Idioms are expressions that is part of everyday English - you’ll likely hear more than a few spoken during casual conversations with native speakers, on television shows, as well as in movies. 

The English language, though expressive and widely used, can make you want to tear your hair out – especially when it’s time to learn about idioms!

However, these expressions are a common part of everyday English and you’ll likely hear more than a few spoken during casual conversations with native speakers, on television shows, as well as in movies. For many learners, however, they just don’t make sense.

The key is not to take idioms literally or let them intimidate you! Once you get the hang of them, idioms can be both useful and a lot of fun as they express in just a few words a broad idea that is otherwise difficult to explain.

So, let’s cut to the chase and explore five English idioms that you can easily use in everyday conversations:

Feeling under the weather

You may have heard your English teacher use this idiom to explain that he/she wasn’t in class last week because of an illness, as “feeling under the weather” means to feel unwell.

“I decided to stay home and rest over the weekend because I was feeling under the weather.”

Up in the air

What is up in the air? Birds? Clouds? Dust? Of course, every one of these is true! But this expression refers to an issue or plan that is uncertain and may change.

“The CEO has yet to approve the budget and one of our staff just resigned, so the project is currently up in the air.”

The key is not to take idioms literally or let them intimidate you! Once you get the hang of them, idioms can be both useful and a lot of fun as they express in just a few words a broad idea that is otherwise difficult to explain.

Cross that bridge when we get there

This is the perfect idiom to tell a friend who worries too much about problems that don’t even exist, as it suggests they should deal with those issues when they arise, and not before.

“So far, the app is only available for Indonesian mobile users, so let’s focus on them right now. If we receive interest from abroad, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”

To lose your touch

Don’t worry, this phrase has nothing to do with losing your sense of touch or the tips of your fingers! However, it does describe the unfortunate situation of someone who is not able to perform a task as well as they used to.

“I played guitar in a band throughout university, but I’ve lost my touch because I decided to focus on my full-time job after graduation.”

Face the music

How is it possible to face something that we can only hear? Well, in this idiom, “music” symbolizes responsibility or reality. So, by “facing the music,” you are actually facing the consequences of a mistake or wrongdoing.

“The students were caught cheating on their final exam and now they have to face the music.”

 

The next time you find yourself in one of the above situations, brush aside any fears of idioms and use the appropriate saying with confidence!

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