English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
English Idioms
Idioms are the sparkling gems of the English language, offering a glimpse into its cultural depth and creative spirit. They transform ordinary phrases into extraordinary expressions, where meaning leaps beyond literal words. For example, piece of cake charmingly conveys ease, while spill the beans intriguingly means to reveal a secret.
Our collection invites you to explore the nuanced tapestry of English. Consider breaking the ice an idiom that describes initiating conversation in an awkward or tense situation, or hit the nail on the head, meaning to describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
English idioms add a unique flavor to conversations, turning mundane dialogue into engaging storytelling. Understanding idioms is like unlocking a secret code of the language, revealing humor, wisdom, and history.
Unravel these linguistic treasures. Each phrase is an adventure, and every expression is a window into the human experience.
Make a long story short
The idiom "make a long story short" is used to summarize a lengthy or complicated story, event, or situation into a shorter and more concise version. It implies that the speaker will provide an overview of the main points instead of going into detailed explanations.
Take breath away
The idiom "take breath away" means to be completely struck, overwhelmed, or shocked by something, especially by its beauty or emotional impact. It can also mean to remove the air from one's lungs, causing a feeling of disbelief or being taken aback.
Zero-sum game
A zero-sum game is a situation where one person's gain is equivalent to another person's loss. In other words, it's a game where the total amount of resources or points is fixed and any increase by one player must be matched by a decrease from another player.
Backhanded compliment
A backhanded compliment is a statement that appears to be a compliment but actually has a negative connotation or is meant to belittle the person being praised. It is a way of giving someone a compliment indirectly, often implying that the person is not truly deserving of praise.