essay writing with idioms

Writing idioms: Inspiring phrases about writing and writers

Struggling with writer’s block? These writing idioms will get your mind flowing again.

In this list we cover English idioms about writing, writers, letters, and even paper. We have also included a few proverbs on these topics! All of these phrases include a definition and example sentences to help you learn how to use them.

So, pen at the ready, and let’s go!

Writing idioms

Get it in writing.

You’ll hear people use the expression get it in writing when they want to have physical proof of an agreement. They don’t just want to rely on a handshake or verbal agreement.

“Unless you get it in writing, I can’t proceed with the deal.”

Related to this, someone may ask you to put it in writing when you are forming an agreement.

Wet signature

Similar to the expression above, sometimes you are required to sign something with a wet signature (as opposed to an e-signature). This means that you must physically sign with a pen or other writing implement.

“That bank is so old-fashioned; they need a wet signature for me to open an account.”

Handwriting like chicken scratch

Hopefully, no one says you have handwriting like chicken scratch . It’s a way of describing someone’s writing as very messy – even illegible – like the dirt marks chickens make!

“My doctor has handwriting like chichen scratch and the pharmacist couldn’t understand it.”

Yes – doctors are notorious for their bad handwriting, but have you ever wondered why ?

Paper trail

You may hear this phrase in your favorite police drama show. A paper trail is a series of records and documents that can be used to track someone’s activities. When the police are looking for a criminal, they can follow phone records, financial reports, diary entries or even video footage to locate the person.

“We just followed the paper trail and found the missing money.”

Even though these records may be mainly electronic nowadays, we still refer to it as a ‘paper trail’.

Poison-pen letter

A poison-pen letter is not a very nice thing to write or receive. It’s a letter or note that is very mean-spirited, critical or even malicious. It isn’t usually signed by the sender.

“I can’t belive someone left a poison-pen letter on my car.”

To describe someone as an open book is to say that they are easy to get to know. They don’t withhold information or keep secrets, so you can learn a lot about them and their nature.

“Jo at reception is an open book. I find her really easy to get to know.”

We have more expressions about friendship and getting to know people on a separate page.

It’s not worth the paper it’s written/printed on

Sadly, some of these writing idioms are about deception and being tricked. When people describe an agreement, contract signing, guarantee or promise as not (being) worth the paper it’s written on , they are saying that the agreement is worthless.

“This contract isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. I’m afraid you’re going to lose your money.”

Not worth writing home about

When something is of little interest, rather dull or unremarkable, you could say that it’s not worth writing home about . In other words, there is no exciting news to report.

“My weekend wasn’t worth writing home about. What about you?”

Don’t forget to write

This is one of the more dated idioms about writing. Traditionally, when people went on holiday they would write postcards to friends and family back home. So, as a clichéd farewell, people will remind you, don’t forget to write . There are some more modern travel idioms you can use, too.

“Have a wonderful holiday and don’t forget to write.”

A word of warning: this expression can also be used in a sarcastic way when someone is happy you are leaving!

The oldest trick in the book

The oldest trick in the book is a form of deception or trickery, or a way of solving a problem, that has been done for a long time and still works well.

“Were you really expecting a new iPhone for that price from a guy on the street?! It’s the oldest trick in the book!” “I always go for a run whilst the family are still sleeping. It’s the oldest trick in the book to make sure I still get a run in.”

When this expression is used in reference to some kind of deception, there is also the suggestion that nobody should be naive enough to fall for the trick as it has been around for so long. So, if you do get tricked in this way, it’s your own fault for being gullible.

Don’t judge a book by its cover

This is such a popular phrase and a really great piece of advice. You should never judge a book by its cover as you are basing your opinions of someone or something purely on what you see on the outside.

“I was so shocked when my 92-year-old grandfather started breakdancing at the wedding. Guess you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover!”

Idioms about writing

Put pen to paper.

This idiom about writing could be losing relevance, since most writing nowadays is done electronically. Still, to instruct someone to put pen to paper is to tell them it’s time to start writing.

“Ok boys and girls, the exam has started to it’s time to put pen to paper. Good luck.” “Writing a novel may seem daunting but it just begins with putting pen to paper.”

The writing is on the wall

A lot of these idioms about writing are forms of warning or guidance, and this one is no exception! When there are strong indications that something bad is about to happen, people will warn that the writing is on the wall .

“Our sales are down and they’ve just transfered calls to another team. I guess the writing is on the wall and we’ll be fired soon.”

Did you know this is one of many idioms that come from the Bible ?

Paper over the cracks

In a literal form, to paper over cracks would be to cover defects in a wall by decorating over them. As an idiom, it tells us that someone is trying to hide or gloss over problems, issues, or disagreements.

“Listen, just paper over the cracks and we’ll sort it out after the presentation.”

Take a leaf out of someone’s book

When someone suggests that you take a leaf (or a page) out of someone’s book they are saying that you should do the same as them or follow their example.

“Why don’t you take a leaf out of your brother’s book? He’s just graduated from college.”

There are lots more idioms about books for you to discover here.

Pen pusher / Paper pusher

Writing idioms can be used in so many different ways. This one describes the type of job someone has. A pen pusher or paper pusher is someone who has a low-level administrative job that isn’t very interesting or significant.

It probably involves a lot of form-filling, filing or repetitive paperwork.

“Just ignore Micky, he’s only a paper pusher and has no real say in what happens.”

The pen is mightier than the sword

This is such an inspiring writer idiom, and perhaps an important idiom for kids to learn . The meaning behind the expression the pen is mightier than the sword is that writing is better than fighting.

Why so? Well, when you write something, people will read your words and you can influence or inspire them. Or it could be saying that communicating solves more problems than going to war. Basically, being intellectual is better than being physically aggressive, according to this saying.

“I wrote a letter to the President as I believe that the pen is mightier than the sword.”

Give someone their walking papers

Although there are a few positive idioms about writing, this one isn’t so good. To give someone their walking papers is to fire them from a job or ask them to leave a place or situation.

“Well, that’s that. I was given my walking papers on Friday.”

In British English, you may hear a similar phrase – to give someone their marching orders – which means the same thing.

The ink isn’t even dry yet / the ink’s still wet

You would use the saying the ink isn’t even dry yet or the ink is still wet to comment on something happening immediately after an agreement or legal document is signed.

A good example is someone getting re-married just after signing their divorce papers.

“The ink was still wet on the contract for the new car and he backed it into a wall!” “The ink isn’t even dry on your employment contract and you’re already thinking of leaving?!”

Even if nothing was physically signed, this phrase can be used figuratively.

Write a bum check (cheque)

Have you ever written a check to make a payment? Checks are being phased out in most places, but here is a full explanation of how they used to work.

To write a bum check (or ‘cheque’ in British English) is to issue a check to someone even though there isn’t enough money in the account to cover it. Since it takes a few days for a check to clear, there would be no way for the seller to know that you didn’t have the funds to make the payment. It’s no surprise that other payment methods are taking over!

“Just make sure you don’t write a bum check again.”

Discover some more idioms about money here.

Write someone up / Write someone a ticket

This writing expression is predominantly used with reference to police officers, although you may hear it in a work context too. When you write someone up you are reporting them for a wrong action they have done.

The similar idiom, write someone a ticket , would usually refer to a parking or speeding ticket resulting in a fine.

“Sue, you know you can’t enter here without a permit! I’m going to have to write you up.” “I begged the policeman not to write me a ticket, but he wouldn’t listen.”

Writer’s block

This is a perfect idiom about writing to end on! The reason for this is that when someone suffers from writer’s block they simply can’t think of anything else to write.

“I tried so hard to finish my essay last night but by 11pm I got writer’s block and had to stop.” “Do you have any tips for dealing with writer’s block?”

Hopefully, this list of writing idioms has helped you not only to understand them better but also to be a little more creative in your own writing.

Are there any others you have heard of that we could add to this list? Leave a comment to let us know.

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30 Idioms for Writing

Writing is more than just stringing words together; it’s about capturing the essence of communication.

One powerful tool in a writer’s arsenal is the use of idioms, expressions that add color and depth to language. In this journey through the vibrant tapestry of idioms, we will explore their meanings, throw them into sentences, and unravel the hidden nuances that make them a joy to use.

Idioms for Writing

Break a leg – good luck.

Meaning: To wish someone good luck, especially before a performance or undertaking.

In a Sentence: As the actor stepped onto the stage, his friend whispered, “Break a leg,” hoping for a stellar performance.

Bite the Bullet – Facing Challenges

Meaning: To endure a painful or difficult situation with courage.

In a Sentence: She knew she had to bite the bullet and confront her fears to overcome the challenges ahead.

Hit the Nail on the Head – Precision and Accuracy

Meaning: To describe something accurately or to solve a problem perfectly.

In a Sentence: Her analysis of the situation hit the nail on the head, identifying the root cause of the issue.

The Ball Is in Your Court – Taking Responsibility

Meaning: It is now your responsibility or turn to act.

