Using Idioms
Essential Question
What common phrases use images to create meaning?
Grammar in the World
What Do I Know?
What do you already know about common words and phrases that don't have a literal meaning? Use this interactive to find out.
Building Blocks
Grammar is a complex system and structure of language. Mizzou Academy Grammar Lab spotlights one skill (or block) at a time, but it’s often helpful to see how a skill works together with other, related blocks to build the language structure as a whole. You may find the following resource topics helpful as context for this lesson:
Learn About Using Idioms
Idioms are phrases that have a figurative meaning. They are colorful, playful, and full of imagery. Idioms are sometimes called “word pictures” because they describe something by creating an image in our mind.
Idioms are sprinkled so thoroughly through the English language that we often say them without noticing it. To understand idioms in a sentence, you first have to know that the idiom exists! After that, you can discover what it means.
This chart shows some common idioms you will hear and read.
| Word Picture | Idiom | Meaning |
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let the cat out of the bag “The party was supposed to be a surprise, but her brother let the cat out of the bag.” |
reveal a secret | |
 Image Source
Links to an external site. |
hold your horses “I know you’re excited to go to Disney World, but hold your horses!” |
stay calm; wait a minute; don’t rush |
 Image Source
Links to an external site. |
call it a day “We’ve worked hard, and I’m tired. Let’s call it a day.” |
stop working |
 Image Source
Links to an external site. |
on the ball “You got all your chores AND your homework finished? Wow, you are really on the ball!” |
doing a good job |
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in a pickle “Oh, no! I told my friends I would go out with them tonight, but I forgot I was supposed to babysit my little sister. I’m really in a pickle.” |
in a difficult or tricky situation |
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see eye to eye “I love to spend time with you because we have so much in common. We really see eye to eye.” |
agree on something |
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bent out of shape “My sister was bent out of shape when I borrowed her favorite shirt without asking.” |
very upset |
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other fish in the sea
“I’m disappointed that I didn’t get the job I applied for, but there are other fish in the sea.”
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more opportunities (other opportunities will arise) |
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perfect storm “I overslept, missed breakfast, was late for school, and forgot my homework. Staying up too late last night created the perfect storm to ruin my day today.” |
worst situation imaginable | |
 Image Source
Links to an external site. |
on thin ice “He had been late to practice every day that week and was on thin ice with his coach. |
in a risky situation; down to the last chance |
How to Recognize Idioms
It may be an idiom if...
- you hear a particular phrase often in different contexts.
- Literal: It is raining quite hard outside today!
- Idiom: It’s raining cats and dogs out there!
- the expression creates a strong picture in your mind.
- Literal: I think we need to have an honest discussion about the problem we are avoiding.
- Idiom: I think we need to talk about the elephant in the room.
- the expression does not make literal sense.
- Literal: I have plans today, but I would love to go for lunch with you tomorrow.
- Idiom: Can I take a rain check on lunch? I have plans tonight.
How to Learn and Use Idioms
- Don’t be shy about asking someone to clarify their meaning. If you don’t understand a phrase, it is okay to ask.
- Get curious. Notice when phrases are used often or create word pictures. Look up their meaning to see how they are used
- Dave’s ESL Cafe Links to an external site. is a GREAT resource to help you notice and learn idioms.
Do I Get It?
What have you learned about idioms? Use this interactive to check your understanding.