An idiom means something its words do not: a piece of cake is not about cake, and out of the blue has nothing to do with colour. These are the ones you will actually hear, each marked with the level at which you are likely to meet it, with its meaning and example sentences.
About the levels: Recommended learner level (estimate from two models + word-level floor), not an official CEFR grading.
Learn the whole phrase, not the key word. Idioms are fixed: it is a piece of cake, never a slice of cake, and changing one word makes it sound wrong even when the meaning is clear.
Check the label before you use one. Idioms marked informal, such as a piece of cake, are fine with friends and sound out of place in a work email or an exam essay.
Start with the A2 and B1 idioms. They come up in everyday conversation and TV, so you will hear each one again soon after you learn it, which is what makes it stick.
it is not surprising that something is the case (B2)
Pattern: (It is) small wonder (that) + clause
Wrong: It is a small wonder that she is tired after working all night. Right: It is small wonder that she is tired after working all night. The phrase 'small wonder' is uncountable in this idiom and must not be used with the indefinite article 'a'.
Do not use 'a' before 'small wonder'; it is always 'small wonder', not 'a small wonder'.
very near in distance; only a short walk away (A2)
Pattern: subject + be + (just) around the corner
Do not confuse this physical meaning with the temporal meaning, which means 'happening very soon'.
a complete disaster or a terrible situation (usually used in the negative to comfort someone) (B1, informal)
Pattern: subject + be + (not) + the end of the world
Wrong: If we miss the bus, it is not the end of earth. Right: If we miss the bus, it is not the end of the world. The idiom strictly uses the word 'world' with the definite article 'the', not 'earth'.
It is most commonly used in the negative form 'it's not the end of the world' rather than positive statements.
something wonderful that you have wanted for a long time and that has finally happened (B1)
Pattern: subject + be + a dream come true
Wrong: Buying this house was a dream came true. Right: Buying this house was a dream come true. The phrase is a fixed idiom using the past participle 'come'. You cannot change it to the past tense 'came' even if the main verb of the sentence is in the past.
Always use 'come' (past participle), never 'came' or 'comes' in this specific phrase, even when talking about the past.
a new beginning that allows you to forget past problems, mistakes, or bad situations (B1)
Pattern: subject + have / get / make / want + a fresh start
Wrong: After I lost my job, I decided to do fresh start. Right: After I lost my job, I decided to make a fresh start. We use the verb 'make' (or 'get'/'have') with 'fresh start', and because it is a countable noun, it needs the article 'a'.
It is a countable noun phrase, so you almost always need an article like 'a' or a possessive like 'my' before it.
something that is certain to happen in the future, even if we do not know exactly when (B1)
Pattern: It is + (only) a matter of time + before / until + clause
Wrong: It is only the matter of time before they find out. Right: It is only a matter of time before they find out. We use the indefinite article 'a' in this idiom, not the definite article 'the'.
It is almost always used with the indefinite article as 'a matter of time' or 'only a matter of time'.
something that is very easy to do (B1, informal)
Pattern: subject + be + a piece of cake
Wrong: The driving exam was piece of cake. Right: The driving exam was a piece of cake. You must always use the indefinite article 'a' before 'piece of cake'.
Do not use this in formal writing or professional reports; use 'easy' or 'straightforward' instead.
something that is very easy, pleasant, or simple to do (B1, informal)
Pattern: subject + be + (not) + a walk in the park
Wrong: For me, learning English is a walk through the park. Right: For me, learning English is a walk in the park. The idiom strictly uses the preposition 'in' and the article 'a', not 'through'.
Be careful not to confuse this figurative meaning with actually walking in a park for exercise.
in many different places, often in a messy or disorganized way (B1, informal)
Pattern: subject + be/have + all over the place
Wrong: There were people all over the place in the street. Right: There were people everywhere in the street. While grammatically correct, 'all over the place' usually implies a messy, chaotic, or disorganized distribution, rather than just a crowd of people.
Avoid using this in formal academic writing or professional reports; use 'scattered' or 'disorganized' instead.
not organized, changing too much, or lacking a clear pattern (B2, informal)
Pattern: subject + be + all over the place
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with the literal meaning of being physically scattered in many different locations.
used to show that you strongly agree with what someone just said (C1, informal)
Pattern: used alone as a exclamation or at the end of a sentence after a statement
Wrong: Did you like the movie? Yes, and how. Right: Did you like the movie? And how! This phrase is an exclamation of strong agreement and should not be preceded by 'yes' in the same breath, as it already contains the full affirmative meaning.
Do not use this in formal writing or professional contexts, as it is very casual and slightly old-fashioned.
happening very soon; imminent (B1)
Pattern: subject + be + around the corner
Be careful not to confuse this temporal meaning with the literal physical meaning of being nearby in space.
in a situation where it could be lost or damaged if things go wrong (B2)
Pattern: something important + be + at stake
Wrong: There are many lives at the stake in this war. Right: There are many lives at stake in this war. The idiom is always 'at stake' without the definite article 'the'.
