Essential English Idioms: Your Ultimate Guide

idioms definition

Do you know what an idiomatic expression (an idiom) is?​​ If not, read on and I’ll tell you in simple terms…

An idiom is a group of words that when put together make a common/well-known phrase. These words don’t usually make sense (especially to an English language learner).

Idioms are a massive part of our language and we use them every day. If you translate them literally, they won’t work. The best way is to learn some of the most popular ones.

Many idioms and expressions can be grouped into different topics. So, if you fancy learning idioms with the verb ‘go’, you can. If you’d prefer learning idioms about ‘love’, you also can. There are lots to choose from.
Scroll through the topics below and click any that take your fancy. All idioms include the meaning and examples with pictures.

 

**HINT**
Idioms often contain a verb and the verb tense changes depending on the context. If you’re unsure on verbs, check out my list of regular an irregular verbs.

Click the links below to get started.

idioms list

Click on the pictures below to learn idiomatic expressions with pictures.

idioms and expressions - adjective phrases
idioms and expressions - animal expressions
idioms and expressions - body expressions
idiomatic expressions - business expressions
idiomatic expressions - clothes idioms
idiomatic expressions - colour idioms
idioms list - education expressions
idioms list - Family sayings/expressions
idioms list - food expressions/idioms
idioms dictionary - health expressions
idioms dictionary - household sayings
idioms dictionary - love expressions - love sayings - love phrases
common english idioms - money expressions - money sayings - money idioms
common english idioms - music sayings - music expressions
common english idioms - nature sayings
british idioms - number idioms and expressions
british idioms - people expressions
british idioms - prepositional phrases - idioms with prepositions
popular idioms - shape idioms
popular idioms - sport sayings
popular idioms - time sayings
popular idioms - travel expressions
verb phrases - verb idioms
popular idioms - weather expressions

If you’ve enjoyed learning some of the thousands of idioms and expressions in English, why not try learning some phrasal verbs? They are an important part of the English language too!