Useful North American Idioms List (Intermediate to Advanced)

Useful Idioms for Lower-Intermediate to Advanced Students (Teacher's Resource)

My students often tell me that they want to learn idioms. But, in the past, I always found it difficult to find a list of idioms/phrases that was general enough to be useful for everyone. So, I finally broke down and made my own idiom and phrases list. Below is the result of hours of idiom compilation and writing.

Item example:

off the top of your head He asked me to tell him a joke, but I couldn't think of one off the top of my head.

The online list contains definitions. However, I did not provide idiom definitions in the downloadable list two reasons. Firstly, students are more interested when they can try to figure out the idiomatic expression and guess its meaning by themselves. I tried to provide enough context for this in my examples. Secondly, you, the teacher, will be there to define the expression if need be. You need to prove your use somehow :)

Notes:

I am North American, so naturally, this list contains idioms that are most familiar to English speakers in North America.
There are approximately 195 idioms, totaling 11 printed pages. Don't try to teach them all right away! Progress slowly, and finish them off page-by-page over the course of six months or so.
It's difficult to divide idioms into difficulty levels. I tried to begin the list with the easiest/most common expressions and then finish it with slightly more specific/advanced idioms. Many of the idioms on the last few pages are work-related.

Advice

Maybe save 15 minutes of class to study idioms. Don't spend a whole class on idioms.
Only cover 7-8 idioms with your students (you don't have to do a whole page) or they won't remember them well.
Always review the idioms you studied in the previous class. Here is a good warm-up activity (requiring pictures) to review them.
After you have taught 10 or so idioms, do this role-play activity to give your students a chance to use the expressions in conversation.

The Barton Idiom Quiz

All of these idioms can be studied in a game! Visit the Barton Idiom Quiz to test your idiom knowledge.

The Idiom List

Download the complete list: EC-Idioms-Intermediate-Advanced (PDF)

(note: "sth" = something, "sb" = somebody)

