Idioms and Their Meanings

Whether you are a professional writer, teacher or a student we often come across idioms without their meanings! This is what makes the structure of the idiom seem funny and irrelevant, at times. However, every idiom in the English language has a story, observation or an incident preceding it. Using idioms in writings, speeches and in daily conversations has become an artistic style of communicating. An idiom is a structured expression and with a fixed meaning, irrespective of the meanings of the words in it. Here's a list of idioms and their meanings for kids and for all of you who are as keen as a mustard to know more about idioms.

Idioms and Their Meanings and Origins

Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Meaning: You love a person more when they are away.
Origin: This line was first read in Davison's 'Poetical Rhapsody' in 1602.

Et tu, Brutus?
Meaning: Apparently the last words of Julius Caesar.
Origin: There is no documented evidence that these were the last words of Caesar. William Shakespeare used these words in his famous play 'Julius Caesar'. Caesar said these words as he saw his best friend Brutus approach to kill him.

Brand spanking new
Meaning: A new or unused object.
Origin: This idiom originates from doctors spanking a new born baby to make it cry to start breathing.

Break a leg
Meaning: To wish good luck.
Origin: This idiom has its origins in a superstition about believing in Sprites. Sprites are the spirits of ghosts, who were known to create a havoc. Thus asking someone to 'break a leg' meant fighting the spirits.

Cat bird seat
Meaning: To be a vantage point.
Origin: Mocking birds are known as cat birds who usually sit on the tree top to get a broad view.

Chew the fat
Meaning: To talk about unimportant things.
Origin: The Eskimos were known to chew the pieces of whale blubber, which were like the chewing gum. They could pass time by chew the fat while doing something else.

Clear as bell
Meaning: To be understood clearly.
Origin: The bells, like the ones used in churches have a loud and clear sound which can be heard over a great distance. Thus the idiom originates from the clear and single note sound of the church bell.

Cold Turkey
Meaning: To quit something abruptly and experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
Origin: When one quits something abruptly, the skin resembles the pale blue color of a dead turkey.

Idioms and Their Meanings with Examples

Blessing in disguise
Meaning: Something good which isn't recognized in the first instant.
Example: Getting out of the place was a blessing in disguise for me.

A doubting Thomas
Meaning: A skeptic person who needs a tangible evidence to believe.
Example: My boss is a doubting Thomas, there is no point trying to convince him.

A dime a dozen
Meaning: Something that is available in plenty and commonly.
Example: Such bags are available dime a dozen on Fashion Street.

A leopard can't change his spots
Meaning: You can't change who you are.
Example: It's true a leopard can't change his spots, but he sure can change his strategy.

A piece of cake
Meaning: An easy thing to do.
Example: Getting a scholarship was a piece of cake for Frieda.

Against the clock
Meaning: A hectic dash or running against time.
Example: Finishing the paper was a race against the clock.

Cry wolf
Meaning: To intentionally give a false alarm.
Example: "Stop crying wolf, or else no one will come to your help in case of need."

Devil's advocate
Meaning: Someone who takes a position in an argument without knowing the truth. Or someone who counters the argument without believing in it.
Example: He is just playing devil's advocate. Don't fall for the trap.

These were some of idioms and their meanings which are frequently used by us. Read more on origin of phrases. A few words can make your language seem enhanced and covey exactly what you have to. Well, idioms, express more than words. So, use these expressions to communicate more effectively.