English Idioms & Phrases

Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.

To have to start over because a plan failed or didn't work out.

Start over and try a different approach after a plan doesn't work.

to blame or ask the wrong person, or to look in the wrong place for an answer

To avoid talking about something directly, usually because it's awkward or you're trying to delay.

Try really hard to help or please someone, often more than feels fair.

It's better to do something late than not do it at all.

Stuck facing two bad or unpleasant options with no clear good choice.

To take on more responsibility or work than you can reasonably handle.

Decide to do something difficult or unpleasant you've been avoiding.

To fail, collapse, or stop working.

To release built-up stress or frustration by doing something physical or relaxing.

A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance or important event.

To cost more money than you can comfortably spend.

To say or do something that eases tension and gets people talking in an awkward or new situation.

To work or study late into the night.

Barely and just in time; only by a very small margin.

Decide to stop working or doing something for the rest of the day.

to finish something and stop working on it

To stop doing something or give up on an activity, often because it's too tiring or not worth it.

To be the person who makes the decisions or controls what happens.

To be very expensive; to require a lot of money.

To do something the easiest or cheapest way, often by skipping steps or lowering quality.

To be less critical or demanding of someone; give them extra patience or understanding when they're having a hard time.

Skip the small talk or background and get straight to the main point.

Don't worry about minor annoyances or details that won't matter later.

To make a mistake or fail to do something you were supposed to do.

To accept the unpleasant consequences of something you've done or to deal with a difficult situation you've been avoiding.

To suddenly become nervous or decide not to do something you had planned, often at the last minute.

To start something, especially a project or activity.

To learn how to do something so it becomes easier or more natural.

To be treated unfairly or receive the worse part of a deal or situation.

To become organized or behave more responsibly so you can handle a task or situation effectively.

To organize everything you need so a plan goes smoothly.

To deliberately ignore or be unfriendly to someone as a way of showing displeasure or distancing yourself.

To stop a habit or behavior suddenly and completely, without tapering off.

To do more than what is expected or required.

To accept what’s happening and adapt instead of fighting it.

Unable to act because of rules, lack of authority, or circumstances beyond your control.

To study seriously or start studying intensely, usually for an exam or deadline.

To say or do something that is exactly right about a situation.

Leave now; begin a trip or depart from a place.

To go to bed or go to sleep.

To be exactly what was needed or desired, often in a satisfying way.

Tells someone to wait or slow down; be patient before acting.

To join others in doing something because it's popular or gaining support.

To start something earlier than you should, before all the facts or preparations are ready.

Stay positive and hopeful when things are tough or disappointing.

Stay focused on the most important task or goal and don't get distracted.

Hope something will turn out well.

To manage to survive or cope during a difficult time, usually just barely.

To learn how to do a job or task; to become familiar with the basic steps and rules.

Avoid bringing up past issues that will only cause trouble again.

To reveal a secret or tell something that was supposed to be kept private.

Tell only the main point or result and skip the extra details.

To earn or manage enough money to pay for basic living costs.

To miss an opportunity or fail to take advantage of a chance because you acted too late or didn't act at all.

To agree about something or understand it in the same way.

In a risky spot where one small mistake could cause big trouble.

To ask someone for their knowledge, advice, or ideas about something.

To do extra work to cover for someone else so things keep running smoothly.

Decide how to handle something as it unfolds instead of planning every detail in advance.

To stop something suddenly — cancel a project, end support, or shut down an operation.

Do your fair share of work or effort so others aren't left doing it all.

Notice how people are feeling or what the situation calls for before you speak or act.

To tell someone an idea or plan to get their opinion or approval.

To lose energy, motivation, or momentum and be unable to keep going.

Rescued from an awkward or bad situation at the very last moment.

To have a relaxed, informal chat about unimportant topics.

Embarrassing or shameful secrets from someone's past that they'd rather nobody found out about

Delay making a decision until you've had more time to think, often overnight.

Said when the person you were just talking about suddenly shows up or gets in touch.

To reveal a secret or give away information that was supposed to stay private.

To take attention or praise away from someone by doing or announcing something first.

Keep believing what you think is right and don't give in to pressure or doubts.

To hide or ignore a problem or uncomfortable fact instead of dealing with it.

To politely decline an invitation or offer now but suggest doing it another time.

To not completely believe something; to be skeptical about the truth or accuracy of a statement.

Choose the more moral or gracious option in a tense situation, avoiding revenge or petty behavior.

Decide to do something risky or start something you've been hesitating about.

It's your turn to make a decision or take the next step.

To deliberately ignore risks or careful planning and do something bold, reckless, or spontaneous.

To stop trying or give up on something because it seems too hard or hopeless.

To betray or blame someone so you avoid trouble or get ahead.

To reverse a situation so that someone who had the disadvantage gains the advantage.

Feeling a little ill or not quite yourself; low energy or mild sickness.

Not decided yet; still uncertain or unresolved.