ring a bell	A: Do you know April O'Neil? B: Hmm. Maybe. That name rings a bell. Definition = is familiar to you but you can't remember where you heard it
on the one hand / on the other hand	On the one hand, Peter's roommate is kind. On the other hand, he's quite messy. Definition = (expression used to when considering the advantages and disadvantages of sth)
have/keep an open mind	I tried to keep an open mind about Allan even though I'd heard some bad things about him. Definition = be openminded
on the tip of your tongue	His name was on the tip of my tongue… but I couldn't remember it. Definition = used to say you are almost able to remember something, but you can't
a hangover (noun) / hung-over (adj)	Tyler was too hung-over from last night's party to go to work. Definition = unwell from drinking too much alcohol on the previous day
~ish	Let's meet around 4ish. Definition = used to make sth more vague and less exact
fed up	I'm fed up with my neighbour's dog. Definition = so angry that you can no longer tolerate any more of sth
Big deal!	It takes you 15 minutes to walk to school? Big deal! Definition = a sarcastic expression meaning that sth is actually NOT a big deal.
Give sb a hand	My dad gave me a hand with my homework. Definition = helped you
let the cat out of the bag	It was going to be a surprise party, until Todd let the cat out of the bag. Definition = told the secret so other people found out too early
give it a shot	If you think you can make the team, then give it a shot. Definition = give it a try
No way!	A: George, I'm pregnant. B: No way! Definition = similar to "that can't be possible!" / "I don't believe you!"
The more the merrier.	A: Can I invite my brother? B: Sure. The more the merrier. Definition = used to say that the more of sth there is, the better it will be.
give it your all	Even though I lost the race, I gave it my all. Definition = tried your hardest
first-hand	I saw the accident happen, first-hand. Definition = you experienced it personally
a dead end	Let's not take this path. It leads to a dead end. Definition = a place with only an end
time flies	Time flies when you're having fun. Definition = time passes quickly
pull sb's leg	“You have 6 brothers? You're pulling my leg!” Definition = same as "You're joking!"
have sth on your mind	When Dana has something on her mind, she likes to go for a long walk by herself. Definition = to have a certain topic in your thoughts
keep track	I use my watch to keep track of time. Definition = to monitor the time
from scratch	My aunt made the cake from scratch. Definition = from nothing (without any already-prepared materials)
off the top of your head	He asked me to tell him a joke, but I couldn't think of one off the top of my head. Definition = using only the ideas you have in your head at that moment
learn your lesson	The boy learned his lesson. He'll never play with fire again. Definition = to learn sth important about life from making a mistake/doing something wrong
keep/bear in mind	The professor told his students to keep in mind that they only have 50 minutes to complete the test. Definition = not forget; remember
speak your mind	Timmy was afraid to speak his mind in front of his schoolmates. Definition = say what you honestly feel
Just my luck!	It rained on my only day off. Just my luck! Definition = expression used when sth unlucky happens to you. It implies that unlucky things happen to you, thus your luck is bad luck
There's nothing to it.	Why don't you make a simple website for your business? There's nothing to it. Definition = it's very easy; it's a piece of cake
get out of hand	The house party got out of hand, so we had to call the police. Definition = got out of control
cut a long story short	To cut a long story short, Lisa and I have had some interesting experiences together. Definition = to make a long story shorter so it takes less time to say
a piece of cake	The test was a piece of cake. I finished it in 20 minutes. Definition = very easy
break the ice	At the start of the meeting, Mike tried to break the ice by telling a joke. Definition = to initiate social interaction/conversation. (Note: the `ice' is that cold feeling when no one is talking or people don't know each other. You break the ice by beginning to speak or starting an activity (e.g. telling a joke, or doing a warm-up activity))
go out of your way to do sth	I went out of my way to help Jenny find an apartment, and she didn't even say thanks! Definition = to take extra time to make an additional effort to do sth
cross your mind	The thought never even crossed my mind. Definition = to think about sth; to consider sth
road rage	I don't like being in the car with Gary. He has difficulty controlling his road rage. Definition = extreme anger when driving
go on about	The old man went on about his school days for nearly an hour. Definition = to speak for too long about sth uninteresting
slip your mind	I was going to return the library books today after work, but the thought slipped my mind. Definition = used to say you forgot to do sth
have/throw a fit	The baby threw a fit when I took his toy away. Definition = to get angry and begin acting like an angry child
The ball is in your court	The ball is in their court now. Let's wait for their decision. Definition = used to say that YOU now have control of the situation
make your day	Finding a fifty-dollar bill on the ground made my day. Definition = used to say that sth made your day special (and great).
a rip off / to rip sb off	Six dollars for a cup of coffee?! What a rip off! Definition = sth very over-priced
get a kick out of sth	I get a kick out of reading science fiction novels. Definition = to get enjoyment from sth
catch sb's eye	The bright advertisement caught my eye. Definition = to grab sb's attention and make them look at sth
jump the gun	I jumped the gun and asked Gail to marry me. She said she wasn't sure what to say. Definition = to do sth too soon.
give sb a piece of your mind	The angry worker gave his boss a piece of his mind. Definition = to speak angrily to sb about sth bad they have done
cross your fingers	Kate crossed her fingers and hoped it wouldn't rain on her wedding day. Definition = (Westerners cross their fingers when they want good luck)
cost (sb) an arm and a leg	The designer handbag cost her an arm and a leg. Definition = to cost a LOT of money
be in hot water	Ken was in hot water about forgetting his wedding anniversary. Definition = to be in trouble
in a bind	Susan is really in a bind. She has two essays due tomorrow and she hasn't started either of them. Definition = in a difficult situation; stuck in a difficult situation
an eye-opener	The film on global warming was a real eye-opener for Tom. Definition = sth that makes you see or think about sth differently from then on
let off steam	Ted plays squash when he needs to let off steam. Definition = to release anger and frustration
read between the lines	You can figure out the author's opinion by reading between the lines. Definition = to find the hidden meaning in sth that is written or said
go all out	We went all out and booked a five-star hotel for our trip. Definition = to use all of your energy or resources (e.g. money in the above example) to do sth
