Chapter 40
Understanding and Using Idioms in Daily Life
40.1 Introduction
Idioms are common expressions whose meanings are different from the actual words. People use idioms to speak English naturally and confidently.
In this chapter, you will learn simple idioms used in daily life with easy meanings and examples.
40.2 50 Common Idioms with Meaning & Example
-
1. Break the ice
Meaning: Start a conversation
Example: He told a joke to break the ice. - 2. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Very rarely
I visit my village once in a blue moon. - 3. A piece of cake
Meaning: Very easy
The test was a piece of cake. - 4. Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling sick
I am feeling under the weather today. - 5. Hit the books
Meaning: Start studying
I need to hit the books now. - 6. Early bird
Meaning: Person who wakes early
He is an early bird. - 7. Better late than never
Meaning: Doing late is better than not doing
He came late, but better late than never. - 8. Call it a day
Meaning: Stop working
Let’s call it a day. - 9. On cloud nine
Meaning: Very happy
She was on cloud nine. - 10. Time flies
Meaning: Time passes quickly
Time flies when we enjoy.
40.3 Worksheet — Practice Idioms
Section 1 — Fill in the Blanks
- The exam was a ______ of cake.
- I am feeling ______ the weather.
- Let’s ______ it a day.
- piece
- under
- call
Section 2 — Match the Idiom
- Break the ice → ( )
- On cloud nine → ( )
- Start a conversation
- Very happy
Section 3 — Make Sentences
- Use “a piece of cake” in a sentence.
- Use “time flies” in a sentence.
- The homework was a piece of cake.
- Time flies when we play.
Section 4 — True or False
- Idioms make English natural. (True / False)
- Idioms have literal meanings only. (True / False)
- Idioms are used in daily life. (True / False)
- True
- False
- True