Most Common Idioms in English

The Most frequently Used Idioms in English

A phrase is a group of words which by itself cannot make complete sentence but obtain meaning through its relation to some part of the sentence in which it stands. Examples: ‘in favor of’, ‘null and void’ , ‘at times’, ‘as a matter of fact’, ‘break down’, ‘carry out’ etc.


Idiom or idiomatic phrase is a phrase which has a meaning different from the meaning of the words constituting the phrase. Some of the most commonly used idiomatic phrases are given below.

1.    LION’S SHARE: the largest or the best part of the whole.
Example:  The lion’s share of the Government’s income goes on employee salaries.

2.    MAKE ENDS MEET: to manage to live within one’s limited income carefully ensuring that income does not exceed the expenses. ( Indian English - “to make both ends meet”)
Example: John has to work in night shift to make ends meet.

3.    THE NAKED TRUTH: the plain truth, statement made without hiding anything.
Example: “I am sorry if my statement hurt you, but it is the naked truth”.

4.    RED-LETTER DAY:  A memorable or important day.
Example: It was a red-letter day in Sanjeev’s life.

5.    PULL SOMEONE’S LEG: To tell someone something that is not true in a playful manner, To tease someone jokingly.
Example: Don’t feel offended. He is just pulling your leg.

6.    TIT FOR TAT: To retaliate, to deliver one blow in return for another.
Example: He dealt with their questions tit for tat.

7.    WHITE ELEPHANT: a possession or project in which high cost of maintenance exceeds the utility and benefits there from.
Example: Most of the Public Sector Units in India are white elephants.

8.    DRAW A BLANK: to fail in an attempt or endeavor, to be unsuccessful,
Example: Indian Intelligence Agencies have drawn a blank in capturing Dawood Ibrahim.

9.    FACE THE MUSIC:  to accept punishment or deal with an unpleasant situation resulted from one’s own action.
Example:  “if you are unable to explain the reasons for delay, you will have to face the music”.

10. ACID TEST: any crucial or decisive test that establishes the worth, value, genuineness, quality etc. of something.
Example: The use of the software by employees is the acid test for proving its worthiness.

About the Author:

Babli Jose, a Master Degree Holder in English language, is a professional English teacher with more than 15 years of experience in reputed institutions in India and Abroad. Join Me On: Facebook, Twitter, Google