Popular English Idioms used by a native speaker

Learning spoken English is not a difficult task.However giving a good presentation requires ample usage of idioms and phrases.In this article we are going to acquaint you with some common idioms. In day to day life, these idioms are used very often by native English speakers. It is important to be aware of them so that you can use them in your conversations.

Must know English idioms

Popular English Idioms

Let us have a look at these famous English Idioms:

1. Go the extra mile

To try very hard or make a special effort to achieve your goal.

Examples:

- If you want to achieve the target you must go the extra mile.
- Go the extra mile and you shall score good marks.

2. Once in a blue moon

When something rarely ever happens

Examples:

- The management conducts meeting once in a blue moon.
- He goes out to the party once in a blue moon.

3. Come out swinging

To be confrontational and strongly defend yourself at the beginning of a debate.

Examples:

- He came out swinging in today’s meeting.
- HR selects candidates who come out swinging in the group discussion.

4. Shoot from the hip

To speak directly


Examples:

- Our new boss shoots from the hip.

- Men like women who shoot from the hip.

5. Blow smoke

To exaggerate or say things that aren’t true, to make you seem better


Examples:

- Don’t you think she is blowing smoke between them?

- The miscommunication that was created between couple was due to blowed smoke.

English Idioms

6. Comfort food

Food that makes you feel better, because it reminds you of your childhood


Examples:

- After a long time, I had a comfort food.

- I enjoy my weekends when my mom prepares some comfort food.

7. Hear on the grapevine

To hear a rumor or unconfirmed story.


Examples:

- I heard on the grapevine that the mother has killed her daughter.

- I heard on the grapevine that Meena and Karan are dating.

8. Sit on the fence

To stay neutral and not take sides.


Examples:

- It’s better to sit on fence rather than talking to you guys.

- You both are my friends so I’ll sit on the fence.

9. Hit the books

To study very hard.


Examples:

- As the exam nears students hit the books.

- To achieve 1st rank you must hit the books.

10. Miss the boat

When someone has missed his/her opportunity to do something.


Examples:

- If Sukanya had not quit her job she would have missed the boat.

- Don’t miss the boat if you are getting a job abroad.

Learning idioms can help you make the conversations easy and better. It is essential to know the meaning before you use them. Learning them will improve your English speaking skills. Join a Spoken English course and improve your English.

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