out of line	Mark's comment was out of line. He shouldn't have said that to a client. Definition = inappropriate; not in accordance with how sb is supposed to behave
be on sb's back	My manager is on my back about being at work on time. Definition = to persistently urge sb to do (or not to do) sth
would not be seen/caught dead	I wouldn't be seen dead wearing an ugly dress like that. Definition = used to say that you would NEVER do sth
have mixed feelings	Larry has mixed feelings about his new job. Definition = to be unsure about sth
draw a blank	When asked for her postal code, Amy drew a blank. Definition = to be unable to remember anything
You name it.	A: Daddy, can I have anything on the menu? B: Sure. You name it, you got it. Definition = synonym of 'whatever you want'; anything
know your stuff	Jim has been a mechanic for 20 years. He really knows his stuff. Definition = to know sth well
left, right and centre	Businesses were closing in town left, right and centre. Definition = everywhere
a change of heart	After seeing a mouse on the floor, I had a change of heart about eating at the restaurant. Definition = a change of feeling; used to say you changed your mind about sth
a long haul	Peter told his boss that he wouldn't quit. He's in it for the long haul. Definition = the long road; the option that takes the most time
be man enough	George was the only one man enough to admit he had made a mistake. Definition = strong enough in character, or strong enough as a man
be second to none	The apple pie at this restaurant is second to none. Definition = the best
know/learn the ropes	It took me a month to learn the ropes at my new job. Definition = the process of learning about sth so you are comfortable with it
a breath of fresh air	The new employee, Gail, is a breath of fresh air in the office. Definition = sth new that adds life and energy to a situation
get your act together	The coach told me that if I didn't get my act together, I'd be kicked off the team. Definition = start behaving properly
set your heart on sth	Eric has his heart set on participating in the Olympics. Definition = to be firmly resolved to do sth
take sb/sth for granted	Keith took it for granted that his girlfriend would always stay with him. Then, one day, she was gone. Definition = to assume too confidently that you'll have sth in the future or forever
play it by ear	A: How long will you stay in Australia? B: I'm not sure. I'm just going to play it by ear. Definition = to improvise; to not make a plan but decide what to do as you do it
put all your eggs in one basket	Greg invested his money in a few different areas. He didn't want to put all his eggs in one basket. Definition = to put all of sth you have in the same area (note: generally viewed as a bad thing to do)
Birds of a feather (flock together)	A: It's funny that all of Kate's friends are attractive. B: So is she. I guess birds of a feather flock together. Definition = similar people tend to spend time with each other.
have second thoughts	I'm starting to have second thoughts about my new apartment. Definition = to have doubts
pay the price for sth	Don't touch my stuff. If you do, you'll pay the price. Definition = to suffer as a consequence of doing sth
a basket case	Darryl's ex-wife is a total basket case. Definition = a crazy person; a nut
on the dot	We arrived at 8 o'clock on the dot. Definition = exactly
not have a clue	I don't have a clue where Nunavut is. Definition = to have no idea or absolutely no knowledge (about sth)
have a shot at	Our team has a shot at winning the championship. Definition = has a chance
the word spread	It took only an hour for word to spread around the office that John had been fired. Definition = for some news to spread ("the word" = some news)
safe and sound	I arrived home from my trip safe and sound. Definition = safe
be a pain (in the neck)	My brother is a real pain in the neck sometimes. Definition = to be annoying/irritating
be in the same boat	The governments of Portugal and Greece are in the same boat. They both need financial assistance. Definition = to be in the same situation
be/feel at home	After two years, James felt at home in Prague. Definition = to feel comfortable, as if you were in your home or hometown
be in sb's good books	Ryan is not in his father's good books right now because he scratched his car. Definition = to be on someone's good side; to be thought of as someone's friend or ally
get out of bed on the wrong side	I'd avoid talking with Bob today. He must've got out of bed on the wrong side. Definition = to wake up in a bad mood
up-and-coming	Roger is an up-and-coming hockey player from Toronto. Definition = young and rising to the top; new and becoming successful
get into gear	You'd better get into gear or you'll be late. Definition = hurry up; start moving at a faster speed
out of the blue	One day, out of the blue, I received a letter from my former schoolmate. Definition = unscheduled; without previous warning
set the record straight	In a TV interview, the politician set the record straight about his experiences in the military. Definition = to clarify what is true/factual about a story or thing
keep an eye on	The security guard kept an eye on the suspicious man. Definition = watch closely; monitor
a grey area	Because of a grey area in his job description, Peter was not exactly sure what all of his responsibilities were. Definition = a vague area; an unclear area; an area that is neither black nor white
get/let sb off the hook	Luckily for her, the policeman let Jane off the hook for parking her car in a no-parking zone. Definition = to let someone go free instead of holding them responsible for sth bad
out of sight, out of mind.	Jim was happy when his ex-girlfriend moved out of his apartment -- out of sight, out of mind. Definition = this means that if you do not see someone regularly, you will stop thinking about them.
give sb the cold shoulder	Ted gave his ex-girlfriend the cold shoulder when he saw her at the party. Definition = to ignore sb
The ins and outs	It took Alan a year to learn all the ins and outs of his job. Definition = to know all aspects of sth; to know completely how sth works
line of work	The fireman said that injuries were common in his line of work. Definition = job field; type of work
make do	I forgot to buy groceries so I had to make do with what was left in the fridge. Definition = to survive/get by with what you have at that moment
get sth off your chest	A: Keith, there's something I need to get off my chest. B: What's bothering you? Tell me. Definition = to say something serious or difficult that you have been thinking about for a while.
know sth like the back of your hand	Takeshi knows the streets of Kyoto like the back of his hand. Definition = to be very familiar with sth
in the bag	After scoring their fourth goal, the victory was in the bag. Definition = certain to be secured/obtained;
be on the ball	Greg isn't on the ball today. He keeps making silly mistakes. Definition = to be thinking well and reacting quickly
off and on / on and off	Tara and Mike have been seeing each other off and on for a year now. Definition = intermittently
for the time being	I plan to move into my own apartment in September. For the time being, I'm staying with friend Doug. Definition = just for the present moment
