Idiom Figurative Language

Explore the fascinating world of idioms and figurative language with our comprehensive guide. From vivid examples to the meanings behind these expressions, we’ve got you covered. Elevate your writing and conversational skills by learning how to craft your own idioms. Our top-notch tips will make you an idiom aficionado in no time. Dive in to enrich your vocabulary and make your language as colorful as a rainbow. Ideal for students, writers, and anyone looking to add a creative spark to their communication.

What is an Idiom Figurative Language? – Definition

An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning is different from the literal sense of the individual words it contains. In figurative language, idioms are used to add spice and depth to communication, making phrases more impactful and easier to remember.

What is an example of an Idiom Figurative Language?

One classic example of an idiom in figurative language is “break the ice.” Literally, this would mean to physically break ice, but the idiom has nothing to do with frozen water. Instead, it means to initiate a conversation or activity, generally making people more relaxed and amiable. For example, a host at a party might play a game to “break the ice” among guests who are meeting for the first time.

100 Idiom Examples Figurative Language, Meaning, Usage, Sentences

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of idiomatic expressions with our ultimate list of 100 idiom examples. Perfect for language lovers, writers, and students, our carefully curated list dives deep into the nuances of idioms in figurative language. Learn the meaning behind each idiom, how to use them, and see them in action through contextual sentences. Spice up your vocabulary and make your conversations and writings more impactful. Let’s delve in!

