Welcome to our detailed guide on 100 idioms and their meanings! Idioms are a critical component of the English language, frequently occurring in exams, competitive examinations, and day-to-day conversation. Whether you are preparing for an exam with high possibilities of appearing in exams or just want to add more vocabulary to your repertoire, this post is your go-to guide. Here, you can get a complete list of 100 idioms and their meanings with examples to make you understand how to use them. We’ve presented sections such as 100 idioms and their meanings quick learning. Moreover, test your skills through idioms MCQs with answers, and idioms MCQs test. Now, let’s enter the interesting world of idioms and improve your language skills!
Test your knowledge of common idioms with these multiple-choice questions! Choose the correct meaning for each idiom. The answers are provided at the end.
1. A Blind Spot
What does “a blind spot” mean?
a) A place where no one can see
b) A weakness or lack of understanding in something
c) A spot that is completely dark
d) A hidden treasure
Answer: b) A weakness or lack of understanding in something
2. Get Down to Brass Tacks
What does “get down to brass tacks” mean?
a) Start discussing the basic facts
b) Buy brass decorations
c) Fight with someone
d) Complain about work
Answer: a) Start discussing the basic facts
3. Break Sweat
What does “break sweat” mean?
a) Work hard and make an effort
b) Sweat due to heat
c) Drink cold water
d) Get scared
Answer: a) Work hard and make an effort
4. A Bed of Nails
What does “a bed of nails” mean?
a) A very difficult situation
b) A comfortable place
c) A place full of roses
d) A soft and relaxing area
Answer: a) A very difficult situation
5. To Have an Itching Palm
What does “to have an itching palm” mean?
a) To be greedy for money
b) To have a skin disease
c) To want to shake hands
d) To give money to someone
Answer: a) To be greedy for money
6. One Swallow Does Not Make a Summer
What does this idiom mean?
a) One good event doesn’t mean everything will be great
b) Birds bring the summer season
c) Happiness comes only in summer
d) One person can change everything
Answer: a) One good event doesn’t mean everything will be great
7. To Meet One’s Eyes
What does “to meet one’s eyes” mean?
a) To look directly at someone
b) To avoid eye contact
c) To sleep deeply
d) To dream about something
Answer: a) To look directly at someone
8. A Blast from the Past
What does “a blast from the past” mean?
a) A powerful explosion
b) Something nostalgic from the past
c) A time machine
d) A lesson learned from history
Answer: b) Something nostalgic from the past
9. Dead Ringer
What does “dead ringer” mean?
a) A person who looks exactly like someone else
b) A person who never moves
c) Someone who rings a bell
d) A fake person
Answer: a) A person who looks exactly like someone else
10. Far and Wide
What does “far and wide” mean?
a) Only nearby
b) In many places
c) A small distance
d) Just in one country
Answer: b) In many places
11. Let the Cat Out of the Bag
a) To release an animal
b) To reveal a secret
c) To forget something important
d) To start a fight
Answer: b) To reveal a secret
12. Jump the Gun
What does “jump the gun” mean?
a) To start something too soon
b) To fire a gun
c) To run very fast
d) To avoid a problem
Answer: a) To start something too soon
13. Hit the Nail on the Head
a) To break something
b) To say exactly the right thing
c) To hurt yourself
d) To work hard
Answer: b) To say exactly the right thing
14. A Piece of Cake
What does “a piece of cake” mean?
a) Something very easy
b) A delicious dessert
c) A difficult challenge
d) A celebration
Answer: a) Something very easy
15. Burn the Midnight Oil
What does “burn the midnight oil” mean?
a) To work late into the night
b) To burn something valuable
c) To waste time
d) To wake up early
Answer: a) To work late into the night
16. Under the Weather
What does “under the weather” mean?
a) Feeling sick
b) Watching the rain
c) Being outdoors
d) Avoiding problems
Answer: a) Feeling sick
17. Bite the Bullet
What does “bite the bullet” mean?
a) To face a difficult situation bravely
b) To eat something quickly
c) To avoid making a decision
d) To shout at someone
Answer: a) To face a difficult situation bravely
18. Spill the Beans
What does “spill the beans” mean?
