good idioms to use in an essay

Writing idioms: Inspiring phrases about writing and writers

Struggling with writer’s block? These writing idioms will get your mind flowing again.

In this list we cover English idioms about writing, writers, letters, and even paper. We have also included a few proverbs on these topics! All of these phrases include a definition and example sentences to help you learn how to use them.

So, pen at the ready, and let’s go!

Writing idioms

Get it in writing.

You’ll hear people use the expression get it in writing when they want to have physical proof of an agreement. They don’t just want to rely on a handshake or verbal agreement.

“Unless you get it in writing, I can’t proceed with the deal.”

Related to this, someone may ask you to put it in writing when you are forming an agreement.

Wet signature

Similar to the expression above, sometimes you are required to sign something with a wet signature (as opposed to an e-signature). This means that you must physically sign with a pen or other writing implement.

“That bank is so old-fashioned; they need a wet signature for me to open an account.”

Handwriting like chicken scratch

Hopefully, no one says you have handwriting like chicken scratch . It’s a way of describing someone’s writing as very messy – even illegible – like the dirt marks chickens make!

“My doctor has handwriting like chichen scratch and the pharmacist couldn’t understand it.”

Yes – doctors are notorious for their bad handwriting, but have you ever wondered why ?

Paper trail

You may hear this phrase in your favorite police drama show. A paper trail is a series of records and documents that can be used to track someone’s activities. When the police are looking for a criminal, they can follow phone records, financial reports, diary entries or even video footage to locate the person.

“We just followed the paper trail and found the missing money.”

Even though these records may be mainly electronic nowadays, we still refer to it as a ‘paper trail’.

Poison-pen letter

A poison-pen letter is not a very nice thing to write or receive. It’s a letter or note that is very mean-spirited, critical or even malicious. It isn’t usually signed by the sender.

“I can’t belive someone left a poison-pen letter on my car.”

To describe someone as an open book is to say that they are easy to get to know. They don’t withhold information or keep secrets, so you can learn a lot about them and their nature.

“Jo at reception is an open book. I find her really easy to get to know.”

We have more expressions about friendship and getting to know people on a separate page.

It’s not worth the paper it’s written/printed on

Sadly, some of these writing idioms are about deception and being tricked. When people describe an agreement, contract signing, guarantee or promise as not (being) worth the paper it’s written on , they are saying that the agreement is worthless.

“This contract isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. I’m afraid you’re going to lose your money.”

Not worth writing home about

When something is of little interest, rather dull or unremarkable, you could say that it’s not worth writing home about . In other words, there is no exciting news to report.

“My weekend wasn’t worth writing home about. What about you?”

Don’t forget to write

This is one of the more dated idioms about writing. Traditionally, when people went on holiday they would write postcards to friends and family back home. So, as a clichéd farewell, people will remind you, don’t forget to write . There are some more modern travel idioms you can use, too.

“Have a wonderful holiday and don’t forget to write.”

A word of warning: this expression can also be used in a sarcastic way when someone is happy you are leaving!

The oldest trick in the book

The oldest trick in the book is a form of deception or trickery, or a way of solving a problem, that has been done for a long time and still works well.

“Were you really expecting a new iPhone for that price from a guy on the street?! It’s the oldest trick in the book!” “I always go for a run whilst the family are still sleeping. It’s the oldest trick in the book to make sure I still get a run in.”

When this expression is used in reference to some kind of deception, there is also the suggestion that nobody should be naive enough to fall for the trick as it has been around for so long. So, if you do get tricked in this way, it’s your own fault for being gullible.

Don’t judge a book by its cover

This is such a popular phrase and a really great piece of advice. You should never judge a book by its cover as you are basing your opinions of someone or something purely on what you see on the outside.

“I was so shocked when my 92-year-old grandfather started breakdancing at the wedding. Guess you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover!”

Writing idioms - a close up of a hand writing in a note book

Idioms about writing

Put pen to paper.

This idiom about writing could be losing relevance, since most writing nowadays is done electronically. Still, to instruct someone to put pen to paper is to tell them it’s time to start writing.

“Ok boys and girls, the exam has started to it’s time to put pen to paper. Good luck.” “Writing a novel may seem daunting but it just begins with putting pen to paper.”

The writing is on the wall

A lot of these idioms about writing are forms of warning or guidance, and this one is no exception! When there are strong indications that something bad is about to happen, people will warn that the writing is on the wall .

“Our sales are down and they’ve just transfered calls to another team. I guess the writing is on the wall and we’ll be fired soon.”

Did you know this is one of many idioms that come from the Bible ?

Paper over the cracks

In a literal form, to paper over cracks would be to cover defects in a wall by decorating over them. As an idiom, it tells us that someone is trying to hide or gloss over problems, issues, or disagreements.

“Listen, just paper over the cracks and we’ll sort it out after the presentation.”

Take a leaf out of someone’s book

When someone suggests that you take a leaf (or a page) out of someone’s book they are saying that you should do the same as them or follow their example.

“Why don’t you take a leaf out of your brother’s book? He’s just graduated from college.”

There are lots more idioms about books for you to discover here.

Pen pusher / Paper pusher

Writing idioms can be used in so many different ways. This one describes the type of job someone has. A pen pusher or paper pusher is someone who has a low-level administrative job that isn’t very interesting or significant.

It probably involves a lot of form-filling, filing or repetitive paperwork.

“Just ignore Micky, he’s only a paper pusher and has no real say in what happens.”

The pen is mightier than the sword

This is such an inspiring writer idiom, and perhaps an important idiom for kids to learn . The meaning behind the expression the pen is mightier than the sword is that writing is better than fighting.

Why so? Well, when you write something, people will read your words and you can influence or inspire them. Or it could be saying that communicating solves more problems than going to war. Basically, being intellectual is better than being physically aggressive, according to this saying.

“I wrote a letter to the President as I believe that the pen is mightier than the sword.”

Give someone their walking papers

Although there are a few positive idioms about writing, this one isn’t so good. To give someone their walking papers is to fire them from a job or ask them to leave a place or situation.

“Well, that’s that. I was given my walking papers on Friday.”

In British English, you may hear a similar phrase – to give someone their marching orders – which means the same thing.

The ink isn’t even dry yet / the ink’s still wet

You would use the saying the ink isn’t even dry yet or the ink is still wet to comment on something happening immediately after an agreement or legal document is signed.

A good example is someone getting re-married just after signing their divorce papers.

“The ink was still wet on the contract for the new car and he backed it into a wall!” “The ink isn’t even dry on your employment contract and you’re already thinking of leaving?!”

Even if nothing was physically signed, this phrase can be used figuratively.

Write a bum check (cheque)

Have you ever written a check to make a payment? Checks are being phased out in most places, but here is a full explanation of how they used to work.

To write a bum check (or ‘cheque’ in British English) is to issue a check to someone even though there isn’t enough money in the account to cover it. Since it takes a few days for a check to clear, there would be no way for the seller to know that you didn’t have the funds to make the payment. It’s no surprise that other payment methods are taking over!

“Just make sure you don’t write a bum check again.”

Discover some more idioms about money here.

Write someone up / Write someone a ticket

This writing expression is predominantly used with reference to police officers, although you may hear it in a work context too. When you write someone up you are reporting them for a wrong action they have done.

The similar idiom, write someone a ticket , would usually refer to a parking or speeding ticket resulting in a fine.

“Sue, you know you can’t enter here without a permit! I’m going to have to write you up.” “I begged the policeman not to write me a ticket, but he wouldn’t listen.”

Writer’s block

This is a perfect idiom about writing to end on! The reason for this is that when someone suffers from writer’s block they simply can’t think of anything else to write.

“I tried so hard to finish my essay last night but by 11pm I got writer’s block and had to stop.” “Do you have any tips for dealing with writer’s block?”

Hopefully, this list of writing idioms has helped you not only to understand them better but also to be a little more creative in your own writing.

Are there any others you have heard of that we could add to this list? Leave a comment to let us know.

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50 Most Common English Idioms

Categories: English Language Language Diversity

About this sample

Words: 1574 |

Published: Jan 21, 2020

Words: 1574 | Pages: 3 | 8 min read

What are idioms?

Add fuel to the flames
Answer nature’s call
Accidentally on purposeIt refers to when somebody does something deliberately and then pretends that it was an accident.
Badger someone
Balancing act
Be ones best bet
Bare your soul
Binge drinking
Biting the hand that feeds youIf you are so harsh to someone who a lot to you and they are kind to you then they can say you are biting the hand that feeds you.
Breathing down someone’s neck
Clinch a deal
A done deal
In black and white
Gentleman’s agreement
No strings attached
With one voice
Like the back of one’s handWhenever you have a complete knowledge of something it means you know it like the back of your hand.
Back into shape
Back on your feet
Up in armsWhenever somebody is up in arms, they are so angry over something.
Get off my back
Bite someone’s head off
Be in a black mood
Blow a fuse
Bone to pick with someone
Come down to someone like a ton of bricks
Dressed to kill
Down at heel
Face like a bulldog chewing a wasp
Mutton dressed as a lamb
Big fish in a small pond
Bring to heel
Bulldoze someone into doing something
Call the shots
Too many chiefs, not enough Indians
Crack the whip
Dancing to someone’s tune
Drawing a line in the sand
Force someone’s hand
At all costs
Having a bee in your bonnet
Blood, sweat and tears
Having something on your brain
Explore all avenues
Embarrassment of riches
on the fence
Horns of a dilemma
Come to a bad end

Works Cited

Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.). Idiom. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/idiom
Chiu, Y.-L. (2017). The Use of Idioms in English Language Teaching. Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, 9(2), 49–54.
Crystal, D. (2008). A dictionary of linguistics and phonetics. Wiley-Blackwell.
Idiomsite. (n.d.). Idioms and Their Meanings. https://www.idiomsite.com/
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Idiom. In Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idiom
Phan, H. (2020). A survey on the use of idioms in English language teaching in Vietnam. Journal of Language and Linguistics Studies, 16(1), 1–13.
Prithviraj, B. (2017). The role of idioms in enhancing language learners’ language proficiency. Journal of Applied Linguistics and Language Research, 4(2), 39–46.
Seidl, J., & McMordie, W. (2010). English idioms exercises on phrasal verbs and idioms. Hueber.
Tirkkonen-Condit, S., & Laukkanen, A.-M. (1996). Idioms in English: A corpus-based study of variation in current English usage. Walter de Gruyter.
Wray, A. (2002). Formulaic language and the lexicon. Cambridge University Press.

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35 Common idioms and their meanings

Masooma Memon

Before I shifted my house, I had a full list of idioms in English that I printed out and referred to whenever I put pen to paper. This was about a decade ago, around the time I finished college. Now, I frequently look up idioms online. If I like an idiomatic phrase in a movie or show, I quickly jot it down in my pocket-sized notebook or a sticky note.

You could say I’m obsessed with idioms. But, it’s a healthy obsession to be honest. Because idioms add life to your writing and help you succinctly explain things, there’s no reason not to use them.

Interested in coloring your writing with idioms? Let’s give a bookmark-worthy list of idioms alongside why you should be as obsessed with idioms.

What is an idiom?

Idioms are phrases or expressions that don’t literally mean what the individual words in the phrase stand for. Idioms emerge from an incident or past story. Overtime, however, they lose their meaning and become figurative.

For example : a piece of cake

The literal meaning of this is cake slice (lava cake, anybody?). But, when you use it as an idiom, you mean something that’s easy to do — that’s this phrase’s figurative meaning .

With the formal idioms definition out of the way, let’s look at some examples of idioms that you’ve probably already heard or used before:

Fun fact: There are an estimated 25,000 idioms in English language. Talk about variety!

