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10 Common English Idioms

and How to Use Them

Learn the meanings and origins of 10 common idioms and

how to use them in sentences

What is an idiom?

An idiom is a phrase that has a meaning which is different from the meanings

of each individual word in it. For example, if someone says to you “I’m pulling

your leg”, you might think it is strange because you would definitely be able to

feel if someone was holding your leg and pulling it! This idiom actually means

that they are teasing you or playing a joke on you.

Kevin: “I just heard that there’s a problem with the company’s

computers and we won’t be paid until next week!” Steve: “Oh no! I won’t be able to pay my rent on time! What am I going to do?” Kevin: “Haha I’m just pulling your leg! The computers are working fine. You’ve been paid already.”

There are hundreds of common idioms in the English language which we use

every day. In fact, most English people do not even realise they are using

them! As the meanings are usually completely different to the meanings of the

actual words, it can be very difficult to learn them – you need to learn them in

the same way you learn new vocabulary.

Below you will find 10 popular idioms which English

people use very often. You can read their meanings,

origins and example sentences which will show you

how to use them in the future. Try to use them in

sentences when you are speaking English with your

friends or in your English language classes – I’m sure

you will impress people!

Between a rock and a hard place

Meaning To be in a very difficult situation and to have to make a hard decision between two things that are equally unpleasant. Origin This phrase originated in America and was first printed in 1921. In Arizona at that time, there was a big problem with the mining companies. The miners went on strike and asked for better pay and working conditions but their demands were refused and instead, most of the miners were sent to other places in America.

The miners had a very difficult decision to make – they could either stay in Arizona and continue to work in the mines in bad conditions with low pay (the mines they worked in were the ‘rock’) or move to a new city where they would need to find a new home and a new job (this was the ‘hard place’). So they really were between a rock and a hard place! Examples

“Someone drove into my car yesterday and now I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place – I can either drive around with a big dent in my car or pay lots of money to have it repaired.” “I don’t know what to do – if I go to the party I won’t be able to do my homework and my teacher will be really angry tomorrow but if I stay at home and do my homework I’m going to miss a great party! I hate being between a rock and a hard place!” Paul: “Jack I need your help. Susie told me I either have to stop smoking or she’s going to break up with me. I really love smoking but I don’t want to lose Susie – what should I do?” Jack: “Wow Paul, I don’t know what to say. You’re really caught between a rock and a hard place!”

A leopard can’t change its spots

Meaning

A person cannot change who they are (their character), no matter how hard they try.

Origin

This idiom comes from the Old Testament (Jer. 13:23). The Hebrew prophet Jeremiah tries to persuade an evil shepherdess to become good but when he realises that it is impossible to convince her, he says: “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?”

Examples

“I don’t think Tom will ever order pasta instead of a pizza. A leopard can’t change its spots you know.” The waiter tried to be friendly to his customers but a leopard can’t change its spots and he was still very rude.

Jane: “I’m going to book a table in a Chinese restaurant tonight for me and

Peter. He’s never had Chinese before!” Sue: “Oh Jane, a leopard can’t change its spots. Peter has never eaten

Chinese food before and he’s not going to start now!”

Let the cat out of the bag

Meaning

To reveal a secret or a surprise, usually by accident.

Origin

Many years ago, merchants often sold live piglets to customers. After putting a piglet in a bag so the customer could transport it easily, dishonest merchants sometimes swapped the piglet for a cat when the customer looked away. The buyer often didn’t discover the trick until they got home and really let the cat out of the bag, revealing the merchant’s secret!

Examples

“It’s a secret. Try not to let the cat out of the bag.” “I was really looking forward to seeing the film, until Jack let the cat out of the bag and told me the ending!” “We were going to have a surprise birthday for dad, but my silly brother let the cat out of the bag the day before.”

“Well the cat’s out of the bag now. Everyone knows Amy will be given the lead role in the play.”