10 English Idioms For Advanced English Language Students
[one_second]If you want to go from an intermediate level to an advanced level in English language proficiency, your knowledge of English idioms is critical. Idioms are a collection of words where the meaning is not clear from the individual words. Idioms add depth and character to conversation and are reflective of a specific culture, often having historical significance. Today, we are going to share with you 10 English idioms that are commonly used by native English users but are widely misunderstood by non native English users.
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Learning Tip
Try to learn 1 or 2 of these today. Don’t try to memorize this whole list today. Research shows that expanding your vocabulary in small batches is more productive than memorizing long lists.
Here we go:
Proof is in the pudding
An abbreviated form of the original idiom meaning that you have to test something / see it in action to know how it will work out or what it is truly like. E.g. “It seems like a good idea to make that modification to your car but the proof will be in the pudding”.
Spill the beans
Reveal information, usually secret information. E.g. “Spill the beans about the surprise party that you are planning for Jane”.
Gray area
A situation or problem that is not clearly defined, can involve a moral dilemma. E.g. “Students took advantage of the gray area in the rule”.
Dime a dozen
Meaning an item that lacks value because there is so much of it available. E.g. “Match sticks are a dime a dozen” or “don’t worry if you break that one, they are a dime a dozen”.
Go south
To escape (not literally going South) or to drop in value. E.g. “Jim went south when he knew the police were looking for him” or “house values have gone south”.
Pick up the tab
Pay the bill; sometimes with negative connotations. E.g. “I’ll pick up the tab for dinner” or “Jane’s mother had to pick up the tab when Jane crashed her car”.
Bring home the bacon
Money earned from employment. E.g. “John brings home the bacon while Joan cares for their children”.
Bummed out
To be disappointed about something. E.g. “Tim was really bummed out when Jill cancelled their date” or “the little girl was really bummed out that there were no pink dresses left in the shop”.
Play it by the ear
Letting things happen naturally without a plan. E.g. “let’s play it by ear rather than making arrangements for Saturday” or “I don’t have plans for the weekend, I’m playing it by ear”.
Make ends meet
Earning just enough money to pay all your essential bills. E.g. “I can’t afford to go on holiday, I only make ends meet”.
Idioms are best learnt and remembered by applying them to real life situations. Don’t memorize thousands of idioms, rather learn one at a time and make sure you can use it in the correct context. Consider researching the history of the idioms that you are learning; not only is this very interesting but it will help you remember them.
Good luck!
