The English language is one of the most complex languages in the world today. The fact that it incorporates words from just about every other language causes irregularities and exceptions anyone learning English will testify make it a difficult language to master. Idioms are an area of the language with which many people learning English have trouble. A realistic example of this is the character of Ziva, the Israeli agent on “NCIS,” who frequently flubs idioms on the show — and she does it in a way that always makes me laugh.
An idiom is a phrase in which a group of words is strung together to produce a different (figurative) meaning than the dictionary (literal) definitions of the individual words. American English has approximately 25,000 idiomatic expressions.
But idioms are more than a part of a language; they are a part of a culture. Some idioms used in American English are different than those used in British English. And those used in English are different from those used in other world languages. Idioms often come from unique aspects of a particular culture. They are different from clichés in that clichés are common phrases that have been overused to the point that they are trite and bothersome.
The following are some common idioms that you’ll find in American English:
- Doubting Thomas: A skeptic who needs evidence in order to believe that something is true.
- Use every trick in the book: To try every method possible to achieve a desired result.
- Piece of cake: A task that easily completed or achieved.
- Read between the lines: A meaning that is insinuated or hinted at but not stated outright.
- Back-seat driver: Someone who criticizes or gives unwanted advice from the sidelines.
- Cup of Joe: A cup of coffee.
- Devil’s advocate: Someone who takes the opposing stance for the sake of argument.
- Variety is the spice of life: Different ideas and new things make life more interesting.
- Off-color: In poor taste.
- Eighty-six: An item that is no longer available, or to throw away an item or idea.
- Keep an eye on: To watch carefully.
- Take its toll: To cause damage or loss.
- Pure gold: Fantastic, amazing, wonderful.
- Long in the tooth: Old.
- Saved by the bell: Saved at the last possible moment.
- Wag the dog: A diversion away from something of greater importance.
- Zero tolerance: No diversion from the plan, rules or law will be tolerated.
- Quick study: Someone who can memorize or learn something quickly.
- Beat around the bush: To avoid getting to the point of the subject at hand.
- Neck and neck: Very close or even, as in a race.
- Get carried away: To exaggerate or become overzealous.
- Hands down: Easily; by far.
- Money talks: Money gets things done.
- Face the music: To accept the (usually unpleasant) consequences of your actions.
- In the long run: Ultimately; over a long period of time.
- Just about: Almost.
- Leave a bad taste in the mouth: To make or leave a negative impression.
What are some of your favorite idioms that aren’t on this partial list?
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