Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English: On this page, you are going to learn 111 idioms. In this lesson, we’re going to discuss over 111 idioms with the definition, and an example.
Let’s get started with the idioms. So to make this easier for you and more comprehensive, I’ve separated all the idioms into various categories so that everything is nice and organized for you. My aim is to train you to have idioms and phrases ready for any situation.
Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English
- In seventh heaven
- To paint the town red
- Over the moon
- On cloud nine
- On top of the world
- to have a whale of a time
- to have the time of one’s life
- Full of the joys of spring
- To make One’s day
- To conclude this section in raptures about or over
- To kick the bucket
- A clean bill of health
- like death warmed up
- As fit as a fiddle
- To go under the knife
- To have one foot in the grave
- To recharge one’s batteries
- As right as rain
- As fresh as a daisy
- As pale as a ghost/death
- A bag of bones.
- To kick up a storm.
- The calm before the storm
- To steal someone’s thunder
- Where there’s smoke, there’s fire
- To throw caution to the wind
- To be snowed under
- A storm in a teacup.
- To chase rainbows
- To have one’s head in the clouds
- To take a rain check
- Thirst for adventure
- Off the beaten track
- To have itchy feet
- To get away from it all
- To hit the road
- Hustle and bustle
- To catch some rays
- A mile a minute
- In the same boat
- Right up one’s street
- Round-the-clock
- To call it a day or to call it a night
- The moment of truth
- Donkey’s years
- Once in a blue moon
- Round the corner
- Like clockwork
- Down to the wire
- At the 11th hour
- In the nick of time
- To fall head over heels
- The apple of one’s eye
- To tie the knot
- To steal one’s heart
- To pop the question
- To play hard to get
- To hit it off with someone.
- To be stood up
- A match made in heaven
- An old flame
- To get the green light
- Out of the blue
- Green with envy
- To be tickled pink
- Golden opportunity
- Rose-colored/rose-tinted spectacles.
- A grey area
- To be caught red-handed
- Yellow-bellied or just yellow.
- On a silver platter
- Eager beaver
- To take the bull by the horns
- To let the cat out of the bag
- Until the cows come home
- To drop like flies
- To hold one’s horses
- To pig out
- Is to smell a rat
- To have ants in one’s pants
- To have other or bigger fish to fry
- Chatterbox
- Loose cannon
- Wet blanket
- To blow one’s own trumpet
- The salt of the earth
- Fair-weather friend
- Jack of all trades
- A worrywart
- Armchair critic.
- Free spirit
- To dress to the nines.
- To put two and two together
- In two minds
- Nine-to-five
- Back to square one or back at square one
- The third degree
- Two left feet
- Two peas in a pod
- Forty winks.
- Second to none
- To bring home the bacon
- One’s bread and butter
- A bad egg
- The cream of the crop
- To spill the beans/tea
- Love this one
- In a nutshell
- To eat humble pie
- Egg on one’s face
- In a pickle
Topic 1: Happiness
First, you will learn some idioms to talk about different levels of happiness and excitement.
1. In seventh heaven
Meaning: this means extremely happy or joyful
Example: She was in seventh heaven after finding out she was pregnant.
2. To paint the town red
Meaning: To go out and enjoy oneself by engaging in lively activities
Example: After their exams, Oliver and his mates decided to paint the town red by hitting as many pubs as they could.
3. Over the moon
Meaning: This means extremely delighted or thrilled.
Example: When he received his dream job offer, he was over the moon with excitement.
4. On cloud nine
Meaning: This is a state of complete happiness or euphoria
Example: Tabitha was on cloud nine when she found out her mum was coming for a visit.
5. On top of the world
Meaning: Feeling extremely successful, confident, and happy
Example: I just landed the lead part in a play; I’m on top of the world.
6. To have a whale of a time
Meaning: To have an extremely enjoyable and exciting time
Example: During their vacation, they had a whale of a time exploring the beautiful beaches.
7. To have the time of one’s life
Meaning: To have an exceptionally enjoyable or memorable experience.