Why do we use idioms?

The short answer is: idioms add life to your writing. But exactly how do these groups of words polish your English ?

Here are five ways idiomatic expressions help you:

1. Idioms paint a visual picture for your readers

Even if it’s plain content that you’re working on – you can up your writing’s description game by using idioms.

Look at this example:

The idiom means having to choose from equally difficult paths. By using it, not only does the sentence sound better, but the particular idiom creates a visual picture in the readers’ mind. They can imagine Mara having to choose between sinking in the dark sea and the devil itself. Either way, Mara’s dead.

2. They add impact to your writing

In the example above, there’s a third favor that this idiom does to the sentence: it adds meaning.

Think of it like this: saying ‘choosing between equally unpleasant scenarios’ is dull and boring, even meh . And, it doesn’t leave much of an impact. But, when you, as a reader, imagine Mara standing between the ‘devil and the deep blue sea,’ you can tell things are gettin’ serious.

3. These expressions add humor to your writing

Besides adding flavor to otherwise dull writing, some idioms can help you brighten your readers’ mood.

Frankly, humor isn’t easy to work into your writing. Unless, you’re a master at cracking jokes. Most of us, however, aren’t good at that. So, instead of making a fool of ourselves, it’s better to pull out an idiom like the one below:

Literally, Sophie isn’t a chicken and, of course, she has her head intact. The idiom just means that like a panicked chicken, Sophie is running around in a haphazard manner. This is a funny, light-hearted way of explaining Sophie’s situation.

4. Idioms make you sound like native speakers

This is another good reason for slipping idioms into your writing. Every language has its own idioms that emerge from its culture. Or, they originate from stories specific to a region.

This means that if you want to impress a Brit English speaker , for example, you should use idioms of British origin. Some of these are:

Meaning: Asking someone to share their thoughts with you.

Meaning: A plan that didn’t work, requiring you to sketch it from the start.

If you’re into novel writing, you can draw on these region-specific idioms to write dialogue for a character from a particular region. So that’s another plus of using idioms.

5. They help you explain complex ideas simply and succinctly

Lastly, idioms can help you simplify ideas. Use an idiom instead of going into unnecessary details. In all the examples you’ve read so far, you’ll note that the idioms make it easy to explain something.

Take the idiom ‘back to the drawing board.’ Using it means you don’t need to rely on tons of words to explain that a plan went bust and now you’ve got to regroup and plan again. You can simply say, let’s go back to the drawing board.

Similarly, when you want someone to get to the point, you can simply say: stop beating about the bush.

Tips on using idioms

Convinced you need to work more idioms into your writing? Cool. We’ll give you a list of common English idioms in the next section to make things easy for you.

Plus, here are some things to keep in mind as you dabble into the use of idioms , an essential part of learning English :

Don’t overdo them

Some idioms are so over used they turn into clichés . Your writing is always better off without clichés as they’re unoriginal. So use idioms sparingly, where they help you summarize or deliver any of the benefits discussed above.

See if a specific detail would be better

For example, once in a blue moon is a good idiom. But, if you find that your readers can benefit from a detail like ‘someone visited on the third of every month,’ skip the idiom. Be specific instead.

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35 popular idioms and their meaning.

Ready to use idioms? Use this list:

Beef up: To strengthen or increase something.
Turn turtle: Turn turtle means to turn upside down or flip the side.
Eager beaver: Someone who is all charged up or enthusiastic about a job is an eager beaver.
Spill the beans: To tell something that was supposed to stay hidden or under wraps (yep, another idiom).
Couch potato: Someone who binge watches Netflix, sitting on a couch all day – popcorn in hand.
Hit the sack: This idiom is a fancy way of saying that someone’s tired and they’re going to sleep. You can also say hit the hay.
Bite the bullet: To do something no matter how unpleasant it is.
In the doldrums: When you’re sad or depressed, you’re in the doldrums. Once out of it, you can write: out of the doldrums.

In fine fettle: In good health.
A hot potato: A controversial topic that no one wants to discuss – same as no one wants to hold a hot potato.
Go bananas: Go bananas is a fun way of saying someone’s excited or angry.
An arm and a leg: When something’s overpriced, you can say it costs an arm and a leg. Alternatively, you can say: it costs a fortune or it costs a bomb.
Under the weather: Slightly unwell or feeling low.
Lose your touch: Literally, that’s losing your sense of touch. But the idiom doesn’t mean that, of course. It means you lose some skill or talent you previously had.
Twist someone’s arm: To twist someone’s arm is to convince them to do something like a kid twisting their mum’s arm to get ice cream.
Pie in the sky: Something that’s unlikely, therefore, wishful thinking.
The ball in your court: Have two or more people or parties deciding on something and one side has made their move? Great, there’s only one party that’s to decide now and a good way to say that is: the ball in their court.
Curiosity killed the cat: Sometimes prodding too much into a situation or question can get you into trouble. That’s what this idiom means.
Bark up the wrong tree: Barking up the wrong tree is blaming the wrong person, following a wrong thought/plan, or looking in the wrong place.
Hit the nail on the head: When you get something done perfectly, you hit the nail on the head. After all, it’s only when you hit the nail on the head that you can drill it in the right spot.
The elephant in the room: The story behind this idiom is that a man walked into a museum and noticed every tiny thing there except for an elephant. Today, the phrase denotes a chief issue that everyone knows is present, but no one addresses it.
Taste your own medicine: It’s when someone gets treated the way they’ve been treating others (good time to think of karma, no?).
Steal someone’s thunder: Taking someone else’s credit or taking the spotlight when you don’t deserve it.
Stab someone in the back: This one’s a snazzy way of saying you’re backbiting or planning against someone in their absence.
Kill two birds with one stone: When you get two things done in one shot, you’re killing two birds with one stone. Example, I’m writing this piece and revising idioms too.
Best thing since sliced bread: The idiom means hyped up enthusiasm in someone, something, or some idea.
Bite more than you can chew: When you commit to more than you do/deliver, you’ve officially bitten more than you can chew.
Every cloud has a silver lining: A good result after bad things.
Look at the bright side: When you choose to see the positive in an overall bad situation (or may I say, shituation).
You can’t judge a book by its cover: This means you can’t jump to conclusions only by looking at the cover or outward appearance.
More holes than a Swiss cheese: Seeing holes in a story or plan? Congratulations, Sherlock! Now, voice your concern using this idiom.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket: It’s when you put all your resources or hopes (figuratively: eggs) in one source (basket).
Get up on the wrong side of the bed: When you wake up in a bad mood.
Everything but the kitchen skin: It means everything imaginable including the unnecessary stuff.
Pick a bone with someone: To discuss something at length with someone.

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100 Idioms: Meanings & Examples

Let’s learn idioms + examples of how they are used!

Here are 100 common English idioms with meanings and example sentences:

Download this lesson

1. A blessing in disguise

Meaning: Something that seems bad or unlucky at first but turns out to be good.
Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise because it pushed me to start my own business.

2. A dime a dozen

Meaning: Very common and easy to find.
Example: Those souvenir keychains are a dime a dozen at the tourist shops.

3. All ears

Meaning: Fully listening and paying attention.
Example: Go ahead, I’m all ears. Tell me what’s been on your mind.

4. All in the same boat

Meaning: In the same situation or predicament.
Example: Everybody on staff got a pay cut – we’re all in the same boat.

5. Barking up the wrong tree

Meaning: Accusing or blaming the wrong person.
Example: If you think I took your book, you’re barking up the wrong tree . I haven’t seen it.

6. Beat around the bush

Meaning: Avoiding the main topic or being indirect.
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me why you didn’t show up to my birthday party.

7. Bite the bullet

Meaning: To face a difficult or unpleasant situation bravely.
Example: I have to bite the bullet and tell him the truth, even though it might hurt him.

8.Bury the hatchet

Meaning: To reconcile or make peace after a conflict.
Example: After years of not speaking to each other, they finally decided to bury the hatchet and become friends again.

100 English idioms with examples: burying the hatchet

9. By the skin of your teeth

Meaning: Just barely or narrowly escaping a difficult situation.
Example: I passed the exam by the skin of my teeth ; I got the minimum required score.

10. Call it a day

Meaning: To stop working or to end an activity.
Example: We’ve been painting all afternoon; let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.

11. Cold feet

Meaning: Feeling nervous or hesitant about doing something.
Example: I was going to ask her out, but I got cold feet at the last moment.

100 English idioms with examples: cold feet

12. Cost an arm and a leg

Meaning: To be very expensive.
Example: That luxury car must have cost him an arm and a leg.

13. Cry over spilled milk

Meaning: To worry or complain about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
Example: Yes, we made a mistake, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk. Let’s focus on finding a solution.

14. Cut corners

Meaning: To do something quickly or take shortcuts, often sacrificing quality.
Example: Don’t cut corners on this project; it needs to be excellent to impress the new client.

15. Drive someone up the wall

Meaning: To irritate or annoy someone greatly.
Example: Her constant humming drives me up the wall; I can’t concentrate with that noise.

16. Silver lining

Meaning: something positive in a difficult situation.
Example: Losing my job was tough, but the silver lining was that I found a new career opportunity.

17. Face the music

Meaning: To confront the consequences of one’s actions.
Example: You made a mistake, and now you have to face the music and accept the criticism.

18. Get a taste of your own medicine

Meaning: Experience the same negative treatment you have given to others.
Example: After constantly making fun of others, he finally got a taste of his own medicine when they started teasing him.

19. Get the ball rolling

Meaning: To start a process or activity.
Example: Let’s get the ball rolling on this project and assign tasks to the team members.

100 idioms and examples: get the ball rolling

20. Give someone the benefit of the doubt

Meaning: To believe someone’s statement or excuse without being too suspicious.
Example: I don’t have any evidence, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and trust his explanation.

21. Go the extra mile

Meaning: To put in extra effort or do more than what is expected.
Example: If you want to succeed in this competitive industry, you need to go the extra mile.

22. Hit the nail on the head

Meaning: To identify or describe something accurately.
Example: She hit the nail on the head when she said that our team needs better communication.

100 idioms and examples: hit the nail on the head

23. In the heat of the moment

Meaning: In a moment of intense emotion, when we act or speak impulsively without thinking.
Example: I didn’t mean to say those hurtful words; I said them in the heat of the moment.

24. It’s a piece of cake

Meaning: Something is very easy or simple to do.
Example: Don’t worry about the test; it’s a piece of cake . You’ll do fine.

25. Keep your chin up

Meaning: To remain positive and optimistic during difficult times.
Example: Even though he faced many rejections, he kept his chin up and continued to pursue his dream.

100 idioms and examples: keep your chin up

26. Kill two birds with one stone

Meaning: Accomplish two things at the same time with a single action.
Example: By taking the train instead of driving, she kills two birds with one stone – saves money and helps the environment.

27. Let the cat out of the bag

Meaning: To reveal a secret or confidential information.
Example: She accidentally let the cat out of the bag and spoiled the surprise party.

28. Like a fish out of water

Meaning: Feeling uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation.
Example: As a city person, I feel like a fish out of water when I visit rural areas.

29. Make a long story short

Meaning: To give a brief summary or conclusion.
Example: He rambled on about his trip, but to make a long story short , he had an amazing time.

30. Miss the boat

Meaning: To miss an opportunity or chance.
Example: I didn’t apply for the scholarship on time, so I missed the boat.

31. Not my cup of tea

Meaning: Something that is not to your liking or preference.
Example: I tried skiing, but it’s not my cup of tea – I don’t enjoy the cold.

32. On cloud nine

Meaning: Feeling extremely happy or joyful.
Example: When she got the job offer, she was on cloud nine; it was her dream job.