In a Sentence: After the team presented their findings, the manager said, “The ball is in your court now; propose a solution.”

The Whole Nine Yards – Everything

Meaning: Refers to the entirety of something, leaving nothing out.

In a Sentence: When planning the surprise party, she went the whole nine yards, from decorations to entertainment.

An Arm and a Leg – A Lot of Money

Meaning: Refers to a high cost or a significant amount of money.

In a Sentence: Owning a luxury car can sometimes cost an arm and a leg in maintenance.

Cost an Arm and a Leg – Being Very Expensive

Meaning: To require a substantial amount of money for purchase or service.

In a Sentence: Renovating the old house ended up costing them an arm and a leg, but the results were worth it.

A Piece of Cake – Something Easy

Meaning: Refers to a task or activity that is very easy to accomplish.

In a Sentence: Completing the puzzle was a piece of cake for the experienced crossword solver.

When Pigs Fly – Something Improbable

Meaning: Refers to something that will never happen or is highly unlikely.

In a Sentence: He promised to be on time for once, but we knew it was just another case of “when pigs fly.”

Let the Cat Out of the Bag – Revealing a Secret

Meaning: To disclose a secret or reveal something that was meant to be kept confidential.

In a Sentence: Sarah accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party, spoiling the whole plan.

In the Heat of the Moment – Acting Impulsively

Meaning: Refers to doing something spontaneously without careful consideration, usually during an emotional situation.

In a Sentence: Apologies are often made in the heat of the moment, but their sincerity is revealed over time.

Curiosity Killed the Cat – Warning Against Curiosity

Meaning: Being too curious can lead to trouble or danger.

In a Sentence: She hesitated before opening the mysterious package, remembering that curiosity killed the cat.

Cut to the Chase – Get to the Main Point Quickly

Meaning: Skipping unnecessary details and focusing on the main topic or point.

In a Sentence: Rather than sharing the entire story, let’s cut to the chase and discuss the solution.

Pulling Your Leg – Joking or Not Being Serious

Meaning: Teasing or joking with someone, often in a playful manner.

In a Sentence: When he claimed to have seen a UFO, we realized he was just pulling our leg.

Bend Over Backwards – Putting in Extra Effort

Meaning: To go out of one’s way or try extremely hard to please or help someone.

In a Sentence: The team was willing to bend over backward to meet the tight deadline.

A Blessing in Disguise – Hidden Positive Aspect

Meaning: Something that seems bad initially but turns out to be beneficial.

In a Sentence: Losing the job turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it led to a more fulfilling career opportunity.

Burning the Midnight Oil – Working Late

Meaning: Working late into the night, often to complete a task or meet a deadline.

In a Sentence: To finish the project on time, they had to start burning the midnight oil.

Adding Fuel to the Fire – Making a Problem Worse

Meaning: Exacerbating a situation or making a problem more intense.

In a Sentence: Bringing up past arguments only added fuel to the fire, escalating the disagreement.

An Elephant in the Room – Ignored Obvious Issue

Meaning: A problem or issue that everyone is aware of but is being deliberately ignored.

In a Sentence: Their strained relationship was the elephant in the room during the family gathering.

The Cream of the Crop – The Best of a Group

Meaning: Refers to the highest quality or the best among a group of things or people.

In a Sentence: The award-winning chef only used the cream of the crop ingredients in his dishes.

Cry Over Spilled Milk – Worrying about the Past

Meaning: To fret about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

In a Sentence: Regretting the missed opportunity was like crying over spilled milk; there was no way to undo it.

A Drop in the Bucket – Small Amount

Meaning: Refers to a tiny quantity compared to the whole.

In a Sentence: Their contributions were acknowledged, but in the grand scheme, it was just a drop in the bucket.

A Fish Out of Water – Uncomfortable Situation

Meaning: Someone who is in a situation they are not comfortable or familiar with.

In a Sentence: Being at the formal event without any knowledge of etiquette made her feel like a fish out of water.

A Penny for Your Thoughts – Asking for Someone’s Opinion

Meaning: Asking someone what they are thinking about or seeking their opinion.

In a Sentence: Observing his pensive expression, she asked, “A penny for your thoughts?”

A Taste of Your Own Medicine – Experiencing Consequences

Meaning: To experience something that one has previously inflicted on others.

In a Sentence: After years of teasing his younger siblings, he finally got a taste of his own medicine.

On Cloud Nine – Extreme Happiness

Meaning: Feeling elated or extremely happy.

In a Sentence: Winning the championship left her on cloud nine for weeks.

The Icing on the Cake – Enhancing Something Good

Meaning: Something that makes a positive situation even better.

In a Sentence: Getting a promotion was great, and the supportive colleagues were the icing on the cake.

Jumping the Gun – Acting Prematurely

Meaning: To do something too early or before it is appropriate.

In a Sentence: Announcing the project completion before final approval was like jumping the gun.

Knee-Deep in Something – Deeply Involved

Meaning: Being heavily engaged or deeply involved in a situation or project.

In a Sentence: With multiple deadlines approaching, she found herself knee-deep in work.

A Needle in a Haystack – Something Hard to Find

Meaning: Refers to something challenging to locate due to its scarcity among similar things.

In a Sentence: Finding a reliable antique in the cluttered flea market was like finding a needle in a haystack.

Idioms are the spice that turns ordinary language into a flavorful linguistic experience. Each phrase carries with it a history, a story, and a unique way of expressing ideas.

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6 Best Idioms For Essay Writing

English Idioms for Essay Writing, expressions, and proverbs are an essential part of the English language, both spoken and written English are saturated with them.

For people learning English idioms are confusing to understand, the reason being Idioms don’t make objective sense.

To learn the meanings and usage of idioms for Essay Writing, ESL students must practice and familiarize themselves with their everyday usage.

The team at Lillypad understands the pain and difficulties English Learners run across comprehending the true meaning and suitable usage. This list of idioms for Essay Writing makes learning simple, with common Essay Writing idioms, definitions, and example sentences that make the meaning clear.

Learning to use common idioms and expressions will make your English sound more native, so it’s a good idea to master some of these expressions with daily practice, so bookmark this page or share it with your friends; now let us learn about idioms for Essay Writing together.

Idioms for Essay Writing with Meanings, Definitions & Example Sentences

1. to sugarcoat, definition and meaning: to sugarcoat.

The expression “to sugarcoat” means to make something more palatable or attractive by adding a layer of sweetness.

To Sugarcoat Example Sentences:

• She tried to sugarcoat the bad news, but it was still difficult to hear.
• He was trying to sugarcoat the truth, but I could tell he was lying.
• She was trying to sugarcoat the situation, but I could tell she was really upset.
• He was trying to sugarcoat the facts, but I could tell he was hiding something.
• She was trying to sugarcoat the reality of the situation, but it was still pretty grim.

2. The Pot Calling The Kettle Black

Definition and meaning: the pot calling the kettle black.

The expression “the pot calling the kettle black” is used to describe a situation where someone is criticizing another person for a fault or flaw that they have themselves.

The Pot Calling The Kettle Black Example Sentences:

• You’re telling me I’m too judgmental. That’s the pot calling the kettle black!
• You’re accusing me of being selfish. That’s the pot calling the kettle black!
• You’re saying I’m too critical. That’s the pot calling the kettle black!
• You’re telling me I’m too controlling. That’s the pot calling the kettle black!
• You’re saying I’m too nosy. That’s the pot calling the kettle black!

3. Stay The Course

Definition and meaning: stay the course.

This expression means to pursue or fulfill an objective until it’s finished despite its difficulty.

Stay The Course Example Sentences:

• I think if we stay the course, we’ll reap the benefits.
• Listen to me and just stay the course. You’re doing great.
• We’re here to stay the course, so don’t worry about us.
• This can get dicey, but I know if we stay the course, we will succeed.
• Can you imagine if we didn’t stay the course? We’d still be bankrupt.

4. Don’t Put All Your Eggs In One Basket

Definition and meaning: don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

This expression is often used to caution against putting all of one’s resources into a single venture.

Don’t Put All Your Eggs In One Basket Example Sentences:

• When investing, it’s important to diversify your portfolio so you don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
• When it comes to job hunting, don’t put all your eggs in one basket Apply to multiple companies to increase your chances of getting hired.
• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket when it comes to finding a new place to live Look at multiple options before making a decision.
• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket when it comes to finding a new car Shop around and compare prices to get the best deal.
• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket when it comes to finding a new business partner Meet with multiple potential partners before making a decision.

5. Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover

Definition and meaning: don’t judge a book by its cover.

The expression means that you should not judge something based on its appearance.

Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover Example Sentences:

• Just because someone looks unapproachable, doesn’t mean they don’t have a kind heart Don’t judge a book by its cover.
• Don’t be fooled by the flashy exterior of the car It may look nice, but it could be a lemon. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
• Don’t be so quick to judge the new employee She may not have the most impressive resume, but she could be a great asset to the team. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
• Don’t be so quick to dismiss the new restaurant in town It may not look like much from the outside, but the food could be amazing. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
• Don’t be so quick to judge the new student in your class He may not be the most outgoing person, but he could be a great friend. Don’t judge a book by its cover.

6. Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way

Definition and meaning: where there’s a will, there’s a way.

The expression “where there’s a will, there’s a way” means any obstacle or problem can be overcome with a strong will or determination.

Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way Example Sentences:

• Where there’s a will, there’s a way, so we’ll figure it out.
• No one was expecting him to solve the issue, but where there’s a will, there’s a way.
• The new system posed a serious problem. But where there’s a will, there’s a way.
• I believe that where there’s a will, there’s a way, so we’ll find a way through this.
• You know where there’s a will, there’s a way, right? So use your head.

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Home — Essay Samples — Science — English Language — 50 Most Common English Idioms

50 Most Common English Idioms

• Categories: English Language Language Diversity

About this sample

Words: 1574 |

Published: Jan 21, 2020

Words: 1574 | Pages: 3 | 8 min read

What are idioms?

• Add fuel to the flames
• Answer nature’s call
• Accidentally on purposeIt refers to when somebody does something deliberately and then pretends that it was an accident.
• Badger someone
• Balancing act
• Be ones best bet
• Bare your soul
• Binge drinking
• Biting the hand that feeds youIf you are so harsh to someone who a lot to you and they are kind to you then they can say you are biting the hand that feeds you.
• Breathing down someone’s neck
• Clinch a deal
• A done deal
• In black and white
• Gentleman’s agreement
• No strings attached
• With one voice
• Like the back of one’s handWhenever you have a complete knowledge of something it means you know it like the back of your hand.
• Back into shape
• Back on your feet
• Up in armsWhenever somebody is up in arms, they are so angry over something.
• Get off my back
• Bite someone’s head off
• Be in a black mood
• Blow a fuse
• Bone to pick with someone
• Come down to someone like a ton of bricks
• Dressed to kill
• Down at heel
• Face like a bulldog chewing a wasp
• Mutton dressed as a lamb
• Big fish in a small pond
• Bring to heel
• Bulldoze someone into doing something
• Call the shots
• Too many chiefs, not enough Indians
• Crack the whip
• Dancing to someone’s tune
• Drawing a line in the sand
• Force someone’s hand
• At all costs
• Having a bee in your bonnet
• Blood, sweat and tears
• Having something on your brain
• Explore all avenues
• Embarrassment of riches
• on the fence
• Horns of a dilemma
• Come to a bad end

Works Cited

• Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.). Idiom. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/idiom
• Chiu, Y.-L. (2017). The Use of Idioms in English Language Teaching. Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, 9(2), 49–54.
• Crystal, D. (2008). A dictionary of linguistics and phonetics. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Idiomsite. (n.d.). Idioms and Their Meanings. https://www.idiomsite.com/
• Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Idiom. In Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idiom
• Phan, H. (2020). A survey on the use of idioms in English language teaching in Vietnam. Journal of Language and Linguistics Studies, 16(1), 1–13.
• Prithviraj, B. (2017). The role of idioms in enhancing language learners’ language proficiency. Journal of Applied Linguistics and Language Research, 4(2), 39–46.
• Seidl, J., & McMordie, W. (2010). English idioms exercises on phrasal verbs and idioms. Hueber.
• Tirkkonen-Condit, S., & Laukkanen, A.-M. (1996). Idioms in English: A corpus-based study of variation in current English usage. Walter de Gruyter.
• Wray, A. (2002). Formulaic language and the lexicon. Cambridge University Press.

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35 Common idioms and their meanings

Masooma Memon

Before I shifted my house, I had a full list of idioms in English that I printed out and referred to whenever I put pen to paper. This was about a decade ago, around the time I finished college. Now, I frequently look up idioms online. If I like an idiomatic phrase in a movie or show, I quickly jot it down in my pocket-sized notebook or a sticky note.

You could say I’m obsessed with idioms. But, it’s a healthy obsession to be honest. Because idioms add life to your writing and help you succinctly explain things, there’s no reason not to use them.

Interested in coloring your writing with idioms? Let’s give a bookmark-worthy list of idioms alongside why you should be as obsessed with idioms.

What is an idiom?

Idioms are phrases or expressions that don’t literally mean what the individual words in the phrase stand for. Idioms emerge from an incident or past story. Overtime, however, they lose their meaning and become figurative.

For example : a piece of cake

The literal meaning of this is cake slice (lava cake, anybody?). But, when you use it as an idiom, you mean something that’s easy to do — that’s this phrase’s figurative meaning . 

With the formal idioms definition out of the way, let’s look at some examples of idioms that you’ve probably already heard or used before:

Fun fact: There are an estimated 25,000 idioms in English language. Talk about variety!

Why do we use idioms?

The short answer is: idioms add life to your writing. But exactly how do these groups of words polish your English ?

Here are five ways idiomatic expressions help you:

1. Idioms paint a visual picture for your readers

Even if it’s plain content that you’re working on – you can up your writing’s description game by using idioms.

Look at this example:

The idiom means having to choose from equally difficult paths. By using it, not only does the sentence sound better, but the particular idiom creates a visual picture in the readers’ mind. They can imagine Mara having to choose between sinking in the dark sea and the devil itself. Either way, Mara’s dead.

2. They add impact to your writing

In the example above, there’s a third favor that this idiom does to the sentence: it adds meaning.

Think of it like this: saying ‘choosing between equally unpleasant scenarios’ is dull and boring, even meh . And, it doesn’t leave much of an impact. But, when you, as a reader, imagine Mara standing between the ‘devil and the deep blue sea,’ you can tell things are gettin’ serious.

3. These expressions add humor to your writing

Besides adding flavor to otherwise dull writing, some idioms can help you brighten your readers’ mood.

Frankly, humor isn’t easy to work into your writing. Unless, you’re a master at cracking jokes. Most of us, however, aren’t good at that. So, instead of making a fool of ourselves, it’s better to pull out an idiom like the one below:

Literally, Sophie isn’t a chicken and, of course, she has her head intact. The idiom just means that like a panicked chicken, Sophie is running around in a haphazard manner. This is a funny, light-hearted way of explaining Sophie’s situation.

4. Idioms make you sound like native speakers

This is another good reason for slipping idioms into your writing. Every language has its own idioms that emerge from its culture. Or, they originate from stories specific to a region.

This means that if you want to impress a Brit English speaker , for example, you should use idioms of British origin. Some of these are:

Meaning: Asking someone to share their thoughts with you.

Meaning: A plan that didn’t work, requiring you to sketch it from the start.

If you’re into novel writing, you can draw on these region-specific idioms to write dialogue for a character from a particular region. So that’s another plus of using idioms.

5. They help you explain complex ideas simply and succinctly

Lastly, idioms can help you simplify ideas. Use an idiom instead of going into unnecessary details. In all the examples you’ve read so far, you’ll note that the idioms make it easy to explain something.

Take the idiom ‘back to the drawing board.’ Using it means you don’t need to rely on tons of words to explain that a plan went bust and now you’ve got to regroup and plan again. You can simply say, let’s go back to the drawing board.

Similarly, when you want someone to get to the point, you can simply say: stop beating about the bush.

Tips on using idioms

Convinced you need to work more idioms into your writing? Cool. We’ll give you a list of common English idioms in the next section to make things easy for you.

Plus, here are some things to keep in mind as you dabble into the use of idioms , an essential part of learning English :

  Don’t overdo them

Some idioms are so over used they turn into clichés . Your writing is always better off without clichés as they’re unoriginal. So use idioms sparingly, where they help you summarize or deliver any of the benefits discussed above.

See if a specific detail would be better

For example, once in a blue moon is a good idiom. But, if you find that your readers can benefit from a detail like ‘someone visited on the third of every month,’ skip the idiom. Be specific instead.

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35 popular idioms and their meaning.

Ready to use idioms? Use this list:

• Beef up: To strengthen or increase something.
• Turn turtle: Turn turtle means to turn upside down or flip the side.
• Eager beaver: Someone who is all charged up or enthusiastic about a job is an eager beaver.
• Spill the beans: To tell something that was supposed to stay hidden or under wraps (yep, another idiom).
• Couch potato: Someone who binge watches Netflix, sitting on a couch all day – popcorn in hand.
• Hit the sack: This idiom is a fancy way of saying that someone’s tired and they’re going to sleep. You can also say hit the hay.
• Bite the bullet: To do something no matter how unpleasant it is.
• In the doldrums: When you’re sad or depressed, you’re in the doldrums. Once out of it, you can write: out of the doldrums.