Idiom	Meaning	Usage	Sentence Example
Break the ice	Make people feel more comfortable	Social Gathering	She told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
A piece of cake	Something very easy	Work	Finishing the project on time was a piece of cake.
Spill the beans	Reveal a secret	Conversational	He spilled the beans about the surprise party.
Hit the nail on the head	Get something exactly right	Problem-solving	Your explanation hit the nail on the head.
Beat around the bush	Avoid getting to the point	Communication	Stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened.
The ball is in your court	It’s your turn to take action	Decision-making	I’ve done all I can, now the ball is in your court.
Paint the town red	Enjoy oneself flamboyantly	Entertainment	They decided to paint the town red after the exams.
Let the cat out of the bag	Reveal a secret unintentionally	Social Situation	She let the cat out of the bag about the engagement.
A penny for your thoughts	Asking someone what they are thinking about	Conversational	You look deep in thought, a penny for your thoughts?
An arm and a leg	Very expensive	Shopping	This dress costs an arm and a leg.
Hit the sack	Go to sleep	Daily Routine	I’m really tired, I’m going to hit the sack.
Cry over spilled milk	Complain about something that can’t be changed	Emotional	There’s no use crying over spilled milk.
Cut to the chase	Get to the point	Communication	Enough backstory, cut to the chase.
Let sleeping dogs lie	Avoid disturbing a situation	Problem-solving	He decided to let sleeping dogs lie and not ask her about it.
Throw in the towel	Give up	Sports	He threw in the towel in the final round.
Up in the air	Uncertain	Planning	Our vacation plans are still up in the air.
Head over heels	Deeply in love	Relationships	She’s head over heels in love with him.
The last straw	The final problem in a series	Stress	This was the last straw, I can’t take it anymore.
At the drop of a hat	Immediately	Timing	He’s ready to go at the drop of a hat.
Through thick and thin	In both good and bad times	Relationships	They’ve been together through thick and thin.
An arm and a leg	Very expensive	Shopping	This dress costs an arm and a leg.
Back to the drawing board	Start over	Planning	The project failed; it’s back to the drawing board.
Don’t cry wolf	Don’t give false alarms	Caution	He’s always complaining, but don’t cry wolf.
When pigs fly	Something that will never happen	Unlikely	Yeah, I’ll clean my room when pigs fly.
In hot water	In trouble	Relationships	He got in hot water for forgetting their anniversary.
A penny for your thoughts	Asking what someone is thinking	Conversational	You seem quiet, a penny for your thoughts?
A taste of your own medicine	Get treated the way you’ve been treating others	Justice	He was always playing pranks, and got a taste of his own medicine.
Break a leg	Good luck	Encouragement	You have an exam tomorrow? Break a leg!
A dime a dozen	Something very common	Commonality	These kind of t-shirts are a dime a dozen.
Beat around the bush	Avoid answering a question	Conversational	Stop beating around the bush and get to the point.
Hit the nail on the head	Get something exactly right	Accuracy	You hit the nail on the head with that explanation.
Paint the town red	Go out and have a good time	Recreation	It’s Friday night, let’s paint the town red.
Bite the bullet	Face a difficult situation bravely	Courage	I hate going to the dentist, but I’ll just have to bite the bullet.
Go the extra mile	Do more than what’s required	Effort	She always goes the extra mile to make her customers happy.
Kill two birds with one stone	Accomplish two things at once	Efficiency	I killed two birds with one stone by picking up dinner on my way.
Take it with a grain of salt	Be skeptical	Skepticism	Take his advice with a grain of salt, he’s not an expert.
Burn the midnight oil	Work late into the night	Work	I had to burn the midnight oil to finish the project.
Put all your eggs in one basket	Risk everything on one endeavor	Risk	Don’t put all your eggs in one basket; diversify your investments.
Read between the lines	Find the hidden meaning	Understanding	If you read between the lines, you’ll see what she really means.
Get out of hand	Become unmanageable	Control	The party got out of hand and the police were called.
Cut to the chase	Get to the point	Communication	Stop beating around the bush and cut to the chase.
Break a leg	Good luck	Wishing	Break a leg in your performance tonight!
Pull someone’s leg	Joking with someone	Humor	I’m just pulling your leg, I didn’t really forget your birthday.
A penny for your thoughts	What are you thinking?	Inquiry	You look puzzled, a penny for your thoughts?
Out of the blue	Unexpectedly	Surprise	She called me out of the blue after years of no contact.
Get your act together	Become organized	Organization	You need to get your act together if you want to succeed.
It’s not rocket science	It’s not complicated	Simplicity	Come on, it’s not rocket science, just add the two numbers.
Barking up the wrong tree	Pursuing a misguided course of action	Mistake	If you think I took your book, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
Piece of cake	Very easy	Simplicity	The exam was a piece of cake.
Cry over spilled milk	Regret a situation that can’t be changed	Regret	There’s no use crying over spilled milk, just move on.
Hit the nail on the head	Get something exactly right	Accuracy	You hit the nail on the head with that explanation.
A picture is worth a thousand words	A visual presentation is more descriptive	Explanation	No need to explain, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Take the bull by the horns	Face a problem head-on	Courage	Stop avoiding the issue, take the bull by the horns and solve it.
Put all your eggs in one basket	Rely on a single solution	Risk	Don’t put all your eggs in one basket; diversify your investments.
When pigs fly	Something that will never happen	Improbability	I’ll clean my room when pigs fly.
Jump on the bandwagon	Follow a trend	Conformity	Everyone is buying the new phone, so I might as well jump on the bandwagon.
Let the cat out of the bag	Reveal a secret	Disclosure	He let the cat out of the bag and told her about the surprise party.
