Idioms and phrases are essential components of natural, fluent English. These colorful expressions often cannot be understood from the literal meaning of their individual words, making them challenging but rewarding aspects of language learning. This comprehensive guide explores 100 of the most common and useful English idioms and phrases, providing clear explanations, example sentences, and practical usage tips to help you incorporate them naturally into your everyday English.
Understanding Idioms in English
Before diving into specific expressions, it's helpful to understand what idioms are and why they matter in language learning.
What Are Idioms?
Idioms are fixed expressions whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal definitions of the words they contain. For example, when someone says "it's raining cats and dogs," they don't mean animals are falling from the sky—they're expressing that it's raining heavily.
Key characteristics of idioms include:
- Fixed form: The words in an idiom generally cannot be changed or rearranged
- Non-literal meaning: The expression means something different from its individual words
- Cultural significance: Many idioms reflect cultural values, history, or traditions
- Contextual usage: Idioms are often used in specific situations or to express particular emotions
Why Learning Idioms Matters
Mastering idioms is valuable for several reasons:
- Natural communication: Native speakers use idioms frequently in everyday conversation
- Cultural understanding: Idioms provide insights into the culture and mindset of English speakers
- Comprehension improvement: Understanding idioms prevents confusion when listening or reading
- Expression enhancement: Using appropriate idioms makes your English sound more natural and sophisticated
- Testing success: Many English proficiency exams include idioms in their vocabulary sections
Everyday Idioms About Life and Experiences
These common expressions describe general life situations and experiences.
1. Break the ice
Meaning: To do or say something that makes people feel more comfortable in a social situation
Example: "At the beginning of the workshop, the instructor played a game to break the ice and help everyone get to know each other."
Usage tip: Often used when describing first meetings, networking events, or situations with new people.
2. Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: To be extremely expensive
Example: "That luxury vacation cost us an arm and a leg, but it was worth every penny."
Usage tip: Used informally to emphasize the high cost of something, often with a tone of surprise or complaint.
3. Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem
Example: "When Sarah said we need better communication in the team, she really hit the nail on the head."
Usage tip: Used to express that someone has identified the exact cause or point of something.
4. Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling sick or unwell
Example: "John won't be coming to work today. He's feeling a bit under the weather."
Usage tip: A polite, somewhat understated way to describe illness, often used for minor sicknesses.
5. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Very rarely, almost never
Example: "I only eat dessert once in a blue moon, usually on special occasions."
Usage tip: Used to emphasize the rarity of an event or action.
6. Piece of cake
Meaning: Something very easy to do
Example: "The exam was a piece of cake—I finished it in half the allotted time."
Usage tip: Often used to describe tasks that were easier than expected.
7. Speak of the devil
Meaning: Said when someone appears just after you have been talking about them
Example: "We were just discussing your proposal and speak of the devil—here you are!"
Usage tip: Generally used in a friendly way when someone appears coincidentally.
8. The best of both worlds
Meaning: The benefits of two different situations at the same time
Example: "Working from home three days a week gives me the best of both worlds—office collaboration and home comfort."
Usage tip: Used positively to describe an ideal compromise or situation.
9. Bite off more than you can chew
Meaning: To take on more responsibility than you can manage
Example: "By enrolling in five courses while working full-time, I think I've bitten off more than I can chew."
Usage tip: Often used as a warning or to describe a stressful situation caused by overcommitment.
10. Cut corners
Meaning: To do something in the easiest or cheapest way, often reducing quality
Example: "The contractor cut corners on the building materials, and now we're having problems with the structure."
Usage tip: Usually has a negative connotation, implying lower quality or potential problems.
Idioms About Success and Failure
These expressions describe achievement, disappointment, and the outcomes of our efforts.
11. Hit the jackpot
Meaning: To be very successful or lucky, especially unexpectedly
Example: "We hit the jackpot with our new marketing strategy—sales have tripled!"
Usage tip: Originally from gambling, now used for any unexpected success or good fortune.
12. Miss the boat
Meaning: To miss an opportunity because you're too slow to act
Example: "If you don't apply for the scholarship by Friday, you'll miss the boat."
Usage tip: Often used to create urgency or express regret about missed opportunities.
