

Once you familiarize yourself with thi s list of idioms and English proverbs, you’ll have a much better grasp of the English language. To help you make sense of some of these unique sayings, we’ve created a handy list of common English expressions that you can refer to any time one of these expressions comes your way. But learning their meanings is crucial if you want to sound more like a native. List of English Idioms, Proverbs & ExpressionsĮnglish idioms aren’t easy to understand at first, especially if you’re speaking English as a second language. Still, their meaning is greater than the meaning of the individual words put together. On the other hand, proverbs – which are equally important to learn in English – are “short, well-known sayings, stating a general truth or piece of advice.” Famous p roverbs in English like, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” have neither a metaphorical meaning nor a literal one.

You don’t really wish someone would “break a leg,” do you? And it’s not actually “raining cats and dogs,” is it? This means that English idioms should not be taken literally, because their meaning is metaphorical.

The Oxford Dictionary defines the word “ idiom ” as a: “group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words (e.g. So what is idiom? Although English idioms don’t make sense at first, these unique expressions (together with proverbs) add substance and humor to our conversations. While they can seem strange at first, especially if you consider their literal meanings, you’ll soon find that they play a big role in the English language. Some of the most common expressions in English sound profound, while others sound silly and darn right outlandish. In the United States, you’ll certainly come across your fair share of English expressions, idioms, and common proverbs.