33. Once in a blue moon

Meaning: Happens very rarely.
Example: We eat at home most of the time; we go to restaurants once in a blue moon – for special occasions.

34. Out of the blue

Meaning: Unexpectedly or without any warning.
Example: I hadn’t spoken to her in years, and then out of the blue, she called me yesterday.

35. Over the moon

Meaning: Delighted or extremely happy.
Example: She was over the moon when she received her acceptance letter from the university.

36. Pull someone’s leg

Meaning: To tease or joke with someone.
Example: He’s just pulling your leg ; he doesn’t really mean what he said.

37. Put the cart before the horse

Meaning: Doing things in the wrong order.
Example: You’re putting the cart before the horse by buying furniture before finding a place to live.

38. Raining cats and dogs

Meaning: Raining heavily.
Example: We can’t go outside; it’s raining cats and dogs.

Raining cats and dogs = raining very heavily

39. Not ring a bell

Meaning: Not sound familiar or trigger a vague memory.
Example: I don’t think I know him – his name doesn’t ring a bell.

40. Rule of thumb

Meaning: A general principle or guideline.
Example: As a rule of thumb, it’s better to arrive early for meetings.

41. Shoot yourself in the foot

Meaning: To do something that harms oneself unintentionally.
Example: He shot himself in the foot by quitting his job without having another one lined up.

42. On the fence

Meaning: To remain neutral or undecided in a dispute or issue.
Example: I can’t decide which car to buy, so I’m on the fence for now.

43. Skeletons in the closet

Meaning: Hidden or embarrassing secrets from the past.
Example: The journalist investigated the famous singer, trying to find some skeletons in the closet.

44. Take a rain check

Meaning: To postpone or reschedule a plan or invitation.
Example: I’m sorry, I can’t make it to the concert tonight. Can I take a rain check?

45. The ball is in your court

Meaning: It’s your turn to take action or make a decision.
Example: I’ve given you all the information; now the ball is in your court.

46. The best of both worlds

Meaning: Enjoying the benefits of two different things at the same time.
Example: Working part-time allows me to have a career and spend time with my family. It’s the best of both worlds.

47. Show someone the ropes

Meaning: teach someone the details of a task or procedure
During my first week on the job, my co-workers showed me the ropes.

48. The whole nine yards

Meaning: Everything, or the full extent of something.
Example: I’ll make sure you have everything you need—equipment, resources, the whole nine yards.

49. Through thick and thin

Meaning: Supporting or being loyal to someone during good times and bad times.
Example: We’ve been friends for over 20 years, through thick and thin.

50. Throw in the towel

Meaning: To give up or surrender.
Example: After struggling with the homework for hours, he finally threw in the towel.

51. Turn a blind eye

Meaning: To ignore or pretend not to notice something.
Example: The teacher turned a blind eye to the students whispering during the exam.

52. Under the weather

Meaning: Feeling sick.
Example: I won’t be able to come to work today; I’m feeling under the weather.

53. Off The Hook

Meaning: Freed from an obligation
Example: I was going to give a class on Saturday, but they found another teacher to do it, so I’m off the hook.

54. Up in the air

Meaning: Uncertain or not confirmed.
Example: The date for the meeting is still up in the air; we need to schedule it.

55. When it rains, it pours

Meaning: Bad things often happen in clusters or all at once.
Example: First, my car broke down, then I lost my wallet. When it rains, it pours!

56. Wrap your head around something

Meaning: To understand or comprehend something complex or difficult.
Example: It took me a while to wrap my head around the new software, but now I understand how to use it.

57. Throw someone for a loop

Meaning: Distract, confuse, or surprise someone suddenly.
Example: I think I answered all the questions in the job interview pretty well – except for the random one about my personal life. I wasn’t expecting it, so it threw me for a loop.

58. At the drop of a hat

Meaning: Immediately or without hesitation.
Example: He’s always ready to help at the drop of a hat.

59. At the end of your rope

Meaning: Completely annoyed, exhausted, or desperate, with no more patience or energy.
Example: After dealing with two disobedient kids all day, I was at the end of my rope.

60. Pipe down!

Meaning: Be quiet!
Example: Hey kids, pipe down! This is a library and people are trying to study.

61. Cross that bridge when you come to it

Meaning: To deal with a problem or worry about something when it actually happens.
Example: I’m not sure what to do if I fail the test, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

62. Drop the ball

Meaning: To make a mistake or fail to do something properly.
Example: He dropped the ball by forgetting to send the important email on time.

63. Elephant in the room

Meaning: An obvious problem or issue that no one wants to address.
Example: We need to talk about the budget cuts; it’s the elephant in the room.

64. Get off on the wrong foot

Meaning: To start a relationship or situation poorly or with a misunderstanding.
Example: We got off on the wrong foot, but we can still work things out and improve our communication.

65. Go down in flames

Meaning: To fail spectacularly or experience a significant defeat or failure.
Example: Their new product launch went down in flames, and they lost a lot of money.

66. Go with the flow

Meaning: To adapt to a situation or accept things as they come.
Example: I don’t have a specific plan for the weekend; I’ll just go with the flow and see what happens.

67. Hang in there

Meaning: To persevere or keep going despite difficulties or challenges.
Example: I know it’s tough, but hang in there; things will get better.

68. In hot water

Meaning: In trouble or facing difficulties due to a mistake or wrongdoing.
Example: He found himself in hot water after missing an important deadline.

69. Jump on the bandwagon

Meaning: To join or support something that is currently popular or successful.
Example: Everyone is using that new social media platform, so I decided to jump on the bandwagon.

70. Kick the bucket

Meaning: Die (very informal)
Example: I’d love to visit Jamaica someday before I kick the bucket.

71. Swallow something hook, line, and sinker

Meaning: To believe something completely – usually something that is not true.
Example: When I got back late from the party, I told my mom I had been studying for a final exam at a friend’s house. She swallowed it hook, line, and sinker.

72. Show your true colors

Meaning: Reveal the true nature of your character
Example: When things get stressful, that’s when people start to show their true colors

73. On thin ice

Meaning: In a dangerous situation.
Example: He’s on thin ice with his boss after making multiple mistakes.

74. Play it by ear

Meaning: To decide or act based on the situation as it develops, rather than having a fixed plan.
Example: We don’t have a specific itinerary; we’ll just play it by ear and see what we feel like doing.

75. Save your breath

Meaning: To stop wasting your time and effort saying things that won’t have any effect.
Example: Trying to convince him to change his mind is pointless; save your breath.

76. Steal the show

Meaning: To attract the most attention or praise.
Example: Her performance was incredible; she stole the show with her singing and dancing.

77. Take it with a grain of salt

Meaning: To receive/consider information with skepticism or doubt.
Example: I heard a rumor, but I took it with a grain of salt until I had more information.

Take it with a grain of salt = Not completely believe it

78. clear as mud

Meaning: information or communication is NOT clear at all.
Example: My friend tried to explain how to get to his house, but his directions were as clear as mud and we got lost.

79. jump the gun

Meaning: Do something too early, before the appropriate time
Example: She jumped the gun and announced the winner before the final results were officially declared.

80. get your wires crossed

Meaning: Have a miscommunication
Example: We must have gotten our wires crossed – I wanted you to come at 7 PM, not 7 AM.

Get your wires crossed = Have a miscommunication or misunderstanding

81. Throw caution to the wind

Meaning: To take a risk or act without considering the potential consequences.
Example: Despite her friends’ warnings, she decided to throw caution to the wind and quit her job to pursue her passion.

82. Lose your touch

Meaning: To lose the skill or ability that one once had.
Example: After years of not playing the piano, he realized he had lost his touch and struggled to play a simple melody.

83. Off the chain

Meaning: Refers to something that is exciting, exceptional, or out of control.
Example: The concert last night was off the chain! The energy in the crowd was unbelievable.

84. Eyeball it

Meaning: To estimate or measure something by using one’s judgment or visual assessment.
Example: We didn’t have a ruler, so we had to eyeball the length of the table and hope it would fit in the room.

85. Spice things up

Meaning: To add excitement or variety to a situation or relationship.
Example: Let’s try a new restaurant tonight to spice things up.

86. Bring home the bacon

Meaning: To earn a living or provide financial support for one’s family.
Example: She works two jobs to bring home the bacon and support her children.

Bring home the bacon = Earn money to support a family

87. Nip something in the bud

Meaning: To stop or prevent a problem or situation from developing further.
Example: My 5-year-old started telling lies; we had to discipline her to nip that habit in the bud.

88. The last straw

Meaning: The final event or action that makes a situation unbearable or prompts a strong reaction.
Example: When he forgot their anniversary, it was the last straw for her, and she decided to end the relationship.

89. A whole new ballgame

Meaning: A completely different situation or set of circumstances.
Example: We had to change our lifestyle after we had kids – it was a whole new ballgame.

90. Burn the midnight oil

Meaning: To work or study late into the night.
Example: I’m exhausted because I was burning the midnight oil yesterday.

Burn the midnight oil = Stay up very late, usually working or studying

91. Between a rock and a hard place

Meaning: Trapped in a difficult or impossible situation, having to choose between two unfavorable options.
Example: She was between a rock and a hard place when both job offers required her to relocate.

92. Play devil’s advocate

Meaning: Argue an opposing perspective in order to generate critical thinking or debate.
Example: I know everyone’s in favor of this plan, but let me play devil’s advocate – what will we do if it all goes wrong?

93. Put your foot in your mouth

Meaning: To say something embarrassing, inappropriate, or offensive by accident.
Example: I put my foot in my mouth when I asked her if she was pregnant, but she wasn’t.

94. Get a grip

Meaning: To regain control over one’s emotions or behavior.
Example: He needs to get a grip and stop letting his anger affect his relationships.

95. Piece of work

Meaning: Used to describe someone who is difficult, eccentric, or challenging to deal with.
Example: I love my cousin, but she’s a real piece of work – she gets offended over the slightest things.

96. Put someone on the spot

Meaning: To ask someone a difficult question or request an immediate response, often in a public or challenging situation.
Example: During the meeting, the boss put him on the spot by asking him to present his idea without any preparation.

Put someone on the spot = ask someone a difficult question in front of others

97. a night owl

Meaning: Someone who likes to stay up late.
Example: My son’s a night owl – he never goes to bed before 2 AM.

98. has seen better days

Meaning: Something is old and in not-so-great condition.
Example: I’ve had this car for over fifteen years… it’s seen better days.

99. get bent out of shape

Meaning: Become angry, upset or offended, especially about something which in your opinion doesn’t justify such a reaction.
Example: My roommate is a neat freak, and he gets bent out of shape if I leave a single spoon on the kitchen counter.

100. Play your cards right

Meaning: Use your resources in a way that leads to success.
Example: Your supervisor really likes you. If you play your cards right , you could get promoted soon.

Now you know 100 common idiomatic expressions and their meanings. I hope these idioms + examples are helpful!

Learn more: List of idioms with their definitions

You’ll learn lots more idioms & examples in my 300+ Idioms Course !

This course is an EFFECTIVE way to learn and practice common idiomatic expressions in the English language. It’s not just a list of idioms – instead, each lesson helps you learn the expressions more actively.

The lessons start by showing you examples of idioms in sentences, and you’ll try to guess what they mean from the context. Then, you can watch a video where I teach the idioms’ meanings. Next, try a quiz to see how well you remember the idiomatic expressions. Finally, there are short-answer questions to help you practice using these common idioms yourself – and you can get feedback and correction from an Espresso English teacher!

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Hi, I’m Shayna. I create courses helping English as a Second Language learners become more fluent in just a few minutes a day – so they can speak English naturally and confidently in work and daily life.