13. Back to the drawing board
Meaning: To start again on a plan because the previous attempt failed
Example: "Our proposal was rejected, so it's back to the drawing board."
Usage tip: Expresses disappointment but also determination to try again.
14. Ace something
Meaning: To perform exceptionally well, especially on a test
Example: "She aced her job interview and got an offer the same day."
Usage tip: Commonly used in academic contexts but has expanded to other achievement areas.
15. Crash and burn
Meaning: To fail spectacularly
Example: "His presentation crashed and burned when he couldn't answer basic questions from the audience."
Usage tip: More dramatic than simply "fail"—implies a notable or public failure.
16. Get the hang of something
Meaning: To learn how to do something, especially through practice
Example: "It took me a while to get the hang of the new software, but now I use it confidently."
Usage tip: Often used to encourage persistence when learning new skills.
17. Throw in the towel
Meaning: To give up, to quit trying
Example: "After three failed attempts, he threw in the towel and hired a professional."
Usage tip: Comes from boxing, where a towel is thrown into the ring to stop a fight.
18. Hit a home run
Meaning: To be very successful with something
Example: "The new product hit a home run with customers—we sold out in two days."
Usage tip: From baseball, used to describe a significant success or achievement.
19. Fall flat
Meaning: To fail to produce the intended effect; to be unsuccessful
Example: "His joke fell flat at the meeting—nobody laughed."
Usage tip: Often used for unsuccessful attempts at humor or persuasion.
20. Pull it off
Meaning: To succeed in doing something difficult
Example: "Despite the tight deadline, the team pulled it off and delivered the project on time."
Usage tip: Suggests success despite challenges or doubts.
Idioms About People and Relationships
These expressions describe human characteristics and interpersonal dynamics.
21. A pain in the neck
Meaning: An annoying person or thing
Example: "Filling out these forms every month is a real pain in the neck."
Usage tip: A milder alternative to ruder expressions; can refer to people or tasks.
22. Apple of one's eye
Meaning: Someone who is loved very much and is very important
Example: "Her youngest daughter is the apple of her eye."
Usage tip: Often used for children or romantic partners who are especially cherished.
23. Birds of a feather flock together
Meaning: People who have similar interests or characteristics tend to spend time together
Example: "It's no surprise they became friends so quickly—birds of a feather flock together."
Usage tip: Can be used positively or negatively, depending on the context.
24. Burn bridges
Meaning: To damage a relationship so it cannot be repaired
Example: "Be careful what you say in your resignation letter—you don't want to burn bridges with the company."
Usage tip: Often used as a warning against actions that might have long-term negative consequences.
25. Get on someone's nerves
Meaning: To annoy or irritate someone
Example: "His constant humming is really getting on my nerves."
Usage tip: Describes an irritation that builds over time, often from repetitive behavior.
26. Keep someone at arm's length
Meaning: To avoid becoming too friendly or emotionally close to someone
Example: "After being hurt in her last relationship, she keeps new people at arm's length."
Usage tip: Implies deliberate emotional distance for self-protection.
27. See eye to eye
Meaning: To agree with someone
Example: "We don't always see eye to eye on political issues, but we respect each other's opinions."
Usage tip: Often used in negative statements to acknowledge disagreement.
28. Steal someone's thunder
Meaning: To take attention away from someone else by doing or saying something that they were planning to do or say
Example: "I was about to announce my engagement, but my sister stole my thunder by announcing her pregnancy first."
Usage tip: Implies taking credit or attention that rightfully belonged to someone else.
29. Two peas in a pod
Meaning: Very similar, especially in appearance or character
Example: "Those twins are like two peas in a pod—I can barely tell them apart."
Usage tip: Usually used affectionately to describe close friends or relatives.
30. Wear your heart on your sleeve
Meaning: To openly show your emotions and feelings
Example: "John always wears his heart on his sleeve—you never have to guess how he's feeling."
Usage tip: Can be seen as either a positive trait (honesty) or a vulnerability, depending on context.
Business and Work Idioms
These expressions are commonly used in professional environments.
31. Ahead of the curve
Meaning: More advanced or progressive than others
Example: "Their company is ahead of the curve in adopting artificial intelligence technologies."
Usage tip: A positive description implying innovation and leadership.
