Idioms & Phrases

Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.

“Losing that job was a blessing in disguise — it led her to a much better career.”

To make a bad situation worse.

“His sarcastic comment only added fuel to the fire during the argument.”

Something very easy to do.

“The exam was a piece of cake after all that practice.”

To start over after a failed attempt.

“The proposal was rejected, so it’s back to the drawing board for the team.”

Pursuing a mistaken course of action; blaming the wrong person.

“If you think I took your pen, you’re barking up the wrong tree.”

To avoid saying something directly.

“Stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened.”

To face a difficult situation with courage.

“She decided to bite the bullet and confront her manager about the delay.”

To ease tension or start a conversation in a social setting.

“He told a joke to break the ice at the start of the meeting.”

To work late into the night.

“She burned the midnight oil for a week before the final exam.”

To narrowly succeed at something.

“He passed the interview by the skin of his teeth.”

To stop working on something for the time being.

“We’ve made good progress — let’s call it a day.”

To do something in the easiest or cheapest way, often sacrificing quality.

“The contractor cut corners on materials, and the building suffered for it.”

To be upset about something that has already happened and can’t be changed.

“The deal fell through, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk now.”

To become nervous and back out of a plan, often at the last moment.

“He got cold feet just before signing the contract.”

To believe someone’s explanation without proof, trusting their honesty.

“I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt — she’s usually reliable.”

To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.

“Your analysis hit the nail on the head — that was exactly the issue.”

Just in time; at the last possible moment.

“The ambulance arrived in the nick of time.”

To join others in doing something that has become popular.

“Once the trend caught on, everyone jumped on the bandwagon.”

To achieve two goals with a single action.

“By walking to the meeting, she killed two birds with one stone — exercise and a commute.”

To accidentally reveal a secret.

“He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.”

Undecided about something.

“I’m still on the fence about accepting the offer.”

Very rarely.

“We only meet once in a blue moon these days.”

To calm down and regain control of your emotions.

“Pull yourself together — we still have work to finish.”

To risk everything on a single plan or option.

“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket — apply to more than one exam.”

To fully agree with someone.

“The two departments finally see eye to eye on the new policy.”

Said when a person being discussed unexpectedly appears.

“Speak of the devil — here comes Raj now.”

To reveal secret information.

“She accidentally spilled the beans about the promotion.”

To not take something too literally or seriously.

“Take his advice with a grain of salt — he’s often overly cautious.”

A situation combining the advantages of two different things.

“Working from home two days a week gives her the best of both worlds.”

Feeling slightly unwell.

“He stayed home today — he’s feeling a bit under the weather.”

Something from the past that is no longer worth worrying about.

“The disagreement is water under the bridge now — we’ve moved on.”