This phrase is used after a noun or after the verb 'to be', and it does not take a direct object.
the latest possible time before something happens, when it is almost too late (B1)
Pattern: subject + verb + at the last minute
Wrong: She changed her mind in the last minute. Right: She changed her mind at the last minute. In English, we use the preposition 'at' with 'the last minute', not 'in'.
Always use the preposition 'at' (at the last minute) when describing when something happens, not 'in'.
confused, lost, or unable to decide what to do in a situation (C1)
Pattern: subject + be + at sea (+ with/about + noun)
Wrong: I am at the sea with this new computer program. Right: I am at sea with this new computer program. The idiom meaning 'confused' is always 'at sea' without the definite article 'the'.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with the literal 'at sea' (on a ship in the ocean).
to be generally accepted and likely to continue existing for a long time (B1)
Pattern: subject + be + here to stay
Wrong: I think that electric cars will stay here. Right: I think that electric cars are here to stay. Using 'stay here' sounds like the cars are physically parked in a specific location, rather than meaning the technology is permanent.
This phrase is almost always used with the verb 'to be' (e.g., 'is here to stay', 'are here to stay').
to be very surprised, shocked, or confused by something unexpected (B2)
Pattern: subject + be (am/is/are/was/were) + taken aback + by + noun/gerund
Wrong: His sudden anger took me aback. Right: I was taken aback by his sudden anger. While the active form is grammatically possible, native speakers almost exclusively use this idiom in the passive voice ('be taken aback').
This phrase is almost always used in the passive voice ('be taken aback') and rarely in the active voice.
facing a difficult obstacle, problem, or opponent that you must deal with (B2)
Pattern: subject + be + up against + noun/pronoun
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with physically leaning or pressing against a wall or object.
doing something secret, dishonest, or mischievous (B1, informal)
Pattern: subject + be + up to + something/noun
Wrong: I think my brother is up to some mischiefs. Right: I think my brother is up to something. The idiom is fixed as 'up to something' or 'up to no good'. You cannot easily replace 'something' with other plural nouns like 'mischiefs'.
Do not confuse this with 'up to something' meaning 'reaching a certain limit or number'.
to avoid talking about the most important thing directly, often because it is difficult or unpleasant (B2, informal)
Pattern: subject + beat around the bush (often used in the negative: 'don't beat around the bush')
Wrong: Please don't beat the bush and tell me the truth. Right: Please don't beat around the bush and tell me the truth. The preposition 'around' (or 'about' in British English) is a mandatory part of this idiom; you cannot omit it.
This is an informal idiom, so avoid using it in formal academic writing or highly professional business reports.
in prison or jail (B1)
Pattern: subject + be / spend time / put someone + behind bars
Wrong: The dangerous criminal is now in the bars. Right: The dangerous criminal is now behind bars. We use the preposition 'behind' with 'bars' to mean in prison, not 'in'.
Do not use this to mean literally standing behind a drinking bar in a pub or restaurant.
to suddenly start crying, especially because of strong emotions like sadness, anger, or relief (B1)
Pattern: subject + burst into tears
Wrong: When he lost the game, he burst in tears. Right: When he lost the game, he burst into tears. The correct idiom always uses the preposition 'into', not 'in'.
Do not change the preposition 'into' to 'in' or 'to'.
to suddenly start laughing in a loud and uncontrolled way (B1)
Pattern: subject + burst out laughing
Wrong: The clown was so funny that I burst to laugh. Right: The clown was so funny that I burst out laughing. The correct idiomatic phrase is 'burst out laughing' (using the -ing form), not 'burst to laugh'.
Do not use 'to' after this phrase; if you want to add an action, use the -ing form (e.g., 'burst out crying').
to be useful or helpful in a particular situation (B1, informal)
Pattern: subject (object/skill) + come in handy
Wrong: This map will come in handy for me. Right: This map will come in handy. We do not usually add 'for me' or 'to me' after this phrase; the context already makes it clear who benefits.
Avoid using this in formal academic writing or professional business reports; use 'be useful' or 'be beneficial' instead.
to actually happen, especially when talking about a dream, wish, or hope (A2)
Pattern: subject (dream/wish/hope) + come true
Wrong: My plan to buy a new car came true yesterday. Right: My plan to buy a new car became a reality yesterday. We use 'come true' for dreams, wishes, and predictions, not for planned, practical decisions.
This phrase is almost always used with subjects like 'dream', 'wish', 'hope', or 'nightmare', not with general plans.
a very large amount of money; a price that is much too high (B1, informal)
Pattern: subject + cost/pay/charge + an arm and a leg
Wrong: The new car costed me an arm and a leg. Right: The new car cost me an arm and a leg. The past tense of the verb 'cost' is 'cost', not 'costed'.
Do not use this in formal business reports or academic writing; use 'expensive' or 'exorbitant' instead.
in your true, innermost feelings, even if you do not show it to other people (B1)
Pattern: subject + verb + deep down / deep down + subject + verb
Wrong: I felt very sad deep down my heart. Right: I felt very sad deep down. The idiom 'deep down' is used on its own as an adverbial phrase; you do not need to add 'my heart' or 'myself' after it.
