Idiom - Examples of Idioms

English is a funny language and when it comes to idioms, it sounds even more hilarious. This is because idioms are defined as expressions of two or more words, which mean something other than the literal meanings of its individual words. Many people think as English in itself is a difficult language to understand, the idioms in it make it even more difficult. But I think, idioms definitely save the effort put into explaining an entire situation in a matter of a few words. There are many idiom examples used not very often today, but can be put to use when you're out of words. Listed below are such witty examples of idioms which you can use in sentences as and when required.

Examples of Idioms and Their Meanings

If you're wondering what are examples of idioms, you can read on to get a better idea about what they are and how to use them in sentences. The following idiom examples are given with their meanings and uses. Read more on idioms and their meanings.

Examples of Idioms for Kids
It's an easy job to teach kids how and when to use idioms in English, as they love to learn new things. But you should make sure they use it in the right context or it will simply be an English blunder, hence take a look.

• "The fat's in the fire" - The damage is already done.
• "A flash in the pan" - Something that looks like it will be a big success, but does not work out.
• "Hat trick" - Scoring consecutively three times in a game.
• "In a pickle" - In an awkward or embarrassing situation.
• "The nick of time" - Just before time is up.
• "Pull the wool over someone's eyes" - Trick or deceive.
• "Bite off more than you can chew" - Take on more than one can handle.
• "Fill someone's shoes" - Take someone else's place.
• "The buck stops here." - Taking responsibility for something, instead of blaming someone else.
• "Strike someone funny" - To seem funny to someone.

Examples of Idioms in Literature
Literature and prose are also very well-known for the uses of idioms. Many authors find it simpler to explain particular situations through idioms and phrases. Some such examples of idioms are explained in the following paragraph, read on!

• "Her bark is worse than her bite" - Someone's words are worse than their action.
• "Bet on the wrong horse" - Misread the future.
• "Bull in a china shop" - A person with no tact who upsets others or upsets plans.
• "Cat gets one's tongue" - Can't speak because of shyness.
• "Every dog has his day" - Everyone will have his chance or turn; everyone will get what he deserves.
• "Get on one's high horse" - Behave with arrogance.
• "Hit the bull's eye" - Reach the main point.
• "Lead a dog's life" - Work hard and be treated unkindly.
• "Live high on the hog" - Have the best of everything.
• "Monkey business" - Unethical or bad activity, mischief.

Examples of Idioms in Poetry
There are a few examples of idioms in poetry as well and can be used within rhymes or have rhyming words in themselves. Take a brief look at such idiom examples mentioned below. More on writing poetry.

• "A friend in need is a friend indeed" - Self-explanatory
• "A herd of elephants" - Noisy, unsubtle, obvious. Something which is impossible to overlook.
• "A picture paints a thousand words" - Used to show the value of the obvious.
• "A world of their own" - Insular, not connected to the reality of others.
• "A rolling stone gathers no moss" - Something in motion doesn't stagnate or collect problems.
• "A stitch in time saves nine" - Doing something beforehand, saves having to do much more work later.
• "All bark and no bite" - A person who talks far more aggressively than they act.
• "Curiosity killed the cat" - This idiom means that inquiring into things can be dangerous.
• "Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise" - Traditional moral saying meaning good practices benefit your life.
• "Finding your feet" - To gain confidence in what you're doing.

With those idiom examples, I am sure you know how and when to use them in English. The next time you come across these idioms or find the need to use them, keep in mind their meanings and make sure you use them in right contexts.