5 English Idioms You Should Know
English is hard enough, and when you add idioms into the mix, English can get a whole lot more confusing. Here are a few idioms you should know that could help you speak and understand more of the English lingo.
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1. Once in a blue moon
Definition: very rarely, not very often
When to use it: when describing something that doesn’t happen very often.
Example:
Once in a blue moon, I would remember to call my parents.
I read Shakespeare once in a blue moon.
It is only once in a blue moon that we have to do an earthquake drill.
2. Through thick and thin
Definition: supporting someone even when there are problems or difficulties, loyal no matter what
When to use it: when you want to say that you’ve supported someone or stayed with them through the good and the bad, the easy and the difficult, the victories and losses.
Example:
My family has stayed with me through thick and thin.
I will stick to my principles through thick and thin.
3. Take it with a grain of salt
Definition: don’t take it too seriously, to understand that something may be untrue or incorrect
When to use it: when you want to tell someone not to take something that someone’s said too seriously, or that a piece of information may be inaccurate.
Example:
As a 4 year-old, my little brother likes to make up stories. I would take what he says with a grain of salt.
You have to take what Anna said with a grain of salt, because she likes to exaggerate.
4. Jump on the bandwagon
Definition: to follow a trend, to join others in doing something or agreeing with something (especially if that something seems likely to be successful)
When to use it: when you want to say that someone joined an activity or changed their opinion because the activity or opinion has become popular. Make sure to change “jump” to the appropriate tense (present, past, etc.).
💡 You can change “jump on” to synonyms of “jump” like “hop on”, “get on”, “climb on” You can also change the idiom to “jump off the bandwagon” to mean the opposite (to stop following a trend).
Example:
The members of the school committee were quick to jump on the bandwagon when they realized that the fundraiser would help raise money for a new gym.
When electric vehicles started becoming more popular, other companies hopped on the bandwagon and started creating their own line of electric cars.
All of my friends have Samsung phones now, but I refuse to get on the bandwagon.
5. Beat around the bush
Definition: Avoid saying something
When to use it: when someone is trying to say something important, but they are taking a long time to get to the point. Make sure to change “beat” to the appropriate tense (present, past, etc.)
Example:
Stop beating around the bush—just get to the point!
When I asked my sister why she was so upset, she started beating around the bush and wouldn’t give me a direct answer.
I was surprised at David’s honestly. He certainly does not beat around the bush.
