English Idioms

1. Idioms

2. An idiom is a phrase or expression that typically presents a figurative, non-
literal meaning attached to the phrase; but some phrases become figurative
idioms while retaining the literal meaning of the phrase. Categorized as
formulaic language, an idiom's figurative meaning is different from the literal.

3.  Better late than never
 Meaning: It is better to arrive late than to never arrive at all.
 Example: He was 20 minutes late to the rehearsal, but better late than
never.

4.  It’s not rocket science
 Meaning: An activity is easy to understand (unlike rocket science, which is
very complex)
 Example: Soccer has really simple rules. It’s not rocket science.

5.  Make a long story short
 Meaning: To explain something quickly or to summarize (to literally
shorten a long story)
 Example: I had a terrible day yesterday. To make a long story short, I got
locked out of my house and arrived late to work.

6.  No pain, no gain
 Meaning: You must work hard to succeed (commonly refers to exercise)
 Example: If you want to lose weight, you’ll need to start going for a run
every morning. Remember: no pain, no gain.

7.  Time flies when you’re having fun
 Meaning: It feels like time moves more quickly when you’re doing
something you enjoy
 Example: Last night I went to a really great party, but it ended way too
soon. I guess time flies when you’re having fun.

8.  That ship has sailed
 Meaning: It is too late (a missed opportunity)
 Example: I would love to go back to college, but unfortunately, that ship
has sailed.

9.  Kill two birds with one stone
 Meaning: Accomplish two tasks with one action
 Example: If I listen to American music to learn English while I do my math
homework, I can kill two birds with one stone!

10.  Be on the same page
 Meaning: to understand and agree with what is being done or suggested. I
think we're all on the same page. Synonyms and related words.

11.  in the same boat
 Meaning: be in the same difficult circumstances as others.