Most Common Examples of Idioms Teenagers Should Learn

An idiom (also called idiomatic expression) is an expression, word or phrase that has a figurative meaning conventionally understood by native speakers. This meaning is different from the literal meaning of the idiom’s individual elements. In other words, idioms don’t mean exactly what the word say, they have, however hidden meanings.

Back to square one: To start again

Ball and Chain: To be burdened with a task that cannot be left or abandoned

Beta a dead horse: To engage in pointless and repetitive discussion

Don’t look a gift Horse in the mouth: To reject something that has been freely given

Hilt the hay: To go to bed

Kick the bucket: To die

Mum’s the word: To keep a secret

Over the hill: To be past your prime

Prick the ears: To listen intently

Rub someone up the wrong way: To annoy someone

Spinning Vern: To lie or exaggerate

Tie the knot: To get married

Absence makes the heart grow fonder: Our feelings of those we love increases when we are apart from them

Armed to the teeth: To be heavily armed

Back-handed compliment: A compliment that also insults or put down at the same time

Bleed like a stuck pig: To bleed heavily

Blow off some steam: To enjoy oneself by relaxing normal formalities

Blowing smoke: To be boasting without being able to back it up; talking about action without intent to follow through

Botched up: Substandard; messed up, Make a shamble of

Brand spanking New: New and unused

Break a leg: A wish of good luck, do well

A burnt child dreads the fire: one does not repeat a painful lesson twice