An idiom is a word or phrase that is not meant to be taken literally.
For example, if you say someone has “cold feet”, it doesn’t mean their feet are actually cold. Rather, it means that they are nervous or scared or fearful about something.
If someone says they are feeling “under the weather”, it has nothing to do with the weather. It means the person is feeling unwell or somewhat ill.
Here are some common idioms along with their meanings. Can you use these in sentences of your own?
| Idiom | Definition or Synonym |
| Above board | Honest, open, trustworthy |
| Ad lib | Improvise, make up on the spot, interpolate |
| After all | Inspite of the situation, nevertheless, despite everything |
| Against the grain | Contrary or opposite to one’s feelings, beliefs, principles |
| All along | All the time |
| All ears | Eager to listen |
| All of a sudden | Happen without warning, very quickly and unexpectedly, come as a surprise |
| All thumbs | Clumsy, awkward, not coordinated |
| Apple of one’s eye | Someone who is very dear, precious, much loved, a favourite |
| Apple of discord | Object or subject that leads to quarreling, fighting, argument, envy, jealousy |
| As a rule | Generally, usually |
| As far as I know | If I have the correct information, based on the information or knowledge I possess at this moment |
| As far as I am concerned | In my opinion, this is what I think |
| As for me / As to me | In my opinion, this is what I think |
| As well | Also, too, in addition |
| At first sight | At once, at the first look or glance, from the very beginning |
| At odds with | In disagreement with |
| At random | Unplanned, accidentally, without forethought |