burn your bridges	Jack tried to be kind to his boss when he quit in job because he didn't want to burn his bridges. Definition = ruin a relationship, resulting in you being unable to return somewhere
get/be given the sack / sack (verb)	Alan got the sack for repeatedly coming into work late. Definition = to be fired
on the back burner	The project was put on the back burner while the company focused on a more immediate problem. Definition = set as a lower priority
get cold feet	It's normal to get cold feet before your wedding day. Definition = to become nervous/frightened right before sth you had planned to do
hit rock bottom	After being fired and then kicked out of his apartment, Jake really hit rock bottom. Definition = to be in the lowest situation, e.g. without money or friends. to be in the unhappiest situation of your life
talk shop	Everyone agreed not to talk shop at the staff party. Definition = to talk about work-related things
start/get the ball rolling	It's time we start the ball rolling on the new project. Definition = to take the first step to begin a process
get your foot in the door	Janice took a position as an administrative assistant to get her foot in the door at the famous fashion company. Definition = to complete the first step towards achieving an opportunity
well-off / well-to-do	Lloyd comes from a well-to-do family. His friends often ask to borrow money from him. Definition = rich; wealthy
pull your weight	Lisa had to work extra hard because a few members of the team weren't pulling their weight. Definition = to do your share of the work; to contribute your share of effort
a gut feeling	I have a gut feeling that something bad is going to happen today. Definition = an intuitive feeling
if need be	If need be, we can take a taxi home. Definition = If necessary,..
in the middle of nowhere	Their car broke down in the middle of nowhere. Definition = in a place far away from anywhere known to you
go with the flow	Jake didn't want to go to another bar, but everyone else did, so he went with the flow. Definition = to let yourself to be guided by the choices of others
play your cards right	If Linda plays her cards right, she could be the department manager by next year. Definition = make the appropriate moves/choices
follow in sb's footsteps	Bill chose to follow in his father's footsteps and become a dentist. Definition = follow someone else's path
have your heart set on sth	Alan has his heart set on participating in the 2020 Olympics. Definition = to be firmly resolved to do sth
You can say that again!	A: I met your boss today. He's a real jerk. B: You can say that again! Definition = expression that means that you definitely agree with what was just said.
I'm all ears	A: Doug, I've discovered the meaning of life. B: Really? I'm all ears. Definition = I'm listening intently.
small talk	After some small talk, the interview began. Definition = discussion about light topics such as the weather
put sth on hold	Greg had to put his weekend plans on hold and go into the office on Saturday for a few hours. Definition = to postpone sth
common ground	The two boys had some common ground: they both loved football. Definition = something held in common; a common interest or trait
politically (in)correct	Marcel told a politically incorrect joke at the company party. No one laughed. Definition = politically correct = worded in a sensitive way that will not harm the audience
have had it up to here	“I've had it up to here with this mess! Clean your room now!” Definition = I'm fed up; I've had enough; something said when you cannot handle anymore of something that is aggravating you
have your work cut out	If we want to finish this by Friday, then we've really got our work cut out for us. Definition = expression that means you have a lot of work to do in little time
get the picture	A: The fight was horrible. One man kept punching the other again and again and again-- B: OK. That's enough. I get the picture. Definition = to understand what is being illustrated or explained
see eye to eye	Mike and his father don't see eye to eye on the issue of abortion. Definition = to agree on sth; to have the same views on sth
call it a day	It's already 6 pm. Let's call it a day. Definition = expression said near the end of a day which means "That's enough for today. Let's end and go home."
twist sb's arm	I really had to twist my sister's arm to get her to pick me up from the airport. Definition = to make a great effort to convince sb to do sth for you
bring sth to light	The report brought some previously unknown facts to light about the causes of cancer. Definition = to make something previously unknown become known
be in the dark / keep sb in the dark	Most of the employees were kept in the dark about the merger until the last minute. Definition = to be uninformed; to not be told know what's happening
go up in smoke	After breaking his leg, Darryl's dream to play professional hockey went up in smoke. Definition = to be wasted; to become impossible; when the chances of sth happening burn away
go downhill	After his wife divorced him, Victor's life really went downhill. Definition = decline; become worse
at your fingertips	With the World Wide Web, people have a vast amount of information at their fingertips. Definition = directly accessible
poke fun at	The kids poked fun at George because he was wearing his t-shirt backwards.
Easier said than done.	A: You should get a girlfriend who's beautiful AND kind. B: Easier said than done. Definition = expression that means that sth is much easier to SAY than actually accomplish.
the bottom line	A: Doctor, what's the bottom line? B: If you don't quit smoking, you'll die within a year. Definition = the final result
call the shots	The boss told Janet to call the shots while he was away. Definition = to make the decisions
know/learn sth by heart	Hank knows every Elvis song by heart. Definition = to memorize sth
get a move on	If we don't get a move on, we'll miss the bus. Definition = to start moving; to start going
miss the point	“You missed the point. The book was about the problems of capitalism, not how to make money.” Definition = to fail to grasp the most important part of sth
hold/stand your ground	Although their enemy outnumbered them, the soldiers stood their ground. Definition = to stay in your position without running away.
be child's play	The tennis match was child's play for Ben. Definition = a piece of cake; something so easy a child could do it
be only a matter of time	The scientist said it's only a matter of time before a big earthquake hits California. Definition = used to say that sth will inevitably happen (sooner or later)
push your luck	A: Dad, can I have another ice cream cone? B: Don't push your luck, kid. Definition = to expect continued good fortune
raise (a few) eyebrows	Francine's short skirt raised a few eyebrows. Definition = to make people slightly shocked or surprised
a matter of opinion	The best restaurant in Europe is, of course, a matter of opinion. Definition = sth that is subjective
be that as it may	A: Tyler is such a selfish guy. B: Be that as it may, he's your brother. You have to love him. Definition = expression that means "even though that is true" / "even so, .."
