Useful idioms with examples, sentences, and meanings

Before we head on to useful idioms with examples, their sentences, and their meanings, let us first understand what an idiom is. Simply speaking, an idiom is a phrase or an expression that is used to convey a meaning that is not literal in its nature. Idioms are also a type of expression.

10 USEFUL IDIOMS

A man of straw idiom meaning in English

Meaning: This idiom refers to a man who has a weak character, or who does not have the courage for something.

Example:

1. The politician of our area is a man of straw, unwilling to take up string decisions.
2. Why are you being a man of straw? Why can’t you work for yourself?

At sea idiom meaning in English

Meaning: This idiom refers to being perplexed, dazed, lost puzzled, or baffled.

Example:

1. Our dog was all at sea in our new house.
2. After looking at the exam paper, the students were all at sea.

To break the ice idiom meaning in English

Meaning: This idiom refers to making or saying something to be more comfortable with strangers.

Example:

1. She tried to break the ice with the manager on her first day on the job.
2. The students have to break the ice to bond with each other.

Beat around the bush idiom meaning in English

Meaning: This idiom refers to speaking about unnecessary things to avoid speaking about the main topic.

Example:

1. When caught red-handed eating chocolates, my kid was beating around the bush.
2. Your stress has got to do nothing with your marks, stop beating around the bush and start studying.

Once in a blue moon idiom meaning in English

Meaning: This idiom refers to something that happens very rarely.

Example:

1. With a busy schedule, I get to study once in a blue moon.
2. Some men express themselves once in a blue moon.

In Black and White idiom meaning in English

Meaning: This idiom refers to having something in written/printed form.

Example:

1. This year, your tests will be conducted in black and white.
2. Black and white days are gone, this is the digital world.

Butterflies in my stomach idiom meaning in English

Meaning: This idiom refers to being nervous, mostly in a romantic way.

Examples:

1. Hey listen, he just expressed his feelings for me, he gave me butterflies in my stomach.
2. Oh my God, I am getting married tomorrow! Lots of butterflies in my stomach.

Draw the line idiom meaning in English

Meaning: This idiom refers to setting a limit.

Example:

1. Please don’t get physical. Let’s draw a line here.
2. Let’s not judge her. And please let’s draw a line for judging others.

Get something off my chest idiom meaning in English

Meaning: This idiom refers to when you are not bothered about something that was bothering you before.

Example:

1. I told her the truth about her fiance and got it off my chest.
2. Why are you so stressed? Please speak to me and get it off your chest.

Go the extra mile

Meaning: This idiom refers to making extra efforts.

Example:

1. To fetch good marks, you will have to go the extra mile and study hard.
2. Go the extra mile and get a raise!

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