or desserts
In a nutshell ==> used to mean summarizing something briefly.
Let someone off the hook ==> used to mean forgiving or excusing someone from a responsibility or punishment
Jump the gun ==> used to mean starting something too soon, before the appropriate time
Paint the town red ==> used to mean going out and having a wild or exciting time
Burn the midnight oil ==> used to mean working or studying late into the night
When pigs fly ==> used to mean something is impossible or unlikely to happen
Time flies ==> used to mean time passes quickly
Rome wasn’t built in a day ==> used to mean things take time and effort to achieve.
All ears ==> used to mean being fully attentive and ready to listen
The ball is in your court ==> used to mean it’s someone’s turn to take action or make a decision
You can’t judge a book by its cover ==> used to mean appearances can be deceiving
Actions speak louder than words ==> used to mean what someone does is more important than what they say
Keep your eyes peeled ==> used to mean being vigilant and aware of your surroundings
The early bird gets the worm ==> used to mean being proactive can lead to success
When in Rome, do as the Romans do ==> used to mean adopting local customs and behaviors when in a foreign place
Every cloud has a silver lining ==> used to mean every negative situation has a positive aspect
Haste makes waste ==> used to mean being too hasty or impulsive can lead to mistakes or negative consequences.
Practice makes perfect ==> used to mean repetition and persistence can lead to improvement
Let sleeping dogs lie ==> used to mean avoiding a situation that could potentially cause problems
Out of the blue ==> used to mean something unexpected or surprising
Up in the air ==> used to mean uncertain or undecided
Barking up the wrong tree ==> used to mean pursuing the wrong course of action or person
A penny saved is a penny earned ==> used to mean being thrifty can lead to financial security
Better late than never ==> used to mean it’s better to do something late than not at all
You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours ==> used to mean helping each other out mutually.
Jack of all trades, master of none ==> used to mean someone who has many skills but is not an expert in any particular one
All that glitters is not gold ==> used to mean not everything that looks good is actually good
Actions speak louder than words ==> used to mean what someone does is more important than what they say
Bite off more than you can chew ==> used to mean taking on more than you can handle
Cross your fingers ==> used to mean hoping for good luck or success
Don’t cry over spilled milk ==> used to mean not getting upset over something that can’t be changed
Easy does it ==> used to mean taking things slowly and carefully
Give it a shot ==> used to mean trying something out to see if it works
Common American Idioms
Break the bank ==> used to mean spending a lot of money or exceeding a budget
Hit the nail on the head ==> used to mean being exactly right about something
A taste of your own medicine ==> used to mean experiencing the same negative treatment that one has inflicted on others
A blessing in disguise ==> used to mean a seemingly negative situation that actually has a positive outcome
Back to the drawing board ==> used to mean starting over after a failure or setback
Cut corners ==> used to mean taking shortcuts or not doing something properly in order to save time or money
Easy as pie ==> used to describe something as very easy or simple
The grass is always greener on the other side ==> used to mean people tend to think others have it better than they do
Pulling someone’s chain ==> used to mean teasing or misleading someone for fun
On the ball ==> used to mean being alert, efficient, or competent.
Off the hook ==> used to mean avoiding responsibility or punishment
A dime a dozen ==> used to mean something is very common or easy to find
Break a leg ==> used as a way of wishing someone good luck, especially before a performance
Burn bridges ==> used to mean damaging or ending relationships with others, making it difficult to work together in the future
Cut to the chase ==> used to mean getting to the point or important part of a conversation or story
Don’t hold your breath ==> used to mean not expecting something to happen anytime soon
Get cold feet ==> used to mean feeling nervous or hesitant about doing something
Hit the ground running ==> used to mean starting something with enthusiasm and success
Keep your chin up ==> used to mean staying optimistic during difficult times
Knock it out of the park ==> used to mean achieving great success or exceeding expectations.