English Idioms for Essay Writing, expressions, and proverbs are an essential part of the English language, both spoken and written English are saturated with them.

For people learning English idioms are confusing to understand, the reason being Idioms don’t make objective sense.

To learn the meanings and usage of idioms for Essay Writing, ESL students must practice and familiarize themselves with their everyday usage.

The team at Lillypad understands the pain and difficulties English Learners run across comprehending the true meaning and suitable usage. This list of idioms for Essay Writing makes learning simple, with common Essay Writing idioms, definitions, and example sentences that make the meaning clear.

Learning to use common idioms and expressions will make your English sound more native, so it’s a good idea to master some of these expressions with daily practice, so bookmark this page or share it with your friends; now let us learn about idioms for Essay Writing together.

Idioms for Essay Writing with Meanings, Definitions & Example Sentences

1. to sugarcoat, definition and meaning: to sugarcoat.

The expression “to sugarcoat” means to make something more palatable or attractive by adding a layer of sweetness.

To Sugarcoat Example Sentences:

She tried to sugarcoat the bad news, but it was still difficult to hear.
He was trying to sugarcoat the truth, but I could tell he was lying.
She was trying to sugarcoat the situation, but I could tell she was really upset.
He was trying to sugarcoat the facts, but I could tell he was hiding something.
She was trying to sugarcoat the reality of the situation, but it was still pretty grim.

2. The Pot Calling The Kettle Black

Definition and meaning: the pot calling the kettle black.

The expression “the pot calling the kettle black” is used to describe a situation where someone is criticizing another person for a fault or flaw that they have themselves.

The Pot Calling The Kettle Black Example Sentences:

You’re telling me I’m too judgmental. That’s the pot calling the kettle black!
You’re accusing me of being selfish. That’s the pot calling the kettle black!
You’re saying I’m too critical. That’s the pot calling the kettle black!
You’re telling me I’m too controlling. That’s the pot calling the kettle black!
You’re saying I’m too nosy. That’s the pot calling the kettle black!

3. Stay The Course

Definition and meaning: stay the course.

This expression means to pursue or fulfill an objective until it’s finished despite its difficulty.

Stay The Course Example Sentences:

I think if we stay the course, we’ll reap the benefits.
Listen to me and just stay the course. You’re doing great.
We’re here to stay the course, so don’t worry about us.
This can get dicey, but I know if we stay the course, we will succeed.
Can you imagine if we didn’t stay the course? We’d still be bankrupt.

4. Don’t Put All Your Eggs In One Basket

Definition and meaning: don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

This expression is often used to caution against putting all of one’s resources into a single venture.

Don’t Put All Your Eggs In One Basket Example Sentences:

When investing, it’s important to diversify your portfolio so you don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
When it comes to job hunting, don’t put all your eggs in one basket Apply to multiple companies to increase your chances of getting hired.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket when it comes to finding a new place to live Look at multiple options before making a decision.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket when it comes to finding a new car Shop around and compare prices to get the best deal.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket when it comes to finding a new business partner Meet with multiple potential partners before making a decision.

5. Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover

Definition and meaning: don’t judge a book by its cover.

The expression means that you should not judge something based on its appearance.

Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover Example Sentences:

Just because someone looks unapproachable, doesn’t mean they don’t have a kind heart Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Don’t be fooled by the flashy exterior of the car It may look nice, but it could be a lemon. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Don’t be so quick to judge the new employee She may not have the most impressive resume, but she could be a great asset to the team. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Don’t be so quick to dismiss the new restaurant in town It may not look like much from the outside, but the food could be amazing. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Don’t be so quick to judge the new student in your class He may not be the most outgoing person, but he could be a great friend. Don’t judge a book by its cover.

6. Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way

Definition and meaning: where there’s a will, there’s a way.

The expression “where there’s a will, there’s a way” means any obstacle or problem can be overcome with a strong will or determination.

Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way Example Sentences:

Where there’s a will, there’s a way, so we’ll figure it out.
No one was expecting him to solve the issue, but where there’s a will, there’s a way.
The new system posed a serious problem. But where there’s a will, there’s a way.
I believe that where there’s a will, there’s a way, so we’ll find a way through this.
You know where there’s a will, there’s a way, right? So use your head.

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Top 20 Commonly Used Idioms for Research Writing

In the realm of academic writing, researchers strive to create impactful and persuasive research papers. One powerful tool at their disposal is the use of academic idioms. These idiomatic expressions, when used appropriately, can enhance the clarity, sophistication, and persuasive power of research papers.

In this blog post, we will explore the top 20 idioms commonly used by researchers , providing their definitions and accompanied by examples.

1. “In the realm of”

Definition: Within a particular field or area of study.

Example: “In the realm of neuroscience, this study examines the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function

2. “Lay the groundwork”

Definition : To establish a foundation or basis for further development.

Example: “This paper lays the groundwork for future research by providing a comprehensive review of existing literature.”

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3. “Bridge the gap”

Definition: To connect or reconcile differences between two concepts or ideas.

Example: “This study aims to bridge the gap between theoretical models and practical applications in the field of artificial intelligence.”

4. “Give rise to”

Definition : To cause or initiate something.

Example: “The emergence of new technologies has given rise to innovative approaches in the field of renewable energy.”

5. “Shed light on”

Definition : To provide clarification or understanding about a particular topic.

Example: “This research sheds light on the impact of social media usage on mental health among adolescents.”

6. “Unveil the mysteries”

Definition : To reveal or uncover unknown aspects or secrets.

Example: “Through advanced imaging techniques, this study unveils the mysteries of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.”

7. “Navigate uncharted waters”

Definition: To explore or deal with unfamiliar or unexplored territory.

Example : “This research navigates uncharted waters by investigating the ethical implications of gene-editing technology.”

8. “Carve out a niche”

Definition: To create a specialized area within a broader field.

Example: “This study carves out a niche by examining the role of mindfulness practices in workplace productivity.”

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9. “Pave the way”

Definition : To prepare or facilitate progress or development.

Example: “This research paves the way for future advancements in cancer treatment through its investigation of targeted therapies.”

10. “Break the mould”

Definition : To challenge established norms or conventions.

Example: “This research breaks the mold by proposing a new framework for understanding consumer behavior in the digital age.”

11. “Build on solid foundations”

Definition: To rely on established principles or knowledge

Example: “This paper builds on solid foundations by integrating economic theories with sociological perspectives to analyze income inequality.”

12. “Paint a comprehensive picture”

Definition: To provide a thorough and complete understanding of a subject or phenomenon. Example: “Through extensive data analysis, this study paints a comprehensive picture of climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems.”

13. “Take center stage”

Definition: To assume a prominent or influential position.

Example: “This research takes center stage in the debate on renewable energy policies and their impact on economic growth.”

14. “Push the envelope”

Definition: To go beyond conventional boundaries or limitations.

Example: “This study pushes the envelope by exploring the potential of nanotechnology in drug delivery systems.”

15. “Set the stage”

Definition: To create the necessary conditions or context for something to happen.

Example: “The introduction sets the stage for the subsequent analysis by providing an overview of the research problem and its significance.”

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16. “Stand on the shoulders of giants”

Definition : To build upon the achievements or knowledge of those who came before.

Example: “This research stands on the shoulders of giants by incorporating and expanding upon seminal works in the field.”

17. “Plant the seeds”

Definition : To initiate or lay the foundation for future development or growth.

Example: “This study aims to plant the seeds for future research by identifying key research gaps in the field of cybersecurity.”

18. “Hold the key”

Definition: To possess the solution or answer to a particular problem.

Example: “This research holds the key to understanding the genetic factors contributing to the onset of neurological disorders.”

19. “Add fuel to the fire”

Definition: To exacerbate or intensify an existing problem or conflict.

Example: “The controversial findings of this study added fuel to the fire in the ongoing debate surrounding the use of genetically modified organisms in agriculture.”

20. “Reap the benefits”

Definition: To enjoy the positive outcomes or rewards of an endeavor.

Example: “By implementing sustainable farming practices, farmers can reap the benefits of increased crop yields and environmental conservation.”

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100+ Interesting Idioms for Essays writing – Pro Idioms

Interesting Idioms for Essays writing!

Here is the list of useful idioms related to essays writing in English and paragraphs writing, must go through all of these idioms and memorize these useful idioms list, you can also save this idiom list for your later use.

Interesting Idioms for Essays writing Infographics – 1

Table of Contents

Interesting idioms for Essays

	a day on which you do not have to work	She is planning to the zoo on her off day.
	slightly ill	I have been feeling bit off-color lately.
	immediately, extempore	They decided off-hand to take a trip.
	from the knowledge, you have in your memory	I cannot tell you Alina’s mobile number off the top of my head but I can look up it for you.
	about to do something	The doctor came when he was at the point of death.
	because of	He could not take the examination on account of illness.
	by everyone, universally	It was decided on all hands to take a trip.
	for someone	I will sign the agreement on behalf of my brother.
	from time to time	He comes to see me on occasion.
	broadcasting or being broadcast	The interview will be on the air tomorrow.
	on the occasion	He was very happy on the eve of his birthday.
	to choose one of the two undesirable courses	He could save only one of two drowning sons. So, he was on the horns of dilemma whom he should let drown.
	because of	He fell ill on the score of bad food.
	suddenly, without planning	Hamlet killed Polonius on the spur of the moment.
	taking everything into consideration	On the whole, the novel is pretty good.
	completely and finally	Let us settle this problem once and for all.
	to feel very happy and comfortable in a situation	He in his element when he talks to a large group of people.
	to fail to get one’s aim	You will miss your mark if you do not do your work honesty.
	cause great difficulties	Dearness has opened a whole Pandora’s box of problems.
	of old style	She does not like out of date

Idioms for Essay Writing

	outside the area that you can see	She kept waving her hand until the car was out of sight.
	to be sick	He could not attend the class as he was out of sorts.
	not possible, not allowed	It is out of question for Joe to abuse anyone.
	out of danger	Though we are going ahead well, we are not out of the woods yet.
	complete	He is out and out a gentleman.
	in addition to something, besides	The city is facing many other problems over and above bad roads.
	repeatedly	The only way to learn the poem is to say yourself over and over again.
	to be completely in debt/love	He is overhead and ears in love with Elena.
	Pass for somebody or something	He speaks English so well, he could easily pass for an English man.
	to reach an acceptable standard	His performance in the test could not pass muster.
	to treat someone as badly as they have treated you	He slapped me but I also paid him in coin by giving him a blow.
	to pretend to agree with someone’s idea without really doing so	She has stopped even to pay the lip-service to the rules of the office.
	easy, effortless	To become a doctor is not plain sailing for anyone.
	to act fraudulently, to deceive	By supporting my enemy and sympathizing with me, he is playing a double game.
	spend in a careless wasteful way	He played ducks and drakes with the money of his father.
	be in a lower rank or position than someone else	She plays second fiddle to her boss in this office.
	to run away from school without permission	He often plays truant from school.
	do something dangerous	We are ready to play with fire for you.
	bear insult without open resentment	He had to pocket an insult when he failed in the examination.

Also Check: Important idioms for CSS

	to report against someone	His step mother poisoned his father’s mind/ears against him.
	to interfere in the problems of others	She usually pokes her nose into the problems of others.
	to pay excessively	I found an elegant dress, but I had to pay through the nose for it.
	to say that something will only be possible if something else happens or is done	You will pass the examination provided that you worked hard.
	to try as a joke to make somebody believe something which is not true	You do not really have a black mark on your nose, he is only pulling your leg.
	to do things in the wrong order	He studies at night and sleeps all day long. He has put the cart before the horse.
	to try hard to think of something	I racked my brains trying to remember his name.
and file	ordinary workers	The rank and file of the party are losing their trust in the leadership now.
	to guess something that is not expressed directly	Reading between the lines, I think Elena wants to borrow money.
	unnecessary official procedure	He could not get his passport in time because of red tape.
	a memorable day	14th August is a red-letter day for Pakistanis.

