Popular English Idioms

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33. COMFORT FOOD: food that makes you feel better, because it reminds you of your childhood

• After a tiring day, it’s so nice to make some comfort food and settle down with a good book.

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34. SKELETON CREW: the minimum number of people needed to keep a service/office operating

• Can you come back after the holidays? We’re operating with a skeleton crew at the moment.

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35. LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY: to let something happen, no matter what happens next

• I must tell John how I feel about him, let the chips fall where they may.

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36. NO-BRAINER: an easy decision

• Do you think I should propose to Judy?
• Come on, it’s a no-brainer. She’s such a fantastic woman!

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37. A STONE’S THROW: very near

• The hotel was a stone’s throw from the beach. I loved it.

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38. HEAR ON THE GRAPEVINE: to hear a rumour or unconfirmed story

• I heard on the grapevine that Charlie and Sarah are dating at the moment.

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39. SIT ON THE FENCE: to stay neutral and not take sides

• Well don’t you think I’m right, he’s been acting differently hasn’t he?
• I’m sitting on the fence with this one, you’re both my good friends.

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shouldn’t be tarred with the same brush

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40. TAKE WHAT SOMEONE SAYS WITH A PINCH OF SALT: regard something as exaggerated, or only believe a part of something

• Did you hear what Tina said happened in the office yesterday?
• Oh, I would take anything she says with a pinch of salt.

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41. FREAK OUT: to become very angry, scared or excited

• Mum, don’t freak out! I married a guy in Las Vegas.

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42. BE A CATCH: be someone worth marrying/having

• John is taking me out tonight. He’s such a catch, I hope he’ll propose.

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43. PIECE OF CAKE: when something is extremely easy to do

• Do you think you could beat him in a race?
• Yeah, piece of cake. I’m definitely a lot faster than him.

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44. HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD: used if something someone says, is precisely correct

• My doctor hit the nail on the head. He knew exactly what was wrong with me!

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45. COSTS AN ARM AND A LEG: when something is very expensive

• My son wants that mountain bike for his birthday, but it’ll cost an arm and a leg!

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46. HIT THE BOOKS: to study very hard

• Do you want to go for lunch somewhere nice?
• No thanks, I’m going to hit the books. I have an exam coming up soon.