Make a long story short ==> used to mean summarizing a story or conversation quickly
Nose to the grindstone ==> used to mean working hard or putting in a lot of effort
Piece of cake ==> used to describe something as very easy or simple
Raining cats and dogs ==> used to describe heavy rain or a downpour
Saved by the bell ==> used to mean narrowly avoiding a difficult situation or challenge
Take it with a grain of salt ==> used to mean being skeptical or not fully believing something
Under the weather ==> used to mean feeling ill or sick
You’re pulling my leg ==> used to mean joking or teasing someone
A picture is worth a thousand words ==> used to mean a visual image can convey a lot of information or emotion
When push comes to shove ==> used to mean when things get difficult or serious.
A chip on your shoulder ==> used to mean holding a grudge or being easily offended
A taste of the good life ==> used to mean experiencing luxury or wealth
Actions speak louder than words ==> used to mean what someone does is more important than what they say
Add insult to injury ==> used to mean making a bad situation worse
All ears ==> used to mean listening carefully or being interested in what someone has to say
Bark is worse than bite ==> used to mean someone’s words or threats are scarier than their actions
Break the ice ==> used to mean breaking down social barriers or starting a conversation
Popular American Idioms
The ball is in your court ==> used to mean it is someone’s turn to take action or make a decision
When in Rome, do as the Romans do ==> used to mean adapting to the customs or behaviors of a new environment or community
Let the cat out of the bag ==> used to mean revealing a secret or confidential information
Close but no cigar ==> used to mean coming close to success but not quite achieving it
Burn the midnight oil ==> used to mean working late into the night or studying intensively
Catch someone’s eye ==> used to mean getting someone’s attention or interest
Cut the mustard ==> used to mean meeting expectations or performing adequately
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch ==> used to mean not assuming success or victory before it is certain
Every cloud has a silver lining ==> used to mean finding something positive in a negative situation
Fish out of water ==> used to mean feeling out of place or uncomfortable in a new environment.
In the heat of the moment ==> used to mean making a decision or taking action without thinking clearly
Jump the gun ==> used to mean starting something too soon or prematurely
Keep your fingers crossed ==> used to mean hoping for a positive outcome
Leave no stone unturned ==> used to mean putting in maximum effort or exploring all options
Make waves ==> used to mean causing trouble or disruption
Play it by ear ==> used to mean improvising or making decisions as the situation unfolds
Put a sock in it ==> used to mean telling someone to be quiet or stop talking
The devil is in the details ==> used to mean small things can have a big impact or cause problems
Time flies when you’re having fun ==> used to mean time seems to pass quickly when you’re enjoying yourself
You can’t have your cake and eat it too ==> used to mean you can’t have two conflicting things at the same time.
A bitter pill to swallow ==> used to mean something unpleasant or difficult to accept
A leopard can’t change its spots ==> used to mean people’s basic nature or character can’t be changed
A penny saved is a penny earned ==> used to mean saving money is just as important as earning it
All thumbs ==> used to mean being clumsy or awkward
Bite the bullet ==> used to mean facing a difficult or unpleasant situation bravely
Get a taste of your own medicine ==> used to mean experiencing the same negative treatment or consequences that one has inflicted on others
Hit the nail on the head ==> used to mean identifying or addressing a problem perfectly
Kill two birds with one stone ==> used to mean accomplishing two tasks with one action
Let sleeping dogs lie ==> used to mean avoiding stirring up old or potentially controversial issues
Make hay while the sun shines ==> used to mean taking advantage of opportunities while they are available.
Funny American Idioms
Between a rock and a hard place ==> used to mean facing two difficult choices or situations
Caught with your pants down ==> used to mean being caught in an embarrassing situation
Don’t cry over spilled milk ==> used to mean not getting upset about something that can’t be changed or undone
Fit as a fiddle ==> used to mean being in excellent health or physical condition
Full of hot air ==> used to mean talking excessively or boasting without substance
Hitting the hay ==> used to mean going to bed or sleeping
It’s raining cats and dogs ==> used to mean raining heavily or torrentially
Jumping the shark ==> used to mean a moment when a TV show or movie has lost its original appeal or quality
The whole nine yards ==> used to mean going all out or putting in maximum effort
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink ==> used to mean you can provide someone with an opportunity, but you can’t force them to take it.