Example: With the wind in their hair and the ocean beneath their boards, they surfed having the time of their lives.
8. Full of the joys of spring
Meaning: To be extremely happy, cheerful, or full of enthusiasm.
Example: Even though the rain showed no signs of letting up, she sat in her cosy chair with her book full of the joys of spring. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]
9. To make One’s day
Meaning: This is to greatly please or delight someone.
Example: Receiving a handwritten letter from her favourite author made her day.
10. To conclude this section in raptures about or over
Meaning: in raptures about, in raptures over.
Example: In a state of extreme delight or excitement about something. The audience was in raptures over the hilarious performance by the improv comedy act.
Topic 2: Health
Let’s move on to our next topic. We also like to use idioms to talk about our overall health, so let’s have a look at some of my favorites.
11. To kick the bucket
Meaning:
Example: This is to die or pass away. No, Bob isn’t coming to the reunion; he kicked the bucket last spring.
12. A clean bill of health
Meaning: This is a statement or certification of being in good health.
Example: After a thorough medical examination, the doctor gave me a clean bill of health.
13. Like death warmed up
Meaning: Looking extremely ill or unhealthy.
Example: Sarah caught a terrible cold but went to work anyway despite looking like death warmed up.
14. As fit as a fiddle
Meaning: This means in excellent physical health and condition.
Example: John exercises regularly to remain as fit as a fiddle at the ripe old age of 86.
15. To go under the knife
Meaning: This is to undergo surgery or a medical operation.
Example: Emily was nervous but knew she had to go under the knife to have her appendix removed.
16. To have one foot in the grave
Meaning: This is to be near death or in very poor health.
Example: After his heart attack, Tom felt like he had one foot in the grave and wasn’t about to waste a single moment.
17. To recharge one’s batteries
Meaning: This is to take a break and rest to regain energy and strength.
Example: ulia decided it was finally time to have a weekend getaway to recharge her batteries.
18. As right as rain
Meaning: This is in perfect order or condition, perfectly fine.
Example: Although she had been feeling unwell, after a good night’s sleep, she woke up feeling as right as rain.
19. As fresh as a daisy
Meaning: his is feeling or appearing refreshed and energetic.
Example: I felt as fresh as a daisy after my long shower, followed by a warm cup of tea.
20. As pale as a ghost/death
Meaning: This is having a very pale complexion, often due to fear, illness, or shock.
Example: The loud crashing sound downstairs caused Jane to turn as pale as a ghost.
21. A bag of bones.
Meaning: If someone looks like a bag of bones, they are very thin, typically with prominent bones visible.
Example: She felt like a bag of bones after losing weight unintentionally.
Topic 3: Weather
The next topic, it’s going to be the weather. Weather is always a big topic, so it’s no surprise that we have loads and loads of idioms that utilise different natural phenomena.
22. To kick up a storm.
Meaning: This is to cause a significant commotion or controversy.
Example: The scandalous revelation kicked up a storm of media frenzy sparking intense public interest.
23. The calm before the storm
Meaning: This is a period of relative peace or tranquillity before a more turbulent or difficult situation arises.
Example: The office seemed quiet, but everyone knew it was just the calm before the storm of the new product launch.
24. To steal someone’s thunder
Meaning: this is to take attention or credit away from someone by doing or saying something that outshines or eclipses their achievement or idea.
Example: John had prepared an elaborate surprise, but Jonh’s unexpected announcement stole her thunder.
25. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire
Meaning: if there are signs or indications of a problem or issue, a problem or issue likely exists
Example: Rumours about layoffs at the company have been circulating and where there is smoke, there’s fire. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]
26. To throw caution to the wind
Meaning: to act without considering the possible risks or consequences
Example: Despite the warnings, he threw caution to the wind quite literally and went skydiving for the first time.
27. To be snowed under
Meaning: This is to have too much work or too many tasks to cope with.
Example: Sorry, I can’t come out tonight, I’m snowed under with work.
28. A storm in a teacup.
Meaning: This is a situation in which people get very angry or worried about something that is not important.
