Idioms and Phrases

Common expressions and their meanings

100 practice questionsPage updated 27 Mar 2026Review metadata pendingPractice questions

Idioms and phrases are expressions whose meanings cannot be deduced from the literal definitions of the individual words. They are essential components of English language proficiency tests, testing a candidate's understanding of figurative language, cultural nuances, and contextual usage. Mastery of idioms demonstrates advanced language competence and cultural awareness.

Key concepts

Types of Idioms

Idioms can be categorised into several types: (1) Pure idioms - expressions where the literal meaning is completely unrelated to the actual meaning (e.g., 'kick the bucket' means to die); (2) Binomial idioms - phrases with two words joined by 'and' or 'or' (e.g., 'by and large', 'pros and cons'); (3) Partial idioms - expressions that allow some variation (e.g., 'preach to the converted'); (4) Prepositional idioms - verb + preposition combinations with special meanings (e.g., 'look into', 'put up with'). Understanding these categories helps in recognising and interpreting idiomatic expressions correctly.

Figurative vs Literal Meaning

The hallmark of an idiom is that its figurative (actual) meaning differs significantly from its literal (word-for-word) meaning. For example, 'break a leg' literally suggests injury, but figuratively means 'good luck'. 'Bite the bullet' literally suggests chewing ammunition, but means to endure a painful or difficult situation bravely. When encountering an unfamiliar expression, consider whether a literal interpretation makes sense in context—if not, it may be an idiom requiring figurative interpretation.

Contextual Usage

Idioms must be used in appropriate contexts to convey the intended meaning effectively. Formal idioms suit professional writing (e.g., 'in lieu of', 'per se'), while colloquial idioms fit informal conversation (e.g., 'hit the sack', 'spill the beans'). Some idioms carry emotional connotations--'over the moon' expresses extreme happiness, while 'down in the dumps' indicates sadness. Choosing the right idiom for the context demonstrates both vocabulary depth and communicative competence.

Common Idiom Categories by Theme

Idioms often cluster around themes: (1) Animals: 'let the cat out of the bag', 'elephant in the room'; (2) Body parts: 'cost an arm and a leg', 'pull someone's leg'; (3) Food: 'piece of cake', 'spill the beans'; (4) Colours: 'green with envy', 'once in a blue moon'; (5) Numbers: 'at sixes and sevens', 'dressed to the nines'; (6) Time: 'against the clock', 'in the nick of time'. Grouping idioms thematically aids memorisation and recall during examinations.

Worked examples

Example 1

Identify the meaning of the idiom: 'To burn the midnight oil'

Solution

Step 1: Analyse the literal image—burning oil in a lamp at midnight suggests working late into the night.
Step 2: Consider the historical context—before electricity, oil lamps were used for light at night.
Step 3: Determine the figurative meaning—working late, especially studying or working hard on something.
Step 4: Verify with context—typically used for diligent effort extending beyond normal hours.
Answer: To work or study late into the night, especially with diligent effort.

Example 2

Choose the sentence where 'kick the bucket' is used correctly:
A) He kicked the bucket to reach the top shelf.
B) After a long illness, the old man finally kicked the bucket.
C) The footballer kicked the bucket into the goal.
D) She kicked the bucket of water over.

Solution

Step 1: Recall that 'kick the bucket' is a euphemism for dying (pure idiom with no literal connection).
Step 2: Examine option A—literal kicking of a bucket, not the idiom.
Step 3: Examine option B—context of 'long illness' and 'old man' suggests death, fitting the idiom's meaning.
Step 4: Examine option C—literal kicking of a bucket in football.
Step 5: Examine option D—literal action of kicking a container.
Answer: B (correct idiomatic usage referring to death).

Example 3

Explain the meaning and appropriate context for: 'The ball is in your court'

Solution

Step 1: Trace the origin—tennis/court games where the ball being on your side means you must play next.
Step 2: Determine figurative meaning—the responsibility or decision now rests with you; it's your turn to act.
Step 3: Identify appropriate contexts—business negotiations, project handovers, decision-making scenarios.
Step 4: Consider register—neutral/formal idiom suitable for professional communication.
Step 5: Note the implication—suggests the speaker has done their part and now awaits the other person's response.
Answer: It means the responsibility for the next action or decision lies with the person being addressed; commonly used in professional contexts to indicate that someone else must now respond or take action.

Example 4

Identify whether these expressions are idioms and explain their meanings:
(i) 'Bite off more than you can chew'
(ii) 'Eat your dinner'

Solution

Step 1: Analyse (i)—literal meaning suggests physically biting too large a piece of food.
Step 2: Consider contextual meaning—taking on more responsibilities than one can handle.
Step 3: Conclusion for (i)—this IS an idiom; figurative meaning is 'to take on more tasks or responsibilities than one can manage'.
Step 4: Analyse (ii)—literal meaning is consuming a meal.
Step 5: Consider if there's a figurative meaning—no established figurative usage beyond literal eating.
Step 6: Conclusion for (ii)—this is NOT an idiom; it's a literal instruction.
Answer: (i) Is an idiom meaning to take on more than one can handle; (ii) Is not an idiom, just a literal phrase.

Idioms and Phrases

Key concepts

Types of Idioms

Figurative vs Literal Meaning

Contextual Usage

Common Idiom Categories by Theme

Idiom Structure and Variations

Worked examples

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Representative solved questions

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Common mistakes and useful habits

Ready to test your understanding?

Key concepts

Types of Idioms

Figurative vs Literal Meaning

Contextual Usage

Common Idiom Categories by Theme

Idiom Structure and Variations

Worked examples

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Representative solved questions

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Common mistakes and useful habits

Ready to test your understanding?

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