Piece of cake ==> used to mean something is easy or effortless
Pulling someone’s leg ==> used to mean joking or teasing someone
Raining buckets ==> used to mean raining heavily
Shooting the breeze ==> used to mean having a casual conversation or chatting informally
Slick as a whistle ==> used to mean being very smooth or efficient
Smiling from ear to ear ==> used to mean being very happy or pleased
Take a rain check ==> used to mean postponing or rescheduling plans for another time
Throw in the towel ==> used to mean giving up or surrendering
A dime a dozen ==> used to mean something is very common or easily obtained.
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today ==> used to mean not delaying tasks or actions that can be done immediately
Weird American Idioms
A lick and a promise ==> used to mean doing something quickly and carelessly, with the intention of doing a better job later
All hat and no cattle ==> used to describe someone who talks big but has no substance or follow-through
Beat around the bush ==> used to mean avoiding getting to the point or being indirect
Chew the fat ==> used to mean having a casual conversation or gossiping
Cut the mustard ==> used to mean meeting expectations or performing well
Have a screw loose ==> used to mean being crazy or unstable
Head over heels ==> used to mean being very excited or infatuated with someone or something
Kick the bucket ==> used to mean dying or passing away
Like a chicken with its head cut off ==> used to describe someone who is disorganized or acting in a panicked or frenzied manner
Put lipstick on a pig ==> used to mean trying to make something unattractive or low-quality appear better than it is.
Throw someone under the bus ==> used to mean betraying or sacrificing someone else to save oneself
Tongue-in-cheek ==> used to describe something said or written in a humorous or ironic way
Two peas in a pod ==> used to describe two people who are very similar or who get along very well
Ugly as sin ==> used to mean something is very unattractive or unpleasant to look at
When pigs fly ==> used to mean something will never happen or is impossible
You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear ==> used to mean you can’t turn something of low quality or value into something high quality or valuable.
African American Idioms
Ain’t nobody got time for that ==> used to mean being too busy to deal with something or someone
Beat your feet ==> used to mean to dance or leave a place quickly
Can’t call it ==> used to mean being unsure or uncertain about something
Getting’ crunk ==> used to mean getting hyped up or excited, often in the context of partying or dancing
Giving someone the side eye ==> used to mean giving someone a suspicious or disapproving look
It’s all good ==> used to mean everything is fine or okay
Keep it real ==> used to mean being authentic, honest, or truthful
On the low ==> used to mean keeping something a secret or not publicizing it
Straight up ==> used to mean being honest or direct
That’s wassup ==> used to mean that’s great or awesome.
American Football Idioms
Blitz ==> used to describe a defensive strategy where multiple players rush the quarterback at once in an attempt to sack him
Hail Mary ==> used to describe a desperation pass thrown by a quarterback in the closing moments of a game, often with the hope of making a miraculous, game-winning catch
In the red zone ==> used to describe an offensive team that has advanced to within 20 yards of the opposing team’s end zone, and is therefore in a good position to score a touchdown
On the bubble ==> used to describe a player who is on the verge of being cut from the team
Quarterback sneak ==> used to describe a play where the quarterback takes the ball and runs forward a short distance, often to try and pick up a first down or score a touchdown in a short yardage situation
Sack ==> used to describe when a defensive player tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage, often resulting in a loss of yards or a turnover
Special teams ==> used to describe the group of players who are on the field for kickoffs, punts, and field goal attempts, and who are responsible for both kicking and returning the ball
Touchback ==> used to describe a situation where a kickoff or punt is caught by the receiving team in their own end zone, resulting in the ball being placed at the 20-yard line for the start of the next drive.
American Business Idioms
Ace up your sleeve ==> used to mean having a secret advantage or plan in reserve
Ballpark figure ==> used to mean an approximate or rough estimate
Cut to the chase ==> used to mean getting to the point or the most important matter
Devil’s advocate ==> used to mean someone who argues against an idea or proposal to test its validity
Elephant in the room ==> used to mean an obvious problem or issue that people are avoiding discussing
Flying by the seat of your pants ==> used to mean doing something without a plan or strategy, often in a rushed or disorganized manner
Golden handshake ==> used to mean a large sum of money or other benefits given to an executive or employee upon their retirement or departure from a company
Keep your eye on the ball ==> used to mean staying focused on the most important objective or goal
Win-win situation ==> used to mean a situation where all parties benefit or come out ahead.
American Idioms | Images
