8 Common English Idioms, Slang, And Sayings

Idioms. What are they?

 

Idioms are phrases or expressions commonly used casually in conversations. They are usually understood in their figurative meaning rather than their literal meaning. Like any sayings or limericks in your native language, using English idioms usually come easier for native speakers. The more you improve your English skills we are sure you will be more confident in using them in everyday dialogue. Listed below are a few common idioms in English and their meanings.

Have you ever heard of any of these or used any of them in conversation?

 

SMOOTH LIKE BUTTER

 

 

Before our favorite K-Pop idols used it as lyrics for a hit song, “smooth like butter” was commonly used in dialogue. Smooth like butter or how it was originally ‘smooth as butter’ is used to describe an action or event that appeared to be done with great ease.

 

For Example:

Catherine: “How was your flight?”
Carla: “It was good, landing was smooth like butter.”

With her response, Carla is referring to her flight as a pleasant ride. Indicating it wasn’t turbulent and the landing was done so smoothly that she probably didn’t even feel the plane touchdown.

 

IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE

 

 

“It’s not rocket science” is almost an exaggerated and (sometimes) humorously condescending way to describe a not so difficult task or instruction. It implies rocket science is very difficult (which it is).

 

For Example:

Jed: “So I have to also wear my face mask in the classrooms?”
Ingrid: “Yes! The rule is you have to wear it at all times, it’s not rocket science!”

In this instance, Ingrid is stressing the simplicity of the rule of wearing a face mask at all times.

 

YOU CAN SAY THAT AGAIN

 

 

“You can say that again” is a response used by the speaker when they truly agree with something they hear.

 

For Example:

Rina: “It’s really hot out today, I’m melting.”
Lucy: “You can say that again.”

With this quick response, Lucy is stating that she totally agrees with Rina’s comment. There must be a heatwave where they are.

 

THROUGH THICK AND THIN

 

“Through thick and thin” pretty much means “in good times and in bad times”. Usually, used as part of a sentence to describe the relationship or commitment one had with another that is very close to them.

 

For Example:

Sasha: “We’ve been friends for a very long time.”
Bihter: “That’s right, we’ve been through thick and thin together.”

In the example above, Bihter affirms Sasha’s nostalgia stating that they have been through a lot as friends.

 

RUN LIKE THE WIND

 

“Run like the wind” basically means a person must run really fast. They’re either in a race or avoiding being late for a prior engagement.

 

For Example:

Maru: “Oh no, I’m running late for my meeting with a client!”
Rodrigo: “You better get going, you must run like the wind.”

With his response, Rodrigo is agreeing that Maru shouldn’t be late for her meeting and that she should get going.

 

ON CLOUD 9

 

Being “on cloud 9” is a way to describe your status when you’re either really happy, peaceful or in a place of joyful disbelief. You’re not on a literal cloud.

 

For Example:

Mustafa: “Hey, is it true you got a new kitten?”
Sara: “Yes, I’m on cloud 9 right now!”

With the example above you can see how ecstatic Sara is having a new kitten. As a bonus, using this saying to describe an unfavorable situation is a great way to showcase sarcasm.

 

YOU CAN’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER

 

We are pretty sure you’ve heard this one before or have a common saying in your native language that roughly translates to this and has the same meaning. Pretty much, someone or something’s external features do no dictate what they are actually or internally.

 

For Example:

Samer: “Thanks for the bubble tea! I’ve been missing out all these years because I thought I wouldn’t like the pearls.”
Sejin: “No problem! See, you can’t judge a book by its cover. You’ll never know if you like it unless you try it.”

With this exchange, we understand Samer regrets never purchasing bubble tea because he assumed he wouldn’t like the taste of the pearls. But Sejin reaffirms the lesson that we shouldn’t judge someone or something base on appearance because we could be missing out on something truly great.

 

RAIN ON YOUR (SOMEONE’S) PARADE

 

To rain on someone’s parade is to spoil someone’s expectation intentionally or not.

 

For Example:

Gul: “I’m so excited for the after-school activity today!”
Nobuko: “Oh Gul, I hate to rain on your parade but not enough student’s signed up so we have to cancel it.”

With Nobuko’s response, we learn she doesn’t mean to ruin an activity Gul was looking forward to. What makes this saying dramatic is because it is such a letdown when the rain starts to pour during a parade which is usually done in ideal weather conditions.

 

Well, there you have it, 8 common English Idioms, slang, and sayings. There are plenty more out that we are sure to share with you all in the future. Have you used any of those sayings above or have a favorite one that you commonly use? Let us know!

 

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