32. Ball park figure
Meaning: A rough numerical estimate or approximation
Example: "I can't give you an exact price yet, but as a ball park figure, it will cost around $5,000."
Usage tip: Signals that the number is approximate and subject to change.
33. Climb the corporate ladder
Meaning: To advance in one's career, moving to increasingly better positions
Example: "She climbed the corporate ladder quickly, becoming a director in just five years."
Usage tip: Can be used neutrally or with a slightly critical tone about ambition.
34. Cut to the chase
Meaning: To get to the point without wasting time
Example: "We don't have much time, so let's cut to the chase—are you interested in the partnership or not?"
Usage tip: Useful in business contexts when time is limited, but can sound abrupt.
35. Get the ball rolling
Meaning: To start a process or project
Example: "Let's get the ball rolling on the new marketing campaign by brainstorming some ideas."
Usage tip: Often used at the beginning of meetings or projects.
36. In the red
Meaning: Operating at a financial loss; having more debts than assets
Example: "The company has been in the red for three consecutive quarters."
Usage tip: Comes from the practice of writing negative numbers in red ink in financial records.
37. Learn the ropes
Meaning: To learn how to do a job or activity
Example: "The new employee is still learning the ropes, so be patient with her questions."
Usage tip: Implies a period of adjustment and training in a new position.
38. Think outside the box
Meaning: To think creatively, not limited by conventional ideas
Example: "We need to think outside the box to solve this unique challenge."
Usage tip: Very common in business contexts, though some consider it a cliché.
39. Touch base
Meaning: To briefly make or renew contact with someone
Example: "Let's touch base next week to discuss our progress on the project."
Usage tip: Useful for suggesting brief, informal meetings or check-ins.
40. Up to speed
Meaning: Fully informed or trained about something
Example: "The training session will bring all employees up to speed on the new procedures."
Usage tip: Often used when introducing new team members or implementing changes.
Time and Timing Idioms
These expressions relate to time management, deadlines, and timing.
41. Against the clock
Meaning: Trying to finish something before a deadline
Example: "We're working against the clock to finish the presentation before tomorrow's meeting."
Usage tip: Emphasizes urgency and time pressure.
42. At the eleventh hour
Meaning: At the last possible moment; almost too late
Example: "The funding came through at the eleventh hour, just before we had to cancel the project."
Usage tip: Implies a dramatic or stressful last-minute resolution.
43. Beat the clock
Meaning: To finish something before a deadline
Example: "We managed to beat the clock and submit the proposal five minutes before the deadline."
Usage tip: Has a positive connotation of success despite time pressure.
44. Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working on something
Example: "We've made good progress, so let's call it a day and continue tomorrow."
Usage tip: Often used at the end of a workday or when taking a break from a task.
45. In the nick of time
Meaning: At the last possible moment before it's too late
Example: "The ambulance arrived in the nick of time—a few minutes later would have been disastrous."
Usage tip: Emphasizes how close something came to being too late.
46. Make up for lost time
Meaning: To work harder or faster because of previous delays
Example: "After the project was delayed by bad weather, we had to make up for lost time by working weekends."
Usage tip: Implies increased effort to compensate for previous inactivity or delays.
47. On the dot
Meaning: Exactly at the specified time; punctually
Example: "The meeting starts at 9:00 on the dot, so don't be late."
Usage tip: Emphasizes precision in timing, often used when punctuality is important.
48. Race against time
Meaning: To try very hard to finish something before a deadline
Example: "The rescue team is in a race against time to find survivors after the earthquake."
Usage tip: More dramatic than "against the clock," often used in life-or-death situations.
49. Take your time
Meaning: To do something without hurrying
Example: "Take your time answering these questions—accuracy is more important than speed."
Usage tip: Used to reduce pressure and encourage careful attention.
50. Time flies
Meaning: Time passes quickly
Example: "I can't believe it's been ten years since graduation—time flies!"
Usage tip: Often expressed with surprise at how quickly a period has passed.
Communication Idioms
These expressions relate to speaking, listening, and information sharing.
51. Bite your tongue
Meaning: To stop yourself from saying something that you want to say
Example: "I had to bite my tongue when she criticized my work unfairly."
Usage tip: Implies self-restraint to avoid conflict or inappropriate comments.
52. Break the news
Meaning: To tell someone important information, often bad news
Example: "The manager had to break the news about the company layoffs."