• In fine fettle: In good health.
• A hot potato: A controversial topic that no one wants to discuss – same as no one wants to hold a hot potato.
• Go bananas: Go bananas is a fun way of saying someone’s excited or angry.
• An arm and a leg: When something’s overpriced, you can say it costs an arm and a leg. Alternatively, you can say: it costs a fortune or it costs a bomb.
• Under the weather: Slightly unwell or feeling low.
• Lose your touch: Literally, that’s losing your sense of touch. But the idiom doesn’t mean that, of course. It means you lose some skill or talent you previously had.
• Twist someone’s arm: To twist someone’s arm is to convince them to do something like a kid twisting their mum’s arm to get ice cream.
• Pie in the sky: Something that’s unlikely, therefore, wishful thinking.
• The ball in your court: Have two or more people or parties deciding on something and one side has made their move? Great, there’s only one party that’s to decide now and a good way to say that is: the ball in their court.
• Curiosity killed the cat: Sometimes prodding too much into a situation or question can get you into trouble. That’s what this idiom means.
• Bark up the wrong tree: Barking up the wrong tree is blaming the wrong person, following a wrong thought/plan, or looking in the wrong place.
• Hit the nail on the head: When you get something done perfectly, you hit the nail on the head. After all, it’s only when you hit the nail on the head that you can drill it in the right spot.
• The elephant in the room: The story behind this idiom is that a man walked into a museum and noticed every tiny thing there except for an elephant. Today, the phrase denotes a chief issue that everyone knows is present, but no one addresses it.
• Taste your own medicine: It’s when someone gets treated the way they’ve been treating others (good time to think of karma, no?).
• Steal someone’s thunder: Taking someone else’s credit or taking the spotlight when you don’t deserve it.
• Stab someone in the back: This one’s a snazzy way of saying you’re backbiting or planning against someone in their absence.
• Kill two birds with one stone: When you get two things done in one shot, you’re killing two birds with one stone. Example, I’m writing this piece and revising idioms too.
• Best thing since sliced bread: The idiom means hyped up enthusiasm in someone, something, or some idea.
• Bite more than you can chew: When you commit to more than you do/deliver, you’ve officially bitten more than you can chew.
• Every cloud has a silver lining: A good result after bad things.
• Look at the bright side: When you choose to see the positive in an overall bad situation (or may I say, shituation).
• You can’t judge a book by its cover: This means you can’t jump to conclusions only by looking at the cover or outward appearance.
• More holes than a Swiss cheese: Seeing holes in a story or plan? Congratulations, Sherlock! Now, voice your concern using this idiom.
• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket: It’s when you put all your resources or hopes (figuratively: eggs) in one source (basket).
• Get up on the wrong side of the bed: When you wake up in a bad mood.
• Everything but the kitchen skin: It means everything imaginable including the unnecessary stuff.
• Pick a bone with someone: To discuss something at length with someone.

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Idiom in Writing (Definition, How To Write + Examples)

Some might say idioms are amateurish but hear me out. Good writers use idioms more often than you think. Some might say I am playing the devil’s advocate.

What is An Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression to convey a figurative meaning, which is very different from the literal meaning of the phrase itself.

Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines an  idiom  as: “a group of words whose meaning is different from the meanings of the individual words”.

The word idiom means “peculiar phraseology” from the Greek word ‘idioma’.

Common Idiom Examples (and Their Meanings)

“I will cross that bridge when I come to it.”

“Do not cry over spilt milk.”

“Every cloud has a silver lining. “

“Once in a blue moon. “

“Pull a leg”

“Do not judge a book by its cover.”

“Feeling under the weather.”

“Be all and end all.”

“I do not take a truck.”

“Bite the bullet.”

“Spill the beans.”

“Beef up.”

“Drives me up a wall.”

“Go bananas.”

“A penny saved is a penny earned. “

“It is a piece of cake walk.”

“Heard in on a grapevine.”

It cost me an arm and a leg.”

“Taste of your own medicine.”

“Hit two birds in one stone.”

“Once in a blue moon.”

“Dead as a doornail.”

“Stop beating around the bush.”

When to Use Idiomatic Expressions

A formal writing does not require idioms unless the writer wants to be real snide. If you are writing a serious article, try to avoid idioms in the opening paragraph. It is better to put them after giving context.

If you are writing a story, use them as per your creative needs. There is no hard and fast rule. If you are writing in humor genre, it is pretty much given that one will encounter several idioms.

Points to remember :

• An idiom is different from a proverb. An idiom is a short, crisp phrase, while a proverb is a sentence, which is advisory in nature.
• Idioms are different from colloquialisms; idioms are terse phrases while colloquialisms are a very native and informal way of expressing something.
• Idioms are also different from cliches. Idioms are effective when used, while cliches are overused phrases that seldom have any effect on the writing.

Why Use Idioms at All?

Idioms help bring a lot of spice into dull writing. A writer can use idioms for a number of reasons. English idioms are used by English native speakers and most idioms root from native cultural contexts. The most important function of an idiomatic phrase is to put on paper some complex ideas into simple terms.

Another reason why incorporating idioms can make your writing sound lively to the readers. It is because idioms add humor to the writing. Suppose a character in your story has lost all their money by being foolish. But due to that their fiance broke up with them. To sound ironic, one can say every cloud has a silver lining! Pretty dark humor though, I must say.

Idioms sparingly have only a literal meaning. They have literal and figurative meaning. This real meaning stems from old cultural context and gets around through the speech of native speakers and their writing. That is why it is very difficult to translate idioms. The writer must find a cultural equivalent of the real meaning of the idiom and adapt accordingly.

Idioms in Literature & Explanations

A christmas carol , charles dickens.

“Marley was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Scrooge signed it. And Scrooge’s name was good upon ‘Change, for anything he chose to put his hand to. Old Marley was as dead as a doornail.”

The idiom ‘dead as a doornail’ means to be absolutely dead, that is, there is no chance that a person who is dead as a doornail could possibly be alive.

Romeo & Juliet , William Shakespeare

“MERCUTIO :  Nay, if our wits run the   wild-goose chase __, I am done, for thou hast more of the wild-goose in one of thy wits than, I am sure, I have in my whole five.”

A wild goose chase is an unsuccessful search for something – the search has been exhausting and a complete waste of time.

East of Eden , John Steinback

“Old Black Joe started crowing out in the henhouse. Then Mother’s rocking chair cricked   for all the world   like she was sitting in it. You know   I don’t take truck   with that but it set me   minding backwards __, you know how you do sometimes.”

In the above paragraph, ‘for all the world’ means to seem a certain type. For just one paragraph, it has too many idioms. The meaning of I don’t take truck means not having a problem with anything. Set me minding backwards means remembering old things.

Macbeth , William Shakespeare

MACBETH :  If it were done, when ’tis done, then ’twere well It were done quickly. If th’ assassination Could trammel up the consequence, and catch With his surcease, success: that but this blow Might be the be-all and the end-all.

Be all and end all means a very crucial situation. Macbeth says the assassination might be a turning event in the situation he is in.

Julius Caeser , William Shakespeare

CASCA :  Nay, an I tell you that, Ill ne’er look you i’ the face again: but those that understood him smiled at one another and shook their heads; but, for mine own part,   it was Greek to me __.

The Canterbury Tales , Geoffrey Chaucer

He at the last appointed him on one, And let all others from his hearte gon, And chose her of his own authority; For love is blind all day, and may not see.

This is a very common idiom which means people do not see follies in the ones they love. It makes them mentally blind.

The Merchant of Venice , William Shakespeare

PRINCE OF MOROCCO:  All that glitters is not gold __; Often have you heard that told: Many a man his life hath sold But my outside to behold: Gilded tombs do worms enfold.

This is too one of the most common idioms. It means that things can be very attractive on the outward appearance but only when we go deeper we understand if that person or thing is really good. Many use this to denote money matters as well as people’s nature.

Othello , William Shakespeare

IAGO :  For when my outward action doth demonstrate The native act and figure of my heart In compliment extern, ’tis not long after But I will   wear my heart upon my sleeve For daws to peck at: I am not what I am.

To wear a heart on one’s sleeve is to express happiness, or bad things openly rather than keeping them hidden.

Let us recap. Idioms are phrases that make your writing creative, fun, and impactful. Idioms can be used in stories, speeches, conversational talk, or in any other content with artistic expression. Using idioms can be a piece of cake walk. Use of idioms can amplify the meaning you are trying to convey. Idioms are rich resources any language can provide, use them widely. Go bananas!

Tomas Laurinavicius

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What Is Subjective Writing (Definition, How To Write + Examples)

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I'm Piyush Mishra And This Is My Intellectual Catharsis.

Writer's Toolkit: Compilation Of 650+ Idioms And Phrases

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What is an Idiom: A Comprehensive Guide to Unraveling Tricky Phrases

Did you know that many common idioms in English have intriguing origins deeply rooted in history? Take, for example, the phrase 'raining cats and dogs,' which we often use to describe a heavy rainstorm. Its origin is believed to trace back to the 17th century when houses had thatched roofs. During heavy rains, animals seeking shelter, such as cats and dogs, would fall from the roof, giving the impression that it was literally raining them. This peculiar image stuck in people's minds, and the phrase 'raining cats and dogs' became a colorful way to describe a torrential downpour. This fascinating connection between idioms and historical events adds a layer of intrigue to our language, making it not only a means of communication but also a gateway to unraveling the captivating tales behind everyday expressions.

