Important idioms in English

Here are some common idiomatic expressions in English.

A bitter pill

A bitter pill is an unpleasant or difficult situation or information that must be accepted.

A dime a dozen

If something is a dime a dozen it is readily available or inexpensive.

Tomatoes are a dime a dozen.


Ace in the hole

This expression is used to refer to an unrevealed or unknown advantage.

Achilles’ heel

Even strong people can have a fatal weakness. The expression Achilles’ heel is used to refer to this weakness that will bring about the fall of a person.

Actions speak louder than words

You can judge people’s character or intentions from what they do rather than what they say.

Add insult to injury

To add insult to injury is to make a bad situation worse.

All ears

When you are all ears, you are listening intently.

All thumbs

When you are all thumbs, your actions or behaviors are clumsy or awkward.

An arm and a leg

This is an expression used to refer to a large amount of money. If something costs an arm and a leg, it is very expensive.

Apple of discord

This expression is used to refer to something that causes trouble or discord.

At the drop of a hat

To do something at the drop of a hat is to do something instantly or without hesitation.