Usage tip: Usually used for significant information that might cause an emotional reaction.
53. Get to the point
Meaning: To speak directly about the most important aspect of something
Example: "We have limited time, so please get to the point of your presentation."
Usage tip: Can sound impatient if not used carefully; best in situations where brevity is valued.
54. Give someone a piece of your mind
Meaning: To tell someone angrily what you think about them or something they did
Example: "After they damaged my car, I gave them a piece of my mind."
Usage tip: Implies angry or forceful expression of opinions, often in response to perceived wrongdoing.
55. Hold your tongue
Meaning: To stop yourself from speaking
Example: "I wanted to disagree, but I held my tongue because it wasn't the right time."
Usage tip: Similar to "bite your tongue," but can imply longer restraint.
56. Keep someone in the loop
Meaning: To keep someone informed about something
Example: "Please keep me in the loop about any changes to the schedule."
Usage tip: Common in professional contexts for ongoing information sharing.
57. Put words in someone's mouth
Meaning: To suggest that someone said something that they did not actually say
Example: "Don't put words in my mouth—I never said I disliked your idea."
Usage tip: Usually used defensively when someone feels misrepresented.
58. Read between the lines
Meaning: To understand what is implied but not directly stated
Example: "If you read between the lines of the announcement, it's clear the company is preparing for layoffs."
Usage tip: Suggests understanding subtle or unstated meanings.
59. Speak volumes
Meaning: To express or reveal a lot without using many words
Example: "Her silence on the issue speaks volumes about her true feelings."
Usage tip: Used to emphasize that actions or non-verbal cues can be very revealing.
60. Straight from the horse's mouth
Meaning: Information from the original or authoritative source
Example: "I heard about the policy change straight from the horse's mouth—the CEO told me himself."
Usage tip: Emphasizes the reliability of information due to its direct source.
Problem and Solution Idioms
These expressions describe challenges and ways to address them.
61. Add fuel to the fire
Meaning: To make an argument or problem worse
Example: "His defensive response just added fuel to the fire during the heated discussion."
Usage tip: Implies worsening an already difficult situation.
62. Bark up the wrong tree
Meaning: To pursue a mistaken or misguided line of thought or course of action
Example: "If you think she's responsible for the mistake, you're barking up the wrong tree."
Usage tip: Used to correct someone's mistaken focus or accusation.
63. Beat around the bush
Meaning: To avoid talking about something difficult or embarrassing
Example: "Stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened to my car."
Usage tip: Often used as a request for someone to be more direct.
64. Bite the bullet
Meaning: To force yourself to do something unpleasant or difficult
Example: "I've been postponing the dentist appointment for months, but I finally bit the bullet and went."
Usage tip: Implies courage or determination to face something challenging.
65. Cross that bridge when you come to it
Meaning: To deal with a problem only when it actually happens
Example: "We don't know if it will rain on the wedding day—we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
Usage tip: Suggests avoiding unnecessary worry about future problems that may not materialize.
66. Cut the Gordian knot
Meaning: To solve a complex problem in a simple and effective way
Example: "Instead of endless negotiations, the CEO cut the Gordian knot by making an executive decision."
Usage tip: Less common but useful for describing bold, decisive solutions to complicated problems.
67. Face the music
Meaning: To accept criticism or punishment for something you have done
Example: "After missing the deadline, I had to face the music in the team meeting."
Usage tip: Implies accepting consequences for one's actions.
68. Kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: To solve two problems with a single action
Example: "By scheduling the meeting during lunch, we can kill two birds with one stone—discuss the project and eat."
Usage tip: Emphasizes efficiency in problem-solving.
69. Make a mountain out of a molehill
Meaning: To exaggerate the importance of a minor problem
Example: "It's just a small typo in the report—don't make a mountain out of a molehill."
Usage tip: Used to suggest someone is overreacting to a minor issue.
70. Nip something in the bud
Meaning: To stop a problem while it's still small, before it becomes serious
Example: "The manager nipped the conflict in the bud by addressing it immediately."
Usage tip: Emphasizes early intervention to prevent larger problems.
Attitude and Perspective Idioms
These expressions describe outlooks, mindsets, and approaches to life.
