There are two types of number idioms in English. First, there are idioms that include a certain number, like two, fifty, two, or even one million. In these idioms, a number is used figuratively to convey nonliteral meaning that is different than the number itself. Then, there are idioms that include the word “number” itself. … Read more
There are so many idioms with GET! English learners often focus on advanced vocabulary words when in fact it’s the smallest and most ordinary words that the most important. The word run is an example of a small but powerful word. The word set, with the most meanings of any English word, is another. But, … Read more
The word “run” is one of the most important and complex words in the English language. It has at least 645 meanings or senses, many of them part of idioms or idiomatic phrasal verbs. Run isn’t only used to describe physical movements. It also helps to describe many other activities as well as the operation … Read more
English idioms seem to be the most colorful when they concern the characteristics of a person. This is especially true when an idiom is used to describe someone as dumb, stupid, or slow-witted. There is a large group of related idioms that use the same metaphor of something missing, or not having enough of something, … Read more
Many figurative expressions allude to books and reading. These idioms use books as rich metaphors to convey a host of meanings in our everyday English conversations. When someone ‘hits the books’ they are not physically striking books! And, if you have been called every name in the book, what book are you talking about? To … Read more
Many English idioms include colors like blue, red, pink, or green. Some even include black or white, which we think of as colors even though they are not technically true colors. Here, you will learn the meanings of 23 color idioms in English and get examples of how they are used in a sentence. Blue … Read more
These idioms are not for the birds, they are just about birds! Just as there are many common and colorful birds, there are many colorful and commonly used bird idioms in English. Here is a list of bird-related idioms in English, with meanings and examples in sentences. These expressions are useful to ESL students or … Read more
They say it’s the best-selling book of all time. No wonder we get so many of our English idioms from it. Here are 25 idioms in English that came from the Bible, were inspired by the Bible, or were used prominently in the Bible. In a few cases, the idioms are assumed to come from … Read more
A fable is a short fictional story featuring anthropomorphized animals, legendary creatures, plants, inanimate objects, or forces of nature that illustrates or leads to a particular moral lesson. Some of the most well-known and beloved fables come from Aesop, a slave and storyteller who lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 564 BCE. These stories … Read more
People love sports, so it’s no surprise that there are many idioms related to sports in some way, and English is no exception. Don’t be behind the eight ball! Learn these useful sports idioms in English and be on the ball with your spoken English fluency. Contents A Shoo-in Back the Wrong Horse Behind the … Read more