Example: The argument between the collogues turned out to be a storm in a teacup and was quickly resolved.
29. To chase rainbows
Meaning: This is to pursue impossible dreams or goals that will never be achieved.
Example: I wish you would stop chasing rainbows and focus on more achievable objectives.
30. To have one’s head in the clouds
Meaning: to be daydreaming, not paying attention to or not being aware of what is happening around oneself
Example: During the meeting, John seemed to have her head in the clouds and didn’t contribute much.
31. To take a rain check
Meaning: to decline an offer or invitation at the present time but suggest doing it at a late date.
Example: Sorry, I can’t make it tonight, Can I take a rain check and reschedule?
Topic 4: Travel
I tend to catch the travel bug from time to time, and I’m sure a lot of you do too, so let’s learn some idioms related to travel as well as some idioms that utilize travel-related vocabulary.
32. Thirst for adventure
Meaning: This is a strong desire or craving for exciting and daring experiences.
Example: My group of friends and I planned an epic road trip to satisfy our collective thirst for adventure. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]
33. Off the beaten track
Meaning: This means in a remote or less traveled location away from the mainstream or popular tourist areas.
Example: They decided to go camping in a small village off the beaten track to escape the crowds.
34. To have itchy feet
Meaning: This is to have a strong desire or restlessness to travel or explore new places.
Example: After staying in the same city for years, we had itchy feet and wanted to experience new cultures.
35. To get away from it all
Meaning: This is to escape or to take a break from one’s usual routine or responsibilities, often in search of relaxation.
Example: Escaping to a remote tropical island is the perfect way to get away from it all.
36. To hit the road
Meaning: This is to begin a journey or trip, usually by driving. It’s time to hit the road and start our next adventure.
Example: It’s time to hit the road; see you tomorrow. ( We can also use this one to say we are leaving)
37. Hustle and bustle
Meaning: This is busy and noisy activity often associated with a crowded or lively environment.
Example: The city center was full of hustle and bustle with people rushing around.
38. To catch some rays
Meaning: This is to spend time in the sun often to relax or sunbathe.
Example: They headed to the beach to catch some rays and enjoy the warm summer weather. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]
39. A mile a minute
Meaning: This is at a very fast or rapid pace; quickly and energetically.
Example: She talks a mile a minute but always has something interesting to say.
Students also read: C1 Verb List: 20 Advanced Verbs in English
40. In the same boat
Meaning: This means in the same situation or predicament as others, facing a common challenge or circumstance.
Example: We may have different backgrounds, but during tough times, we’re all in the same boat.
41. Right up one’s street
Meaning: This is perfectly suited or aligned with one’s interests or preferences.
Example: With her passion for cooking, this culinary class is going to be right up her street.
Topic 5: Time
We also have loads of idioms to talk about time and getting tasks done. We don’t have a moment to lose, so let’s get on with the first one.
42. Round-the-clock
Meaning: This means all day and all night without stopping.
Example: My mum was a nurse who often worked round the clock to take care of her patients.
43. To call it a day or to call it a night
Meaning: This is to stop what you’re doing because you don’t want to do anymore or you think you have done enough.
Example: After hours of negotiations that were going around in circles, they decided to call it a night. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]
44. The moment of truth
Meaning: This is the time when a person or thing is tested or a decision has to be made.
Example: The job interview had arrived, and it was the moment of truth to showcase his skills and qualifications.
45. Donkey’s years
Meaning: This means a very long time.
Example: He’s been telling that same joke for donkey’s years, but it still manages to get a few laughs.
46. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: This means very rarely.
Example: He doesn’t eat out often; it only happens once in a blue moon.
47. Round the corner
Meaning: This is very near or happening soon.
Example: The deadline for this project is just around the corner, so we need to pick up the pace.
48. like clockwork
Meaning: This means happening exactly as planned without any trouble or delay.
Example: The wedding went like clockwork, with every detail perfectly timed.
these next three are all quite similar in meaning.
49. Down to the wire
Meaning: meaning until the last possible moment.
