Language/English/Vocabulary/Useful-Sentenses

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Here are some very useful English expressions that will make you sound like a native. Try to guess the meaning of each idiom and click on the link to check if you were right. Feel free to edit this page and add more useful expressions. 📚 After mastering these expressions, you can also explore other related topics such as English "Any and No" usage, English "Not...as such" phrases, and asking for directions in English. 🌐 This article will be more suited to advanced & intermediate levels in English. Happy learning! 😊

A hot potato

• Meaning: Speak of an issue which many people are talking about and which is usually disputed
• Example: The staff is not speaking on this topic as it is a political hot potato.

A penny for your thoughts

• Meaning: A way of asking what someone is thinking
• Example: Bob, you look very happy. A penny for your thought?

Acid Test

• Meaning: Acid test proves the effectiveness of something.
• Example: I practiced hard today but the acid test will come when the trainer will assess our solo performance.

Actions speak louder than words

• Meaning: People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.
• Example: You keep saying that you will repair the window. Remember that actions speak louder than words.

Add insult to injury

• Meaning: To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation.
• Example: He said my clothes didn't suit me. Then, to add insult to injury he said I had to lose some weight...

An arm and a leg

• Meaning: Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money.
• Example: The food is really good but it costs you an arm and a leg.

At the drop of a hat

• Meaning: without any hesitation; instantly.
• Example: I hate to speak in public while she would get up on stage at the drop of a hat.

Be glad to see the back of

• Meaning: Be happy when a person leaves.
• Example: After Christmas, John was glad to see the back of it.

Beat around the bush

• Meaning: Not speaking directly about the issue.
• Example: Just ask me, don’t beat around the bush!

Best of both worlds

• Meaning: All the advantages.
• Example: I have the best of both worlds because I live in the country side while being very close to the city center.

Best thing since sliced bread

• Meaning: A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan.
• Example: I’ve bought a new smartphone, it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread, I cannot believe I ever lived without it.

Bite off more than you can chew

• Meaning: To take on a task that is way to big.
• Example: Don’t bite off more than you can chew – you will not be able to deal with that issue...

Blessing in disguise

• Meaning: Something good that isn't recognized at first.
• Example: Being caught in that traffic jam was a blessing in disguise. If I hadn't missed my train, I would have been on that train accident.

Chase your tail

• Meaning: Spending a lot of time and energy doing a lot of things but actually achieving little.
• Example: He's been chasing his tail all week but the job is not done yet.

Explore all avenues

• Meaning: Trying out every possibility to get a result.
• Example: If we really want this to be done, we have to explore all avenues.

Whole bag of tricks

• Meaning: trying all the clever means to achieve something.
• Example: It was really hard to sort that out even after applying the whole bag of tricks.

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