Language/English/Vocabulary/Useful-Sentenses

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. English Level : This article will be more suited to advanced & intermediate levels in English.

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.