if/when push comes to shove	If push comes to shove, I'll be here to support you. Definition = if/when the situation becomes difficult/intense
against your better judgement	Against his better judgement, Jim let his friend drive home drunk. Definition = sth you did even though, at that time, you thought it was wrong thing to do
add insult to injury	To add insult to injury, Greg's wife left him for his best friend. Definition = to make an insulting situation even worse
the last straw	When the boss told me to come in to work on Saturday, that was the last straw. Definition = the final thing that causes sth to collapse or sb to lose their temper/get angry
be up in the air	Jim's vacation plans were still up in the air. Definition = for sth to be undecided; undetermined
not have the faintest/foggiest idea	I don't have the faintest idea where Wollongong is. Definition = to not know sth at all
the icing on the cake	Paula enjoyed the concert, and getting to meet the artist backstage after the show was the icing on the cake. Definition = an additional thing that makes sth good become great
get/jump/leap on the bandwagon	Janet doesn't normally watch hockey but she jumped on the bandwagon because her city's team was in the playoffs. Definition = to join the crowd; to do what most other people are doing
the fine/small print	My father reads the fine print on every contract he signs. Definition = the information typed in a smaller font, usually on a contract
stuck/be in a rut	The singer was stuck in a rut. All of her recent songs sounded the same. Definition = to be in a situation in which you cannot make any progress
run-of-the-mill	Kate is a waitress at a run-of-the-mill bar and restaurant in London. Definition = typical
face the music	Tina knew that one day her parents would see her tattoo and then she'd have to face the music. Definition = to take responsibility for what you have done
to keep sth/sb at bay	Bodyguards kept the reporters at bay while the movie stars entered the theatre. Definition = to keep a threat away from coming too near
be up in arms	People were up in arms [about/over] the government's plan to raise the retirement age. Definition = in an uproar; very angry
bite your tongue	Jack bit his tongue while his manager criticized his performance. Definition = to refrain from saying sth because you don't think it would be a good idea
leave a lot to be desired	The design of our office building leaves a lot to be desired. Definition = is unsatisfactory
off the beaten track	Mike and Mary had dinner a quiet restaurant off the beaten track in Paris. Definition = away from the area most people visit/go
pick sb's brains	Mike is a marketing genius. People often invite him to lunch or dinner so they can pick his brains. Definition = to ask someone many questions so you can learn from him/her
whet your appetite	The 30-second trailer was designed to whet people's appetites. Definition = to make people want more; to stimulate your appetite so you desire more
sour grapes	A: People with nice cars just want attention. B: That sounds like sour grapes because you can't afford one. Definition = expression that means something was said out of jealousy
a blessing in disguise	Losing his job turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Afterward, Roger found his dream job. Definition = a good thing that first appears as a bad thing
give sb the benefit of the doubt	I told the teacher that it wasn't me who broke the window. Thankfully, he gave me the benefit of the doubt. Definition = to choose to believe sth good about sb instead of believing sth bad (when you have the choice to believe either)
jog sb's memory	Jeff said he couldn't remember the song's lyrics, but hearing the first few words jogged his memory. Definition = to make sb remember sth
foot the bill	George agreed to foot the bill for dinner. Definition = to pay the bill for sth
have it in for sb	A: Why are you hiding from your brother? B: He has it in for me. He knows I lost his football. Definition = to be very angry at sb
be in the red	The company has been in the red since September. Definition = at a deficit; running at a loss; losing money
get/catch wind of sth	Once the school principal caught wind of the problem, she called a teachers' meeting. Definition = to learn about some news;
a rule of thumb	As a rule of thumb, I don't eat food that smells bad. Definition = a personal principle
be on the same wavelength	The group members were all on the same wavelength, so they were able to finish their project quickly. Definition = to think in a similar way to others
up to speed	After her holiday, it took Kate a few hours to get back up to speed on the recent developments in her company. Definition = to be updated; to not be behind; to have all the current information
play devil's advocate	Although Jim is against the death penalty, he told his friend he was for it just to play devil's advocate. Definition = to argue against sb just so you can hear your opponent's reasoning
bend/lean over backwards	Lisa bent over backwards to get her brother a job in her company, so she was surprised to learn he quit today. Definition = to make a great effort to do sth or help sb
pass the buck	The politician passed the buck onto someone else instead of accepting responsibility for the problem. Definition = to pass blame onto sb else
take the plunge	Jerry has finally decided to take the plunge. Tomorrow he's going to start looking for an office job. Definition = begin an important/difficult task that you've been thinking about for a long time (note: to plunge is into dive into something)
call sb's bluff	When Mike heard his friend say she knew all of the world's capitals, he called her bluff and asked her to name the capital of Mozambique. Definition = to make sb prove that what they are saying is true
have a chip on your shoulder	Tim has had a chip on his shoulder about businesswomen since he lost his job to a woman three years ago. Definition = to have anger about sth that happened in the past
breathe down sb's neck	Jim found it hard to focus on his work with his boss breathing down his neck. Definition = to watch sb very closely (often in an annoying way)
climb the career/corporate ladder	John was happy with his promotion to senior salesperson. He was slowly climbing the corporate ladder. Definition = to advance in a company by being promoted to the top
red tape	Mark's visa application was held up for six months because of red tape. Definition = rules and regulations that prevent you from achieving sth easily
give sb free rein	When his father died, Mark was given free rein to do whatever he liked with the family business. Definition = to give sb full control of sth
the be-all-and-end-all	Getting into Harvard Law School became the be-all-and-end-all of Tony's existence. Definition = the only thing that matters; sth so good that it will end the search for sth better
blow sth out of proportion	The media blew the story out of proportion. Definition = exaggerate sth; to make sth seem much more significant that it really is
bury the hatchet	Susan and Mike agreed that it was time to bury the hatchet. They apologized and decided to be friends again. Definition = to stop fighting and become friendly. (A hatchet is a small axe.)

