What is an idiom?
An idiom or idiomatic expression consists of words which have a different meaning when used altogether. We use idioms in informal situations to explain an opinion, idea or maybe make a joke.
To play something by ear
If you play something by ear, you wait and see what happens.
Our friends do not know what they will do together on holiday. They said that they will play it by ear.
cold feet
In this context, when someone has cold feet, they start having doubts about something.
On the day before the wedding, Jill started getting cold feet. This is however quite normal so decided to not worry about it.
cold shoulder
We give a cold shoulder when we ignore someone.
After having an argument, John gave his partner the cold shoulder.
to put a foot in something
By putting our foot in something, we create a problem, often buy saying the wrong thing.
Bill put his foot in it when he said that he thought that the government of the country he was visiting was unable to govern the country.
an arm and a leg
When something costs a lot of money.
If I have to buy a new car, it will cost an arm and a leg.
Sometimes to joke, if something is very expensive, people say an arm and two legs or even two arms and two legs.
all ears
If someone is all ears, they are paying full attention and they are listening.
I am all ears, tell me what you have in mind.
face the music
To face the music is stand up to unpleasant consequences.
Having gone against people’s wishes, the prime minister is going to have to face the music!
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Do you have any idioms in your language?
How would you say them in English?
Which other ones in English do you know?