Do not use this to describe physical depth, such as being deep down in a cave or a well.
anything that is necessary to achieve a goal, even if it is difficult, extreme, or dishonest (B2)
Pattern: subject + verb (usually 'do' or 'will do') + whatever it takes + (to do something)
Be careful using this in professional contexts, as it can sometimes imply you are willing to break rules or act unethically.
in the future, or at a later stage of a process (B1)
Pattern: subject + verb + down the road
Wrong: I will finish my university studies down the road. Right: I will finish my university studies in the future. 'Down the road' is used for indefinite future points or consequences of current actions, not for specific, planned life events.
Be careful not to confuse this figurative meaning with the literal physical direction of traveling down a street.
bored, annoyed, or disappointed because something unpleasant has continued for too long (B1, informal)
Pattern: subject + be/get + fed up + with + noun/gerund
Wrong: I am fed up of my job. Right: I am fed up with my job. In English, we say 'fed up with' something, not 'fed up of' or 'fed up from'.
Always use the preposition 'with' after 'fed up', never 'from' or 'of'.
doing something different from what you usually do, often because it is nice or interesting (B1)
Pattern: subject + verb + (object) + for a change
Wrong: We decided to go to the cinema for the change. Right: We decided to go to the cinema for a change. The phrase is fixed with the indefinite article 'a'. You cannot use 'the change'.
It is almost always placed at the very end of a sentence or clause.
from the very beginning, using basic ingredients or raw materials rather than pre-made things (B1)
Pattern: subject + verb + noun + from scratch
Wrong: I made this cake from the scratch. Right: I made this cake from scratch. The idiom is always 'from scratch' without the definite article 'the'.
It has nothing to do with physical scratching or itching.
to become so excited or emotional about something that you lose control of your behavior (B1)
Pattern: subject + get/be + carried away + (by/with + noun)
It is almost always used with the verb 'get' (get carried away) or 'be' (be carried away).
to hurt or cause trouble for someone who has done something bad to you first (B1, informal)
Pattern: subject + get even + (with + someone)
Wrong: He stole my bike and now I want to make even with him. Right: He stole my bike and now I want to get even with him. The correct verb in this idiom is 'get', not 'make'.
This is an informal phrase; do not use it in formal legal contexts or professional business writing.
to finally achieve success or reach a goal after a lot of effort and time (B1, informal)
Pattern: subject + be getting there OR subject + will get there
Wrong: I have been studying English for years and I finally got there to speak fluently. Right: I have been studying English for years and I'm finally getting there with my fluency. The idiom 'get there' is not followed by an infinitive verb; it is usually used alone or with 'with + noun'.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with the literal physical movement of arriving at a place.
to punish, scold, or speak very angrily to someone because they did something wrong (C1, informal)
Pattern: subject + give + object (person) + what for
Wrong: My teacher gave me a what for because I forgot my homework. Right: My teacher gave me what for because I forgot my homework. Do not use an article ('a') before 'what for' because it is not a standard countable noun.
This idiom is almost always used with the verb 'give' (e.g., 'give him what for') and cannot be used as a standalone noun phrase.
using all your energy, strength, or resources to achieve something (B2)
Pattern: subject + go + all out + (for something / to do something)
Wrong: We must make all out to finish the project on time. Right: We must go all out to finish the project on time. 'All out' is not a verb itself; you need to use it with a verb like 'go' or use it as an adjective (an all-out effort).
It is most commonly used after the verb 'go' (go all out), rather than on its own as an adverb.
to make a maximum effort and use all your energy or resources without worrying about the risks (B2, informal)
Pattern: subject + go all out + (for something / to do something)
Wrong: We must go all out of to finish the project on time. Right: We must go all out to finish the project on time. The phrase is 'go all out to [do something]', you do not need the preposition 'of'.
It is most commonly used with the verb 'go' (go all out) or as an adjective before a noun (an all-out effort).
to disappear completely or stop being used because a situation has suddenly changed (B2, informal)
Pattern: subject (plan/rule/diet) + go + out the window
Wrong: When the crisis started, all our budget went out of the window. Right: When the crisis started, all our budget went out the window. In American English, the preposition 'of' is usually omitted in this idiom, making 'out the window' the most common and natural form.
Be careful not to confuse this figurative meaning with literally throwing an object out of a physical window.
to completely disappear, stop existing, or no longer be used (such as a plan, rule, or quality) (B2, informal)
Pattern: subject (plan/rule/diet) + go + out the window
Wrong: When the crisis started, all safety rules went out of the window. Right: When the crisis started, all safety rules went out the window. In this idiom, we do not use the preposition 'of' before 'the window' in standard American English, though it is sometimes heard in British English; 'out the window' is the most common and natural form.
