55 idioms and meanings to understand Irish people!
An idiom is a word or phrase which means something different from its literal meaning. Idioms are common phrases or terms whose meaning is not real, but can be understood by their popular use.
To learn a language a person needs to learn the words in that language, and how and when to use them. But people also need to learn idioms separately because certain words together or at certain times can have different meanings. In order to understand an idiom, one sometimes needs to know the culture the idiom comes from.
Our Travelling Programmes are excellent for this, because students can interact with more than 30 different native speakers and our Talk Jockeys help them to immerse in the culture. There are some expressions and idioms in the languages that that are difficult to learn in a class! But, here we are!! And here you have a list of idioms to study!:
1. A hot potato
Speak of an issue (mostly current) which many people are talking about and which is usually disputed
2. A penny for your thoughts
A way of asking what someone is thinking
3. Actions speak louder than words
People’s intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.
4. An arm and a leg
Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money.
5. At the drop of a hat
Meaning: without any hesitation; instantly.
6. Back to the drawing board
When an attempt fails and it’s time to start all over.
7. Ball is in your court
It is up to you to make the next decision or step
8. Barking up the wrong tree
Looking in the wrong place. Accusing the wrong person
9. Be glad to see the back of
Be happy when a person leaves.
10. Beat around the bush
Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.
11. Best of both worlds
Meaning: All the advantages.
12. Best thing since sliced bread
A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan.
13. Bite off more than you can chew
To take on a task that is way to big.
14. Blessing in disguise
Something good that isn’t recognized at first.
15. Can’t judge a book by its cover
Cannot judge something primarily on appearance.
16. Costs an arm and a leg
This idiom is used when something is very expensive.
17. Cross that bridge when you come to it
Deal with a problem if and when it becomes necessary, not before.
18. Cry over spilt milk
When you complain about a loss from the past.
19. Curiosity killed the cat
Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation.
20. Cut corners
When something is done badly to save money.
21. Don’t count your chickens before the eggs have hatched
This idiom is used to express « Don’t make plans for something that might not happen ».
22. Don’t give up the day job
You are not very good at something. You could definitely not do it professionally.
23. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Do not put all your resources in one possibility.
24. Drastic times call for drastic measures
When you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions.
25. Elvis has left the building
The show has come to an end. It’s all over.
26. Every cloud has a silver lining
Be optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.
27. Feel a bit under the weather
Meaning: Feeling slightly ill.
28. Give the benefit of the doubt
Believe someone’s statement, without proof.
29. Hit the nail on the head
Do or say something exactly right
30. Hit the sack / sheets
To go to bed.
31. In the heat of the moment
Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment.
32. It takes two to tango
Actions or communications need more than one person
33. Jump on the bandwagon
Join a popular trend or activity.
34. Keep something at bay
Keep something away.
35. Kill two birds with one stone
This idiom means, to accomplish two different things at the same time.
36. Last straw
The final problem in a series of problems.
37. Let the cat out of the bag
To share information that was previously concealed
38. Make a long story short
Come to the point – leave out details
39. Miss the boat
This idiom is used to say that someone missed his or her chance
40. Off one’s rocker
Crazy, demented, out of one’s mind, in a confused or befuddled state of mind, senile.
41. On the ball
When someone understands the situation well.
42. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Happens very rarely.
43. Picture paints a thousand words
A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words.
44. Piece of cake
A job, task or other activity that is easy or simple.
45. Put wool over other people’s eyes
This means to deceive someone into thinking well of them.
46. See eye to eye
This idiom is used to say that two (or more people) agree on something.
47. Sit on the fence
This is used when someone does not want to choose or make a decision.
48. Speak of the devil!
This expression is used when the person you have just been talking about arrives.
49. Steal someone’s thunder
To take the credit for something someone else did.
50. Take with a grain of salt
This means not to take what someone says too seriously.
51. Taste of your own medicine
Means that something happens to you, or is done to you, that you have done to someone else
52. To hear something straight from the horse’s mouth
To hear something from the authoritative source.
53. Whole nine yards
Everything. All of it.
54. Wouldn’t be caught dead
Would never like to do something
55. Your guess is as good as mine
To have no idea, do not know the answer to a question
Hope you find it useful!! See you soon!!!
Greeting from the team at Travelling Languages…Your language school on the road!