Also Check: Interesting Stories in English to Read

Infographics (Interesting Idioms for Essays writing)

Interesting Idioms for Essay pdf

Idiom examples for students – Idioms with meaning and Examples

50 Important Idioms for CSS Student Preparation

Idioms List for Kids Pdf – 50 Cute Idioms for Kids with Meanings

How to Use Idioms in Your Essays

Each language has special phrases native speakers use to express themselves. When you speak with English speakers , you will hear idioms in context. This will help you to use them like a native English speaker. You shouldn’t overuse idioms or use them in the wrong context. Learn and use the simple ones first if you want to connect in a more meaningful way. Using idioms in daily situations will make you sound more like a native speaker.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) focuses on how well you use idiomatic language . Knowing idioms and phrases for IELTS shows how well you speak English and helps you to improve your score. Learning how to write in English also involves using idioms in the right context.

What is an idiom?

An idiom is a group of words that has a meaning different from the literal meanings of the words that make it up. “ I’m feeling under the weather today ” is an example of an idiom. The phrase doesn’t mention illness , but it tells the listener that you aren’t feeling well . There are many idioms in the English language. If you don’t understand and learn common idioms, it is hard to communicate like a native speaker.

Appropriateness : Ensure that the idiom you choose fits the tone and formality level of your essay. Academic or formal essays may require a more restrained use of idioms compared to creative or narrative pieces.

Clarity : Avoid using obscure or overly complex idioms that might confuse your readers. Opt for idioms that are widely understood and relevant to your topic.

Explanation : If you use a less common idiom or one that might not be familiar to all readers, provide context or a brief explanation to ensure clarity.

Variety : Don’t overuse idioms throughout your essay. Incorporate them strategically where they enhance your message or add emphasis.

Editing : During the editing phase, review your use of idioms to ensure they contribute positively to your writing without overshadowing your main points.

Vocabulary Books For English Learners (PDF)

Differences Between American & British English (PDF)

English Level Tests For A1 & A2 PDF (download)

ha first comment

I am an English teacher 7-9 grade and I always try to introduce my students to idioms as a way to understand both the language and the culture. I always find a song, a movie, or something to show them whatever I´m teaching. For example, I was teaching the word BREW and and show them the song STRANGE BREW, abviously you can teach many other words or expressions from the lyrics.

Essay Idioms: Idioms for Argumentative Essay

Essay Idioms PDF! Below is the list of 50 idioms for argumentative essays, learn a very useful list of idioms for essays with meaning and examples. Download this list of idioms for the essay in an Infographic PDF.

Essay Idioms in English

List of essay idioms.

Here are some more idioms that can be used in essays:

A picture is worth a thousand words
All’s fair in love and war
Barking up the wrong tree
Burning the midnight oil
Cutting corners
Devil’s advocate
Don’t judge a book by its cover
Every cloud has a silver lining
Fit as a fiddle
Get the ball rolling
Hard to swallow
In a nutshell
Jump the gun
Keep your chin up
Let the cat out of the bag
Make a long story short
No pain, no gain
On the same page
Practice makes perfect
Rain on someone’s parade
Sink or swim
Time flies when you’re having fun
Variety is the spice of life
When in Rome, do as the Romans do
You can’t judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree.
Actions speak louder than words
All bark and no bite
Beat around the bush
Better late than never
Bite the bullet
Break a leg
Burn bridges
By the skin of your teeth
Cry over spilt milk
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Elephant in the room
Face the music
Give the benefit of the doubt
Hit the nail on the head
Ignorance is bliss
Jump through hoops
Kill two birds with one stone
Let sleeping dogs lie
Misery loves company
On thin ice
Penny for your thoughts
Put all your eggs in one basket
Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Idioms For Essay Conclusion

Here are some idioms that can be used to conclude an essay:

All things considered
At the end of the day
In conclusion
To put it simply
To wrap it up
On the whole
By and large
To cut a long story short
In the final analysis
In the grand scheme of things
In the long run
Lastly but not least
To draw a conclusion

Idioms for Argumentative Essay

Here are some idioms that can be used in an argumentative essay:

To be up in arms about
To play devil’s advocate
To fight tooth and nail
To be a double-edged sword
To hit the nail on the head
To be a hot-button issue
To be a bone of contention
To stir up a hornet’s nest
To get to the heart of the matter
To be in someone’s corner
To have a dog in the fight
To hold one’s ground
To make a case for
To put one’s foot down
To stand one’s ground
To throw down the gauntlet
To turn the tables
To weigh the pros and cons
To see both sides of the coin
To take a firm stance

Essay Idioms With Meaning and Example Sentences

Below is the list of essay idioms in English:

REST/SIT ON ONE’S LAURELS

Meaning: To be satisfied with one’s achievements

He retired at the peak of his career and is resting on his laurels.

RISE TO THE OCCASION

Meaning: To be able to do what is required in a crisis

We should be ready to rise to every occasion.

Meaning: An easy way

There is no royal road to success.

RUN SHORT OF

Meaning: To be in insufficient supply

We are running short of fuel.

SAFE AND SOUND

Meaning: Without suffering any loss

They reached home safe and sound.

SAVE SOMETHING FOR A RAINY DAY

Meaning: Save something for a time of crisis

Wise persons save something for a rainy day.

Meaning: Free from harm or penalty

The court let him off scot-free.

SEE EYE TO EYE

Meaning: Agree fully

Both the husband and the wife see eye to eye in this matter.

SEE HOW THE LAND LIES

Meaning: To find out about a situation

Let me see how the land lies before we do anything.

SET / PUT IN MOTION

Meaning: To start a process

Her anger set in motion the events that led to her downfall.

Meaning: To let someone free

He opened the cage and set the birds free.

SET ONE’S FACE AGAINST

Meaning: To oppose

Her father set his face Against her becoming an actress.

Meaning: In good order

well-arranged, neat and clean)

SHOW THE WHITE FEATHER

Meaning: Show cowardice

The brave never show the white feather in the battlefield.

SIT / BE ON THE FENCE

Meaning: To be neutral

The judge should always sit on the fence.

Meaning: Polite talk about very unimportant matters

I do not like to indulge in small talk.

SMELL A RAT

Meaning: To have the feeling that something is bad or wrong

The thief smells a rat and ran away.

Meaning: A long way

At is so far to go.

Meaning: As far as

Try to avoid him, so far as I know him, he is not a good boy.

SOUR GRAPES

Meaning: Fake dislike for something one cannot have

The poor man said that he did not need money, but that was just sour grapes.

SPEAK ONE’S MIND

Meaning: Express one’s views, feelings, and thoughts

Everyone should be free to speak his mind

SPEAK VOLUMES

Meaning: To convey a great deal of meaning without using words

She said nothing but her face spoke volumes.

SPICK AND SPAN

Meaning: Neat and clean, brand new

She always keeps her house spick and span.

SPLIT HAIRS

Meaning: To make trivial distinctions

Let us do not split hairs, I will do it as your wish.

SPREAD LIKE WILDFIRE

Meaning: Spread rapidly

The news of his success spread like wildfire.

STAND ON CEREMONY

Meaning: To behave in a formal way

Please sit down and make yourself comfortable, do not stand on ceremony here.

STEAL A MARCH ON

Meaning: To gain an advantage

Do not let him steal a march on you.

STORM IN A TEACUP

Meaning: A big clash on a small matter

Do not worry about the two ladies quarreling, it is just a storm in a teacup.

STRIKE WHILE THE IRON IS HOT

Meaning: To do something at a proper moment

Wise people always strike while the iron is hot.

SUIT SOMEBODY’S BOOK

Meaning: To fit well into someone’s plans

We need a male teacher, he suits our book.

TAKE A FANCY TO

Meaning: Begin to love

He has taken a fancy to that beautiful girl.

TAKE A LEAF FROM/OUT OF SOMEBODY’S BOOK

Meaning: To imitate, to follow someone’s example

Our country should take a leaf from Japan’s book.

TAKE A LEAP IN THE DARK

Meaning: To do something without worrying about the results

To start such a big business without experience is like to take leap in the dark.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOMETHING/SOMEBODY

Meaning: To make use of something well

We took full advantage of the hotel facilities.

TAKE CARE OF

Meaning: To look after

I take good care of my car.

TAKE FRENCH LEAVE

Meaning: To take time away from your job without asking for permission

Her boss was angry at her for taking French leave.

Meaning: Gather courage

Do not get discouraged, just take heart to face the music.

TAKE IT ILL

Meaning: Get offended

She will take it ill if you refuse to lend her problem.

TAKE ONE’S TIME

Meaning: To use as much time as you need without hurrying

The judge took his time to decide the case.

TAKE PAINS TO DO SOMETHING/TAKE PAINS WITH/OVER SOMETHING

Meaning: Make a special effort to do something

Elina takes great pains to do his work.

TAKE SOMETHING/SOMEBODY BY STORM

Meaning: To be very successful in a particular place or with a group of people

This book has taken the students by storm.

TAKE SOMETHING INTO ACCOUNT/TAKE ACCOUNT OF SOMETHING

Meaning: To consider particular facts while making a decision about something

The government should take into account the pitiable condition of the poor.

TAKE THE BULL ‘BY THE HORNS

Meaning: To tackle the difficulties boldly

Brave people always take the bull by the horns.

TAKE TO HEART

Meaning: Feel sad

He took the death of his mother to heart.

TAKE TO ONE’S HEELS / SHOW A CLEAN PAIR OF HEELS

Meaning: Run away

Brave warriors never take to their heels from the battlefield.

TAKE TO TASK

Meaning: Rebuke

The principal took the peon to task for his laziness.

TAKE WITH A GRAIN/PINCH OF SALT

Meaning: To receive with a little doubt

Take his story with a grain of salt as he is a liar through and through.

Meaning: To talk about your work

His habit of talking shop is boring for others.

THE MAN IN THE STREET

Meaning: An ordinary man

The man in the street takes no interest in politics.

THE RED CARPET TREATMENT/WELCOME

Meaning: Great respect and honor given to the guests

The minister was given a red-carpet welcome when he visited the city.

Must Learn: List of Interesting Idioms & Phrases

Idioms Used in Essays – Infographic

Download the PDF of this list of Idioms for Essays below:

Download PDF

60+ Most Common Idioms and Phrases PDF

Edge Idioms (With Meaning and Examples)

Idioms about Company (With Meaning and Examples)

Pearl Idioms (With Meaning and Examples)

Ink Idioms (With Meaning and Examples)

Childhood Idioms (With Meaning and Examples)

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40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument. Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine and engineering .

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5 Best Idioms with Meaning for Essay Writing

Updated on
Jun 8, 2024

Willing to know more about English Idioms for Essay Writing, expressions and proverbs? They all are an essential part of the English language. Both spoken and written English are combined with expressions and proverbs.

To have a perfect grasp of the meanings and usage of idioms is mandatory for students. However, we know how complicated it can get to understand and familiarize ourselves with the usage of English idioms in everyday life.

So let’s discover some meaningful idioms of essay writing mentioned below for your reference.

This Blog Includes:

To sugarcoat, around the clock , stay the course, the pot calling the kettle black, don’t put all your eggs in one basket, once in a blue moon.

“To sugarcoat” is an expression term for adding sweetness to something in order to make it palatable or appealing. In essence, “to sugarcoat” is a metaphorical term derived from the idea of adding sugar to something bitter or sour to make it taste better.