Example: With only seconds left on the clock, the game went down to the wire, keeping spectators on edge.
50. At the 11th hour
Meaning: At the last possible moment.
Example: The deal was saved at the 11th hour when an unknown investor stepped in with the necessary funds.
51. In the nick of time
Meaning: This means just in time or at the last possible moment.
Example: He arrived at the airport in the nick of time just as his flight was due to depart. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]
Topic 6: Love and Relationships
Okay, next topic: love and relationships. Who doesn’t enjoy gossiping about love and relationships? Well, these idioms will be perfect for the chat.
52. to fall head over heels
Meaning: This is to fall deeply in love or to become infatuated with someone or something like an animal.
Example: When she saw the adorable puppy, she fell head over heels and knew she had to adopt it.
53. The apple of one’s eye
Meaning: This is someone or something that is cherished or highly valued by someone else.
Example: His daughter is the apple of his eye. He adores her.
54. To tie the knot
Meaning: This is to get married or enter into a formal union.
Example: After years of dating, they decided it was time to finally tie the knot.
55. To steal one’s heart
Meaning: This is to captivate or charm someone in a way that they fall in love or become deeply attracted.
Example: Her infectious laughter and warm personality instantly stole his heart.
56. To pop the question
Meaning: This is to propose marriage to someone.
Example: With the diamond ring hidden in his coat pocket, he planned the perfect moment to pop the question. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]
57. To play hard to get
Meaning: This is to act uninterested in order to increase one’s desirability or attractiveness to another person.
Example: It was clear she was interested but she couldn’t resist playing hard to get, adding
to the excitement.
58. To hit it off with someone.
Meaning: This is to have an instant connection or rapport with someone.
Example: From the moment they met, they hit it off and became close friends.
59. To be stood up
Meaning: This is to be intentionally or unexpectedly left waiting for someone who doesn’t show up for a planned meeting or date.
Example: John arrived at the restaurant eagerly only to be stood up by her date.
60. A match made in heaven
Meaning: This is a couple or pairing that is perfectly suited for each other and seems destined to be together.
Example: With their shared interests and values, they truly are a match made in heaven.
61. An old flame
Meaning: This is a past romantic partner or love interest.
Example: When Marsha moved back to her hometown, she reconnected with an old flame from sixth form.
Topic 7: Colours
next topic. We have so many color-related idioms. You’ve actually already seen a couple, but let’s go over some of the most common.
62. To get the green light
Meaning: This is to receive permission to proceed with a project or action.
Example: We finally got the green light to start the new marketing campaign.
63. Out of the blue
Meaning: This is sudden and unexpected
Example: I hadn’t heard from him in years, but then he called me outta the blue.
64. Green with envy
Meaning: This is very jealous or envious
Example: She was green with envy when she saw her friend’s
new car. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]
65. To be tickled pink
Meaning: This is to be very pleased or amused.
Example: Tony was tickled pink by the surprise party his friends threw for him at the office.
66. Golden opportunity
Meaning: This is an excellent opportunity that is not likely to be repeated.
Example: This job is a golden opportunity for someone with a background in journalism
like yourself.
67. Rose-colored/rose-tinted spectacles.
Meaning: This is an optimistic perception of something or a really positive perspective
often used when we look back in the past. Note that you can also say glasses instead of spectacles.
Example: She always sees the world through rose-tinted spectacles, but sometimes I feel she really needs a reality check.
68. A grey area
Meaning: This is a situation not clearly defined or that falls between two extremes.
Example: Their relationship was undefined, existing in a grey area between friendship and romance.
69. To be caught red-handed
Meaning: This is to catch someone in the act of doing something wrong.
Example: My daughter was caught stealing biscuits red-handed, or should
I say, biscuit-faced. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]
70. Yellow-bellied or just yellow.
Meaning: This means cowardly or easily scared
Example: He was too yellow-bellied to confront his boss
about the ongoing issues he faced.
71. On a silver platter
Meaning: If you are given something on a silver platter, it’s given to you without having to work or make an effort for it.
Example: He expected success to come to him effortlessly, always wanting things served on a silver platter.
