Common everyday idioms
An idiom is a phrase or expression that generally has a non-literal meaning, which cannot be directly understood by reading each word. For example, if you are very happy because you passed the speaking test, you might say: "I was over the moon when I saw my results". This phrase's idiomatic meaning is about happiness, not something related to looking at the moon in the sky. As a language learner, you have to learn how to use them correctly, so they don't sound unnatural. I will pick out a few that are used commonly in everyday conversations.
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Colorful idioms
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Meaning
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Example
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Out of the blue
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Something that happened unexpectedly
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Yesterday, out of the blue, he asked me to marry him!
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Green with envy
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To be jealous/envious
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She was green with envy when she saw my diamond ring
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Give someone the green light
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To give permission
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I was given the green light to start this new project
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A white lie
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To tell a lie that is not very serious
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I don't think you should get in trouble for telling a white lie
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In the red
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To owe money, to not have money
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. Sorry, I can't afford it, I'm in the red.
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Student idioms
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Meaning
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Example
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Day and night
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Continually working without stopping
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I was studying day and night for my IELTS test.
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Pass with flying colours
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To pass a test with a high grade
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I really hope I pass with flying colors.
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Drop out
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To leave without finishing
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She dropped out of the course because it was too hard.
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