Bite the bullet - Ex: I didn’t want to go to the dentist, but I had to bite the bullet and get it done.
Meaning: To endure a difficult situation bravely.
Better late than never Ex.: I’m sorry I’m late to the party, but better late than never!
It’s better to do something late than not do it at all.
Once in a blue moon Ex.: I only see my cousin once in a blue moon since she lives so far away.
Very rarely.
Cut to the chase Ex.: I don’t have much time, so let’s cut to the chase. What’s the main issue?
To get to the main point without wasting time.
Get a taste of your own medicine Ex.: When she was late for the meeting, she got a taste of her own medicine.
To experience the same bad treatment you have given to others.
Put all your eggs in one basket Ex.: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. It’s better to have multiple plans.
To risk everything on one plan or idea.
Cry over spilled milk Ex.: There’s no use crying over spilled milk. Let’s just focus on fixing the problem.
To waste time worrying about something that has already happened.
Let the cat out of the bag Ex.: I didn’t mean to let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
To reveal a secret accidentally.
In the same boat Ex.: We’re all in the same boat with this project. We need to work together to finish it.
In the same difficult situation as others.
Break a leg Ex.: You have a big performance tonight? Break a leg!
Good luck!
Raining cats and dogs Ex.: We had to cancel our picnic because it was raining cats and dogs.
Raining very heavily.
Under the weather Ex.: I’m not going to work today because I’m feeling a bit under the weather.
Feeling sick or unwell.
Hit the sack Ex.: I’m so tired. I think I’ll hit the sack early tonight.
To go to bed.
In hot water Ex.: I’m in hot water because I forgot my sister’s birthday.
In trouble.
Wipe the slate clean Ex.: After the argument, we decided to wipe the slate clean and start fresh.
To start over and forget past problems.
A blessing in disguise - Ex: Losing my job was a blessing in disguise because it pushed me to start my own business.
Meaning: Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.
Pull someone’s leg Ex.: Are you pulling my leg, or is it really going to snow tomorrow?
To tease or joke with someone.
Throw in the towel Ex.: After trying for months, I had to throw in the towel and admit that the project wasn’t working.
To give up.
Call it a day - Ex.: We’ve been working for hours. Let’s call it a day and finish this tomorrow.
To stop working for the day.
Break the ice - Ex: To break the ice at the party, I started with a few jokes.
To make people feel more comfortable in a new situation.
You can say that again Ex.: “That movie was amazing!” “You can say that again!”
To agree strongly with what someone said.
Read between the lines Ex.: You have to read between the lines to see that she’s not happy with the decision.
To understand something that isn’t said directly.
Take it with a grain of salt Ex.: She said she would come, but I’ll take it with a grain of salt because she often changes her mind.
To not take something too seriously.
The ball is in your court Ex.: I’ve done all I can to help. Now the ball is in your court.
It’s up to you to make the next decision or move.
Piece of cake Ex.: The test was a piece of cake; I finished it in no time.
Something very easy to do.
By the book - Ex.: She always does everything by the book, so her reports are always perfect.
To do things exactly as the rules say.
Up in the air Ex.: Our vacation plans are still up in the air because we haven’t decided where to go.
Uncertain or not decided yet.
Miss the boat Ex.: I missed the boat on the sale because I waited too long to buy the item.
To miss an opportunity.
Speak of the devil Ex.: We were just talking about Jane, and there she is! Speak of the devil.
When the person you are talking about appears.