Common Idioms

Idioms are fixed expressions that convey meaning figuratively rather than literally. They add color and personality to language.

Idioms about time

Idioms about time often illustrate urgency, patience, or missed opportunities through memorable imagery.

English Example	English Translation
🕰️ I had to burn the midnight oil to finish the report on time.	I stayed up late working to complete the report.
⏳ She left early to beat the rush hour traffic.	She left before most people to avoid heavy traffic.
⏰ Don’t forget our meeting is at 3 PM sharp.	Remember the meeting is exactly at 3 PM.
🗓️ They scheduled the conference months in advance.	They planned the conference well ahead of time.

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Money idioms highlight value, greed, luck, or spending habits in vivid, relatable ways.

English Example	English Translation
💸 He had to pay through the nose for the concert tickets.	He paid a lot more than expected for the tickets.
🐖 She’s been saving money by putting a little in her piggy bank every week.	She’s saving regularly in a small container.
🏦 They decided to invest their savings in the new startup.	They used their saved money to support a new business.
🧾 I need to budget carefully this month to avoid overspending.	I must plan my spending to not run out of money.

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Idioms about people describe character, behavior, or relationships using striking metaphors.

English Example	English Translation
👥 He’s known as the go-to person whenever anyone needs help.	He’s the reliable person people ask for assistance.
🙋 She always goes the extra mile for her friends.	She does more than expected to help others.
🤝 We agreed to meet halfway on the project deadline.	We compromised to make the deadline fair.
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 They’re two peas in a pod and do everything together.	They are very close and similar friends.

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Animal idioms draw on traits we associate with creatures to comment on humans or situations humorously or sharply.

English Example	English Translation
🐓 He woke up at 5 AM and felt like a rooster crowing at dawn.	He woke very early, like a rooster greeting the morning.
🐕 She’s as loyal as a dog to her childhood friends.	She is very faithful and dependable.
🐝 They were busy as bees preparing for the festival.	They worked very hard and energetically.
🦉 He stayed up late studying and felt like an owl in the night.	He was awake and active during the night hours.

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Use idioms to sound natural and engaging, but make sure your audience understands them and avoid overusing them in formal writing.

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Idioms give language flavor and insight into culture. Learn common ones in context and practice using them naturally.

Last updated: Tue Sep 16, 2025