What Is an Idiom: Short Description

In this article, our essay writers online will explore a long list of idioms and their meanings. We'll also take a close look at their different types. So, whether you have a passion for language or simply find yourself curious about how we communicate, we invite you to select your favorite example of an idiom as we uncover the fascinating array of expressions that never cease to amaze and inspire us.

What Is an Idiom: Insight into Figurative Language

The word 'idiom' originates from the Greek word 'idios,' which denotes 'one's own' or 'private.' It is like a hidden treasure chest of language, filled with colorful expressions that add spice and creativity to our everyday conversations. It's a phrase or a group of words that doesn't have a literal meaning but is instead used to convey a figurative or symbolic message. These expressions are unique cultural gems that reflect the rich tapestry of a language.

Imagine someone saying, 'It's raining cats and dogs!' instead of simply stating that it's raining heavily. This peculiar expression captures the intensity of the rain in a whimsical and memorable way. Another fascinating phrase is 'to kick the bucket,' which means to die. Although it might sound strange, this phrase dates back to medieval times when people would stand on buckets to hang themselves.

Fun fact: There are an estimated 25,000 examples of these expressions in the English language, showcasing the incredible variety and creativity that exists within our linguistic heritage. From 'a piece of cake' to 'raining cats and dogs,' idioms make our language more vivid, engaging, and downright fun!

Types of Idioms: An In-Depth Look at Different Categories

Idioms are fascinating examples of figurative language that add color and depth to our conversations and writing. They are expressions that have a figurative meaning that is different from their literal interpretation. In this section, our coursework writing service will explore different categories of idioms and provide examples for each type.

Pure idioms are expressions that have a figurative meaning that cannot be deduced from the individual words used. These idiomatic expressions are so deeply embedded in the language and culture that native speakers inherently understand their meaning.

For example:

• 'Break a leg' means 'good luck' in the performing arts industry.
• 'Bite the bullet' means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.

Binomial Idiom

They are idiomatic expressions that consist of two words or phrases linked by a conjunction such as 'and' or 'or.' These phrases are commonly used in day-to-day conversations to convey messages more vividly.

• 'Back and forth' means to move in a backward and forward motion.
• 'Safe and sound' means to be in a state of safety and without harm.

Partial Idiom

They are expressions that consist of one or more words that are idiomatic, while the rest of the phrase or sentence has a literal meaning. Studying idioms definition and examples is crucial as they often rely on context and cultural knowledge to be correctly understood.

• 'In a pickle' means to be in a difficult or troublesome situation.
• 'Under the weather' means to be feeling unwell or sick.

Prepositional Idiom

They are expressions that consist of a preposition followed by a noun or noun phrase, often having a figurative meaning that cannot be inferred from the individual words used.

• 'On cloud nine' means to be extremely happy or elated.
• 'In the doghouse' means to be in trouble or disfavored.

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Sample Essay with Idioms 

Here's an essay example brimming with idioms to illustrate how seamlessly they can be incorporated into the context of your narrative, enhancing its vividness and beauty.

Why Do We Use Idioms: Exploring the Purpose and Benefits

Why do we use idioms in writing? In short, they add life to your writing. These colorful phrases polish your English by infusing it with creativity, depth, and personality. They are indispensable tools for enhancing your expression. Here are some benefits they offer:

• Expressing Abstract or Complex Ideas

Idioms provide a shortcut to communicate ideas that may be challenging to express directly. In other words, they serve as a linguistic bridge, allowing us to convey nuanced meanings in a succinct and impactful way. Such transition sentences enhance our ability to convey complex thoughts effortlessly.

For example, the expression 'the ball is in your court' is commonly used to indicate that it is someone else's turn to take action or make a decision. While the literal meaning may seem unrelated, this idiomatic expression creates a smooth transition that conveys the idea of responsibility or decision-making being shifted to another person. This idiomatic phrase exemplifies how they contribute to making language richer and more expressive. In essence, they serve as linguistic connectors that enhance our ability to communicate effectively.

• Adding Color and Creativity to Language

They add color and creativity to language, making it more engaging and enjoyable. Through their unusual or imaginative manner, they can captivate listeners or readers. These phrases often have a poetic quality and can evoke emotions or create a sense of imagery.

For instance, the idiom in English, 'barking up the wrong tree,' is used to suggest that someone is pursuing the wrong course of action or directing their efforts toward an unproductive endeavor. The image of a barking dog at the base of the wrong tree creates a memorable and vivid expression of this concept.

• Enhancing Cultural Understanding

Idioms are deeply rooted in culture, and understanding them can provide insights into a community's values, beliefs, and history. Metaphors and analogies embedded in idiomatic expressions often reflect the cultural context in which they originate, including references to historical events, folklore, or specific traditions.

By studying these figures of speech from different cultures, we gain a deeper understanding of the nuances and subtleties of language. This understanding can foster cross-cultural appreciation and encourage communication between people from different backgrounds.

• Establishing Rapport and Camaraderie

Using idioms in conversation can help establish rapport and camaraderie with others. When two people share an understanding of idiomatic expressions, it creates a sense of connection and mutual understanding. When curious about 'what is an idiom?', remember that it can also serve as a conversation starter or icebreaker, sparking curiosity and engagement.

Furthermore, such sayings can be humorous, and sharing a funny idiom or using one in a lighthearted manner can foster a sense of camaraderie and lighten the mood in a conversation.

How Are Idioms Structured: Exploring the Anatomy of Expressive Phrases

Idioms are expressions or phrases that have figurative meanings that are different from the literal meanings of the individual words. They often reflect the cultural and linguistic nuances of a specific region. While their structure can vary, they typically follow certain patterns or formats within a language or region.

For example, in some regions of the United States, the phrase 'raining cats and dogs' is commonly used to describe heavy rain. The structure of this expression follows a pattern of combining two unrelated objects (cats and dogs) to convey a specific meaning (heavy rain).

However, they can also have unique structures that are specific to a particular region, as mentioned in the previous text. Here's another example:

In the Australian Outback, the idiom 'flat out like a lizard drinking' is used to describe someone who is extremely busy or working very hard. The structure of it includes the comparison of being 'flat out' (meaning very busy) to a lizard drinking (depicting a lizard lying flat on the ground while drinking water).

So, while these figures of speech may have some general patterns in their structure within a language or region, they can also have unique and peculiar structures that reflect the specific cultural context in which they are used.

In the meantime, if you find yourself still struggling with writing in AMA citation format , allow us to take care of the challenging aspects while you delve deeper into exploring idioms!

Tips on Using Idioms

Using idioms in writing can add depth and color to your language. Here are some tips to help you effectively incorporate such phrases into your conversations and writing:

Understand Idiomatic Variations

Idioms can vary in their wording and usage across different regions and cultures. So, next time you wonder how to title an essay with an idiom, be aware of these variations to ensure accurate communication. Some idiomatic expressions may have similar meanings but different phrasing. For example, in American English, the phrase 'kick the bucket' means to die, while in British English, 'pop your clogs' is equivalent.

To broaden your understanding of idiomatic variations, you can explore online resources and language forums or consult native English speakers of different dialects. Understanding these variations will help you communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

Blend Idioms with Context

While these figures of speech can be powerful tools for expression, it's crucial to use them appropriately in the context. Consider the following when using them:

• Familiarity : Make sure the person or audience you are communicating with is familiar with the idiom you are using. If they don't understand the phrase, it may confuse or alienate them.
• Relevance : Ensure that the saying you choose is suitable for the situation or topic at hand. Using it that doesn't fit the context may create confusion or make your language sound forced.
• Tone : Pay attention to the tone of your communication. Some idioms may be more casual or informal, while others may be more formal. Use those that align with the tone you want to convey.

For example, if you're writing an academic essay, it's best to avoid colloquial idioms and instead focus on using precise and formal language appropriate for the context.

Create Your Own Idioms

Idioms are not set in stone. Feel free to get creative and come up with your own idiomatic expressions. By creating your own sayings, you can add a personal touch to your language and enhance your ability to express unique thoughts or emotions. Just make sure that your phrases are clear and understandable to your intended audience.

For example, instead of saying, 'I'm feeling tired,' you could create your own expression by saying, 'I'm running on fumes.' This expression conveys the idea of extreme fatigue in a more vivid and memorable way.

How to Use Idiom in Essay

When curious about how to start an essay with an idiom, it is important to strike a balance between its appropriate usage and the overall clarity and coherence of your writing. Carefully consider the purpose and target audience of your essay to ensure that idioms enhance rather than hinder your message.

Purposes of Using Idioms in an Essay:

• Expressive Language : Idioms can add color, vividness, and expressiveness to your writing. They help you convey complex ideas or emotions in a concise and impactful manner, making your essay more engaging and memorable.
• Cultural Relevance : They are deeply rooted in a specific language and culture. Including them in your essay can demonstrate your understanding of cultural nuances and enrich your writing, especially when discussing topics related to traditions, customs, or local experiences.
• Enhancing Creativity : They can infuse creativity into your writing by using figurative language. They provide an opportunity to think outside the box and craft imaginative descriptions, allowing your essay to stand out and captivate the reader's attention.
• Communicating Familiarity : They are often used in everyday speech, and incorporating them into your essay can create a sense of familiarity and relatability with your audience. This can help establish a connection and make your writing more approachable.
• Adding Depth and Nuance : These sayings carry underlying meanings that extend beyond their literal interpretations. By utilizing idioms, you can add depth and nuance to your arguments or analysis, contributing to a more sophisticated and nuanced essay.
• Engaging and Memorable : They can make your essay more interesting and memorable by providing distinct and colorful language.
• Cultural Understanding : Utilizing them shows your familiarity with the language and culture, highlighting your appreciation for diverse expressions and perspectives.
• Expressive Communication : They express complex ideas succinctly, allowing for more effective communication of your thoughts and arguments.
• Misinterpretation : Many idioms can be ambiguous and subject to misinterpretation, especially if the reader is unfamiliar with them. This may lead to confusion or a loss of clarity in your essay.
• Inappropriate Usage : Some of them may not be suitable for formal writing or academic contexts. Improper usage can undermine the credibility and professionalism of your essay.
• Language Barriers : Idioms tend to rely heavily on the cultural and linguistic context in which they are used. If your essay targets an international audience, these sayings may pose a barrier to understanding and hinder effective communication.
• Overuse and Clutter : Excessive or forced use of them can clutter your writing, making it sound contrived or distracting the reader from the main points you are trying to convey.

Idioms Examples: Exploring Their Symbolic Meaning

Below, you'll find an exciting list of idioms and their meanings. Brace yourself for a linguistic adventure like no other!

• 'The apple of my eye' - Someone or something cherished or loved deeply. Example: In the movie 'The Lion King,' Mufasa tells Simba, 'You are the apple of my eye, Simba.'
• 'When pigs fly' - Something that is highly unlikely or improbable. Example: In the movie 'Shrek,' Donkey says, 'Yeah, right! Like that's ever gonna happen! When pigs fly!'
• 'Bend over backward' - Making a great effort to accommodate or help someone. Example: In the TV show 'Friends,' Joey says, 'I bent over backward to be nice to her, and she didn't even appreciate it!'
• 'Cold feet' - Feeling nervous or having second thoughts about a decision or commitment. Example: In the movie 'Runaway Bride,' Maggie says, 'I'm getting cold feet. I don't think I can go through with the wedding.'
• 'Like a fish out of water' - Feeling uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation. Example: In the movie 'The Little Mermaid,' Ariel says, 'I feel like a fish out of water in this human world.'
• 'Walking on eggshells' - Being very cautious or careful about what you say or do to avoid upsetting someone. Example: In the TV show 'The Big Bang Theory,' Sheldon tells Leonard, 'Around Penny, we must tread lightly, like walking on eggshells.'
• 'The straw that broke the camel's back' - The final event or problem that causes a situation to become unbearable or unmanageable. Example: In the movie 'Spider-Man 3,' Peter Parker says, 'The fact that you betrayed me... that's the straw that broke the camel's back.'
• 'In the heat of the moment' - Acting impulsively or without thinking due to strong emotions. Example: In the movie 'Dirty Dancing,' Johnny says, 'I didn't spend all this time dancing with Penny in the kitchen just to get in trouble with the likes of you. This isn't the way it's supposed to be. I'm sorry, but I can't do this anymore.'
• 'The early bird catches the worm' - Taking action or being prepared ahead of time leads to success. Example: In the movie 'Wall Street,' Gordon Gekko says, 'The most valuable commodity I know of is information. Wouldn't you agree? The early bird catches the worm, Gordon.'
• 'Kill two birds with one stone' - Accomplishing two things at once. Example: In the movie 'Ocean's Eleven,' Rusty says, 'We can kill two birds with one stone. In exactly one week, we rob it.'
• 'Actions speak louder than words' - What someone does is more significant than what they say. Example: In the movie 'The Dark Knight,' Batman says, 'Sometimes the truth isn't good enough. Sometimes people deserve more. Sometimes people deserve to have their faith rewarded... Batman has no limits!'
• 'All bark and no bite' - Someone who talks tough but doesn't follow through with their threats. Example: In the TV show 'Breaking Bad,' Jesse Pinkman says, 'You want me to handle it? I'll handle it. All bark, no bite, man.'
• 'Don't judge a book by its cover' - Not forming an opinion based solely on appearance. Example: In the movie 'Zootopia,' Judy Hopps says, 'You know, I think life's a little bit messy. We all make mistakes. No matter what type of animal you are, change starts with you. We gotta try.'
• 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do' - Adopting the customs or behavior of the people in a particular place. Example: In the movie 'Eat Pray Love,' Richard from Texas says, 'You want to get to the castle, you've got to swim the moat. You want the prize; you've got to build the bridge. And if that bridge ain't long enough, you build it longer.'
• 'Every cloud has a silver lining' - There is something positive or hopeful in every difficult situation. Example: In the movie 'The Pursuit of Happyness,' Chris Gardner says, 'The world is your oyster. It's up to you to find the pearls.'
• 'Let the cat out of the bag' - Accidentally revealing a secret. Example: In the movie 'The Hangover,' Alan says, 'You probably get this a lot. This isn't the real Caesar's Palace, is it? What do you mean? Did, uh, did Caesar live here? No. I didn't think so.'
• 'Putting all your eggs in one basket' - Relying heavily on a single thing or course of action. Example: In the movie 'Apollo 13,' Gene Kranz says, 'I want you all to forget the flight plan. From this moment on, we are improvising a new mission: How do we get our people home?'
• 'The calm before the storm' - A peaceful period before a difficult or turbulent situation occurs. Example: In the movie 'The Fellowship of the Ring,' Gandalf says, 'There is a fell voice on the air, the enemy is moving. We have to draw his eye away from Frodo and Sam.'
• 'Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater' - Not discarding something valuable while getting rid of the undesirable parts. Example: In the movie 'The Sound of Music,' Maria says, 'Darling, haven't you ever heard of a delightful little thing called boarding school?'
• 'The pot calling the kettle black' - Criticizing someone for a fault that you also possess. Example: In the TV show 'The Office,' Dwight says, 'Michael, you are the master of saying things that you think are harmless but that people find insulting or offensive.'

In conclusion, idioms are an integral part of language that add color, depth, and cultural richness to our communication. Understanding them allows us to navigate the intricacies of figurative language, appreciating the unique expressions that convey meaning beyond the literal. Whether we 'break a leg' or 'let the cat out of the bag,' idiom examples encapsulate the beauty and creativity of human expression, reminding us of the power and versatility of language itself.

Ready to Kick Boring Writing to the Curb?

Then, level up your literary game with our handcrafted idioms!

When Are Idioms Used?

What are the most popular idioms.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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How to Use Idioms in Your Essays

Each language has special phrases native speakers use to express themselves. When you speak with English speakers , you will hear idioms in context. This will help you to use them like a native English speaker. You shouldn’t overuse idioms or use them in the wrong context. Learn and use the simple ones first if you want to connect in a more meaningful way. Using idioms in daily situations will make you sound more like a native speaker. 

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) focuses on how well you use idiomatic language . Knowing idioms and phrases for IELTS shows how well you speak English and helps you to improve your score. Learning how to write in English also involves using idioms in the right context. 

What is an idiom?

An idiom is a group of words that has a meaning different from the literal meanings of the words that make it up. “ I’m feeling under the weather today ” is an example of an idiom. The phrase doesn’t mention illness , but it tells the listener that you aren’t feeling well . There are many idioms in the English language. If you don’t understand and learn common idioms, it is hard to communicate like a native speaker.

Appropriateness : Ensure that the idiom you choose fits the tone and formality level of your essay. Academic or formal essays may require a more restrained use of idioms compared to creative or narrative pieces.

Clarity : Avoid using obscure or overly complex idioms that might confuse your readers. Opt for idioms that are widely understood and relevant to your topic.

Explanation : If you use a less common idiom or one that might not be familiar to all readers, provide context or a brief explanation to ensure clarity.

Variety : Don’t overuse idioms throughout your essay. Incorporate them strategically where they enhance your message or add emphasis.

Editing : During the editing phase, review your use of idioms to ensure they contribute positively to your writing without overshadowing your main points.

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ha first comment

I am an English teacher 7-9 grade and I always try to introduce my students to idioms as a way to understand both the language and the culture. I always find a song, a movie, or something to show them whatever I´m teaching. For example, I was teaching the word BREW and and show them the song STRANGE BREW, abviously you can teach many other words or expressions from the lyrics.

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21 formal idioms and collocations for IELTS Task 2 essays

To receive a high band score in IELTS writing, it is necessary to demonstrate that you are able to use idiomatic language in both Task 1 essays/letters (informal or formal, depending on the test and question) and Task 2 essays (always formal).

Unfortunately, most lists of so-called “IELTS idioms” available online include only informal and/or outdated expressions (clichés and proverbs) that are inappropriate for Task 2 and Academic Training Task 1 essays . The following list, in contrast, contains a variety of idioms and collocations (words frequently paired together) commonly used by contemporary native English speakers in business and academic writing.

While some of the phrases are relevant to specific topics, the focus is on expressions that can be used in responses to a wide range of questions.

You can also download this list as a PDF .

(An) Active/Sedentary lifestyle – lifestyle that involves a lot of/very little exercise

Example: When employees are required to work long hours, it is difficult for them to maintain an active lifestyle /it is easy for them to adopt a sedentary lifestyle .

Beside the point – not relevant to an argument  

Example: Some people might argue that providing free treatment for diseases brought on by unhealthy lifestyle choices will encourage poor behavior, but that is beside the point .

Cost-effective solution – action designed to save money, usually in response to rising prices

Example: Some companies treat outsourcing as the most cost-effective solution to rising expenses.

A daunting task – large and overwhelming job or chore

Example: In a competitive housing market, purchasing a home can be a daunting task for many prospective buyers.

Financial incentive(s) – policy that allows people to get or save money to encourage a particular action or behavior

Example: Some cities may offer  financial incentives to business owners in the form of tax breaks* and reduced startup fees.

*reduction in taxes

A/The key factor – something that contributes directly and significantly to a result  

A key factor = one of many important factors

The key factor = the single most important factor

Example: A person’s work ethic is a key factor in the amount of professional success they achieve.

A major transformation – very significant change

Example: Over the last half-century, medical training has undergone a major transformation in many countries.

Natural affinity for – inborn skill or preference for  

Example: It is evident that people are born with different talents: some people learn new languages easily, while others have a natural affinity for math(s) or science.

On the verge of (+ noun or verb + ing) – about to occur

Example: As a result of climate change and persistent drought, some countries are now on the verge of (experiencing) a serious humanitarian crisis.

On the whole – in general

Example: While money is certainly a significant consideration in one’s choice of career, I believe that on the whole , other factors should play an even more important role.

Pose a problem – More sophisticated way of saying “be a problem”

 Example: The question of how to balance a demanding job with personal and family responsibilities poses a problem for many workers.

Primarily concerned with (+ noun or verb + ing) – mainly interested in or about

Example: A person who is primarily concerned with money (noun) may indeed find satisfaction in a finance career.

Example: A person who is primarily concerned with helping (verb + ing) others is well-suited to a career in a “caring” field such as nursing or social work.

Quality time – time spent with others (usually family or friends) devoted to enjoyment and building relationships

Example: When employees are required to work long hours and weekends, they are unable to spend quality time with their friends and family.

(Face) serious consequences – significant (negative) results

Example: Students usually face serious consequences if they are discovered to have plagiarized* or cheated on exams.

*plagiarize (n., plagiarism) – presenting someone else’s work as one’s own

In or  A sharp contrast – large contrast

Example:  2015 saw average housing prices hit record highs, which was a * sharp contrast to the situation 2014.

Example:   In sharp contrast to 2014, 2015 saw average housing prices hit record highs.

*This version is typically used after a form of of the verb to be .

A significant/substantial impact – a large effect (either positive or negative)

Example: The rising popularity of urban living has had a significant impact on the housing market in many cities.

Strictly necessary – absolutely necessary, essential

Example: Many employees work overtime and accept extra responsibilities, even when such things are not strictly necessary .

Take x for granted – to assume that something is true or accurate without giving any thought to it   

Example: Most people take their health for granted until they fall ill.

Take into* account – consider

Example: Many people argue that providing free or low-cost treatment for diseases that result from poor lifestyle choices will only encourage to pursue bad habits, but they do not take into account such a policy’s effects on society as a whole.

*Note that even though this is a phrasal verb, it is commonly used in formal contexts.

The vast majority of – almost everyone, or almost all of something  

Example: The vast majority of people would presumably agree that industrial manufacturers should not be allowed to determine environmental policy.

A wide/broad range – a large variety

Example: People reject high-paying jobs in favor of positions with lower compensation for a wide/broad range of reasons.

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• Learn English /

5 Best Idioms with Meaning for Essay Writing

• Updated on  
• Jun 8, 2024

Willing to know more about English Idioms for Essay Writing, expressions and proverbs? They all are an essential part of the English language. Both spoken and written English are combined with expressions and proverbs. 

To have a perfect grasp of the meanings and usage of idioms is mandatory for students. However, we know how complicated it can get to understand and familiarize ourselves with the usage of English idioms in everyday life. 

So let’s discover some meaningful idioms of essay writing mentioned below for your reference. 

This Blog Includes:

To sugarcoat, around the clock , stay the course, the pot calling the kettle black, don’t put all your eggs in one basket, once in a blue moon.

“To sugarcoat” is an expression term for adding sweetness to something in order to make it palatable or appealing. In essence, “to sugarcoat” is a metaphorical term derived from the idea of adding sugar to something bitter or sour to make it taste better. 

Examples : Although she tried to sugarcoat, it was still tough to receive the dreadful news.

The idiom “around the clock” is used to describe continuous, non-stop, or 24/7 activity or effort. It implies that something is being done all day and all night without any breaks. 

Example: The medical staff worked around the clock to treat the patients during the flu epidemic.

Also Read: Understanding Idioms: Examples and Meanings

“Stay the course” is an idiom that means to continue with a plan or course of action despite challenges, difficulties, or obstacles. It suggests perseverance, determination, and the commitment to follow through with a chosen path, even when faced with adversity.

Example : Despite the initial setbacks, the project team decided to stay the course and work diligently to meet their deadline.

When someone says, “You’re just like the pot calling the kettle black,” they are pointing out the hypocrisy of the accuser, who is guilty of the same fault they are criticizing in someone else. It serves as a reminder to be self-aware and honest about one’s own actions and behaviours before casting judgment on others. 

Example: You’re saying I’m too judgemental. That’s the pot calling the kettle black!

The idiom “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” is a popular saying that advises against putting all your resources, efforts, or hopes into a single place or venture. Instead, it encourages diversification and spreading your resources across multiple options to reduce the potential risks and increase your chances of success.

Example : When it comes to job searching, don’t put all your eggs in one basket, keep applying to multiple companies to increase your chances of getting hired.

Also Read: Idioms for IELTS

The idiom “ once in a blue moon ” is used to describe something that happens very rarely or infrequently, typically referring to an event or occurrence that doesn’t happen often. 

Example: My sister lives in Australia, so we only get to see each other once in a blue moon.

#idioms pic.twitter.com/ebKYvmvGMN — Math English For All (@mathenglish4all) May 30, 2024

Explore more blogs on Idioms and Proverbs here:

These were all the idioms for essay. To read more about idioms you can check our page at Leverage Edu .

Vaishnavi Shukla

Vaishnavi has 2+ years of experience in SEO and Content Marketing. She is highly proficient in English, possessing exceptional language skills and a deep understanding of English grammar and communication. Currently working on Ed Tech, Finance, Lifestyle, and other niches. All her works are infused with love for writing!

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English Idioms for A+ Essays

So, English idioms. Can you think of some examples? “The early bird gets the worm!” “Bite your tongue!” Do they “drive you crazy?” Keep calm and take a deep breath. Professional writers from writingpaper.org are walking encyclopedias, they know all idioms inside out. Give us a couple of minutes to explain to you everything.

First of all, let's see what an idiom is. It is a word or phrase which has a different meaning than its literal definition. Idioms are a short and sweet way of conveying something that would otherwise require a number of sentences. In many cases, their real meanings are difficult to establish. For example, if we say that “this man loves blowing his own trumpet”, it has nothing to do with the music. The idiomatic expression highlights that a person loves talking about himself.

The Ground Rules for the Use of English Idioms in Your Essay

Rule #1: Idioms are common English expressions that can be used in formal and informal situations. They come up all the time in both written and spoken English.

Rule #2: Idioms must be used appropriately for the context of the essay. When used correctly, especially in the academic writing, they show creativity and demonstrate control over the language.

Rule #3: Do not confuse phrasal verb idioms with slang. For instance, do not write in your essay that somebody “flunked out of college” (to fail and have to leave). “To flunk out” is slang. You do not want to use this expression in a formal academic essay.

As you are painfully aware, the idioms are quite challenging to learn because the meaning of the whole phrase often does not relate to the literal meaning of the individual words. Most of the time, when you are trying to learn the idioms, you are looking on a website that has the list of hundreds of phrases and end up getting frustrated and confused.

The secret to learning idioms is to focus on the ones that are relevant and are often used in everyday conversation. When you hear a new idiom and learn the meaning, think about a situation in your own life where the meaning of this phrase is relevant. To make it easier for you, we have compiled a list of idioms that will pepper your writing. So, let's learn some advanced vocabulary, specifically verbs that you can use in your essays as well as in the IELTS or the TOEFL exams to level up your paper.