Through thick and thin	In both good and bad times	Loyalty	We’ve been best friends through thick and thin.
The ball is in your court	Your move or decision	Responsibility	I’ve done all I can; now the ball is in your court.
Go the extra mile	Make a special effort	Effort	She always goes the extra mile to make her guests feel welcome.
Break the ice	Initiate a conversation or ease tension	Social Skills	He broke the ice with a joke at the meeting.
Beat around the bush	Avoid getting to the point	Evasion	Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you want.
Barking up the wrong tree	Pursuing a mistaken or misguided course of action	Mistake	He’s barking up the wrong tree by blaming her.
A penny for your thoughts	Asking for someone’s opinion	Inquiry	You look puzzled, a penny for your thoughts?
An arm and a leg	Very expensive	Cost	This dress costs an arm and a leg.
Get out of hand	Lose control	Chaos	The party got out of hand, and the police were called.
In hot water	In trouble	Difficulty	You’ll be in hot water if you don’t submit the project on time.
Hold your horses	Slow down	Patience	Hold your horses, we haven’t won yet!
A piece of cake	Easy task	Simplicity	The test was a piece of cake.
The ball’s in your court	It’s your decision or turn to act	Responsibility	I’ve done all I can; now the ball’s in your court.
Hit the nail on the head	Be exactly correct	Accuracy	You hit the nail on the head with that explanation.
Go down in flames	Fail spectacularly	Failure	His proposal went down in flames.
Out of the frying pan into the fire	From a bad situation to a worse one	Dilemma	I thought changing jobs would solve my problems, but it was out of the frying pan into the fire.
Turn over a new leaf	Make a fresh start	Renewal	He turned over a new leaf and started exercising.
A penny saved is a penny earned	Saving money is as good as making money	Thriftiness	Remember, a penny saved is a penny earned.
Cut to the chase	Get to the point	Directness	Enough small talk, let’s cut to the chase.
You can’t judge a book by its cover	Don’t judge something by its appearance	Non-judgment	He may look intimidating, but you can’t judge a book by its cover.
Up in arms	Angry, upset	Anger	The community was up in arms about the new development.
Pull someone’s leg	Joke or tease someone	Humor	I’m just pulling your leg; of course I’ll help you.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush	It’s better to have a certain advantage than the possibility of a greater one	Caution	Don’t give up your day job for a risky venture; a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Through thick and thin	In both good and bad times	Loyalty	They’ve been best friends for years, through thick and thin.
Jump on the bandwagon	To join a popular activity or trend	Conformity	When the team started winning, everyone jumped on the bandwagon.
Raining cats and dogs	Raining very heavily	Weather	Take an umbrella, it’s raining cats and dogs out there.
Give someone the cold shoulder	To ignore someone	Indifference	She gave me the cold shoulder at the party last night.
Don’t cry over spilled milk	Don’t waste time worrying about things you can’t change	Optimism	There’s no use crying over spilled milk; just move on.
A picture is worth a thousand words	An image can tell a story better than words	Expression	This photograph of the sunset is stunning—a picture is worth a thousand words.
Let the cat out of the bag	Reveal a secret	Honesty	Who let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party?
It takes two to tango	Actions or communications need more than one person	Cooperation	You can’t blame it all on her; it takes two to tango.
Hold your horses	Be patient	Patience	Hold your horses; we’ll get there soon.
Put all your eggs in one basket	Rely on a single solution or plan	Risk	Investing all your money in one stock is like putting all your eggs in one basket.
Beat around the bush	Avoid getting to the point	Communication	Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you want.
Hit the nail on the head	Get something exactly right	Accuracy	You hit the nail on the head with that explanation.
Pull someone’s leg	To joke with someone	Humor	Are you pulling my leg, or did you really win the lottery?
Off the record	Something said in confidence that the one speaking doesn’t want attributed to him/her	Trust	Let’s talk off the record; I don’t want this to get out.
Break a leg	Good luck	Encouragement	You have an exam today? Break a leg!
Spill the beans	Reveal a secret	Honesty	Come on, spill the beans! What’s the big news?
Out of the blue	Unexpectedly	Surprise	I got a call out of the blue from an old friend.
Blow off steam	Release pent-up emotion	Emotional relief	I went for a run to blow off steam after our argument.
Cut to the chase	Get to the point	Communication	Enough with the preamble, let’s cut to the chase.
The ball is in your court	It’s your decision or turn to act	Responsibility	I’ve done all I can; now, the ball is in your court.
Jump on the bandwagon	Join a popular trend or activity	Popularity	Everyone is buying that phone; I might as well jump on the bandwagon.
Hit the hay	Go to bed	Sleep	It’s late, time to hit the hay.
Through thick and thin	In both good and bad times	Loyalty	She stood by her husband through thick and thin.
Get your act together	Improve your behavior or performance	Improvement	You need to get your act together if you want to pass the course.
Piece of cake	Something that is easy	Simplicity	Finishing that project was a piece of cake.
The elephant in the room	An obvious problem that is being ignored	Ignorance	No one mentioned Bob’s affair, it was the elephant in the room.
Don’t cry over spilled milk	Don’t waste time worrying over past mistakes	Regret	You lost your job, but don’t cry over spilled milk. Focus on the future.
Burning the midnight oil	Working late into the night	Hard work	She was burning the midnight oil to finish her assignment.
Hit the road	Begin a journey	Starting	We should hit the road early to avoid traffic.
Under the weather	Feeling unwell	Sickness	She couldn’t attend the meeting because she was feeling under the weather.