Examples : Although she tried to sugarcoat, it was still tough to receive the dreadful news.

The idiom “around the clock” is used to describe continuous, non-stop, or 24/7 activity or effort. It implies that something is being done all day and all night without any breaks.

Example: The medical staff worked around the clock to treat the patients during the flu epidemic.

Also Read: Understanding Idioms: Examples and Meanings

“Stay the course” is an idiom that means to continue with a plan or course of action despite challenges, difficulties, or obstacles. It suggests perseverance, determination, and the commitment to follow through with a chosen path, even when faced with adversity.

Example : Despite the initial setbacks, the project team decided to stay the course and work diligently to meet their deadline.

When someone says, “You’re just like the pot calling the kettle black,” they are pointing out the hypocrisy of the accuser, who is guilty of the same fault they are criticizing in someone else. It serves as a reminder to be self-aware and honest about one’s own actions and behaviours before casting judgment on others.

Example: You’re saying I’m too judgemental. That’s the pot calling the kettle black!

The idiom “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” is a popular saying that advises against putting all your resources, efforts, or hopes into a single place or venture. Instead, it encourages diversification and spreading your resources across multiple options to reduce the potential risks and increase your chances of success.

Example : When it comes to job searching, don’t put all your eggs in one basket, keep applying to multiple companies to increase your chances of getting hired.

Vaishnavi Shukla

Vaishnavi has 2+ years of experience in SEO and Content Marketing. She is highly proficient in English, possessing exceptional language skills and a deep understanding of English grammar and communication. Currently working on Ed Tech, Finance, Lifestyle, and other niches. All her works are infused with love for writing!

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What is an Idiom: A Comprehensive Guide to Unraveling Tricky Phrases

Did you know that many common idioms in English have intriguing origins deeply rooted in history? Take, for example, the phrase 'raining cats and dogs,' which we often use to describe a heavy rainstorm. Its origin is believed to trace back to the 17th century when houses had thatched roofs. During heavy rains, animals seeking shelter, such as cats and dogs, would fall from the roof, giving the impression that it was literally raining them. This peculiar image stuck in people's minds, and the phrase 'raining cats and dogs' became a colorful way to describe a torrential downpour. This fascinating connection between idioms and historical events adds a layer of intrigue to our language, making it not only a means of communication but also a gateway to unraveling the captivating tales behind everyday expressions.

What Is an Idiom: Short Description

In this article, our essay writers online will explore a long list of idioms and their meanings. We'll also take a close look at their different types. So, whether you have a passion for language or simply find yourself curious about how we communicate, we invite you to select your favorite example of an idiom as we uncover the fascinating array of expressions that never cease to amaze and inspire us.

What Is an Idiom: Insight into Figurative Language

The word 'idiom' originates from the Greek word 'idios,' which denotes 'one's own' or 'private.' It is like a hidden treasure chest of language, filled with colorful expressions that add spice and creativity to our everyday conversations. It's a phrase or a group of words that doesn't have a literal meaning but is instead used to convey a figurative or symbolic message. These expressions are unique cultural gems that reflect the rich tapestry of a language.

Imagine someone saying, 'It's raining cats and dogs!' instead of simply stating that it's raining heavily. This peculiar expression captures the intensity of the rain in a whimsical and memorable way. Another fascinating phrase is 'to kick the bucket,' which means to die. Although it might sound strange, this phrase dates back to medieval times when people would stand on buckets to hang themselves.

Fun fact: There are an estimated 25,000 examples of these expressions in the English language, showcasing the incredible variety and creativity that exists within our linguistic heritage. From 'a piece of cake' to 'raining cats and dogs,' idioms make our language more vivid, engaging, and downright fun!

Types of Idioms: An In-Depth Look at Different Categories

Idioms are fascinating examples of figurative language that add color and depth to our conversations and writing. They are expressions that have a figurative meaning that is different from their literal interpretation. In this section, our coursework writing service will explore different categories of idioms and provide examples for each type.

Pure idioms are expressions that have a figurative meaning that cannot be deduced from the individual words used. These idiomatic expressions are so deeply embedded in the language and culture that native speakers inherently understand their meaning.

For example:

'Break a leg' means 'good luck' in the performing arts industry.
'Bite the bullet' means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.

Binomial Idiom

They are idiomatic expressions that consist of two words or phrases linked by a conjunction such as 'and' or 'or.' These phrases are commonly used in day-to-day conversations to convey messages more vividly.

'Back and forth' means to move in a backward and forward motion.
'Safe and sound' means to be in a state of safety and without harm.

Partial Idiom

They are expressions that consist of one or more words that are idiomatic, while the rest of the phrase or sentence has a literal meaning. Studying idioms definition and examples is crucial as they often rely on context and cultural knowledge to be correctly understood.

'In a pickle' means to be in a difficult or troublesome situation.
'Under the weather' means to be feeling unwell or sick.

Prepositional Idiom

They are expressions that consist of a preposition followed by a noun or noun phrase, often having a figurative meaning that cannot be inferred from the individual words used.

'On cloud nine' means to be extremely happy or elated.
'In the doghouse' means to be in trouble or disfavored.

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Sample Essay with Idioms

Here's an essay example brimming with idioms to illustrate how seamlessly they can be incorporated into the context of your narrative, enhancing its vividness and beauty.

Why Do We Use Idioms: Exploring the Purpose and Benefits

Why do we use idioms in writing? In short, they add life to your writing. These colorful phrases polish your English by infusing it with creativity, depth, and personality. They are indispensable tools for enhancing your expression. Here are some benefits they offer:

Expressing Abstract or Complex Ideas

Idioms provide a shortcut to communicate ideas that may be challenging to express directly. In other words, they serve as a linguistic bridge, allowing us to convey nuanced meanings in a succinct and impactful way. Such transition sentences enhance our ability to convey complex thoughts effortlessly.

For example, the expression 'the ball is in your court' is commonly used to indicate that it is someone else's turn to take action or make a decision. While the literal meaning may seem unrelated, this idiomatic expression creates a smooth transition that conveys the idea of responsibility or decision-making being shifted to another person. This idiomatic phrase exemplifies how they contribute to making language richer and more expressive. In essence, they serve as linguistic connectors that enhance our ability to communicate effectively.

Adding Color and Creativity to Language

They add color and creativity to language, making it more engaging and enjoyable. Through their unusual or imaginative manner, they can captivate listeners or readers. These phrases often have a poetic quality and can evoke emotions or create a sense of imagery.

For instance, the idiom in English, 'barking up the wrong tree,' is used to suggest that someone is pursuing the wrong course of action or directing their efforts toward an unproductive endeavor. The image of a barking dog at the base of the wrong tree creates a memorable and vivid expression of this concept.

Enhancing Cultural Understanding

Idioms are deeply rooted in culture, and understanding them can provide insights into a community's values, beliefs, and history. Metaphors and analogies embedded in idiomatic expressions often reflect the cultural context in which they originate, including references to historical events, folklore, or specific traditions.

By studying these figures of speech from different cultures, we gain a deeper understanding of the nuances and subtleties of language. This understanding can foster cross-cultural appreciation and encourage communication between people from different backgrounds.

Establishing Rapport and Camaraderie

Using idioms in conversation can help establish rapport and camaraderie with others. When two people share an understanding of idiomatic expressions, it creates a sense of connection and mutual understanding. When curious about 'what is an idiom?', remember that it can also serve as a conversation starter or icebreaker, sparking curiosity and engagement.

Furthermore, such sayings can be humorous, and sharing a funny idiom or using one in a lighthearted manner can foster a sense of camaraderie and lighten the mood in a conversation.

How Are Idioms Structured: Exploring the Anatomy of Expressive Phrases

Idioms are expressions or phrases that have figurative meanings that are different from the literal meanings of the individual words. They often reflect the cultural and linguistic nuances of a specific region. While their structure can vary, they typically follow certain patterns or formats within a language or region.

For example, in some regions of the United States, the phrase 'raining cats and dogs' is commonly used to describe heavy rain. The structure of this expression follows a pattern of combining two unrelated objects (cats and dogs) to convey a specific meaning (heavy rain).

However, they can also have unique structures that are specific to a particular region, as mentioned in the previous text. Here's another example:

In the Australian Outback, the idiom 'flat out like a lizard drinking' is used to describe someone who is extremely busy or working very hard. The structure of it includes the comparison of being 'flat out' (meaning very busy) to a lizard drinking (depicting a lizard lying flat on the ground while drinking water).

So, while these figures of speech may have some general patterns in their structure within a language or region, they can also have unique and peculiar structures that reflect the specific cultural context in which they are used.

In the meantime, if you find yourself still struggling with writing in AMA citation format , allow us to take care of the challenging aspects while you delve deeper into exploring idioms!

Tips on Using Idioms

Using idioms in writing can add depth and color to your language. Here are some tips to help you effectively incorporate such phrases into your conversations and writing:

Understand Idiomatic Variations

Idioms can vary in their wording and usage across different regions and cultures. So, next time you wonder how to title an essay with an idiom, be aware of these variations to ensure accurate communication. Some idiomatic expressions may have similar meanings but different phrasing. For example, in American English, the phrase 'kick the bucket' means to die, while in British English, 'pop your clogs' is equivalent.

To broaden your understanding of idiomatic variations, you can explore online resources and language forums or consult native English speakers of different dialects. Understanding these variations will help you communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

Blend Idioms with Context

While these figures of speech can be powerful tools for expression, it's crucial to use them appropriately in the context. Consider the following when using them:

Familiarity : Make sure the person or audience you are communicating with is familiar with the idiom you are using. If they don't understand the phrase, it may confuse or alienate them.
Relevance : Ensure that the saying you choose is suitable for the situation or topic at hand. Using it that doesn't fit the context may create confusion or make your language sound forced.
Tone : Pay attention to the tone of your communication. Some idioms may be more casual or informal, while others may be more formal. Use those that align with the tone you want to convey.

For example, if you're writing an academic essay, it's best to avoid colloquial idioms and instead focus on using precise and formal language appropriate for the context.

Create Your Own Idioms

Idioms are not set in stone. Feel free to get creative and come up with your own idiomatic expressions. By creating your own sayings, you can add a personal touch to your language and enhance your ability to express unique thoughts or emotions. Just make sure that your phrases are clear and understandable to your intended audience.

For example, instead of saying, 'I'm feeling tired,' you could create your own expression by saying, 'I'm running on fumes.' This expression conveys the idea of extreme fatigue in a more vivid and memorable way.

How to Use Idiom in Essay

When curious about how to start an essay with an idiom, it is important to strike a balance between its appropriate usage and the overall clarity and coherence of your writing. Carefully consider the purpose and target audience of your essay to ensure that idioms enhance rather than hinder your message.