Topic 8: Animals
Okay, new topic like colors, and animals are also really popular subjects in idioms and luckily they tend to be some of the best ones.
72. Eager beaver
Meaning: This is a person who is enthusiastic, energetic, and eager to work or participate.
Example: Rommel is always the first one to volunteer for new projects. He’s such an eager beaver.
73. To take the bull by the horns
Meaning: This is to confront a difficult or challenging situation directly and decisively.
Example: Instead of avoiding the issue, he decided to take the bull by the horns and address the problem head-on.
74. To let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: This is to reveal a secret or disclose confidential information unintentionally or carelessly.
Example: My dad couldn’t contain his excitement and let the cat out of the bag about our vacation destination.
75. Until the cows come home
Meaning: This means for a very long time, indefinitely or without a definite end.
Example: I know you want to play video games until the cows come home, but eventually you need to do your homework. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]
76. To drop like flies
Meaning: This is to rapidly decrease in number or weaken significantly, often due to illness or other negative factors.
Example: During the flu season, people were dropping like flies and the hospital was overwhelmed.
77. To hold one’s horses
Meaning: This is to be patient, wait or stop rushing
Example: I know you’re excited, but hold your horses and let’s make a plan first.
78. To pig out
Meaning: This means to eat excessively or indulge in large quantities of food often in an uncontrolled manner.
Example: After weeks of dieting, he decided to pig out and enjoy a cheat day with all his favourite snacks.
79. Is to smell a rat
Meaning: This is to suspect or sense that something is wrong or suspicious.
Example: Carolina’s instincts told her to be cautious as she began to smell a rat in their business dealings.
80. To have ants in one’s pants
Meaning: This is to be unable to sit still or to be restless due to impatience, excitement, or anxiety.
Example: I’ve got ants in my pants about this presentation tomorrow. Help me calm down.
81. To have other or bigger fish to fry
Meaning: This is to have more important or pressing matters to attend to; to be preoccupied with other tasks or concerns.
Example: Sorry I can’t join you for dinner tonight. I have other fish to fry with this project deadline. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]
Topic 9: People
Okay, new topic. Next up, we have some incredible idioms that are perfect for describing people, specifically people with unique character traits. Let’s start:
82. chatterbox
Meaning: This is a person who talks a lot
Example: My little niece is such a chatterbox; she can talk for hours about the most random things.
83. Loose cannon
Meaning: This is a person who behaves in an uncontrolled or unpredictable manner, often causing damage or danger.
Example: He’s a loose cannon, you never know what he might say or do next.
84. Wet blanket
Meaning: This is a person who spoils other people’s fun by failing to join in with or by disapproving of their activities.
Example: Don’t invite him to the party, he’s such a wet blanket.
85. To blow one’s own trumpet
Meaning: This is to boast or brag about one’s own abilities or achievements.
Example: He never misses an opportunity to blow his own trumpet.
86. The salt of the earth
Meaning: This is a person or people of great kindness, reliability or honesty.
Example: She’s the salt of the earth, always ready to help those in need.
87. Fair-weather friend
Meaning: This is a person who is only a friend when circumstances are pleasant or profitable. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]
Example: When I was rich, I had many friends, but I found out most of them were just fair-weather friends.
88. Jack of all trades
Meaning: This is a person who can do many different types of work but who is not necessarily very competent at any of them.
Example: He’s a jack of all trades; he can fix anything in the house.
89. A worrywart
Meaning: This is a person who tends to worry a lot habitually and also needlessly.
Example: Don’t be such a worrywart; everything will be fine.
90. Armchair critic.
Meaning: This is a person who offers advice or an opinion on something in which they have no expertise or involvement.
Example: He’s an armchair critic always talking about football but never playing it.
91. Free spirit
Meaning: This is a person who lives according to their own wishes and beliefs, unconstrained by society’s conventions
Example: Shannon’s a true free spirit, finding joy in simple pleasures and embracing life’s little adventures.