Idiom Examples for High Schoolers with Meaning & Sentence

For high school students, idioms can be a fun and challenging way to master the English language. Here’s a list tailored for you, featuring idioms commonly encountered in literature, conversations, and even exams.

Idiom	Meaning	Usage	Sentence Example
A chip on your shoulder	Holding a grudge	Emotion	Sarah has had a chip on her shoulder since she didn’t make the team.
Hit the books	Study hard	Academics	I need to hit the books; exams are just around the corner.
Burning the midnight oil	Working late into the night	Studying	Tim was burning the midnight oil to finish his project on time.
Jump on the bandwagon	Join a popular trend	Socializing	Everyone’s wearing those shoes; time to jump on the bandwagon.
Push the envelope	Test the limits	Challenges	To succeed, you sometimes need to push the envelope.

Idiom Examples for Middle Schoolers with Meaning & Sentence

Middle school is a time of change and new experiences. To express these unique situations, idioms can come in handy. Here are some that you might find useful in your daily life.

Idiom	Meaning	Usage	Sentence Example
Under the weather	Feeling sick	Health	Jane is under the weather today, so she won’t be coming to school.
Piece of cake	Very easy	Tasks	The math homework was a piece of cake for her.
Cry over spilled milk	Worry about things that can’t be changed	Emotion	There’s no point crying over spilled milk; let’s find a solution.

Idiom Examples for Primary School Students with Meaning & Sentence

Learning idioms at a young age can boost vocabulary and understanding of the language. These idioms are simple yet impactful, great for primary school students to learn and use.

Idiom	Meaning	Usage	Sentence Example
Hit the hay	Go to bed	Sleep	It’s past your bedtime; time to hit the hay.
The ball is in your court	Your turn to take action	Responsibility	You have to make the decision now; the ball is in your court.

Idiom Examples for College Students with Meaning & Sentence

College is a transformative period full of new experiences and challenges. These idioms can help you navigate through academic and social situations with ease.

Idiom	Meaning	Usage	Sentence Example
Break a leg	Good luck	Encouragement	You have a big exam tomorrow, break a leg!
Hit the sack	Go to bed	Sleep	It’s late, and I have class tomorrow; I need to hit the sack.

What is an idiom in figurative?

In the realm of linguistics, an idiom is a fixed expression that has a figurative meaning distinct from the literal interpretation of its individual words. Essentially, the phrase as a whole signifies something entirely different than the sum of its parts. For example, “break a leg” doesn’t literally mean to break your leg; instead, it is a way to wish someone good luck. Idioms are an essential component of figurative language, enriching text and speech by adding an extra layer of meaning and color.

What is an example of an idiom in literary devices?

In literature, idioms serve as powerful tools for conveying ideas or emotions in an unconventional way. One commonly used idiom in literature is “the apple of my eye,” which is employed to describe something or someone that one cherishes above all others. Shakespeare’s use of idioms, like “star-crossed lovers,” also demonstrates how idiomatic expressions can add depth and flavor to a narrative, making it more engaging and relatable. Therefore, idioms function as impactful literary devices that go beyond mere ornamentation; they provide a means of nuanced expression that resonates with readers or listeners.

What is an idiom in figurative language for kids?

For younger audiences, idioms can be both entertaining and educational. These quirky phrases introduce kids to the concept of figurative language, emphasizing that words can have meanings beyond the literal. For example, the idiom “raining cats and dogs” doesn’t mean that pets are falling from the sky; it simply illustrates that it’s raining heavily. Teaching idioms to children can be a fun way to expand their vocabulary and cognitive skills, while also equipping them with a more in-depth understanding of language nuances. This foundational knowledge can serve them well as they progress through more advanced levels of reading and writing.