Useful English Idioms for Your Essay

This is a quite common idiom you have to know to spice up your essay and speech. What does it mean? It means to do something badly or cheaply. Often, to save time or money. We could say: “the construction company cut corners when they were building the bridge, which is why it eventually collapsed.”

Hang in There

This idiom means to be patient or wait when things are difficult. For instance, “I know you having trouble in the math class but do not drop out, if you hang in there, you will eventually understand the material”.

On the Fence

It is one of the most useful idioms for IELTS or TOEFL exams. You can use it when writing about someone who has not decided between two options. Let us give you an example: “He was on the fence about whether to write a history essay or order one online”.

Test the Waters

If you want to try something without completely committing to it, you can test the waters. For instance, “if you are not sure whether you want to join the college club or not, you can test the waters by just going to the first meeting.”

Make a Long Story Short

This is a great idiom to use in your essay if you want to conclude something. It means to briefly summarize the main point. Now that we have warmed up, it is time to move on to more challenging English idioms which you can be applied in your essay.

School of Thought

It is a viewpoint or an opinion that some people subscribe to. Where does this come from? Historically, we had Plato who concentrated on metaphysics and Aristotle with his own school of thoughts – he considered the world from the point of view of a scientific perspective. You can talk about the different schools of thought: the one which examines the ways to educate children, control taxes or reduce violence. So, any topic can have schools of thought (a public and commonly held opinion by a group of people).

The introduction to an essay could sound like this: “There is a growing debate as to the role of government in media supervision. One school of thought suggests that authorities have an obligation to protect a nation's citizens by banning harmful materials from appearing in the media. Another view is that censorship is itself harmful and the government should allow natural social discourse to dictate what constitutes acceptable expression.”

In this example, you can always say “some people think” instead of “one school of thought suggests”. But if you want to have a little bit of sophistication to get your score up, use more complex writing.

Make the Grade/Cut

That idiom means to perform to a certain standard. If you do not make the grade, you are below the acceptable minimum and you are not going to get what it is you are going after.  For example, “not all students can go to Ivy League School. Those who do not make the grade often choose public colleges or vocational schools.” Basically, they did not have enough good grades to enter Ivy League School.

Here is another example: “With so many companies offering similar services, those that do not make the cut in terms of quality and price often find themselves out of business. ” To simply put, it does not good enough to compete.

(Live in an) Ivory Tower

If you think about elephants and their tusks, that material is ivory. This phrase means that a person is detached from reality, unaware of the common person's needs and troubles. If you live in an ivory tower, you are high above the average person, you are a little bit in a luxury world.

For example, “Academics, especially older ones, are often seen as living in ivory towers, reading and writing books that do not apply to most people's lives.” “Recent developments in world politics reflect the average person's distrust of politicians' ivory tower approach to governance.”

Learn (Something) the Hard Way

It means to learn through difficult experiences and mistakes. “Some children refuse to listen to the advice of the adults around them and seem bent on (determined to) learning the facts of life the hard way.”

So, hang in there! Be sure, with these idioms, the next essay of yours will be a piece of cake!

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100+ Interesting Idioms for Essays writing – Pro Idioms

Interesting Idioms for Essays writing!

Here is the list of useful idioms related to essays writing in English and paragraphs writing, must go through all of these idioms and memorize these useful idioms list, you can also save this idiom list for your later use.

Interesting Idioms for Essays writing Infographics – 1

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Interesting idioms for Essays

Idioms for Essay Writing

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British Academics Despair as ChatGPT-Written Essays Swamp Grading Season

‘It’s not a machine for cheating; it’s a machine for producing crap,’ says one professor infuriated by the rise of bland essays.

By  Jack Grove for Times Higher Education

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The increased prevalence of students using ChatGPT to write essays should prompt a rethink about whether current policies encouraging “ethical” use of artificial intelligence (AI) are working, scholars have argued.

With marking season in full flow, lecturers have taken to social media in large numbers to complain about AI-generated content found in submitted work.

Telltale signs of ChatGPT use, according to academics, include little-used words such as “delve” and “multifaceted,” summarizing key themes using bullet points and a jarring conversational style using terms such as, “Let’s explore this theme.”

In a more obvious giveaway, one professor said an advertisement for an AI essay company was  buried in a paper’s introduction ; another academic noted how a student had  forgotten to remove a chatbot statement  that the content was AI-generated.

“I had no idea how many would resort to it,” admitted  one U.K. law professor .

Des Fitzgerald, professor of medical humanities and social sciences at  University College Cork , told  Times Higher Education  that student use of AI had “gone totally mainstream” this year.

“Across a batch of essays, you do start to notice the tics of ChatGPT essays, which is partly about repetition of certain words or phrases, but is also just a kind of aura of machinic blandness that’s hard to describe to someone who hasn’t encountered it—an essay with no edges, that does nothing technically wrong or bad, but not much right or good, either,” said Professor Fitzgerald.

Since  ChatGPT’s emergence in late 2022 , some universities have adopted policies to allow the use of AI as long as it is acknowledged, while others have begun using AI content detectors, although  opinion is divided on their effectiveness .

According to the  latest Student Academic Experience Survey , for which Advance HE and the Higher Education Policy Institute polled around 10,000 U.K. undergraduates, 61 percent use AI at least a little each month, “in a way allowed by their institution,” while 31 percent do so every week.

Professor Fitzgerald said that although some colleagues “think we just need to live with this, even that we have a duty to teach students to use it well,” he was “totally against” the use of AI tools for essays.

“ChatGPT is completely antithetical to everything I think I’m doing as a teacher—working with students to engage with texts, thinking through ideas, learning to clarify and express complex thoughts, taking some risks with those thoughts, locating some kind of distinctive inner voice. ChatGPT is total poison for all of this, and we need to simply ban it,” he said.

Steve Fuller, professor of sociology at the  University of Warwick , agreed that AI use had “become more noticeable” this year despite his students signing contracts saying they would not use it to write essays.

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He said he was not opposed to students using it “as long as what they produce sounds smart and on point, and the marker can’t recognize it as simply having been lifted from another source wholesale.”

Those who leaned heavily on the technology should expect a relatively low mark, even though they might pass, said Professor Fuller.

“Students routinely commit errors of fact, reasoning and grammar [without ChatGPT], yet if their text touches enough bases with the assignment, they’re likely to get somewhere in the low- to mid-60s. ChatGPT does a credible job at simulating such mediocrity, and that’s good enough for many of its student users,” he said.

Having to mark such mediocre essays partly generated by AI is, however, a growing complaint among academics. Posting on X,  Lancaster University  economist  Renaud Foucart  said marking AI-generated essays “takes much more time to assess [because] I need to concentrate much more to cut through the amount of seemingly logical statements that are actually full of emptiness.”

“My biggest issue [with AI] is less the moral issue about cheating but more what ChatGPT offers students,” Professor Fitzgerald added. “All it is capable of is [writing] bad essays made up of non-ideas and empty sentences. It’s not a machine for cheating; it’s a machine for producing crap.”

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‘Cats’ Returns, Ditching the Junkyard for Queer Ballroom

As part of a wave of reimagined Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals, a new revival of “Cats” unfolds as a ballroom competition.

“Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” a new revival that is free of felines, runs through July 28 at Perelman Performing Arts Center in Manhattan. Credit... Dolly Faibyshev for The New York Times

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By Joshua Barone

• Published June 18, 2024 Updated June 22, 2024

Things seemed to change when the video came out.

At the end of May, the Perelman Arts Center posted a clip on social media of “Jellicle Cats,” the catchy, effervescent opening number from the musical “Cats.” It showed a group of queer performers catwalking in a rehearsal room before breaking apart to freely dance and vogue. One singer wore a cap winkingly topped with feline ears; another stared down the camera and twirled her ponytail with declarative swagger.

This was the first real glimpse of a new, ballroom-inspired revival of “Cats,” running through July 28 at PAC NYC, as the Perelman Center in Manhattan is known. Since it was announced nearly a year earlier, the show had been a subject of skepticism and mocking humor: “Cats” was ridiculous enough, but ballroom ? Hardly a mention of the production went by without a snicker.

Then the “Jellicle Cats” clip went viral, and jaws dropped. Celebrities chimed in, with the comedian Ziwe saying, “Ok go off” and the filmmaker Justin Simien simply writing, “AYEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.” On TikTok, one person commented, “do I……do I suddenly want to see Cats?”

For over four decades, “Cats” has been something of a cultural punching bag. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s adaptation of poetry by T.S. Eliot, unfolding as a dance-heavy, revue-like show about cats gathering in a junkyard for their annual Jellicle Ball, has been seen as strange at best, and kitsch at worst. Its earworms have driven theater critics mad; its costumes of unitards and leg warmers are just as impossible to dislodge from your memory. Tom Hooper’s film adaptation , from late 2019, flopped disastrously, and was jokingly referred to as a dark turning point that ushered in the pandemic.

But, in a moment of stage directors reconsidering , and often reimagining, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals, such as a stark “Sunset Boulevard” transferring to Broadway from London this fall, perhaps it is also the time for “Cats” to shake off its pop culture clichés and say something new.

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