10 English Idioms That Everyone Should Know

English idioms lend a layer of colour and expressiveness to the language, providing a unique and often metaphorical way to convey ideas. These idiomatic expressions have become an integral part of everyday communication, enriching conversations and making language more vivid. In this article, Cafe Converse Delhi’s Top Online Spoken English Institute shares 10 essential English idioms that everyone should know.

1. “Bite the bullet“: To “bite the bullet” means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and resilience. This idiom has its origins in historical medical practices when soldiers would bite on a bullet during surgery to endure the pain without making noise.
2. “Break the ice”: When you “break the ice,” you initiate a conversation in a social setting to alleviate tension or awkwardness. The metaphor comes from the idea of breaking through the metaphorical ‘ice’ that exists in initial interactions.
3. “Hit the nail on the head”: To “hit the nail on the head” is to describe someone who has accurately identified the main issue or point in a situation. This idiom likens hitting a nail on the head with a hammer to pinpointing the crux of a matter.
4. “Cost an arm and a leg”: If something “costs an arm and a leg,” it is extremely expensive. This vivid idiom implies that the price is so high that it feels like one is parting with a substantial part of their body.
5. “Spill the beans”: To “spill the beans” means to disclose a secret or reveal confidential information. The origins of this idiom are uncertain, but it is thought to relate to an ancient Greek voting system where black or white beans were used to cast votes secretly.
6. “Burn the midnight oil”: When someone is “burning the midnight oil,” they are working