a) To reveal a secret
b) To cook food
c) To waste something
d) To make a mess
Answer: a) To reveal a secret
19. Pull Someone’s Leg
What does “pull someone’s leg” mean?
a) To joke or tease someone
b) To hurt someone
c) To run very fast
d) To help someone
Answer: a)
20. The Ball is in Your Court
a) It’s your turn to make a decision
b) You need to play a sport
c) Someone else is responsible
d) You lost the game
Answer: a)
21. Break the Ice
What does “break the ice” mean?
a) To start a conversation in a social situation
b) To physically break ice
c) To travel to a cold place
d) To cause a problem
Answer: a) To start a conversation in a social situation
22. Hit the Sack
What does “hit the sack” mean?
a) To go to sleep
b) To hit someone
c) To carry a heavy bag
d) To lose something
Answer: a) To go to sleep
23. Cost an Arm and a Leg
a) Very expensive
b) Very cheap
c) Free of cost
d) A medical emergency
Answer: a) Very expensive
24. Go the Extra Mile
What does “go the extra mile” mean?
a) To do more than expected
b) To take a longer route
c) To waste time
d) To travel to another city
Answer: a) To do more than expected
25. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
What does “let sleeping dogs lie” mean?
a) To not disturb a situation
b) To take care of animals
c) To wake up early
d) To start an argument
Answer: a) To not disturb a situation
26. Throw in the Towel
What does “throw in the towel” mean?
a) To clean something
b) To admit defeat
c) To start a new job
d) To take a break
Answer: b) To admit defeat
27. A Blessing in Disguise
What does “a blessing in disguise” mean?
a) Something that seems bad but turns out good
b) A religious experience
c) A hidden gift
d) A surprise visit
Answer: a) Something that seems bad but turns out good
28. Call It a Day
What does “call it a day” mean?
a) To stop working for the day
b) To name a day
c) To celebrate something
d) To wake up early
Answer: a) To stop working for the day
29. The Last Straw
What does “the last straw” mean?
a) The final problem that causes a reaction
b) The last piece of food
c) A game-winning move
d) The best part of something
Answer: a) The final problem that causes a reaction
30. Barking Up the Wrong Tree
What does “barking up the wrong tree” mean?
a) Making a wrong assumption
b) Playing with a dog
c) Chopping wood
d) Searching for something lost
Answer: a) Making a wrong assumption
31. Hit the Road
What does “hit the road” mean?
a) To start a journey
b) To fix a road
c) To run very fast
d) To stop traveling
Answer: a) To start a journey
32. Keep Your Chin Up
What does “keep your chin up” mean?
a) Stay positive
b) Look at the sky
c) Hide your feelings
d) Keep a secret
Answer: a) Stay positive
33. Kick the Bucket
What does “kick the bucket” mean?
a) To die
b) To clean up
c) To be lucky
d) To start something new
Answer: a) To die
34. On Thin Ice
What does “on thin ice” mean?
a) In a risky or dangerous situation
b) Ice skating
c) Feeling very cold
d) Walking carefully
Answer: a) In a risky or dangerous situation
35. Paint the Town Red
What does “paint the town red” mean?
a) To go out and have fun
b) To decorate a place
c) To start a fight
d) To move to another city
Answer: a) To go out and have fun
36. When Pigs Fly
What does “when pigs fly” mean?
a) Something impossible
b) A miracle happening
c) An animal-based joke
d) A farm-related event
Answer: a) Something impossible
37. Read Between the Lines
What does “read between the lines” mean?
a) To understand hidden meanings
b) To study hard
c) To follow instructions carefully
d) To enjoy reading
Answer: a) To understand hidden meanings
38. A Slap on the Wrist
What does “a slap on the wrist” mean?
a) A mild punishment
b) A physical injury
c) A serious crime
d) A compliment
Answer: a) A mild punishment
39. Skeletons in the Closet
What does “skeletons in the closet” mean?
a) Hidden secrets
b) A scary story
c) A medical condition
d) A messy room
Answer: a) Hidden secrets
40. Steal Someone’s Thunder
What does “steal someone’s thunder” mean?
