Lists of idioms

A list of English idioms with definitions and examples:

  1.Have a jet lag

Definition: feel sleepy during the day and awake at night because your body is used to a different time zone.

Note 1: Jet lag occurs when people travel long distances. Although it may be 2:00 in the afternoon in the country they just arrived in, it may be nighttime in the country they just left. It usually takes a few days for the body to become used to the new time.

Note 2: Jet lag is often used with the following verbs: avoid/prevent jet lag, have jet lag, get over jet lag

A: Do you know how I can avoid jet lag?

B: Some people try to chance the time they go to bed before they travel, but I don’t know if that works.

A: You’re landing on Sunday and going to work on Monday? How is that possible? Wouldn’t you have a jet lag?

B: Probably, but I can do it. I usually get over jet lag pretty fast.

 

 2. Can’t keep one’s eyes open

Definition:  can’t stay awake because one is so sleepy

A: It’s time to put the kids to bed. Look-they can’t keep their eyes open.

B: You’re right……Come on, kids bedtime!

 

 3. Be wiped out

Definition: be very tired, exhausted.

Note: This is a very informal expression.

A: I’m wiped out. I spent six hours on this assignment!

B: I’d be wiped out too.

 

  4. Stretch out

Definition: lie down

I’m going to stretch out on the couch and take a nap.

This couch is too short. You can’t be stretch out.

 

5. Get a second wind

Definition:  get new energy after being very tired

A: What are you doing? I thought you said you were too tired to clean the house.

B: I don’t know. Somehow I got a second wind.

A: Well, I’m glad. The house looks great. I’m full of energy. It’s weird, because an hour ago I needed a nap.

B: You got a second wind. But I didn’t. I’m going to take a break.

 

 6.Have one’s ups and downs

Definition: have good and bad periods of time

A: How’s your new job?

B: It has its ups and downs, but it’s all right.

A: How is she now that she’s back home?

B: She has her ups and downs just like she dose everywhere else.

 

  7.Scratch the surface

Definition:  talk or write about a topic on a superficial level; not go deeply into the subject.

Opposite:  talk or write about something in depth

 I’ve told you a little about my trip. But I only scratched the surface because there’s so much more to tell.

You’ve only scratched the surface of the environmental problems we face. We need to continue this conversation and discuss each problem in depth.

 

 8.Hop on

   Definition: get on a plane, bus, train, motorcycle, or boat without much planning beforehand.

  Similar Expression: Hop in (a car). This expression is usually used in the imperative form: Hop in!

S1: (on the plane): I need you. Can you come right away?
  S2: I’ll hop on the next plane/train/bus.

 S1: When I heard what happened, I hopped on the first plane I could get.
 S2: I’m sure they felt better when you got there.

 S1: (talking through a car window to friends): Can I join you?
 S2: Sure, hop in!

 

  9.It hit home (that)

Definition: something finally became clear deep in one’s heart or mind.

They knew they’d won the lottery, but it didn’t really hit home until they got their first check and bought a new car.

 

  10.Be/get wrapped up in

Definition: be/get very, very involved in; give all of one’s attention to

S1: Didn’t you hear the phone?
S2: No. I was really wrapped up in my work, and I didn’t hear a thing.

S1: She’s not very friendly.
S2: No, she’s very wrapped up in herself.

 

 11. A little bird told me

  Definition: said when you don’t want reveal the source of your information.

  Example:

  “How did you know the news?”
  “Oh, a little bird told me.” 

 

  12. Cry wolf

  Definition: to ask for help when there is really no danger.

  Example:

  Because he cried wolf too often, people stopped believing that he needs help.

 

  13.Be in black and white

  Definition: (also be down in black and white) to be written down.

  Example:

  My conditions to accept the job were in black and white in the contract.

 

  14. Wait for the other shoe to drop

  Definition: To await a seemingly inevitable event, especially one which is not desirable.

  Example:

  He was waiting for the other shoe to drop once some of his companions had been captured by the official authorities.

 

  15.Don’t get me wrong

  Definition: an expression said when you fear someone does not understand what you say.

  Example:

  Don’t get me wrong but I think your plan may not work.