Can't find an idiom? See page two. Want to study more? Take the idioms quiz.

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Copyright Matthew Barton, July 2011, of Englishcurrent.com. Do not remove website name or URL from printable materials.

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96 comments on “Useful North American Idioms List (Intermediate to Advanced)”

vipin (Posted on 10-3-2012 at 12:02)
can u give me the mean of rettled the rooftop like thunder.
I hope u can……………..
1. mb Post author (Posted on 10-3-2012 at 15:57)
  rettled isn’t a word. you probably mean ‘rattled the rooftop like thunder’. this means the rooftop shook like it was in a storm.
Hase (Posted on 10-17-2012 at 14:01)
thaks a lot, can you help with the expressions
To take the plunge
To be a real bind
To be a pitch black
Yo stay on target
Shame on you
All the racket
1. mb Post author (Posted on 10-17-2012 at 21:26)
  Please view page two (https://www.englishcurrent.com/idioms/english-idioms-list-page-2-student-requests/) for the definitions of some of those idioms.
devani (Posted on 11-7-2012 at 05:16)
very interesting and so useful to all of the students in malaysia.i like to find this like page to improve my english.i can learn so many new words such as face the music and be in the red.i also say happy deepavali to all the indians in the world
ryam (Posted on 11-17-2012 at 05:31)
thanks….. can you help me with this idioms;
To break the ice
To sell like hot cakes
Lion’s share
From a to z
Red letter day
To bury the hatchet
1. mb Post author (Posted on 11-17-2012 at 11:10)
  Please view page two (https://www.englishcurrent.com/idioms/english-idioms-list-page-2-student-requests/) for the definitions of those idioms.
2. Gerald (Posted on 9-27-2013 at 23:24)
  Lion’s share=For example, I have a cake and decided to share it with my friends and when I share most of cake for me that’s I’m having a lion’s share
priya (Posted on 11-18-2012 at 15:47)
i was asked to make a booklet on idioms . but this helped me to do my works. thanks
mimi (Posted on 12-5-2012 at 07:14)
what was sth and sb means
1. mb (Posted on 12-5-2012 at 10:08)
  sth = something, sb = somebody
dheepsika (Posted on 1-10-2013 at 15:11)
I need to know few idioms that can be used in regular to beautify the flow of language. Can you please guide me with that.
1. mb Post author (Posted on 1-10-2013 at 22:26)
  I’m not sure I can help. Can you be more specific? English can sound more poetic and illustrative if you use metaphors and similes (comparisons using ‘like’ or ‘as’). For example, “He is as brave as a lion.”
sharmathi (Posted on 1-16-2013 at 13:41)
really worthy….thank you but could you please hep me with these:-
1)A leopard cannot change its thoughts.
2)A house divided against itself cannot stand.
3)A drop in the bucket.
1. mb Post author (Posted on 1-16-2013 at 21:46)
  1) I don’t know this expression. Try Googling it. It may mean something like “stubborn people cannot accept the ideas of others” but I’m not totally sure.
  2) “A house divided” means a house with inhabitants who have different opinions amongst themselves. They are “divided” (in opinion). Such a house, which is full of disagreement, cannot “stand”. This means it will not last long; soon the house will fall or the people will become unhappy.
  3) I really need to see the whole sentence to give you the exact meaning. But generally, a drop in a bucket is used to describe something that is very small and almost insignifican (compared to the size of the bucket). For example, donating $10 dollars to Africa is just a drop in a bucket (it’s such a little amount compared to the amount of help that is needed).
2. Sinclairs (Posted on 2-15-2013 at 14:26)
  Hi Sharmathi,
  I am afraid it is not “A leopard can’t change its thoughts”, it is “A leopard can’t change his spots”. It means someone who has born with a evil nature cannot change. It is a quote from The Holy Bible- Jeremiah 13:23.
flidiars (Posted on 1-23-2013 at 01:26)
got another, money doesn’t grow on trees
1. Emma (Posted on 9-23-2013 at 09:04)
  ‘Money doesn’t grow on trees’ means that you have to work for money- it’s not free. Imagine a child asking their mother for more money: Child: ‘Mum, can I have £10 to go to the cinema?’. Mother: ‘I gave you money yesterday, have you spent it already? Money doesn’t grow on trees y’know!’
Sinclairs (Posted on 2-15-2013 at 14:31)
Great Job, Mr.Barton! I am a language and soft skills trainer in India. I used your collection of Idioms to teach my pupils. It worked wonders! Thanks for adding the definition- Now they are “Head over heels in love with the Idioms” :-)
1. mb Post author (Posted on 2-20-2013 at 10:10)
  I’m glad to hear it! Thanks for your support!
emilyana (Posted on 3-28-2013 at 07:46)
For a change add idioms like catch a cold, slow boat to china, pie in the sky and toot your own horn and many more idioms for kids and more this was just not helpful try changing it for good comments.
1. mb (Posted on 3-28-2013 at 19:53)
  As per the title of the page, this is a list of *useful* idioms for people in North America. It is not meant to be a list of all the idioms in the English language.
Sampritha Nayak (Posted on 4-1-2013 at 07:41)
Thank you, sir. Being a english teacher it has really helped me. I can make my students to understand and speak fluently in english. thanks a lot. expecting more notes from you.
P.Augustin (Posted on 5-8-2013 at 14:13)
englishcurrent.com is very useful site in terms of increasing vocabulary strength.please continue to update matters relevant.thank you.
sabiha qureshi (Posted on 5-11-2013 at 11:22)
It is good for language but I want it’s translation into Urdu.please
1. mb (Posted on 5-11-2013 at 11:56)
  Sorry but I do not know Urdu :)
cristina jo (Posted on 6-6-2013 at 16:59)
it is great! would help me with these idioms:
make greart fuss about.
i dare say.
get sick of.
that is to say.
for instance.
be much better off than.
get on.
be some credit to…..
1. mb Post author (Posted on 6-6-2013 at 17:31)
  Please view page two (https://www.englishcurrent.com/idioms/english-idioms-list-page-2-student-requests/) for the definitions of those idioms.
Norcel (Posted on 7-9-2013 at 13:46)
can you help me with this idiom
1 still in fig leaves
2 another bone for the brutes
3 greedy dog by the society
4 straightening up the world
5 wear a straight jacket
6 half a century apart
7 keeping the lions share of oneself
8 go to the end of the earth
9 dragonflies of their dreams
10 bury myself
1. mb Post author (Posted on 7-10-2013 at 00:26)