a) To take credit for someone else’s work
b) To predict bad weather
c) To speak very loudly
d) To win a competition
Answer: a) To take credit for someone else’s work
41. Jump on the Bandwagon
What does “jump on the bandwagon” mean?
a) To follow a popular trend
b) To join a musical group
c) To travel quickly
d) To avoid responsibility
Answer: a) To follow a popular trend
42. The Whole Nine Yards
What does “the whole nine yards” mean?
a) Everything; all the way
b) A sports reference
c) A short journey
d) A military strategy
Answer: a) Everything; all the way
43. Beating Around the Bush
What does “beating around the bush” mean?
a) Avoiding the main topic
b) Gardening
c) Preparing for a fight
d) Running in circles
Answer: a) Avoiding the main topic
44. Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
a) Taking on too much responsibility
b) Eating too quickly
c) A dental issue
d) Avoiding work
Answer: a) Taking on too much responsibility
45. The Elephant in the Room
What does “the elephant in the room” mean?
a) A big, obvious problem people avoid discussing
b) A zoo-related event
c) A large, unexpected guest
d) A funny situation
Answer: a) A big, obvious problem people avoid discussing
46. Throw Caution to the Wind
What does “throw caution to the wind” mean?
a) To take a risk
b) To be careful
c) To predict the weather
d) To move very fast
Answer: a) To take a risk
47. Through Thick and Thin
What does “through thick and thin” mean?
a) Supporting someone no matter what
b) Gaining and losing weight
c) Cooking a meal
d) Changing jobs frequently
Answer: a) Supporting someone no matter what
48. Water Under the Bridge
What does “water under the bridge” mean?
a) A past problem that is no longer important
b) A flood warning
c) A peaceful place
d) A serious argument
Answer: a) A past problem that is no longer important
49. Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
a) To risk everything on one plan
b) To go grocery shopping
c) To prepare for Easter
d) To have a balanced life
Answer: a) To risk everything on one plan
50. Walk on Eggshells
What does “walk on eggshells” mean?
a) To be very careful in a situation
b) To cook eggs
c) To clean a mess
d) To be in a hurry
Answer: a) To be very careful in a situation
51. Burn the Midnight Oil
What does “burn the midnight oil” mean?
a) To work late at night
b) To waste fuel
c) To party all night
d) To turn off the lights
Answer: a) To work late at night
52. A Piece of Cake
What does “a piece of cake” mean?
a) Something very easy
b) A delicious dessert
c) A small problem
d) A celebration
Answer: a) Something very easy
53. Cry Over Spilled Milk
What does “cry over spilled milk” mean?
a) To complain about something that cannot be changed
b) To be sad about a little mess
c) To clean up quickly
d) To be careless
Answer: a) To complain about something that cannot be changed
54. Let the Cat Out of the Bag
a) To reveal a secret
b) To free an animal
c) To create a mess
d) To tell a joke
Answer: a) To reveal a secret
55. Hold Your Horses
What does “hold your horses” mean?
a) Be patient
b) Ride a horse
c) Work faster
d) Take a break
Answer: a) Be patient
56. Under the Weather
What does “under the weather” mean?
a) Feeling sick
b) Enjoying nature
c) Hiding from the rain
d) Flying in a plane
Answer: a) Feeling sick
57. A Penny for Your Thoughts
What does “a penny for your thoughts” mean?
a) Asking someone what they are thinking
b) Offering money for advice
c) Saving money
d) Thinking about wealth
Answer: a) Asking someone what they are thinking
58. Hit the Nail on the Head
What does “hit the nail on the head” mean?
a) To be exactly right
b) To hammer something
c) To break something
d) To get injured
Answer: a) To be exactly right
59. Cost an Arm and a Leg
a) Very expensive
b) A dangerous task
c) A fair price
d) A medical condition
Answer: a) Very expensive
60. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
What does “let sleeping dogs lie” mean?
a) Avoid bringing up old problems
b) Allow pets to rest
c) Ignore your surroundings
d) Wake someone up
Answer: a) Avoid bringing up old problems
61. Jump the Gun
What does “jump the gun” mean?
