Learning English Idioms
An idiom is an expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal meanings of its words. For example, "to kick the bucket" does not mean what it says; it is an idiom that means to die.The list of idioms below is envisaged for teaching advanced students. The idioms were selected specifically for their wit, making them a fun way to widen discussion topics. Remember that many idioms – especially funny ones – are culturally specific, and this makes them particularly useful for learning a new language, which is always more enjoyable when you absorb the culture as well as the vocabulary and grammar.
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More Helpful Lists of Idioms
We also have lists of common English idioms (for learners), clever idioms (for advanced students), and sarcastic idioms (for advanced students).
50 Funny English Idioms
- handbags at dawn
- quiche eater
- badge bunny
- marry the ketchup
- beer goggles
- knuckle dragger
- beer muscles
- knuckle sandwich
- five finger discount
- idiot mittens
- raccoon eyes
- it's five o'clock somewhere
- may the Force be without you
- bankers' (not bakers!) dozen
- don't drop the soap
- shots fired
- pardon my French
- outpope the Pope
- farmers' tan
- age before beauty
- fall off the back of a lorry
- all mouth and no trousers
- elbow grease
- babe magnet
- go commando
- everything but the kitchen sink
- drive the porcelain bus
- have more chins than a Chinese phone book
- have more money than God
- match made in hell
- reverse Midas touch
- show someone ones etchings
- rose coloured glasses
- second Tuesday of the week
- Sunday driver
- stick to ones knitting
- the handbags come out
- the cats pajamas
- the whole world and his dog
- poop factory
- love goggles
- first loser
- golf widow
- family jewels
- answer on a postcard
- chrome dome
- circular file
- rubber chicken
- rocking horse sh#t
- put lipstick on a pig
Find More Idioms
Here at English-grammar-lessons.co.uk, we have entries for more than 10,000 English idioms, which we have listed alphabetically.A Quick Test
Are you good at English idioms? Let's see!
- This test has questions.
- A correct answer is worth 5 points.
- You can get up to 5 bonus points for a speedy answer.
- Some questions demand more than one answer. You must get every part right.
- Beware! Wrong answers score 0 points.
- 🏆 If you beat one of the top 10 scores, you will be invited to apply for the Hall of Fame.
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