  Sorry. I cannot do all of your homework for you. Please try searching the idiom + “meaning” on Google. You will usually get results.
mb Post author (Posted on 7-20-2013 at 17:33)
This is not a list of all idioms in the world (that would take hundreds of pages). It’s a list of ‘Useful North American Idioms.’
mb Post author (Posted on 8-22-2013 at 18:43)
By ‘brites,’ do you mean British? I’m not a British English speaker so I will leave that to the British to do ;)
huma (Posted on 9-2-2013 at 14:19)
can you help me with these idioms
1.bits and pieces
2.man in the street
3.raising spirit
4.pass through
5.fall a prey
1. mb (Posted on 9-2-2013 at 23:32)
  Many of those are not idioms.
  1 = bits and pieces literally means something has broken up into small pieces. For example, “I will try to pick up the bits and pieces of my shattered life.” means your life was broken into pieces, and you are trying to put it back together.
  5= ‘to fall prey to something’ means to become the victim of something.
  The others don’t sound like idioms to me. Without context, I am not sure if they have any meaning other than their literal meaning. Good luck.
  1. Emma (Posted on 9-23-2013 at 08:59)
    Hi,
    I might be able to shed light (help you understand) on some of these. Mb, are they specifically British then?
    2. Man in the street – a normal person who doesn’t stand out from the crowd
    3. Raising you spirits – to do something to make you feel happier/ more cheerful
    Number 4, ‘passing through’ is a phrasal verb – in its literal form it means ‘not stopping’ i.e. the train is passing through the station. And in it’s phrasal form, it means ‘won’t be around for long’ e.g. Ben has a new girlfriend but knowing him she’s only passing through.
Nursultan (Posted on 9-3-2013 at 05:26)
hey everybody!! can i use these words as a set expressions??
1. mb (Posted on 9-3-2013 at 11:49)
  Most are set expressions. Generally, you can’t change the words in these idioms. Otherwise, the expressions will lose their meanings.
huma (Posted on 9-3-2013 at 13:03)
what does “a three dog night”idiom means
1. mb Post author (Posted on 9-11-2013 at 09:53)
  For quick answers, you can just search “three dog night idiom” on Google. I’d never heard of the expression. According to the web, it means a night that is so cold you need to sleep with 3 dogs in your bed to keep you warm.
madhab.jha73@gmail.com (Posted on 9-6-2013 at 02:23)
Respected Sir
All the selected phrases written by you are very useful for me as well as all the readers, teachers and the students of English Literature and Language. I am very happy to read these idioms and phrases and being a very ordinary writer I Wii use these phrases to make my sentences meaningful and impressive.
Thank you very much sir for providing us these materials to read and we religiously share these beautiful phrases to our good students. Congratulations & Thanks once again & hope we will get more new phrase in this website in the days to come.
R M Jha.
1. John hlyan (Posted on 1-7-2014 at 22:27)
  I’ve printed this idioms to improve and speak just like American native speaker .
karim (Posted on 9-16-2013 at 11:34)
hello
it was one of the most interesting and informative sites i have ever visited.
I learned so many things about the meaning of idioms.
THANKS
priyaa shen (Posted on 9-16-2013 at 12:44)
Can you please say me the meaning and sentence of the idioms and phrases.
1. mb Post author (Posted on 9-16-2013 at 16:38)
  Hello. If you click on the link “Definition”, it will show you the meaning.
  1. Anonymous (Posted on 10-28-2013 at 09:13)
    aren’t you happy on only these
    atleast u should thank him
Javier (Posted on 9-19-2013 at 05:34)
In this site learning idioms is a piece of cake !! Thank you so much!!
1. kathryn (Posted on 7-27-2015 at 07:53)
  \whats that hindi ko maintindihan yung definition
Emma (Posted on 9-23-2013 at 09:05)
Great list – I was losing hope of finding something like this and thinking I would have to do my own! Many thanks for putting in the effort and saving me a lot of time!
kashifa (Posted on 11-17-2013 at 00:00)
kindly tell me the”mind of books”.
1. mb Post author (Posted on 11-17-2013 at 01:44)
  Hmm. I’m not sure. Can you give me a full sentence as an example?
fizzi (Posted on 1-1-2014 at 14:31)
i am totally impressed with your precious collection…. even though its a best and splendid site i have ever seen….but i think you should add more plzzzz ,,best of luck.
Jim Horton (Posted on 1-3-2014 at 04:49)
These idioms aren’t peculiar to North America, as the author seems to suggest, they are also commonly used in the United Kingdom.
shagufta naheed (Posted on 2-14-2014 at 16:41)
this is good page i got today after 3 hours searching should i learn by heart for speaking in english
Gururaj (Posted on 2-25-2014 at 14:22)
Hi all,
It's really good one!!! where have learned English phrases and idoms.
najiha (Posted on 3-9-2014 at 10:39)
looking for idioms to face an examination tomorrow. this site have helping me little bit :) wish me luck.
Magdalena (Posted on 4-7-2014 at 12:12)
Wow! This really is a great website! Knowing all of these idoms by heart would be a great project for my Easter vacation. They will be very useful for my exams in may!
Thank you very much for sharing!
mb Post author (Posted on 4-19-2014 at 16:45)
Can you find someone to speak with in your town or city? Maybe there is an English conversation group.
xserxes (Posted on 6-22-2014 at 03:30)
Really helped a lot. Thank you. Could you help to find the meaning of “perhaps, its just as well”?
1. mb Post author (Posted on 6-22-2014 at 10:55)
  'just as well' means it's fortunate that something happened when compared to the alternative. For example:
  A: I didn't go to the party yesterday.
  B: It's just as well. Your ex-girlfriend was there.
  The meaning is that it is lucky/fortunate that you didn't go because if he had gone, he would have met his ex-girlfriend (the alternative), who he dislikes.
pauline (Posted on 7-1-2014 at 22:44)
can u please tell me what this means . im way ahead of u in the gam of life.you thought you were in first place but im way ahead of you you just forgot i was there
pauline (Posted on 7-1-2014 at 22:48)
my boyfriend said that to me ..marital satis
im confused plz help me figure this out
1. mb Post author (Posted on 7-2-2014 at 23:46)
  1) "I'm way ahead of you in the game of life" means that I'm at a higher stage/level than you are in life. For example, if you are still a high school student and I'm already in university, you could say that I am 'ahead' of you in life. Whoever said this to you was bragging and staying that his/her life is better than yours.