71. Blessing in disguise
Meaning: Something that seems bad at first but results in something good
Example: "Losing that job was actually a blessing in disguise—I found a much better position afterward."
Usage tip: Used to find positive aspects in seemingly negative situations.
72. Can't see the forest for the trees
Meaning: To be so involved in the details that you can't understand the whole situation
Example: "You're focusing too much on minor issues—you can't see the forest for the trees."
Usage tip: Suggests someone needs to step back and gain perspective.
73. Down to earth
Meaning: Practical and sensible; not pretentious
Example: "Despite her success, she remains down to earth and easy to talk to."
Usage tip: A compliment describing someone who is humble and realistic.
74. Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: Every difficult situation has some positive aspect
Example: "The project failed, but every cloud has a silver lining—we learned valuable lessons for next time."
Usage tip: Used to encourage optimism in challenging circumstances.
75. In the same boat
Meaning: In the same difficult situation as others
Example: "Don't worry about making that mistake—we're all in the same boat when learning new skills."
Usage tip: Creates a sense of solidarity in shared challenges.
76. Keep your chin up
Meaning: To remain cheerful in difficult circumstances
Example: "I know the rejection was disappointing, but keep your chin up—better opportunities will come."
Usage tip: Used to encourage someone who is facing disappointment.
77. Look on the bright side
Meaning: To find positive aspects in a negative situation
Example: "Look on the bright side—the flight delay gives us time to finish our conversation."
Usage tip: Encourages positive thinking and optimism.
78. Take something with a grain of salt
Meaning: To be skeptical about something; not to believe it completely
Example: "You should take those statistics with a grain of salt—the research methodology was questionable."
Usage tip: Suggests cautious or limited acceptance of information.
79. The ball is in your court
Meaning: It's your turn to take action or make a decision
Example: "I've sent you my proposal, so the ball is in your court now."
Usage tip: From tennis, implies a transfer of responsibility for the next step.
80. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade
Meaning: To make the best of a bad situation
Example: "After the storm damaged our venue, we decided that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade—we created an even better outdoor event."
Usage tip: Encourages creative problem-solving and optimism.
Progress and Movement Idioms
These expressions describe advancement, change, and motion.
81. A step in the right direction
Meaning: A small but positive development
Example: "The new policy isn't perfect, but it's definitely a step in the right direction."
Usage tip: Acknowledges partial progress toward a goal.
82. Back to square one
Meaning: Having to start again from the beginning
Example: "The client rejected all our designs, so we're back to square one."
Usage tip: Expresses frustration at lost progress.
83. Break new ground
Meaning: To do something innovative that hasn't been done before
Example: "Their research is breaking new ground in cancer treatment."
Usage tip: Positive expression for pioneering efforts.
84. Get the ball rolling
Meaning: To start an activity or process
Example: "Let's get the ball rolling on the project by assigning initial tasks."
Usage tip: Suggests initiating momentum on something new.
85. Go the extra mile
Meaning: To make more effort than is expected
Example: "Our customer service team always goes the extra mile to ensure client satisfaction."
Usage tip: Describes exceptional effort, often used in professional contexts.
86. Hit the ground running
Meaning: To start a new activity with great energy and enthusiasm
Example: "The new manager hit the ground running, implementing changes in her first week."
Usage tip: Implies immediate effectiveness without a learning curve.
87. Make headway
Meaning: To make progress
Example: "We're finally making headway on solving this complex problem."
Usage tip: Often used after a period of difficulty or stagnation.
88. On the right track
Meaning: Making progress in the right direction
Example: "Your latest draft is on the right track—just needs a few minor adjustments."
Usage tip: Offers encouragement while acknowledging that the goal hasn't been fully reached.
89. Take a back seat
Meaning: To become less important or less involved
Example: "My personal projects have taken a back seat while I focus on my new job."
Usage tip: Describes prioritization without complete abandonment.
90. Turn over a new leaf
Meaning: To make a fresh start; to change your behavior for the better
Example: "After failing the course, he decided to turn over a new leaf and study more diligently."
Usage tip: Implies a deliberate decision to change behavior or habits.
Miscellaneous Essential Idioms
These additional expressions are frequently used in everyday English.
91. Catch someone red-handed
Meaning: To discover someone in the act of doing something wrong
Example: "The security camera caught the employee red-handed stealing office supplies."
