8 MORE Common English Sayings
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And we’re back with 8 more common English sayings that you can use in conversation. Like any sayings or limericks in your native language, using English idioms usually come easier for native speakers. So show off your English speaking skills improvement by using one of these sayings naturally in dialogue.
UP IN THE AIR
The phrase “up in the air” is usually used when the speaker has a plan or issue that has not been finalized or settled. Use it as a response when asked about a matter that has not been resolved yet.
For Example:
Ingrid: Have you decided on what to do for your birthday yet?
Luiz: No plans yet, everything is still up in the air.
BREAK A LEG
“Break a leg” is one of the most popular sayings in the English language. It doesn’t literally mean you want someone to break a limb but wish them good luck! I know weird. You usually say this right before someone is about to perform. Fun fact, nowadays people say this to their actor friends who are auditioning for a show so that they will end up in a cast.
For Example:
Carine: Good luck in your audition, I hope you break a leg!
Catherine: Thank you, that means so much!
SPICE THINGS UP
To “spice things up” is to make something more exciting or interesting. The speaker usually uses this phrase when referring to boring albeit mundane activities.
For Example:
Rina: This party is getting a bit boring
Carla: Why don’t we spice things up by playing a game of truth or dare?
BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE
“Barking up the wrong tree” is one of the more fun sayings on this list and to use in conversation. When properly used, the speaker usually has a friendly and sometimes sarcastic tone in their voice. This phrase is usually in reference to someone pursuing the wrong course of thought and/or action.
For Example:
Jurise: Hello Samer, I was told you were the one who is able to help me with my wifi connectivity problems, is this true?
Samer: So sorry Jurise but I believe you are barking up the wrong tree.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The phrase “food for thought” is a classic. Like many sayings in the English language, we are sure there is some sort of version of this in your native languages. Food for thought is usually stated when referring to matters that are worth thinking about more carefully.
For Example:
Maru: Here is some food for thought, maybe they are just trying to help you even though it doesn’t look like it right now?
Mustafa: I had not considered it like that, thank you for your wisdom.
KILL TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE
I don’t think there is anything more iconic than the phrase “to kill two birds with one stone”. One can also argue there is no other feeling like coming up with a solution that lets you kill two birds with one stone. Like many English sayings, this one is not meant to be said or taken literally. Please don’t go around killing birds. This phrase is in reference to coming up with an idea that allows you to complete two goals at once.
For Example:
Bihter: I think we should stop by the grocery before we go to the party so we can buy both the ice and the cake.
Jed: Great idea, that way we can kill two birds with one stone.
THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM
“The calm before the storm” refers to the unusual peaceful moments before a presumably chaotic or difficult experience.
For Example:
Gül: It is awfully quiet for a Monday morning.
Lucy: It’s just the calm before the storm, It’ll get busier around lunchtime.
COME RAIN OR SHINE
The idiom “come rain or shine” is to confirm the status of an event or point of view that others may believe is dependent on the conditions of other variables. Variables like the weather for example. To say “come rain or shine” is almost saying “no matter what”.
For Example:
Sara: Is the after-school activity at the park still on for today?
Susana: Yes, I told the students to come rain or shine.
Well there you have it, 8 more common English sayings. Hopefully, these were helpful to you and you feel motivated to use them in conversation one day. For more information about VanWest College just click the links below!
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