  2) marital satis = marital status. Your marital status is either 'married' or 'single'.
Smith Timung (Posted on 7-20-2014 at 05:27)
thanks alot,
can you help with the expression "pull the plug" and "walking disaster" ?
MYKEY (Posted on 8-12-2014 at 10:53)
HI I AM MIKEY AND I AM IN GRADE6. I WANTED TO ASK YOU, DO ALL SENTENCES HAVE IDIOMS OR ARE IDIOMS SENTENCES THEMSELVES? FROM SOUTH AFRICA
1. mb Post author (Posted on 8-12-2014 at 22:35)
  Hi Mikey. Not all sentences have idioms. Idioms are words that have special meaning when put together. For example, if I say that you are "all ears", it doesn't mean that you are literally completely ears. The words 'all' + 'ears', when combined, mean that you are listening. This is a special meaning.
  Most idioms are not sentences. Sentences contain a subject and a verb. Most idioms are just expressions that are used within a sentence. For example, "I went crazy". The idiom here is 'go crazy', but it does not include the subject "I".
howard blaz (Posted on 10-20-2014 at 11:20)
“pay attention” instead of “attend to” – Why “Pay”? What gives it a commercial aspect and is this purely American?
1. mb Post author (Posted on 10-23-2014 at 22:06)
  ‘attend to’ has a different meaning in North America. Consider: “Pay attention to the teacher.” and “Attend to the teacher.” In North America, the latter would mean to take care of the teacher. Yes, these idioms are North American, hence the title of this page. As to why we say ‘pay’, your guess is as good as mine.
Anonymous (Posted on 11-24-2014 at 10:50)
can you help with these idioms.
along the way
to be about
to be fed up with
to be up to sb
every now and then
to get on with sb just as well there are left
1. mb Post author (Posted on 5-30-2015 at 13:16)
  Please view page two (https://www.englishcurrent.com/idioms/english-idioms-list-page-2-student-requests/) for the definitions of those idioms.
sumanth (Posted on 12-5-2014 at 20:38)
please give me the list of phrases with their meanings and examples
1. mb Post author (Posted on 12-22-2014 at 13:54)
  Look up.
faiza (Posted on 1-1-2015 at 01:41)
will u get me to know an example for “odds and ends”
1. mb Post author (Posted on 1-7-2015 at 15:49)
  Please view page two (https://www.englishcurrent.com/idioms/english-idioms-list-page-2-student-requests/) for the definition of that idiom.
Leyla (Posted on 1-9-2015 at 08:02)
Perfect, very usefull, but how can I save to my computer.
I think you are very good in your field. and I miss you.
Leyla
1. mb Post author (Posted on 1-12-2015 at 23:03)
  Thank you. There is a link above to a .DOC file you can download for free. The link is before the first idiom.
Anonymous (Posted on 1-11-2015 at 15:12)
all of the above idioms are just good to memorize but is there any common idioms which can be used in a normal conversation. ??
garima (Posted on 5-9-2015 at 11:11)
Sir, can u please help me with this one-against your grain along with its usage.?
1. mb Post author (Posted on 5-9-2015 at 11:51)
  Please view page two (https://www.englishcurrent.com/idioms/english-idioms-list-page-2-student-requests/) for the definition of that idiom.
bbbb (Posted on 5-14-2015 at 01:49)
good site but i want the meaning of
1.heavens group have formed a group
1. mb Post author (Posted on 5-14-2015 at 10:54)
  That does not seem to be an idiom.
Anonymous (Posted on 5-29-2015 at 03:31)
It was a great helper for me
Thanks for these idioms
Can you please tell me the meaning of “hit the nail on the head”
1. mb Post author (Posted on 5-29-2015 at 12:24)
  Comments are now closed. Please view page two (https://www.englishcurrent.com/idioms/english-idioms-list-page-2-student-requests/) to make a comment or request a definition of an idiom.
shella (Posted on 5-29-2015 at 03:37)
I want the meaning of
1)A hard and fast rule
2)Through thick and thin
3)Back to the drawing board
4)Beat around the bush
5)Best of both worlds
6)Hit the nail on the head
7)A hard nut to crack
With sentences
1. mb Post author (Posted on 5-29-2015 at 12:15)
  Please view page two (https://www.englishcurrent.com/idioms/english-idioms-list-page-2-student-requests/) for the definitions of those idioms.
Eric (Posted on 6-10-2015 at 10:42)
Hello
This is a great page, you helped me a lot. I took your first 100 idioms and i did the phonetic symbols for the example sentences.
I am sharing you my link in google drive:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0U7Ma67BbmtaFI0a3NscmxEbTQ/view?usp=sharing
note: i checked twice but if you find any error please tell me.
1. mb Post author (Posted on 6-10-2015 at 11:16)
  Wow. That looks like a lot of work. Did you do it as an assignment as part of a course you are taking? Or are you just interested in IPA and teaching pronunciation?
faseun ifeoluwa (Posted on 6-15-2015 at 21:18)
this idiom really help me alot thanks to the person who wrote it am really grateful what is the meaning of body and soul,and a pat at the back
1. mb Post author (Posted on 6-15-2015 at 23:12)
  Those aren’t really idioms. Body and soul usually means literally someone’s body and soul (e.g. I love him, body and soul.) A pat on the back is also usually literally patting someone on the back. We do this to congratulate someone.
karen (Posted on 8-4-2015 at 07:22)
what is break a leg for idiom
muhibba (Posted on 8-9-2015 at 16:37)
Can you please give me the meaning and examples of these:the man in the street and to develop a cold feet
Eli (Posted on 8-10-2015 at 06:05)
This is by far the best compilation of idioms i have come across online and its downloadble!! Thank you very much for this. It would have been so much better if the downloaded doc could show the meanings too and not just the idioms and their usages. Can you please look into it? Thanks again!
AATA (Posted on 9-22-2015 at 11:41)
Thanks for you.this idioms are help me in ssc exam
Hery (Posted on 11-5-2015 at 05:49)
Make meaningful sentence using the text based idoms and phrases given below : a mamoth task
victor (Posted on 11-11-2015 at 05:32)
thanks for giving an opportunity to shine in the class by this idioms
Noman Sheikh (Posted on 11-13-2015 at 01:04)
please tell me the correct idiom which is on diamond, like we says:
“worth of a diamond, knows only jeweler”
1. mb Post author (Posted on 11-15-2015 at 18:24)
  I’m not sure we have an idiom that matches this. However, if you said that (“Only a jeweller knows the worth of a diamond.”), it would make complete sense (and it sounds nice).

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