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.
run a fever and run a temperature
to have a body temperature higher than normal; to have a fever.
I ran a fever when I had the flu.
run a tight ship
to run a ship or an organization in an orderly, efficient, and disciplined manner.
The new office manager really runs a tight ship.
run against the clock
to be in a race with time; to be in a great hurry to get something done before a particular time.
This morning, Bill set a new track record running against the clock. He lost the actual race this afternoon, however.
run for it
to try and escape by running. (Informal.)
The guard’s not looking. Let’s run for it!
run for one’s life
to run away to save one’s life.
The dam has burst! Run for your life!
run high
[for feelings] to be in a state of excitement or anger.
Feelings were running high as the general election approached.
run in the family
for a characteristic to appear in all (or most) members of a family.
My grandparents lived well into their nineties, and longevity runs in the family.
run of the mill
common or average; typical.
The restaurant we went to was nothing special—just run of the mill.
run riot and run wild
to get out of control.
The dandelions have run riot on our lawn.
run someone or something to earth
to find something after a search. (From a fox-hunt chasing a fox into its hole.)
Jean finally ran her long-lost cousin to earth in Paris.
run someone ragged
to keep someone very busy. (Informal.)
This busy season is running us all ragged at the shop.
run to seed and go to seed
to become worn-out and uncared for.
The estate has gone to seed since the old man’s death.
rush one’s fences
to act hurriedly without enough care or thought. (From horse-riding.)
Jack’s always rushing his fences. He should think things out first.
sacred cow
something that is regarded by some people with such respect and veneration that they don’t like it being criticized by anyone in any way. (From the fact that the cow is regarded as sacred in India.)
University education is a sacred cow in the Smith family. Fred is regarded as a failure because he left school at sixteen.
safe and sound
safe and whole or healthy.
It was a rough trip, but we got there safe and sound.
sail through something
to finish something quickly and easily. (Informal.)
The test was not difficult. I sailed through it.
sail under false colours
to pretend to be something that one is not. (Originally nautical, referring to a pirate ship disguised as a merchant ship.)
John has been sailing under false colours. He’s really a spy.
salt of the earth
the most worthy of people; a very good or worthy person. (A biblical reference.)
Mrs. Jones is the salt of the earth. She is the first to help anyone in trouble.
same old story
something that occurs or has occurred in the same way often.
Jim’s got no money. It’s the same old story. He’s spent it all on clothing.
save one’s breath
to refrain from talking, explaining, or arguing. (Informal.)
There is no sense in trying to convince her. Save your breath.
save someone’s skin
to save someone from injury, embarrassment, or punishment. (Informal.)
I saved my skin by getting the job done on time.
save something for a rainy day
to reserve something—usually money—for some future need. ( Save something can be replaced with put something aside, hold something back, keep something, etc.)
I’ve saved a little money for a rainy day.
saved by the bell
rescued from a difficult or dangerous situation just in time by something which brings the situation to a sudden end. (From the sounding of a bell marking the end of a round in a boxing match.)
James didn’t know the answer to the question, but he was saved by the bell when the teacher was called away from the room.
say something under one’s breath
to say something so softly that hardly anyone can hear it.
John was saying something under his breath, and I don’t think it was very pleasant.
say the word
to give a signal to begin; to say yes or okay as a signal to begin. (Informal.)
I’m ready to start anytime you say the word.
scare someone stiff
to scare someone severely; to make someone very frightened.
That loud noise scared me stiff.
scrape the bottom of the barrel
to select from among the worst; to choose from what is left over.
You’ve bought a dreadful old car. You really scraped the bottom of the barrel to get that one.
scratch someone’s back
to do a favour for someone in return for a favour done for you. (Informal.)
You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.
scratch the surface
just to begin to find out about something; to examine only the superficial aspects of something.
The investigation of the firm’s books showed some inaccuracies. It is thought that the investigators have just scratched the surface.
screw up one’s courage
to get one’s courage together; to force oneself to be brave.
I suppose I have to screw up my courage and go to the dentist.
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.