Be careful not to confuse this figurative meaning with physically throwing something out of a physical window.
to do or say something that is not acceptable and makes people angry or upset (B1)
Pattern: subject + go too far
Wrong: His rude comments went too much far. Right: His rude comments went too far. We use the adverb 'too' directly with 'far' to mean 'příliš daleko'. Adding 'much' is grammatically incorrect.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with the physical action of traveling too great a distance.
to show mercy, kindness, or sympathy to someone, especially when they are in a difficult situation (B2, informal)
Pattern: Have a heart! / subject + have a heart
Wrong: Please, have the heart and help me with this heavy box. Right: Please, have a heart and help me with this heavy box. The idiom always uses the indefinite article 'a' ('have a heart'), not the definite article 'the'.
This phrase is most commonly used in the imperative form ('Have a heart!') to ask for mercy directly.
to talk to someone privately, especially to complain, give advice, or warn them about something (B1)
Pattern: subject + have a word + with + someone + (about something)
Wrong: I need to have a word to my boss about the project. Right: I need to have a word with my boss about the project. The correct preposition to use with this idiom is 'with', not 'to'.
Always use the preposition 'with' to specify the person you are talking to, not 'to'.
the necessary qualities, skills, or strength needed to achieve something difficult (B2)
Pattern: subject + have/has + what it takes (+ to + verb)
This phrase is almost always used with the verb 'have' (e.g., 'she has what it takes') or 'do you have what it takes?'.
the final decision in a discussion, or the final comment in an argument that no one can answer (B2)
Pattern: subject + have/get + the last word + (on/in something)
Wrong: My boss has a last word in this project. Right: My boss has the last word on this project. We use the definite article 'the' because there is only one final decision, and the preposition 'on' or 'in' is used to introduce the topic.
It is almost always used with the definite article 'the' (not 'a last word') and typically follows the verbs 'have' or 'get'.
in trouble because you have done something wrong or made a mistake (B2, informal)
Pattern: subject + be/get + in hot water + (with someone) + (for doing something)
Wrong: I am in a hot water because I lost my keys. Right: I am in hot water because I lost my keys. The word 'water' is uncountable, so you must not use the indefinite article 'a' before 'hot water'.
Do not confuse this figurative idiom with the literal meaning of 'hot water' used for washing or making tea.
likely to receive or get something good, such as a job, promotion, or prize, in the future (B2)
Pattern: subject + be + in line + for + noun
Wrong: He is in the line for the new job. Right: He is in line for the new job. In this idiomatic sense, we do not use the definite article 'the' before 'line'.
Do not confuse this with physically standing in a queue (waiting line) at a shop or ticket office.
very quickly or almost immediately (B1)
Pattern: subject + verb + in no time (at all)
Wrong: Hurry up, we have in no time! Right: Hurry up, we have no time! Using 'in no time' means 'very quickly'. To say that you are in a rush, you must use 'have no time'.
Do not use this to mean 'there is no time left'; it only means 'very quickly'.
an extremely short period of time; very quickly or almost immediately (B1)
Pattern: subject + verb + in no time
Wrong: I will finish this homework during no time. Right: I will finish this homework in no time. The idiom requires the preposition 'in', not 'during'.
This idiom is almost always used with the preposition 'in' (as 'in no time' or 'in no time at all').
felt by many people in a place at the same time; felt in the atmosphere (B2)
Pattern: something (such as excitement, tension, spring) + is + in the air
Wrong: I can feel a big tension in the air of the office. Right: I can feel a lot of tension in the air at the office. We do not use 'in the air of [a place]'. Instead, use 'in the air' on its own and specify the location separately with a preposition like 'at' or 'in'.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with the literal physical meaning of something flying or floating above the ground.
over a long period of time in the future, or when looking at the final result (B1)
Pattern: subject + verb + in the long run
Do not use this to talk about physical running or sports; it is only used metaphorically for time and consequences.
over a long period of time in the future, or in the end (B1)
Pattern: subject + verb + in the long run
Wrong: We need to think about what will happen on the long run. Right: We need to think about what will happen in the long run. The correct preposition to use with this idiom is 'in', not 'on'.
This phrase is almost always used with the preposition 'in' as 'in the long run'.
to be so obvious or clear that it does not need to be said or explained (B2)
Pattern: It goes without saying + that + clause
Wrong: This goes without saying that we need to work hard. Right: It goes without saying that we need to work hard. The idiom is fixed with the pronoun 'it'. You cannot use 'this' or 'that' as the subject.
This phrase is almost always used with the introductory pronoun 'it' (e.g., 'It goes without saying that...').
to watch someone or something carefully to make sure they are safe and behaving well (B1)
Pattern: subject + keep an eye on + noun/pronoun
Wrong: Please, keep your eye on my dog. Right: Please, keep an eye on my dog. The idiom always uses the indefinite article 'an eye', not a possessive pronoun like 'your' or 'his'.
Do not use this to mean literally looking at something with only one eye open.
not knowing about something because other people are keeping it a secret from you (B2)
Pattern: subject + keep/leave + object (person) + in the dark (about something)
Wrong: They didn't tell me anything, they left me in a dark. Right: They didn't tell me anything, they left me in the dark. The idiom always uses the definite article 'the', never the indefinite article 'a'.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with physically being in a room without light.
to know or understand a subject, place, or system completely and thoroughly (B2)
Pattern: subject + know/learn + noun + inside out
Wrong: I know very well this city inside out. Right: I know this city inside out. Do not combine 'know very well' and 'inside out' in the same clause, as it is redundant.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with the physical meaning of wearing clothes with the inner side facing out.
by making mistakes and experiencing unpleasant consequences instead of taking advice or being careful (B1)
Pattern: subject + verb (usually learn/find out) + the hard way
This phrase is almost always used with verbs of learning or doing, such as 'learn', 'find out', or 'do'.
to make it possible for something to happen, be discussed, or change in the future (B2)
Pattern: subject + leave the door open + (for + noun/gerund) or (to + infinitive)
Wrong: I rejected their offer but I left my door open. Right: I rejected their offer but I left the door open. The idiom always uses the definite article 'the door', not a possessive pronoun like 'my door'.
Be careful not to confuse this figurative meaning with physically leaving a door unlocked or unclosed.
to suddenly lose control of your emotions and start crying, laughing, or getting very angry (B2, informal)
Pattern: subject + lose it + (optional: when/because...)
Do not use this in formal writing or professional business meetings, as it is highly informal.
to suddenly start crying or become very upset because you cannot control your strong emotions (B2, informal)
Pattern: subject + lose it (+ when-clause / at-phrase)
Wrong: When I heard the bad news, I lost my mind and cried. Right: When I heard the bad news, I lost it and cried. 'Lose your mind' means to go crazy or become insane, whereas 'lose it' is the correct idiom for bursting into tears or losing emotional control.
Do not confuse this with losing a physical object; 'it' does not refer to anything specific here.
to suddenly start laughing uncontrollably or lose control of your emotions in a situation. (B2, informal)
Pattern: subject + lose it (+ when-clause / at + noun)
Wrong: The joke was so funny that I lost my mind. Right: The joke was so funny that I lost it. 'Lose your mind' means to go crazy or become mentally ill, whereas 'lose it' is used for bursting into laughter or tears.
Do not use this in formal writing or professional reports, as it is highly informal.
to forget an important fact, goal, or idea because you are focusing on other things (B2)
Pattern: subject + lose sight of + noun / the fact that
Wrong: We shouldn't lose sight of that the project is already late. Right: We shouldn't lose sight of the fact that the project is already late. You cannot follow 'lose sight of' directly with a 'that' clause; you must use 'the fact that'.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with the physical inability to see something because it is too far away or blocked.
to forget what you were thinking, saying, or doing, or where you are in a sequence (B1)
Pattern: subject + lose track (+ of what/where...)
Wrong: I lost my thread when the phone rang. Right: I lost track of what I was saying when the phone rang. While 'lose the thread' exists, 'lose track' is much more common and natural for losing your train of thought in everyday English.
to do something good to show you are sorry for hurting someone or making a mistake (C1)
Pattern: subject + make amends + to [someone] + for [something]
Wrong: I want to make an amend for forgetting your birthday. Right: I want to make amends for forgetting your birthday. The word 'amends' is a plural noun in this idiom and cannot be used in the singular form with 'an'.
The word 'amends' is always plural; do not say 'make an amend'.
to have just enough money to pay for the things you need, such as food and rent (B1)
Pattern: subject + make ends meet
Wrong: After paying all the bills, we don't have enough money to make our ends meet. Right: After paying all the bills, we struggle to make ends meet. The idiom is fixed as 'make ends meet'. You cannot add possessive pronouns like 'our' or 'my' before 'ends'.
This phrase is almost always used in negative sentences, with 'struggle', or with 'hard/difficult'.
to accept a bad situation and try to get the most positive result possible from it (B2)
Pattern: subject + make the best of + noun / pronoun / -ing form
Wrong: We had to make the best from our small apartment. Right: We had to make the best of our small apartment. The idiom always takes the preposition 'of', not 'from'.
Always use the preposition 'of' after the phrase; do not use 'from' or 'with'.
to use a limited, difficult, or bad situation as effectively as possible. (B2)
Pattern: subject + make the best of + noun/pronoun
Wrong: I have an exam tomorrow, so I will make the best of it to pass. Right: I have an exam tomorrow, so I will do my best to pass. 'Make the best of' is used for dealing with a bad situation, not for putting effort into achieving a goal.
Do not confuse this with 'do your best', which means to try as hard as you can.
having moderate or centrist opinions; not extreme or radical, especially in politics (B2)
Pattern: subject + be + middle-of-the-road OR middle-of-the-road + noun
Wrong: He has a middle of the road opinion about the new law. Right: He has a middle-of-the-road opinion about the new law. When using this phrase as an adjective before a noun, you must write it with hyphens.
When used before a noun as an adjective, it is usually hyphenated (middle-of-the-road).
Absolutely not; used to say that something is completely impossible or that you refuse to do it. (A2, informal)
Pattern: Used on its own as a short exclamation, or as 'There is no way + clause'.
It is very informal, so do not use it in polite business contexts or formal writing.
used to say that you are very surprised and cannot believe something is true (B1, informal)
Pattern: used on its own as an exclamation, or followed by a clause: 'No way! You're joking!'
Wrong: He told me he is moving to Japan and I said 'not way'. Right: He told me he is moving to Japan and I said 'no way'. The correct idiomatic exclamation is always 'no way', never 'not way'.
Do not use this in formal writing or professional business meetings, as it is very casual.
having full mental ability; sane and thinking clearly (usually used in the negative) (B2, informal)
Pattern: subject + be + (not) all there
Wrong: My grandfather is old and he is not completely at there. Right: My grandfather is old and he is not completely all there. The correct preposition/word in this idiom is 'all', not 'at'.
It is highly informal and can sound insensitive or impolite when talking about someone with actual mental illness.
happening sometimes, then stopping, and then starting again; not continuous (B1)
Pattern: subject + verb + (object) + on and off
It is usually placed at the end of a clause or sentence, not directly before a noun.
agreeing with a decision, project, or idea and supporting it (B1)
Pattern: subject + be/get + on board (with something)
Wrong: I am on board to your opinion. Right: I am on board with your opinion. We use the preposition 'with' after 'on board', not 'to'.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with the literal meaning of being on a ship, plane, or train.
agreeing to support a project, plan, or team and participating in it (B1)
Pattern: subject + be/get + on board + (with something)
Wrong: I am on board to your plan. Right: I am on board with your plan. We use the preposition 'with' (not 'to') after 'on board' when specifying the plan or idea.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with the literal meaning of being physically on a ship, plane, or train.
feeling nervous, worried, or easily annoyed, usually because you are waiting for something or under stress (B2)
Pattern: subject + be/feel + on edge
Wrong: She is very on edge person because of her stressful job. Right: She is very on edge because of her stressful job. The phrase 'on edge' is a prepositional phrase used as a predicate adjective; it cannot be used attributively directly before a noun.
This phrase is almost always used after the verb 'to be' or 'to feel', and is not used directly before a noun.
having a friendly and peaceful relationship with someone (B2)
Pattern: subject + be + on good terms + with + someone
Wrong: I am in good terms with my boss. Right: I am on good terms with my boss. The correct preposition to use in this idiom is 'on', not 'in'.
Always use the plural 'terms' and the preposition 'with' when mentioning the other person.
delayed, postponed, or no longer being active, used, or considered (C1)
Pattern: subject + be/put + on the shelf
Wrong: We had to put our holiday on the shelf because of my illness. Right: We had to put our holiday on hold because of my illness. While 'on the shelf' is used for projects, plans, or careers, personal arrangements like holidays are more naturally put 'on hold'.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with physically placing an object on a wooden shelf.
immediately, without any delay, and at the exact place where you are (B2)
Pattern: subject + verb + on the spot
Wrong: I didn't have time to think, so I had to decide in the spot. Right: I didn't have time to think, so I had to decide on the spot. The correct preposition in this idiom is always 'on', never 'in'.
Do not confuse this with 'to put someone on the spot', which means to make someone uncomfortable by asking a difficult question.
at the exact place where something is happening or has happened (B1)
Pattern: subject + verb + on the spot
Do not confuse this with the other common meaning of 'on the spot', which means to force someone to make a difficult decision immediately.
making progress as planned and likely to succeed on time (B1)
Pattern: subject + be / get / keep + on track + (for something / to do something)
Wrong: We need to work hard to keep our project on the track. Right: We need to work hard to keep our project on track. The idiom is 'on track' without the definite article 'the'.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with being physically on a railway track or running track.
completely and finally, so that a problem or situation is finished and does not happen again (B2)
Pattern: subject + verb + (object) + once and for all
Wrong: We must solve this problem for once and all. Right: We must solve this problem once and for all. The correct preposition is 'for' before 'all', not before 'once'.
This phrase is an adverbial modifier and usually goes at the end of a clause or immediately after the verb.
sometimes, but not very often (B2)
Pattern: subject + verb + (object) + once in a while
to make it possible for something to happen, or to create an opportunity for something. (B2)
Pattern: subject + open the door to + noun/gerund
Wrong: The new law opened the door for starting a business. Right: The new law opened the door to starting a business. The idiom is most naturally used with the preposition 'to' followed by a noun or gerund, rather than 'for' with an -ing verb.
Be careful not to confuse this metaphorical meaning with the literal action of opening a physical door.
suddenly and completely unexpectedly, without any warning (B1)
Pattern: subject + verb + out of nowhere
Wrong: The car appeared from nowhere. Right: The car appeared out of nowhere. While 'from nowhere' is sometimes used, 'out of nowhere' is the much more common and natural idiomatic phrase in English.
Do not use this to mean a person comes from an unimportant town; it only means a sudden appearance or event.
not suitable, comfortable, or appropriate for a particular situation, group, or environment (B2)
Pattern: subject + be/feel + out of place
Wrong: I felt out of my place when they started talking about politics. Right: I felt out of place when they started talking about politics. Do not use a possessive pronoun like 'my' or 'his' in this idiom; it is always 'out of place'.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning with the literal meaning of an object simply not being in its correct physical spot (e.g., a book left on the floor).
suddenly and unexpectedly, without any warning (B2)
Pattern: subject + verb + out of the blue
Do not use this to describe actual blue things or the sky; it is purely figurative.
completely impossible or not allowed, so there is no point in discussing it (B2)
Pattern: subject + be + out of the question
Wrong: Going to the cinema tonight is out of a question. Right: Going to the cinema tonight is out of the question. The idiom always uses the definite article 'the', not the indefinite article 'a'.
This phrase is always used with the verb 'to be' (e.g., 'is out of the question') and never takes an article like 'out of a question'.
safe from danger, trouble, or a serious illness; past the most difficult part of a situation (B2)
Pattern: subject + be/get + out of the woods
Do not use this literally to mean exiting a forest; it is almost always used metaphorically for problems or illness.
to behave dishonestly or hide your true intentions to get an advantage (B2, informal)
Pattern: subject + play games + (with + someone)
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of playing board games or sports; context usually makes the difference clear.
to make a final decision to start doing something, especially after thinking about it for a long time (B2, informal)
Pattern: subject + pull the trigger + (on + noun/gerund)
Wrong: After months of planning, we pulled the trigger to buy the new car. Right: After months of planning, we pulled the trigger on buying the new car. When specifying the action after 'pull the trigger', we use the preposition 'on' followed by a noun or gerund, not an infinitive.
Be careful not to use this in violent contexts unless you actually mean firing a gun, as it can sound too literal.
to deal with an urgent, unexpected problem, often caused by someone else's mistake. (B2)
Pattern: subject + spend time + putting out fires OR subject + have to + put out a fire
Wrong: I had to solve a fire at work today because my colleague made a mistake. Right: I had to put out a fire at work today because my colleague made a mistake. In English, you do not 'solve' a fire; you 'put out' a fire, even when speaking metaphorically about problems.
Do not confuse this metaphorical meaning with the literal action of extinguishing a physical fire with water.
to force someone to answer a difficult question or make a quick decision without preparation (B2)
Pattern: subject + put + person + on the spot
Wrong: The teacher put me on the place when he asked me a difficult question. Right: The teacher put me on the spot when he asked me a difficult question. The correct prepositional phrase is 'on the spot', not 'on the place'.
Do not confuse this with 'on the spot' meaning 'immediately' or 'at the exact location'.
either prove what you are saying with actions or money, or stop talking about it (B2, informal)
Pattern: subject + tell + someone + to put up or shut up / It is time to put up or shut up.
Wrong: If you don't like the rules, you should put up or shut up. Right: If you don't like the rules, you should put up with them or leave. Learners confuse 'put up or shut up' (prove your words with action) with 'put up with' (tolerate/accept something).
This phrase is very direct and can sound aggressive or rude, so do not use it in polite or professional situations.
completely safe and not hurt, especially after a dangerous journey or situation (B1)
Pattern: subject + verb (usually arrive/get back/be) + safe and sound
This phrase is almost always used after a verb like 'arrive', 'get back', or 'be' (e.g., 'we arrived safe and sound').
to experience a sudden spiritual or religious conversion, or to finally understand and accept a religious truth (C1)
Pattern: subject + see the light
Wrong: He was an atheist, but yesterday he saw the light and turned on the lamp. Right: He was an atheist, but yesterday he saw the light and found God. The phrase 'see the light' in this sense is a metaphor for spiritual awakening, not a physical action of seeing illumination.
Do not confuse this spiritual meaning with the more common everyday meaning of 'realizing you were wrong about something'.
extremely annoyed, bored, or frustrated with a situation that has continued for too long (B1, informal)
Pattern: subject + be + sick and tired of + noun / gerund (-ing)
Wrong: I am sick and tired from my job. Right: I am sick and tired of my job. The idiom is always used with the preposition 'of', not 'from'.
This phrase does not mean you are physically ill or sleepy; it only expresses strong annoyance.
very annoyed, frustrated, or bored with something that has been happening for a long time (B1, informal)
Pattern: subject + be + sick and tired of + noun / -ing verb
Wrong: I am sick and tired from my job. Right: I am sick and tired of my job. In English, we are sick and tired 'of' something, not 'from' or 'with' something.
Always use the preposition 'of' after this phrase, never 'from' or 'with'.
said when a plan, hope, or idea has failed or is no longer possible (B2, informal)
Pattern: So much for + noun / -ing form
Wrong: It is raining, so much for to go to the beach. Right: It is raining, so much for going to the beach. After 'so much for', you must use a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
Do not use this in formal writing or professional reports, as it sounds quite sarcastic and resigned.
something that you like, are interested in, or are good at (B1, informal)
Pattern: subject + be + (not) + possessive adjective (my/your/his...) + cup of tea
Wrong: I don't like horror movies, they are not my cup of the tea. Right: I don't like horror movies, they are not my cup of tea. Do not use the definite article 'the' before 'tea' in this idiom.
This idiom is most commonly used in negative sentences (e.g., 'it is not my cup of tea') rather than positive ones.
Used to show that you do not believe what someone just said, or that you strongly disagree. (C1, informal)
Pattern: [Statement/Word] + my foot!
Wrong: He is a professional writer, my leg! Right: He is a professional writer, my foot! The idiom is fixed with 'foot' and cannot be substituted with other body parts like 'leg'.
Do not use this in formal or professional situations, as it can sound quite rude and dismissive.
sleeping deeply, peacefully, and completely, without waking up easily (B1)
Pattern: subject + be/fall + sound asleep
Wrong: I saw a sound asleep dog on the sofa. Right: I saw a dog sound asleep on the sofa. We do not use 'sound asleep' before a noun; it must come after the noun it describes.
This phrase is used after a verb like 'be', 'fall', or 'find someone', not directly before a noun.
to have a possibility of succeeding or winning (B1)
Pattern: subject + stand a chance + (of + -ing verb / noun)
It is very frequently used in the negative ('not stand a chance') to show that success is impossible.
to remain in the same place and not move or leave (B1)
Pattern: subject + stay put
Wrong: I am staying putted here. Right: I am staying put here. The word 'put' in this idiom does not change its form; it never takes an '-ed' ending.
This phrase is almost always used in the infinitive, imperative, or simple tenses (e.g., 'just stay put' or 'she stayed put'), not in continuous forms.
to lose a very large amount of money, especially on an investment, stock, or business deal (C1, informal)
Pattern: subject + take a bath + (on + noun)
Wrong: I took a bath of ten thousand dollars in the stock market. Right: I took a bath on the stock market and lost ten thousand dollars. We say 'take a bath on' the investment/market, not 'of' the amount of money lost.
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of washing oneself in a tub, which is a basic A1 phrase.
to relax, rest, or do things slowly and without stress (A2, informal)
Pattern: subject + take it easy (+ at the weekend / on Sunday / after work)
Wrong: I had a very busy week, so on Saturday I took easy. Right: I had a very busy week, so on Saturday I took it easy. The pronoun 'it' is a fixed part of this idiom and can never be left out.
Do not use this in formal business writing or when speaking to a superior, as it is very informal.
the best, most modern, or ultimate example of a particular type of thing (C1)
Pattern: subject + be + the last word + in/on + noun
Wrong: This hotel is a last word in comfort. Right: This hotel is the last word in comfort. The idiom always requires the definite article 'the', not the indefinite article 'a'.
Always use the definite article 'the' before 'last word'.
a place that is very far from any towns, cities, or other people (B1, informal)
Pattern: in + the middle of nowhere
Wrong: We stayed in a hotel in middle of nowhere. Right: We stayed in a hotel in the middle of nowhere. You must always include the definite article 'the' in this idiom.
Always use the definite article 'the' before this phrase; do not say 'in a middle of nowhere'.
expressing something in a clear, direct way without wasting words or time (B2)
Pattern: subject + be + to the point OR subject + keep + something + to the point
Wrong: The teacher's explanation was very to the point. Right: The teacher's explanation was very direct and to the point. We do not use 'very' directly before 'to the point'. Instead, use 'straight to the point' or combine it with another adjective like 'short and to the point'.
You can replace 'the' with a possessive pronoun (e.g., 'to his point') to show whose argument is being referred to.
of the highest quality; excellent. (B2, informal)
Pattern: top-shelf + noun (usually hyphenated before a noun)
Wrong: He is a top-shelf friend who always helps me. Right: He is a top-notch friend who always helps me. While 'top-shelf' is used for products, services, or talents, we usually use 'top-notch' or 'great' to describe people's personal character.
Be careful not to confuse this figurative meaning with the literal top shelf of a bookcase or cupboard.
in great disorder, confusion, or completely disorganized, especially after a thorough search or a major disruption (B2)
Pattern: subject + turn + noun + upside down
Wrong: The thieves left the apartment upside down. Right: The thieves turned the apartment upside down. In English, we usually use the active verb 'turn' with 'upside down' to describe the action of causing great disorder, rather than just 'leave it upside down'.
Do not confuse this figurative meaning of total disorder with the physical meaning of having the top part at the bottom.
to increase the intensity, volume, or effort of something to the absolute maximum limit (C1, informal)
Pattern: subject + verb (turn/crank/take) + object + up to eleven
Wrong: We need to increase our sales up to eleven this month. Right: We need to push our sales efforts up to eleven this month. The idiom describes the intensity, energy, or volume of an activity, not literal numbers or statistics like sales figures.
Do not use this in formal writing or professional business reports, as it is a humorous pop-culture reference.
completely awake and very alert, not sleepy at all (B1)
Pattern: subject + be/feel/stay + wide awake
Wrong: I had a wide awake night because of the noise. Right: I was wide awake all night because of the noise. 'Wide awake' is an adjective phrase used after a verb, not as an adjective directly before a noun.
This phrase is used after a verb like 'be', 'feel', or 'stay', not directly before a noun.
Meanings adapted by MindDory from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0). This list is shared under the same licence.