
To keep someone at arm’s distance – To keep your distance and not get too involved with someone.To get off on the wrong foot – To make a bad first impression with someone.To rain on someone’s parade – To ruin one’s plans or temper one’s excitement.To let someone off the hook – To not hold someone responsible for something he/she has done wrong.

To give someone the benefit of the doubt – To justify or excuse someone’s actions, and not assume malice.To cut somebody some slack – To stop being so critical of them.To give someone the cold shoulder – To intentionally ignore someone.Like two peas in a pod – Two people who are always together.Some of these phrases are used in a flattering way, while others are used to explain a distaste or irritation with someone. You’ll also find people using English language idioms to describe how people interact with one another. Party pooper – Someone who tends to suck the fun out of situations by either not participating or adding negativity.Gold digger – A person who is pursuing a relationship with another for the sole purpose of benefiting from their wealth.This can be used in a positive or negative way depending on the context Teacher’s pet – A person who is considered the teacher’s favorite.Eager beaver – A person who is enthusiastic and wanting to do something very much.To be as right as rain – To feel healthy or well again.To have your head in the clouds – To be daydreaming and/or lacking concentration.Fit as a fiddle – Very healthy and strong.Like a fish out of the water – Very uncomfortable.Wouldn’t hurt a fly – A person that is inoffensive and harmless.One-trick pony – A person with only one talent or area of expertise.To be on cloud nine – To be extremely happy.Whether you want to describe someone as happy, strong, or eager, use one of the expressions below. This part of our English idiom list focuses on the expressions used to describe or characterize people, from their emotions to their personalities. Ĭheck out the infographic below to preview some of the most common idioms that made it on our list, and start using them in your everyday conversations! Once you familiarize yourself with these English language idioms and proverbs, you’ll have a much better grasp of the English language. To help you make sense of some of these unique sayings, we’ve created a handy English expression list that you can refer to any time one of these expressions comes your way.

But learning their meanings is crucial if you want to sound more like a native.

List of English Idioms, Proverbs & ExpressionsĮnglish idioms aren’t easy to understand at first, especially if you’re speaking English as a second language. Still, their meaning is greater than the meaning of the individual words put together. On the other hand, proverbs – which are equally important to learn in English – are “short, well-known pithy sayings, stating a general truth or piece of advice.” Proverbs in English like, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” have neither a metaphorical meaning nor a literal one.