Usage tip: Implies clear, undeniable evidence of wrongdoing.
92. Get something off your chest
Meaning: To talk about something that has been worrying you
Example: "I need to get something off my chest—I'm really concerned about the direction of the project."
Usage tip: Often introduces a confession or expression of worry.
93. Hit the hay/sack
Meaning: To go to bed
Example: "It's getting late, so I think I'll hit the hay."
Usage tip: Casual expression, appropriate in informal settings.
94. In hot water
Meaning: In trouble
Example: "He's in hot water with the boss after missing the important deadline."
Usage tip: Describes being in a difficult situation due to one's actions.
95. Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To reveal a secret accidentally
Example: "I didn't mean to let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party."
Usage tip: Implies unintentional disclosure of something meant to be kept secret.
96. Pull someone's leg
Meaning: To joke with someone by telling them something untrue
Example: "Don't worry, I'm just pulling your leg—I didn't really sell your car."
Usage tip: Used to clarify that a statement was meant as a joke, not to be taken seriously.
97. Rule of thumb
Meaning: A general principle based on experience rather than exact measurement
Example: "As a rule of thumb, allow two hours for airport check-in on international flights."
Usage tip: Introduces practical advice or guidelines.
98. Spill the beans
Meaning: To reveal secret information
Example: "Come on, spill the beans about what happened at the meeting."
Usage tip: Can be used as a request for information or to describe someone revealing secrets.
99. Take a rain check
Meaning: To decline an invitation but suggest you may accept it at a later date
Example: "I'd love to join you for dinner, but I'm busy tonight. Can I take a rain check?"
Usage tip: A polite way to refuse without rejecting the person or opportunity entirely.
100. The last straw
Meaning: The final problem in a series that causes someone to finally lose patience
Example: "When the printer broke down right before the presentation, it was the last straw—I decided to buy a new one immediately."
Usage tip: References "the straw that broke the camel's back" and indicates a breaking point after accumulated frustrations.
Tips for Learning and Using Idioms Effectively
Mastering idioms requires more than memorization. Here are strategies to incorporate them naturally into your English.
Context is Key
Understanding when and where to use idioms appropriately:
- Observe native usage: Pay attention to when native speakers use specific idioms
- Note the tone: Some idioms are formal, others casual or humorous
- Consider relationships: Certain idioms are appropriate with friends but not in professional settings
- Regional variations: Be aware that some idioms vary between American, British, Australian, and other varieties of English
Practice Strategies
Effective approaches to incorporate idioms into your language:
- One at a time: Focus on mastering a few idioms before moving to others
- Create associations: Connect idioms to personal experiences or mental images
- Use in conversation: Deliberately incorporate new idioms in your speaking
- Writing practice: Include idioms in emails, journal entries, or social media posts
- Idiom journal: Keep a notebook of idioms with example sentences and usage notes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pitfalls when using idioms:
- Mixing metaphors: Combining incompatible idioms (e.g., "We'll burn that bridge when we come to it")
- Literal translations: Trying to directly translate idioms from your native language
- Overuse: Using too many idioms can make speech sound unnatural
- Incorrect form: Changing the fixed words or structure of an idiom
- Inappropriate context: Using casual idioms in formal situations or vice versa
Conclusion: Bringing Idioms Into Your English
Mastering these 100 common English idioms will significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension. Native speakers use these expressions daily in conversation, writing, media, and business communication. By understanding and appropriately using idioms, you'll sound more natural and connect more effectively with English speakers.
Remember that learning idioms is a gradual process. Start by focusing on recognizing these expressions when you hear or read them. Then begin incorporating them into your own English, starting with the ones most relevant to your common conversation topics.
With practice and exposure, you'll find yourself naturally using these colorful expressions, adding depth and authenticity to your English communication. As you become more comfortable with these 100 essential idioms, you'll discover many more, continuing to enrich your English expression and understanding.
Additional Resources
- The Idioms - Comprehensive idiom dictionary with examples
- Cambridge Dictionary Idioms - Reliable explanations with British and American usage
- Using English Idioms - Categorized lists with definitions and examples
- Idioms and Phrases - Extensive collection with usage notes
- English Club Idioms - Learner-friendly explanations with practice exercises