Learning English Idioms
An idiom is an expression that does not convey the literal meanings of its words. In other words, an idiom does not mean exactly what it says. For example, if someone is "barking up the wrong tree," they aren't yelling at a tree; the expression is an idiom meaning taking the wrong course of action.The list of idioms below has been selected for teaching advanced students. These idioms contain sarcasm, irony, or wit, making them a fun way to widen discussion topics. For advanced students, understanding and using these idioms can be an enjoyable challenge and a testament to their grasp of the language. Remember that lots of idioms – especially "clever" or witty ones like these – are culturally specific, making them particularly useful for learning a new language. Language study is always more fun when you learn the culture alongside 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 funny idioms (for advanced students).50 Sarcastic English Idioms
- make a better door than a window
- charity mugger
- back of the envelope
- bankers dozen
- bench jockey
- benevolent overlord
- blame Canada
- burn that bridge when one comes to it
- don't give up your day job
- chesterfield rugby
- don't let the door hit you on the way out
- close but no cigar
- close enough for government work
- close the stable door after the horse has bolted
- foot in mouth disease
- prawn cocktail offensive
- from the East German judge
- Chinese compliment
- corporation pop
- crocodile tear
- Does the Pope wear a funny hat?
- dry ones eyes
- Dutch courage
- dummy spit
- economical with the truth
- few cards shy of a full deck
- few sandwiches short of a picnic
- feed the dragon
- fill someone's shoes
- French leave
- forget to take ones medication this morning
- from the Department of the Bleeding Obvious
- ghetto lottery
- Golden Handcuffs
- Great Unwashed
- I have a bridge to sell you
- jam tomorrow
- judge, jury, and executioner
- left handed compliment
- magic asterisk
- Monday morning quarterback
- Mexican breakfast
- necktie party
- on the wrong side of history
- painting rocks
- poor little rich girl
- rainbows and unicorns
- rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic
- ride the pine
- talk a good game
- seagull approach
- trouble in paradise
- true stripes
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.
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