Purposes of Using Idioms in an Essay:

Expressive Language : Idioms can add color, vividness, and expressiveness to your writing. They help you convey complex ideas or emotions in a concise and impactful manner, making your essay more engaging and memorable.
Cultural Relevance : They are deeply rooted in a specific language and culture. Including them in your essay can demonstrate your understanding of cultural nuances and enrich your writing, especially when discussing topics related to traditions, customs, or local experiences.
Enhancing Creativity : They can infuse creativity into your writing by using figurative language. They provide an opportunity to think outside the box and craft imaginative descriptions, allowing your essay to stand out and captivate the reader's attention.
Communicating Familiarity : They are often used in everyday speech, and incorporating them into your essay can create a sense of familiarity and relatability with your audience. This can help establish a connection and make your writing more approachable.
Adding Depth and Nuance : These sayings carry underlying meanings that extend beyond their literal interpretations. By utilizing idioms, you can add depth and nuance to your arguments or analysis, contributing to a more sophisticated and nuanced essay.
Engaging and Memorable : They can make your essay more interesting and memorable by providing distinct and colorful language.
Cultural Understanding : Utilizing them shows your familiarity with the language and culture, highlighting your appreciation for diverse expressions and perspectives.
Expressive Communication : They express complex ideas succinctly, allowing for more effective communication of your thoughts and arguments.
Misinterpretation : Many idioms can be ambiguous and subject to misinterpretation, especially if the reader is unfamiliar with them. This may lead to confusion or a loss of clarity in your essay.
Inappropriate Usage : Some of them may not be suitable for formal writing or academic contexts. Improper usage can undermine the credibility and professionalism of your essay.
Language Barriers : Idioms tend to rely heavily on the cultural and linguistic context in which they are used. If your essay targets an international audience, these sayings may pose a barrier to understanding and hinder effective communication.
Overuse and Clutter : Excessive or forced use of them can clutter your writing, making it sound contrived or distracting the reader from the main points you are trying to convey.

Idioms Examples: Exploring Their Symbolic Meaning

Below, you'll find an exciting list of idioms and their meanings. Brace yourself for a linguistic adventure like no other!

'The apple of my eye' - Someone or something cherished or loved deeply. Example: In the movie 'The Lion King,' Mufasa tells Simba, 'You are the apple of my eye, Simba.'
'When pigs fly' - Something that is highly unlikely or improbable. Example: In the movie 'Shrek,' Donkey says, 'Yeah, right! Like that's ever gonna happen! When pigs fly!'
'Bend over backward' - Making a great effort to accommodate or help someone. Example: In the TV show 'Friends,' Joey says, 'I bent over backward to be nice to her, and she didn't even appreciate it!'
'Cold feet' - Feeling nervous or having second thoughts about a decision or commitment. Example: In the movie 'Runaway Bride,' Maggie says, 'I'm getting cold feet. I don't think I can go through with the wedding.'
'Like a fish out of water' - Feeling uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation. Example: In the movie 'The Little Mermaid,' Ariel says, 'I feel like a fish out of water in this human world.'
'Walking on eggshells' - Being very cautious or careful about what you say or do to avoid upsetting someone. Example: In the TV show 'The Big Bang Theory,' Sheldon tells Leonard, 'Around Penny, we must tread lightly, like walking on eggshells.'
'The straw that broke the camel's back' - The final event or problem that causes a situation to become unbearable or unmanageable. Example: In the movie 'Spider-Man 3,' Peter Parker says, 'The fact that you betrayed me... that's the straw that broke the camel's back.'
'In the heat of the moment' - Acting impulsively or without thinking due to strong emotions. Example: In the movie 'Dirty Dancing,' Johnny says, 'I didn't spend all this time dancing with Penny in the kitchen just to get in trouble with the likes of you. This isn't the way it's supposed to be. I'm sorry, but I can't do this anymore.'
'The early bird catches the worm' - Taking action or being prepared ahead of time leads to success. Example: In the movie 'Wall Street,' Gordon Gekko says, 'The most valuable commodity I know of is information. Wouldn't you agree? The early bird catches the worm, Gordon.'
'Kill two birds with one stone' - Accomplishing two things at once. Example: In the movie 'Ocean's Eleven,' Rusty says, 'We can kill two birds with one stone. In exactly one week, we rob it.'
'Actions speak louder than words' - What someone does is more significant than what they say. Example: In the movie 'The Dark Knight,' Batman says, 'Sometimes the truth isn't good enough. Sometimes people deserve more. Sometimes people deserve to have their faith rewarded... Batman has no limits!'
'All bark and no bite' - Someone who talks tough but doesn't follow through with their threats. Example: In the TV show 'Breaking Bad,' Jesse Pinkman says, 'You want me to handle it? I'll handle it. All bark, no bite, man.'
'Don't judge a book by its cover' - Not forming an opinion based solely on appearance. Example: In the movie 'Zootopia,' Judy Hopps says, 'You know, I think life's a little bit messy. We all make mistakes. No matter what type of animal you are, change starts with you. We gotta try.'
'When in Rome, do as the Romans do' - Adopting the customs or behavior of the people in a particular place. Example: In the movie 'Eat Pray Love,' Richard from Texas says, 'You want to get to the castle, you've got to swim the moat. You want the prize; you've got to build the bridge. And if that bridge ain't long enough, you build it longer.'
'Every cloud has a silver lining' - There is something positive or hopeful in every difficult situation. Example: In the movie 'The Pursuit of Happyness,' Chris Gardner says, 'The world is your oyster. It's up to you to find the pearls.'
'Let the cat out of the bag' - Accidentally revealing a secret. Example: In the movie 'The Hangover,' Alan says, 'You probably get this a lot. This isn't the real Caesar's Palace, is it? What do you mean? Did, uh, did Caesar live here? No. I didn't think so.'
'Putting all your eggs in one basket' - Relying heavily on a single thing or course of action. Example: In the movie 'Apollo 13,' Gene Kranz says, 'I want you all to forget the flight plan. From this moment on, we are improvising a new mission: How do we get our people home?'
'The calm before the storm' - A peaceful period before a difficult or turbulent situation occurs. Example: In the movie 'The Fellowship of the Ring,' Gandalf says, 'There is a fell voice on the air, the enemy is moving. We have to draw his eye away from Frodo and Sam.'
'Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater' - Not discarding something valuable while getting rid of the undesirable parts. Example: In the movie 'The Sound of Music,' Maria says, 'Darling, haven't you ever heard of a delightful little thing called boarding school?'
'The pot calling the kettle black' - Criticizing someone for a fault that you also possess. Example: In the TV show 'The Office,' Dwight says, 'Michael, you are the master of saying things that you think are harmless but that people find insulting or offensive.'

In conclusion, idioms are an integral part of language that add color, depth, and cultural richness to our communication. Understanding them allows us to navigate the intricacies of figurative language, appreciating the unique expressions that convey meaning beyond the literal. Whether we 'break a leg' or 'let the cat out of the bag,' idiom examples encapsulate the beauty and creativity of human expression, reminding us of the power and versatility of language itself.

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When Are Idioms Used?

What are the most popular idioms.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Literary Terms
When & How to Use Idioms
Definition & Examples

How to Use Idioms

Since idioms are part of the language, and not any individual author’s creation, you can’t exactly “write” them. However, there are many ways to employ idioms in your creative writing. For example, using slang is a great way to make a character seem cool – but only if you know the slang pretty well and use it correctly! Otherwise it will have the opposite of its intended effect.

If you’re writing science fiction or fantasy, you can create fictional idioms to add depth and detail to your fictional cultures. For example, if you have a warlike alien species in your story, they would probably have some brutal idioms for death, warfare, etc. However, a peaceful race of elves would have different idioms. Just make sure that your idioms aren’t simply dropped into the story at random: either explain their meaning or (better yet) make it clear from the context what each invented idiom means.

In all genres of fiction, characters will often use idioms in their dialogue. This helps make the characters more realistic, since real people use idioms all the time. In addition, you can have a second character respond by “extending” the idiom, which helps create a snappy, rhythmic back-and-forth between the two characters. For example:

A : “I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!”

B : “You’re wrong – that’s the train.”

The idiom here is a common one in English, and it refers to the moment of relief or rewards at the end of a long, strenuous effort. In this example, the reply extends the idiom and uses the same metaphor to make a much more cynical point.

When to Use Idioms

It’s best to avoid idioms in formal writing, because they (a) aren’t literally true; and (b) can be easily misunderstood. In formal writing, you want to be as clear, direct, and accurate as possible. The more you bring in idioms, the more likely it is that your reader will get confused and not follow your line of thought.

Idioms are great in fiction, as we saw in the previous section. However, even here you have to use some caution. Remember that idioms come from the general culture – they are not your original expressions. That means they can easily become clichés , and your writing can start to sound boring as a result. In addition, if there are too many idioms in your writing, you will start to sound unoriginal even if the idioms aren’t clichés!

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Commonly Used Idioms In IELTS Essay Writing

When assessing IELTS Exam, examiners grade on the basis of “lexical resource” used by candidates. What is it? It means having wide range of vocabulary and ample amount of knowledge regarding its usage in writing section. Idioms are easily spotted by examiners, and when used properly, can get you high band score in IELTS Essay Writing part of the exam. Idioms are phrases, expressions or a group of words that do not actually do not mean what has been stated but have hidden meanings. To understand correct practice of idioms in writing essays, we would be discussing some commonly used idioms with sentences below:

#1. Whole nine yards Meaning: Everything possible or available, full measure Sentence: Tom’s going whole nine yards to make this project a success.

#2. Steal someone’s thunder Meaning: to do what someone else was going to do before they do it, especially if this takes success or praise away from them Sentence: My sister stole my thunder announcing she came first in class just before I planned to tell people about my result.

Don’t forget to read another list of idioms with sentences!

#4. Last straw Meaning: the last of a succession of irritations, incidents, remarks, etc., that leads to a loss of patience, a disaster, etc Sentence: I was already on verge of resigning, but being transferred 400 miles away from home was the last straw.

#5. Cut corners Meaning: Things done in order to save money Sentence: People cut corners when they run short on money not realizing its worth before time.

Have you grasped the trick of using idioms in IELTS Essay writing? If not, look at some more examples!

#7. Taste of your own medicine Meaning: When someone receives the same treatment, usually negative, that they gave someone else. Sentence: People who boss around others, must be given a taste of their own medicine.

#8. Spill the beans Meaning: Tell or reveal a secret Sentence: He spilled the beans about being equally involved in this phone scam.

Hope this list of commonly used idioms with sentences helps you to score high band score! How idioms help to score how?

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How to cite ChatGPT

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We, the APA Style team, are not robots. We can all pass a CAPTCHA test , and we know our roles in a Turing test . And, like so many nonrobot human beings this year, we’ve spent a fair amount of time reading, learning, and thinking about issues related to large language models, artificial intelligence (AI), AI-generated text, and specifically ChatGPT . We’ve also been gathering opinions and feedback about the use and citation of ChatGPT. Thank you to everyone who has contributed and shared ideas, opinions, research, and feedback.

In this post, I discuss situations where students and researchers use ChatGPT to create text and to facilitate their research, not to write the full text of their paper or manuscript. We know instructors have differing opinions about how or even whether students should use ChatGPT, and we’ll be continuing to collect feedback about instructor and student questions. As always, defer to instructor guidelines when writing student papers. For more about guidelines and policies about student and author use of ChatGPT, see the last section of this post.

Quoting or reproducing the text created by ChatGPT in your paper

If you’ve used ChatGPT or other AI tools in your research, describe how you used the tool in your Method section or in a comparable section of your paper. For literature reviews or other types of essays or response or reaction papers, you might describe how you used the tool in your introduction. In your text, provide the prompt you used and then any portion of the relevant text that was generated in response.

Unfortunately, the results of a ChatGPT “chat” are not retrievable by other readers, and although nonretrievable data or quotations in APA Style papers are usually cited as personal communications , with ChatGPT-generated text there is no person communicating. Quoting ChatGPT’s text from a chat session is therefore more like sharing an algorithm’s output; thus, credit the author of the algorithm with a reference list entry and the corresponding in-text citation.

When prompted with “Is the left brain right brain divide real or a metaphor?” the ChatGPT-generated text indicated that although the two brain hemispheres are somewhat specialized, “the notation that people can be characterized as ‘left-brained’ or ‘right-brained’ is considered to be an oversimplification and a popular myth” (OpenAI, 2023).

OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

You may also put the full text of long responses from ChatGPT in an appendix of your paper or in online supplemental materials, so readers have access to the exact text that was generated. It is particularly important to document the exact text created because ChatGPT will generate a unique response in each chat session, even if given the same prompt. If you create appendices or supplemental materials, remember that each should be called out at least once in the body of your APA Style paper.

When given a follow-up prompt of “What is a more accurate representation?” the ChatGPT-generated text indicated that “different brain regions work together to support various cognitive processes” and “the functional specialization of different regions can change in response to experience and environmental factors” (OpenAI, 2023; see Appendix A for the full transcript).

Creating a reference to ChatGPT or other AI models and software

The in-text citations and references above are adapted from the reference template for software in Section 10.10 of the Publication Manual (American Psychological Association, 2020, Chapter 10). Although here we focus on ChatGPT, because these guidelines are based on the software template, they can be adapted to note the use of other large language models (e.g., Bard), algorithms, and similar software.

The reference and in-text citations for ChatGPT are formatted as follows:

Parenthetical citation: (OpenAI, 2023)
Narrative citation: OpenAI (2023)

Let’s break that reference down and look at the four elements (author, date, title, and source):

Author: The author of the model is OpenAI.

Date: The date is the year of the version you used. Following the template in Section 10.10, you need to include only the year, not the exact date. The version number provides the specific date information a reader might need.

Title: The name of the model is “ChatGPT,” so that serves as the title and is italicized in your reference, as shown in the template. Although OpenAI labels unique iterations (i.e., ChatGPT-3, ChatGPT-4), they are using “ChatGPT” as the general name of the model, with updates identified with version numbers.

The version number is included after the title in parentheses. The format for the version number in ChatGPT references includes the date because that is how OpenAI is labeling the versions. Different large language models or software might use different version numbering; use the version number in the format the author or publisher provides, which may be a numbering system (e.g., Version 2.0) or other methods.

Bracketed text is used in references for additional descriptions when they are needed to help a reader understand what’s being cited. References for a number of common sources, such as journal articles and books, do not include bracketed descriptions, but things outside of the typical peer-reviewed system often do. In the case of a reference for ChatGPT, provide the descriptor “Large language model” in square brackets. OpenAI describes ChatGPT-4 as a “large multimodal model,” so that description may be provided instead if you are using ChatGPT-4. Later versions and software or models from other companies may need different descriptions, based on how the publishers describe the model. The goal of the bracketed text is to briefly describe the kind of model to your reader.

Source: When the publisher name and the author name are the same, do not repeat the publisher name in the source element of the reference, and move directly to the URL. This is the case for ChatGPT. The URL for ChatGPT is https://chat.openai.com/chat . For other models or products for which you may create a reference, use the URL that links as directly as possible to the source (i.e., the page where you can access the model, not the publisher’s homepage).

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COMMENTS

20 Useful Idioms For Essays With Their Meanings And In Sentences
Idiom 5: Cross (your/my) fingers . Meaning: A wish for good luck or that something happens the way you want it to. Sentence: My students have studied tirelessly for their exams.I can only cross my fingers and hope for the best for them! Idiom 6: Cut corners . Meaning: To do something most easily or least expensively; a shortcut . Sentence: When the bookshelf came tumbling down, it was obvious ...
Idioms for Essays: 25 Common Idioms To Supercharge Your Writing
When using idioms for your essay, make sure that it fits the context and that the right pronouns and tenses are used. One way to get a grasp on how to use idioms properly is to read more English stories. ... Meaning: In good health. "Grandpa was looking as fit as a fiddle when we last visited him." 17) under the weather. Meaning: Not ...
21 Inspiring writing idioms (with examples & definitions)
Put pen to paper. This idiom about writing could be losing relevance, since most writing nowadays is done electronically. Still, to instruct someone to put pen to paper is to tell them it's time to start writing. "Ok boys and girls, the exam has started to it's time to put pen to paper. Good luck.".
50 Most Common English Idioms: [Essay Example], 1574 words
Breathing down someone's neck. When you breathe down somebody's neck it means that you are having a keen and close eye on them which can make them feel uncomfortable. Clinch a deal. Clinching a deal is when you reach a certain agreement over some business proposal you had with another party. A done deal.
35 Common idioms and their meanings
35 popular idioms and their meaning. Ready to use idioms? Use this list: Beef up: To strengthen or increase something. Turn turtle: Turn turtle means to turn upside down or flip the side. Eager beaver: Someone who is all charged up or enthusiastic about a job is an eager beaver. Spill the beans: To tell something that was supposed to stay hidden or under wraps (yep, another idiom).
23 time idioms to make your writing more interesting
17 a stitch in time saves nine. Meaning: it is better to deal with problems immediately, otherwise they will get worse and take even longer to deal with. Use: Andy and Alex should really break up ...
Knowledge is Power: Using Idioms To Give Power To Your Writing
Incorporating idioms into your writing is an effective way to make your work more creative. This is because an idiom can be used as an artistic expression. For example, if you're working on an article related to financial planning you could say: "You should save your money.". Or, you could use an idiom such as "A penny saved is a penny ...
Writer's Toolkit: Compilation Of 650+ Idioms And Phrases
A pillar of strength: A person who can be relied upon to give a great deal of support and comfort to others. Sentence: Roger was a pillar of strength after my father died. A pipe dream: An idea that's impossible. Sentence: A utopian society is nothing but a pipe dream. A pitched battle: A verbal disagreement or argument.
What Is an Idiom? 24 Idiom Examples
Level Up Your Team. See why leading organizations rely on MasterClass for learning & development. Every language has its unique collection of sayings and phrases. These expressions, known as idioms, often contain meanings that may not be obvious by simply looking at the individual words.
100 Idioms: Meanings & Examples
Here are 100 common English idioms with meanings and example sentences: Download this lesson. 1. A blessing in disguise. 00:00. 00:00. Meaning: Something that seems bad or unlucky at first but turns out to be good. Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise because it pushed me to start my own business. 2.
English Idioms: How to Master the Most Common Ones
Write in English with fluency. Grammarly can help your English writing shine. Write with Grammarly. Below are thirty common American English idioms that you've likely heard—and maybe a few that are new! Idioms are a fun way to get familiar with a language—try using them in conversation next time you're speaking English with a friend.
21 formal idioms and collocations for IELTS Task 2 essays
21 formal idioms and collocations for IELTS Task 2 essays. Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels. To receive a high band score in IELTS writing, it is necessary to demonstrate that you are able to use idiomatic language in both Task 1 essays/letters (informal or formal, depending on the test and question) and Task 2 essays (always formal).
6 Best Idioms For Essay Writing
Learning to use common idioms and expressions will make your English sound more native, so it's a good idea to master some of these expressions with daily practice, so bookmark this page or share it with your friends; now let us learn about idioms for Essay Writing together. Idioms for Essay Writing with Meanings, Definitions & Example ...
Top 20 Commonly Used Idioms for Research Writing
One powerful tool at their disposal is the use of academic idioms. These idiomatic expressions, when used appropriately, can enhance the clarity, sophistication, and persuasive power of research papers. In this blog post, we will explore the top 20 idioms commonly used by researchers, providing their definitions and accompanied by examples. 1.
100+ Interesting Idioms for Essays writing
Idioms for Essay Writing. 21. Out of sight. outside the area that you can see. She kept waving her hand until the car was out of sight. 22. Out of sorts. to be sick. He could not attend the class as he was out of sorts.
How to Use Idioms in Your Essays
Appropriateness: Ensure that the idiom you choose fits the tone and formality level of your essay. Academic or formal essays may require a more restrained use of idioms compared to creative or narrative pieces. Clarity: Avoid using obscure or overly complex idioms that might confuse your readers. Opt for idioms that are widely understood and ...
Essay Idioms: Idioms for Argumentative Essay
Here are some idioms that can be used in an argumentative essay: To be up in arms about. To play devil's advocate. To fight tooth and nail. To be a double-edged sword. To hit the nail on the head. To be a hot-button issue. To be a bone of contention. To stir up a hornet's nest.
15 of the Most Common Idioms for Academic Essays
Below are some of the most common idioms that can be used in academic essays for your reference. "Students across the board do not think that the new policy will benefit everyone.". "The children's future is what matters at the end of the day.". "Bear in mind that the time you are given to accomplish the task is not that much.".
40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays
4. That is to say. Usage: "That is" and "that is to say" can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: "Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.". 5. To that end. Usage: Use "to that end" or "to this end" in a similar way to "in order to" or "so".
5 Best Idioms with Meaning for Essay Writing
Stay The Course. "Stay the course" is an idiom that means to continue with a plan or course of action despite challenges, difficulties, or obstacles. It suggests perseverance, determination, and the commitment to follow through with a chosen path, even when faced with adversity. Example: Despite the initial setbacks, the project team ...
What Is an Idiom: Understanding the Quirks of Figurative ...
The word 'idiom' originates from the Greek word 'idios,' which denotes 'one's own' or 'private.'. It is like a hidden treasure chest of language, filled with colorful expressions that add spice and creativity to our everyday conversations. It's a phrase or a group of words that doesn't have a literal meaning but is instead used to convey a ...
When & How to Use Idioms
A: "I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!". B: "You're wrong - that's the train.". The idiom here is a common one in English, and it refers to the moment of relief or rewards at the end of a long, strenuous effort. In this example, the reply extends the idiom and uses the same metaphor to make a much more cynical point.
Commonly Used Idioms In IELTS Essay Writing
To understand correct practice of idioms in writing essays, we would be discussing some commonly used idioms with sentences below: #1. Whole nine yards. Sentence: Tom's going whole nine yards to make this project a success. #2. Steal someone's thunder. Sentence: My sister stole my thunder announcing she came first in class just before I ...
How to cite ChatGPT
The format for the version number in ChatGPT references includes the date because that is how OpenAI is labeling the versions. Different large language models or software might use different version numbering; use the version number in the format the author or publisher provides, which may be a numbering system (e.g., Version 2.0) or other methods.

Writing idioms: Inspiring phrases about writing and writers

Writing idioms

Wet signature

Handwriting like chicken scratch

Paper trail

Poison-pen letter

It’s not worth the paper it’s written/printed on

Not worth writing home about

Don’t forget to write

The oldest trick in the book

Don’t judge a book by its cover

Idioms about writing

The writing is on the wall

Paper over the cracks

Take a leaf out of someone’s book

Pen pusher / Paper pusher

The pen is mightier than the sword

Give someone their walking papers

The ink isn’t even dry yet / the ink’s still wet

Write a bum check (cheque)

Write someone up / Write someone a ticket

Writer’s block

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50 Most Common English Idioms

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35 Common idioms and their meanings

What is an idiom?

Why do we use idioms?

1. Idioms paint a visual picture for your readers

2. They add impact to your writing

3. These expressions add humor to your writing

4. Idioms make you sound like native speakers

5. They help you explain complex ideas simply and succinctly

Tips on using idioms

Don’t overdo them

See if a specific detail would be better

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100 Idioms: Meanings & Examples

1. A blessing in disguise

2. A dime a dozen

3. All ears

4. All in the same boat

5. Barking up the wrong tree

6. Beat around the bush

7. Bite the bullet

8.Bury the hatchet

9. By the skin of your teeth

10. Call it a day

11. Cold feet

12. Cost an arm and a leg

13. Cry over spilled milk

14. Cut corners

15. Drive someone up the wall

16. Silver lining

17. Face the music

18. Get a taste of your own medicine

19. Get the ball rolling

20. Give someone the benefit of the doubt

21. Go the extra mile

22. Hit the nail on the head

23. In the heat of the moment

24. It’s a piece of cake

25. Keep your chin up