Idioms help you sound more natural in English. They make your speaking clear, strong, and confident. This dictionary is made for idioms learners. You can search any idiom easily. You can also learn idioms from A to Z. Topics are simple too, such as daily life, work, money, time, emotions, relationships, health, travel, nature, and weather.
Each idiom has a simple meaning. It also has a clear definition. You will also see an easy sentence for real conversation. The goal is not to memorize everything at once. Learn a few idioms daily. Read the sentence. Understand the meaning. Then try to use the idiom when you speak.
This dictionary helps you build better vocabulary. It also helps you understand English expressions faster. Use it daily and improve your idioms step by step.
on the face of it
superficially; from the way it looks.
This looks like a serious problem on the face of it. It probably is minor, however.
on the horns of a dilemma
having to decide between two things, people, etc.
Mary found herself on the horns of a dilemma. She didn’t know which dress to choose.
on the off-chance
because of a slight possibility that something may happen, might be the case, etc.; just in case.
I went to the theatre on the off-chance that there were tickets for the show left.
on the strength of something
because of the support of something, such as a promise or evidence; owing to something.
On the strength of your comment, I decided to give John another chance.
once and for all
finally and irreversibly.
I want to get this problem settled once and for all.
once-in-a-lifetime chance
a chance that will never occur again in one’s lifetime.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Don’t miss it.
one’s days are numbered
[for someone] to face death, dismissal, or ruin. (Informal.)
If I don’t get this contract, my days are numbered at this firm.
one’s words stick in one’s throat
one finds it difficult to speak because of emotion.
My words stick in my throat whenever I try to say something kind or tender.
open-and-shut case
something, usually a law-case or problem, that is simple and straightforward without complications.
The murder trial was an open-and-shut case. The defendant was caught with the murder weapon.
other way round
the reverse; the opposite.
No, it won’t fit that way. Try it the other way round.
out of line
improper; inappropriate.
I’m afraid that your behaviour was quite out of line. I do not wish to speak further about this matter.
out of the question
not possible; not permitted.
I’m sorry, but leaving early is out of the question.
out of the woods
past a critical phase; no longer at risk. (Informal.)
When the patient got out of the woods, everyone relaxed.
out on a limb
[in or into a situation of] doing something differently from the way others do it, and thus taking a chance or a risk. (Often with go.)
She really went out on a limb when she gave him permission to leave early.
How To Use Idioms Dictionary
- You can use this dictionary in different ways. Start with the idioms you hear often in movies, conversations, or online posts. Search them here and understand their real meaning. Then read the example sentence and try to speak your own sentence.
- You can also learn idioms by topic. Choose daily life idioms for normal conversation. Choose work and business idioms for office English. Choose money, time, emotion, relationship, health, travel, nature, and weather idioms to improve your topic-based vocabulary.
- A good way to learn is to save your favorite idioms in a notebook. Write the idiom, its meaning, and your own sentence. Review them after a few days. This will help you remember them better.
- Do not use idioms everywhere. Use them only when they fit the situation. The goal is to sound natural, not forced.
- Keep learning slowly. A few useful idioms daily can improve your English speaking a lot.
Here’s a separate section for kids: 100 Common Idioms for Kids
FAQs about Idioms Dictionary
An idiom is a group of words with a special meaning. You cannot always understand it by translating each word.
Type the full idiom or any main word in the search box. The dictionary will show matching idioms with meaning and sentence.
Start with a few idioms daily. Read the meaning, understand the sentence, and try to make your own sentence.
Yes. You can learn idioms by topics like daily life, work, money, time, emotions, relationships, health, travel, nature, and weather.
Yes. The meanings and sentences are written in simple English, so beginners can understand and practice easily.
Idioms help you sound more natural in English. Use them in the right situation to make your speaking more confident.
No. Use idioms only when they fit the situation. The goal is to sound natural, not forced.