How to Write an Idiom Figurative Language? – Step by Step Guide

Creating an idiom in figurative language is an art that involves a blend of creativity and cultural understanding. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master it:

1. Identify the Message: Determine the specific message or sentiment you want to express. Whether it’s about luck, love, or a life lesson, having a clear idea will guide your process.
2. Brainstorm Keywords: List down words that are directly related to the message you want to convey. These keywords will serve as the building blocks for your idiom.
3. Think Figuratively: Use metaphors or analogies to convey your message. Remember, the literal meaning of the words should be different from the idiomatic expression as a whole.
4. Be Concise: An effective idiom is usually short and to the point. Aim for an expression that is easily memorable.
5. Cultural Relevance: Make sure your idiom makes sense within the cultural context it will be used. Some idioms may not translate well across different cultures.
6. Test It Out: Share your newly created idiom with friends or family to gauge its effectiveness. Is it easy to understand? Does it accurately convey the message you intended?
7. Refine: Based on the feedback, make any necessary adjustments to the wording or structure of your idiom.
8. Finalize: Once you’re satisfied with the idiom, it’s time to finalize it. Use it in your writings or everyday conversations to make sure it stands the test of time.

How to Use Idiom Figurative Language?

Utilizing idiomatic expressions in your speech or writing can add a layer of depth and creativity. Here are some tips:

1. Understand the Context: Make sure you know the exact meaning and appropriate usage of the idiom. Misusing an idiom can convey the wrong message.
2. Be Relevant: Use idioms that are relevant to the topic or theme you are discussing. Irrelevant idioms can distract from your main points.
3. Don’t Overdo It: While idioms can enrich your language, using too many can make your text confusing or hard to follow.
4. Introduce Gradually: If you’re introducing a new or complex idiom, consider providing a brief explanation or context to ensure your audience understands.
5. Practice Makes Perfect: The more you use idioms, the more natural they will feel. Practice incorporating them into your everyday language carefully and thoughtfully.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively integrate idiomatic expressions into your language, enriching both your vocabulary and your ability to communicate nuanced messages.

Tips for Using Idiom Figurative Language

Figurative idiomatic expressions are a powerful tool to embellish your language and add a layer of depth to your communication. However, their effective use requires a nuanced approach. Below are some invaluable tips for successfully incorporating idioms in figurative language into your daily conversations and writings:

1. Know Your Audience: Understanding your audience’s background and familiarity with idioms is crucial. This helps you choose idioms that resonate and make sense to them.
2. Context is King: Always use idioms in the right context. An idiom can have multiple meanings and can easily be misunderstood if not presented within a clear context.
3. Less is More: Although idioms can enrich your language, it’s essential not to overuse them. Too many idioms can make your text or speech confusing and muddled.
4. Be Culture-Sensitive: Remember that idioms often have cultural implications. Be cautious when using idioms in diverse settings as they might not translate well across different cultures.
5. Test the Waters: If you’re unsure how an idiom will be received, you can always introduce it and then immediately explain its meaning. This strategy is particularly useful in formal settings or written documents.
6. Maintain Clarity: Always make sure that the idiom you’re using doesn’t dilute the main message you’re trying to convey. Clarity should always be the priority.
7. Review and Revise: Especially in written communications, you have the luxury of reviewing your work. Take this opportunity to ensure that the idioms you’ve used enhance rather than detract from your message.
8. Learn Continuously: Idioms evolve over time, and new ones come into existence. Keep your idiom arsenal updated by reading widely and paying attention to evolving language trends.
9. Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you use idioms, the more naturally they will come to you. However, practice doesn’t mean forcing idioms into every sentence but rather understanding when and how to use them appropriately.
10. Seek Feedback: If possible, seek feedback on your use of idioms, particularly from native speakers or those who have a strong grasp of the language. This will help you understand if you’re using idioms effectively and appropriately.

By following these tips, you can elevate your language skills, making your conversations and written texts more engaging and impactful.