Topic 10: Numbers
Okay, now let’s learn some common idioms that utilize numbers. There are loads of these idioms as well, so we’re going to just scratch the surface right now.
92. To dress to the nines.
Meaning: This is to dress in a stylish, elegant, or glamorous manner. (You can also say to dress to kill as well, but no numbers involved there)
Example: My mum always dresses to the nines for special occasions like parties and weddings.
93. To put two and two together
Meaning: This is to infer or deduce something by combining or connecting available information or clues.
Example: When she saw the muddy footprints and wet raincoat, she put two and two together and realized he’d been outside in the rain.
94. In two minds
Meaning: This is to be uncertain or undecided to have conflicting thoughts or opinions about something.
Example: My uncle was in two minds about accepting the job offer because it meant moving to a different city.
95. Nine-to-five
Meaning: This is referring to regular office or business hours; a typical full-time job.
Example: He works a nine-to-five job from Monday to Friday and enjoys his weekends off.
96. Back to square one or back at square one
Meaning: This is returning to the beginning or starting point of a task or process often due to a lack of progress or a setback.
Example: After the computer crashed and deleted all the files, they had to start the project back at square one.
97. The third degree
Meaning: This is intense or thorough questioning often to extract information or elicit a confession.
Example: Detective Roberts gave the suspect the third degree, relentlessly questioning and probing for answers to solve the case.
98. Two left feet
Meaning: This is lacking coordination or being clumsy, especially when it comes to dancing or physical activities.
Example: I can’t dance. I’ve got two left feet and always end up stepping on my partner’s toes.
99. Two peas in a pod
Meaning: This means two people or things that are very similar or nearly identical, often used to describe close friends or siblings.
Example: They have the same taste in music, fashion and hobbies; they’re like two peas in a pod.
100. Forty winks.
Meaning: This is a short nap or brief period of sleep, usually during the day.
Example: I’ll just lie down and take forty winks before dinner; I’m feeling a bit tired.
101. Second to none
Meaning: This is unmatched or unrivaled; the best or highest quality.
Example: Their customer service is second to none. They always go above and beyond to assist their clients.
Topic 11: Food
I saved the best for last. Let’s learn some food-related idioms.
102. To bring home the bacon
Meaning: This is to earn a living or provide financial support for oneself or one’s family
Example: He took on multiple jobs to bring home the bacon and save up for his dream holiday.
103. One’s bread and butter
Meaning: This is a person’s primary source of income or livelihood.
Example: Writing is her bread and butter; you should read some of her early works, and masterpieces. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]
104. A bad egg
Meaning: This is a person who is dishonest or untrustworthy.
Watch out for him. He’s known to be a bad egg who can’t be trusted.
105. The cream of the crop
Meaning: This means the best or finest individuals or things in a particular group or category.
Example: The Olympic Games bring together athletes who are considered the cream of the crop in their respective sports.
106. To spill the beans/tea
Meaning: This is to reveal a secret or disclose information that was meant to be kept confidential.
Example: Do you know who spilled the beans about their affair?
107. Love this one
Meaning: Not one’s cup of tea.
Example: This is something that one doesn’t enjoy, have an interest in or find appealing. Horror films are not her cup of tea. She prefers a cheesy rom-com.
108. In a nutshell
Meaning: This is in a concise or summarized form; briefly and clearly.
Example: She explained the entire situation in a nutshell, highlighting only the relevant points.
109. To eat humble pie
Meaning: This is to admit one’s mistake or defeat and show humility or remorse.
Example: After realizing his error, he had to eat humble pie and apologize for his rude behavior.
110. Egg on one’s face
Meaning: This is to be embarrassed or humiliated by making a mistake or being proven wrong.
Example: His incorrect prediction left him with egg on his face when the opposite outcome occurred. [Advanced Idioms and Phrases in English]
111. In a pickle
Meaning: This is in a difficult, complicated or problematic situation.
Example: We’re in a pickle; the car broke down and we’re late for an important meeting.
Conclusion
Right, those were your 111 idioms plus a few extra in there for you too. Well done for getting this far in the lesson.
Students also read: