A
Break the ice
Example: “She told a joke to break the ice.”
To start a conversation or make people feel comfortable
Hit the nail on the head
Example: “You hit the nail on the head with that answer.”
To be exactly right
Piece of cake
Example: “That homework was a piece of cake.”
Meaning: Something very easy
Under the weather
Example: “I stayed home because I was under the weather.”
Feeling sick
Spill the beans
Example: “He spilled the beans about the surprise party.”
To reveal a secret
Let the cat out of the bag
Example: “She let the cat out of the bag about the trip.”
To accidentally tell a secret
Cost an arm and a leg
Example: “Those sneakers cost an arm and a leg.”
Very expensive
Bite the bullet
Example: “I had to bite the bullet and take the test.”
To do something difficult or unpleasant
Hit the books
Example: “I need to hit the books before the exam.”
To study
On cloud nine
Example: “He was on cloud nine after winning the game.”
Very happy
In hot water
Example: “She was in hot water for being late.”
In trouble
The ball is in your court
Example: “I’ve done my part—now the ball is in your court.”
It’s your turn to decide or act
Pull someone’s leg
Example: “Relax, I was just pulling your leg!”
To joke or tease
Cut corners
Example: “Don’t cut corners on your project.”
To do something the easier/cheaper way (often poorly)
Add fuel to the fire
Example: “Yelling just adds fuel to the fire.”
To make a situation worse
Jump the gun
Example: “I jumped the gun and answered before thinking.”
To act too soon
Go the extra mile
Example: “He went the extra mile to help his team.”
To put in extra effort
Keep an eye on
Example: “Can you keep an eye on my backpack?”
To watch carefully
A blessing in disguise
Example: “Missing the bus was a blessing in disguise.”
Something that seems bad but turns out good
A piece of the puzzle
Example: “That clue is a piece of the puzzle.”
One part of a bigger idea or solution
Once in a blue moon
Example: “We go out for ice cream once in a blue moon.”
Very rarely
The early bird gets the worm
Example: “I got the best seat because I came early—the early bird gets the worm.”
People who act early have an advantage
Actions speak louder than words
Example: “He didn’t say much, but he helped—a good example of actions speak louder than words.”
What you do matters more than what you say
Don’t judge a book by its cover
Example: “He seemed quiet, but he’s really funny—don’t judge a book by its cover.”
Don’t decide based only on appearance
When pigs fly
Example: “He’ll clean his room when pigs fly!”
Something that will never happen