a) Act too soon
b) Win a race
c) Start a fight
d) Get excited
Answer: a) Act too soon
62. Spill the Beans
What does “spill the beans” mean?
a) Reveal a secret
b) Make a mess
c) Cook dinner
d) Lose something valuable
Answer: a) Reveal a secret
63. Wrap Your Head Around It
What does “wrap your head around it” mean?
a) To understand something difficult
b) To think about fashion
c) To cover your face
d) To change your hairstyle
Answer: a) To understand something difficult
64. Break a Leg
What does “break a leg” mean?
a) Good luck
b) Bad luck
c) A medical emergency
d) A big mistake
Answer: a) Good luck
65. Bite the Bullet
What does “bite the bullet” mean?
a) To endure a painful or difficult situation
b) To get injured
c) To start a fight
d) To give up
Answer: a) To endure a painful or difficult situation
66. Hit the Books
What does “hit the books” mean?
a) Study hard
b) Throw books away
c) Become a writer
d) Sleep early
Answer: a) Study hard
67. Throw Someone Under the Bus
What does “throw someone under the bus” mean?
a) To betray someone for personal gain
b) To save someone’s life
c) To play a joke
d) To give someone a ride
Answer: a) To betray someone for personal gain
68. Stick to Your Guns
What does “stick to your guns” mean?
a) Stand firm on your beliefs
b) Use a weapon
c) Protect your property
d) Change your mind quickly
Answer: a) Stand firm on your beliefs
69. Kick the Can Down the Road
a) Delay dealing with a problem
b) Play a game
c) Finish a task quickly
d) Go on a road trip
Answer: a) Delay dealing with a problem
70. Go Cold Turkey
What does “go cold turkey” mean?
a) Quit a habit suddenly
b) Eat only turkey
c) Travel to a cold country
d) Catch a cold
Answer: a) Quit a habit suddenly
71. Bite the Hand That Feeds You
a) To be ungrateful to someone who helps you
b) To take care of animals
c) To be aggressive
d) To work in a restaurant
Answer: a) To be ungrateful to someone who helps you
72. Cross That Bridge When You Come to It
a) Deal with a problem when it happens
b) Plan everything in advance
c) Travel a lot
d) Fix broken bridges
Answer: a) Deal with a problem when it happens
73. The Ball Is in Your Court
a) It’s your turn to take action
b) A sports-related decision
c) A legal matter
d) A lucky opportunity
Answer: a) It’s your turn to take action
74. Curiosity Killed the Cat
What does “curiosity killed the cat” mean?
a) Being too curious can lead to trouble
b) A warning about animals
c) A lesson about patience
d) A joke about cats
Answer: a) Being too curious can lead to trouble
75. Give Someone the Cold Shoulder
What does “give someone the cold shoulder” mean?
a) Ignore someone deliberately
b) Offer them a blanket
c) Give them advice
d) Start an argument
Answer: a) Ignore someone deliberately
76. Hit the Sack
What does “hit the sack” mean?
a) Go to bed
b) Punch a bag
c) Take a break
d) Go shopping
Answer: a) Go to bed
77. Jump on the Bandwagon
What does “jump on the bandwagon” mean?
a) Follow a trend
b) Join a music group
c) Ride a wagon
d) Start a business
Answer: a) Follow a trend
78. In Hot Water
What does “in hot water” mean?
a) In trouble
b) Taking a bath
c) Cooking something
d) Feeling warm
Answer: a) In trouble
79. Throw in the Towel
What does “throw in the towel” mean?
a) To give up
b) To clean up
c) To fight harder
d) To start fresh
Answer: a) To give up
80. Cut to the Chase
What does “cut to the chase” mean?
a) Get to the point
b) Run faster
c) Cut something precisely
d) Escape a situation
Answer: a) Get to the point
81. The Last Straw
What does “the last straw” mean?
a) The final problem that causes a breakdown
b) The end of a meal
c) A weak solution
d) The last chance to win
Answer: a) The final problem that causes a breakdown
82. Get Your Act Together
What does “get your act together” mean?
a) Improve your behavior or work
b) Start a theater show
c) Perform on stage
d) Gather your belongings
Answer: a) Improve your behavior or work
83. A Blessing in Disguise
What does “a blessing in disguise” mean?
a) Something good that seemed bad at first
b) A hidden treasure
c) A secret wish
d) A miracle
Answer: a) Something good that seemed bad at first
84. Pull Someone’s Leg
What does “pull someone’s leg” mean?
a) To joke or tease someone
b) To physically drag someone
c) To play a sport
d) To help someone walk
Answer: a) To joke or tease someone
85. Walk on Eggshells
What does “walk on eggshells” mean?
a) To be very careful in a situation
b) To step on fragile things
c) To prepare a meal
d) To be fearless
Answer: a) To be very careful in a situation
86. Barking Up the Wrong Tree
What does “barking up the wrong tree” mean?
a) Making a mistake in judgment
b) Playing with animals
c) Searching for a lost pet
d) Fixing a treehouse
Answer: a) Making a mistake in judgment
87. On the Same Page
What does “on the same page” mean?
a) To agree with someone
b) To read the same book
c) To be in the same location
d) To follow instructions
Answer: a) To agree with someone
88. The Best of Both Worlds
What does “the best of both worlds” mean?
a) A situation where you get all advantages
b) A battle between two groups
c) A fantasy story
d) A world tour
Answer: a) A situation where you get all advantages
89. Keep Your Chin Up
What does “keep your chin up” mean?
a) Stay positive
b) Look straight ahead
c) Avoid fights
d) Fix your posture
Answer: a) Stay positive
90. Give Someone the Benefit of the Doubt
a) Trust someone despite doubts
b) Challenge someone’s honesty
c) Wait for proof
d) Refuse to believe someone
Answer: a) Trust someone despite doubts
91. Once in a Blue Moon
What does “once in a blue moon” mean?
a) Rarely
b) Every night
c) Very often
d) Every full moon
Answer: a) Rarely
92. Call It a Day
What does “call it a day” mean?
a) Stop working for the day
b) Celebrate an event
c) Set an alarm
d) Name something
Answer: a) Stop working for the day
93. Face the Music
What does “face the music” mean?
a) Accept the consequences
b) Listen to songs
c) Dance in public
d) Sing out loud
Answer: a) Accept the consequences
94. Actions Speak Louder Than Words
What does “actions speak louder than words” mean?
a) What you do is more important than what you say
b) Talking loudly is better
c) Reading is not important
d) People should always remain silent
Answer: a) What you do is more important than what you say
95. Play It by Ear
What does “play it by ear” mean?
a) Handle a situation as it comes
b) Listen carefully
c) Practice music
d) Ignore the problem
Answer: a) Handle a situation as it comes
96. Under the Weather
What does “under the weather” mean?
a) Feeling sick
b) Hiding from rain
c) Traveling overseas
d) Studying meteorology
Answer: a) Feeling sick
97. Spill the Beans
What does “spill the beans” mean?
a) Reveal a secret
b) Drop food
c) Cook something
d) Talk nonsense
Answer: a) Reveal a secret
98. Break the Ice
What does “break the ice” mean?
a) Start a conversation in a social setting
b) Smash frozen water
c) Start a fight
d) Stop an argument
Answer: a) Start a conversation in a social setting
99. Go the Extra Mile
What does “go the extra mile” mean?
a) Put in extra effort
b) Walk farther than expected
c) Travel around the world
d) Be late for work
Answer: a) Put in extra effort
100. Hit the Nail on the Head
a) To be exactly right
b) To fix something
c) To work with tools
d) To miss the point
Answer: a) To be exactly right
Learning idioms is the game changer for all those who want to score high in English, particularly when there are greater chances of scoring well in exams. With this blog post, you now have at your disposal a complete list of idioms, 100 idioms and their meanings. Don’t forget to check your knowledge with our idioms MCQs, idioms MCQs with answers, and idioms MCQs test. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a language learner, this guide is your ultimate companion for learning and mastering idioms. Keep reading, keep growing, and let these 100 idioms propel your language skills to the next level!
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