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.
in seventh heaven
in a very happy state.
Ann was really in seventh heaven when she got a car of her own.
in stock
readily available, as with goods in a shop.
I’m sorry, I don’t have that in stock. I’ll have to order it for you.
in the air
everywhere; all about. (Also used literally.)
There is such a feeling of joy in the air.
in the altogether and in the buff; in the raw; in one’s birth-day suit
naked; nude. (Informal.)
We often went swimming in the altogether down at the lake.
in the balance
in an undecided state.
He is waiting for the operation. His life is in the balance.
in the best of health
very healthy.
Bill is in the best of health. He eats well and exercises.
in the blood and in one’s blood
built into one’s personality or character.
John’s a great runner. It’s in his blood.
in the dark (about someone or something)
uninformed about someone or something; ignorant about someone or something.
I’m in the dark about who is in charge around here.
in the doghouse
in trouble; in (someone’s) disfavour. (Informal.)
I’m really in the doghouse. I was late for an appointment.
in the doldrums
sluggish; inactive; in low spirits.
He’s usually in the doldrums in the winter.
in the family
restricted to one’s own family, as with private or embarrassing information. (Especially with keep. )
Don’t tell anyone else about the bankruptcy. Please keep it in the family.
in the family way
pregnant. (Informal.)
I’ve heard that Mrs. Smith is in the family way.
in the flesh
really present; in person.
I’ve heard that the Queen will be here in the flesh.
in the lap of luxury
in luxurious surroundings.
John lives in the lap of luxury because his family is very wealthy.
in the light of something
because of certain knowledge; considering something. (As if knowledge or information shed light on something.)
In the light of what you have told us, I think we must abandon the project.
in the limelight
at the centre of attention. ( In can be replaced with into. See comment at in a jam and the examples below. Limelight is an obsolete form of spotlight, and the word occurs only in this phrase.)
John will do almost anything to get himself into the limelight.
in the line of duty
as part of one’s expected (military, police, or other) duties.
When soldiers fight people in a war, it’s in the line of duty.
in the long run
over a long period of time; ultimately.
We’d be better off in the long run buying a car instead of hiring one.
in the market (for something)
wanting to buy something.
I’m in the market for a video recorder.
in the middle of nowhere
in a very remote place. (Informal. In can be replaced with into. See comment at in a jam and the examples below.)
We found a nice place to eat, but it’s out in the middle of nowhere.
in the money
wealthy. (Informal.)
John is really in the money. He’s worth millions.
in the near future
in the time immediately ahead.
I don’t plan to go to Florida in the near future.
in the nick of time
just in time; at the last possible instant; just before it is too late.
The doctor arrived in the nick of time. The patient’s life was saved.
in the offing
happening at some time in the future.
There is a big investigation in the offing, but I don’t know when.
in the pink (of condition) and in the peak of condition
in very good health; in very good condition, physically and emotionally. (Informal. In can be replaced with into. See comment at in a jam and the examples below.)
The garden is lovely. All the flowers are in the pink of condition.
in the public eye
publicly; visible to all; conspicuous. ( In can be replaced with into. See comment at in a jam and the examples below.)
Elected officials find themselves constantly in the public eye.
in the same boat
in the same situation; having the same problem.
“I’m broke. Can you lend me twenty pounds?” “Sorry. I’m in the same boat.”
in the same breath
[stated or said] almost at the same time.
He told me I was lazy, but then in the same breath he said I was doing a good job of work.
in the soup
in a bad situation. (Informal.)
Now I’m really in the soup. I broke Mrs. Franklin’s window.
in the swim (of things)
fully involved in or participating in events or happenings. (The in can be replaced with into. See the explanation at in a jam and the examples below.)
I’ve been ill, but soon I’ll be back in the swim of things.
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.
