list of idioms

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Learn English Idioms
A list of English idioms with definitions and examples:
a bad penny
The phrase a bad penny refers to a person or thing which is unpleasant,
dishonorable, or unwanted that is likely to reappear, particularly at inconvenient
times.
The phrase a bad penny is usually used in the proverb:
A bad penny always turns up.
The origin of the phrase
The phrase 'a bad penny always turns up' is a very old saying. It is worthwhile noting
that pennies were ripe targets for counterfeiters. When people discovered that those
counterfeited pennies had reached their pockets, the only solution available was to
try to spend them as quickly as possible. But because everyone was trying to get rid
of those 'bad pennies', the chance of encountering the very same one you had spent
earlier was quite high. Accordingly, the phrase 'bad penny' became an expression
referring to an unpopular or undesired thing or person that keeps reappearing.
We thought we wouldn't see John again after what he did, but he showed up at the
party - a bad penny always turns up.
Category | money
a bit of fluff
(Also a bit of skirt.) A sexually attractive woman.
I saw him yesterday with a bit of fluff.
Category | sexuality

a breath of fresh air
said about a new, fresh, and imaginative approach, a change that feels good.
The president says that the country needs a breath of fresh air.
Category | nature
a clean bill of health
said when you examine someone or something and state that they are healthy, in
good condition, or legal.
1. The president was given a clean bill of health by his doctors.
2. The company received a clean bill of health because it fulfilled all the safety
requirements.
Category | health
a dime's worth
an insignificant amount
At best, he'll make a dime's worth of difference with his interference in the affair.
Category | money
a fact of life
This idiom is used to refer to something which is unpleasant and which people accept
because they cannot change it.
Violence has become a fact of life among teenagers these days.
Category | life
a fool and his money are soon parted
this means that stupid people spend money without thinking about it enough.
John likes his extravagant lifestyle - but then a fool and his money are soon parted.
Category | money
a life-saver
This phrase is used to refer to something or someone that saves a person in a difficult
situation or critical moment.
Thank you so much for your help. You're a real lifesaver!

Category | life
a little bird told me
said when you don't want reveal the source of your information.
"How did you know the news?"
"Oh, a little bird told me."
Category | animals
a lost ball in the weeds
The phrase a lost ball in the weeds refers to a person who is completely lost or
confused and does not know what they are doing, how to do it or possibly even
where they are.
I got confused as to what I should do. I was a lost ball in the weeds.
Category | sport
a man of action
a man who is inclined to act first rather than think about things and discuss them.
Bill is really a man of action. Since he arrived at the top of the association, he has done
so many things.
Category | men and women
a man of few words
(also a woman of few words) a man who doesn't speak much. A man of action
He is a man of few words. But when he speaks, he makes a lot of sense.
Category | men and women
a man's man
The phrase a man's man refers to a man known for traditionally masculine interests
and activities.
Alex is what you would call a man's man.
Category | men and women

a new lease of life
This idiom is used to refer to an occasion when something gives you the chance to
become happy or healthy and makes you more energetic than before.
His new job has given him a new lease of life.
Category | life
a number cruncher
a number cruncher refers to someone whose job is to work with numbers and
mathematics. It may also refer to a computer that is able to solve complicated
problems of mathematics.
1. He's a number cruncher. He works for a big firm of accountants.
2. Number crunchers are used on election night to try and forecast the result.
Category | numbers
a penny saved is a penny earned
If you say that a penny saved is a penny earned, you mean it is wise to save money.
Another variation of this idiom is the following:
a penny saved is a penny gained.
Origin
The origin of the proverb is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, in 'Poor Richard’s
Almanac'. It is, however, unlikely that he coined the phrase.
It is wise not to spend all you have got on things you don't need because, you know
what they say, a penny saved is a penny gained.
Category | money
a roof over your head
a place to live.
He was so poor that he didn't have a roof over his head.
Category | home

a steal
A steal refers to a good deal; it's almost like you stole it.
Category | crime
a watched pot never boils
This expression is used to mean that things appear to go more slowly if one waits
anxiously for it.
There's no point running downstairs for every mail delivery. A watched pot never boils.
Category | furniture
a whole new ball game
a completely different situation.
He has written so many short stories but writing a novel is a whole new ball game.
Category | sport
a woman of few words
(also a man of few words) a woman who doesn't speak much. A woman of action
She is a woman of few words, but she always gets things done.
Category | men and women
a woman's work is never done
The proverb a woman's work is never done means that a woman often works
longer hours than a man because the housework and raising children are jobs that
never end.
The origin of the saying comes from an old rhymed couplet:
Man may work from sun to sun,
But woman's work is never done.