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Understanding Idioms: A Challenge for ESL Students | 21 Common Idioms and Their Meanings

Learning English can be tough for ESL (English as a Second Language) students, and one of the biggest hurdles is mastering idioms. Idioms are phrases where the meaning isn’t literal, making them hard to understand if you’re unfamiliar with them. These expressions can cause confusion, even if you understand every individual word! Today, we’re diving into the challenge idioms present for ESL learners and breaking down 21 of the most common English idioms, along with their meanings.

Why Idioms Are So Challenging for ESL Students

Idioms are deeply rooted in culture, context, and history, making them tricky for non-native speakers. Unlike basic vocabulary words, the meaning of an idiom can’t always be inferred by translating the individual words. For instance, if someone says “it’s raining cats and dogs,” they don’t literally mean animals are falling from the sky—it just means it’s raining heavily. For ESL students, figuring out these hidden meanings can feel like a puzzle.

Here’s why idioms are so difficult for ESL learners:

  • Non-literal meanings: The meaning of idioms often cannot be deduced from the words alone.
  • Cultural references: Idioms are often tied to the culture of native speakers.
  • Infrequent use in textbooks: Idioms are often not thoroughly covered in language textbooks, yet they’re common in everyday speech.

But don’t worry! With a bit of practice and exposure, you can get the hang of idioms. Let’s break down 21 commonly used idioms, their meanings, and examples of how to use them.

21 Common English Idioms and Their Meanings

1. Break the ice

  • Meaning: To initiate conversation in an awkward or tense situation.
  • Example: At the meeting, Sarah told a joke to break the ice.

2. Hit the nail on the head

  • Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a problem.
  • Example: You hit the nail on the head when you said that time management is key to success.

3. Piece of cake

  • Meaning: Something very easy to do.
  • Example: The math test was a piece of cake for John.

4. Under the weather

  • Meaning: Feeling sick or unwell.
  • Example: I didn’t go to work today because I was feeling under the weather.

5. Let the cat out of the bag

  • Meaning: To accidentally reveal a secret.
  • Example: Jane let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.

6. Burn the midnight oil

  • Meaning: To work late into the night.
  • Example: I had to burn the midnight oil to finish my assignment on time.

7. Bite the bullet

  • Meaning: To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.
  • Example: I didn’t want to go to the dentist, but I bit the bullet and made an appointment.

8. On cloud nine

  • Meaning: Extremely happy.
  • Example: She’s been on cloud nine ever since she got the job offer.

9. A blessing in disguise

  • Meaning: Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.
  • Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise because it led me to my dream career.

10. Hit the books

  • Meaning: To study hard.
  • Example: I have an exam tomorrow, so I need to hit the books tonight.

11. Once in a blue moon

  • Meaning: Very rarely.
  • Example: I only see my cousins once in a blue moon since they live abroad.

12. Kill two birds with one stone

  • Meaning: To accomplish two things at once.
  • Example: By shopping online, I killed two birds with one stone—I got groceries and gifts at the same time.

13. Spill the beans

  • Meaning: To reveal a secret.
  • Example: Don’t spill the beans about the surprise party!

14. The ball is in your court

  • Meaning: It’s your turn to take action or make a decision.
  • Example: I’ve done everything I can; now the ball is in your court.

15. Costs an arm and a leg

  • Meaning: Something very expensive.
  • Example: That car costs an arm and a leg, but it’s totally worth it.

16. Cut corners

  • Meaning: To do something in a way that saves time or money, but in a way that’s not thorough or proper.
  • Example: Don’t cut corners on this project; quality is important.

17. Pull someone’s leg

  • Meaning: To joke with someone.
  • Example: Relax, I’m just pulling your leg—I’m not really mad at you.

18. Burn bridges

  • Meaning: To destroy relationships or connections.
  • Example: Be careful not to burn bridges with your colleagues when you leave the company.

19. Hit the sack

  • Meaning: To go to bed.
  • Example: I’m exhausted, so I’m going to hit the sack early tonight.

20. Throw in the towel

  • Meaning: To give up or quit.
  • Example: After hours of trying to fix the car, I finally threw in the towel and called a mechanic.

​​21. The elephant in the room

  • Meaning: A major problem or issue that is being ignored or avoided, even though it is obvious to everyone.
  • Example: During the meeting, no one mentioned the elephant in the room—the company’s declining profits.

Tips for ESL Students to Master Idioms

Now that you’ve got a list of common idioms, how can you start using them? Here are a few tips to help ESL learners become more comfortable with idioms:

  1. Learn Idioms in Context – It’s easier to remember idioms when you hear or see them used in real-life situations. Pay attention to idioms when watching movies, TV shows, or reading books in English.
  2. Practice with Native Speakers – Engage in conversations with native speakers. Not only will you get used to hearing idioms, but you’ll also have the chance to use them naturally.
  3. Use Flashcards – Create flashcards with an idiom on one side and its meaning on the other. Review them regularly to reinforce your understanding.
  4. Don’t Overuse Them – While idioms can make your language sound more fluent, avoid using too many at once. It’s important to strike a balance so your speech doesn’t sound forced or unnatural.
  5. Be Patient – Idioms can be confusing, and it’s okay if you don’t understand them right away. With time and practice, they’ll start to feel more natural.

Master English Homophones with Excel English Institute

Idioms add color and flavor to the English language, but they’re undoubtedly one of the trickiest aspects for ESL students to grasp. By learning idioms in context and practicing them in real-life situations, students can overcome the challenges and use these expressions to sound more fluent and natural.

At our Dallas language school, we incorporate idioms into our lessons to help students understand and use them in practical conversations. Remember, language learning is a journey, and mastering idioms is just one exciting step on the path to fluency! If you’d like to master the English language, check out our English Programs and Session Calendar to see when the next session begins, and apply today!

FAQs

  • Why are idioms so hard for ESL students?
    • Idioms are difficult because their meanings aren’t literal, and they often don’t translate directly from one language to another.
  • How can I remember idioms more easily?
    • Learning idioms in context, using flashcards, and practicing with native speakers are great ways to remember them.
  • Should I use idioms in everyday conversations?
    • Yes! Idioms are commonly used in daily English conversations, but use them naturally and in moderation.
  • Are idioms the same in all English-speaking countries?
    • No, idioms can vary from country to country, and even regionally within the same country.
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