English idioms are the spice of language, offering a unique flavor to everyday communication. These common idioms serve as gems, each carrying a distinctive meaning beyond their literal interpretation. Let’s explore the fascinating world of idioms with an idiom example. Consider the phrase “burning the midnight oil,” depicting intense effort or working late into the night. In this idiom sample, the image of a lamp burning late symbolizes diligence and commitment. Understanding idioms with meaning is like deciphering a secret code, unlocking a deeper layer of expression. So, whether you’re “walking on eggshells” or “seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” incorporating these idiomatic expressions into your language repertoire adds flair and nuance, transforming ordinary conversations into rich tapestries of communication.
| in black and white | To say that something is in black and white means that there is written proof of it. | It’s an obligation. It’s written in black and white in your contract. |
| clinch a deal | In a business relationship, if you clinch a deal, you reach agreement on a proposal or offer. | Tom’s final argument enabled us to clinch the deal. |
| a dealbreaker | Something that is important enough to prevent agreement being reached is called a dealbreaker. | We liked the house and the area, but the small garden was a dealbreaker for us. |
| a done deal | This expression is used to refer to an agreement or decision which has been reached on a certain matter. | We’re still considering several proposals, so it’s not a done deal yet. |
| a shady deal | A suspicious, dishonest or illegal arrangement or transaction is known as a shady deal. | The two sons were always involved in their father’s shady deals. |
| a square deal | A fair and honest transaction, agreement or arrangement is called a square deal. | We always get a square deal with that supplier. |
| it’s/that’s a deal/you’ve got a deal | When you’ve reached agreement with someone you can say it’s a deal, that’s a deal or you’ve got a deal! | What if I offered you 80$ for both of them? You’ve got a deal! |
| a deal with the devil | A risky arrangement with a person of bad reputation is called a deal with the devil. | Jack ran up so much debt that he made a deal with the devil. |
| a package deal | An offer of a lower price if several items are bought together is called a package deal. | We got a package deal including accommodation and a travel pass. |
| seal the deal | When you seal the deal you reach a final agreement and make it official. | The two parties are meeting tomorrow to seal the deal. |
| a sweetheart deal | A sweetheart deal refers to an advantageous agreement between a public body and a private individual or company. | The company’s income tax arrangement has been denounced as a sweetheart deal. |
| sweeten the deal | When someone makes an offer or arrangement more attractive by adding extra benefits, they are said to sweeten the deal. | They sweetened the deal by including a pension plan to get him to accept the job. |
| a gentleman’s agreement | When an agreement is neither written nor signed, because the two parties trust each other completely, it is called a gentleman’s agreement. | It was a gentleman’s agreement. I can’t change my mind now! |
| a matter of form | If you do something out of politeness, or because it is accepted practice or the usual way of doing something, you do it as a matter of form. | I know we’re in agreement, but I need your signature as a matter of form. |
| sign on the dotted line | If you sign on the dotted line, you formally give your consent to something by signing an official document. | I consulted my lawyer before signing on the dotted line. |
| signed, sealed and delivered | When an agreement, contract or treaty is signed, sealed and delivered, all the legal documents have been signed. | It is hoped that the agreement will be signed, sealed and delivered before the end of the week. |
| a square deal | A transaction that is fair and honest, or an equitable arrangement, is called a square deal. | We’ve used the same supplier for years and we always get a square deal. |
| no strings attached | If something is offered or an arrangement made with no strings attached, it comes without any unwelcome conditions or restrictions. Nothing is expected in return. | Let me drive you home – no strings attached, I promise. |
| with one voice | Two or more groups or organisations who are in complete agreement are said to speak with one voice. | For once the government and the trade unions are speaking with one voice. |
The Most Helpful Idioms With Meaning and Examples. Topic – Consequences – Effects
English idioms are the spice of language, offering a unique flavor to everyday communication. These common idioms serve as gems, each carrying a distinctive meaning
The Most Helpful Idioms With Meaning and Examples. Topic – Age
English idioms are the spice of language, offering a unique flavor to everyday communication. These common idioms serve as gems, each carrying a distinctive meaning
The Most Helpful Idioms With Meaning and Examples. Topic – Comparisons – Similarity
English idioms are the spice of language, offering a unique flavor to everyday communication. These common idioms serve as gems, each carrying a distinctive meaning
The Most Helpful Idioms With Meaning and Examples. Topic – Communication
English idioms are the spice of language, offering a unique flavor to everyday communication. These common idioms serve as gems, each carrying a distinctive meaning
The Most Helpful Idioms With Meaning and Examples. Topic – Colours
English idioms are the spice of language, offering a unique flavor to everyday communication. These common idioms serve as gems, each carrying a distinctive meaning
The Most Helpful Idioms With Meaning and Examples. Topic – Clothes
English idioms are the spice of language, offering a unique flavor to everyday communication. These common idioms serve as gems, each carrying a distinctive meaning
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What are idioms? Idioms are expressions or phrases that hold a figurative meaning beyond their literal interpretation. They add color and depth to language.
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Why are idioms important in English? Idioms help convey complex ideas succinctly and vividly, enhancing communication and offering cultural insights.
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Can you provide some examples of idioms? Certainly! Examples include “raining cats and dogs” (heavy rain), “kick the bucket” (pass away), and “bite the bullet” (face a difficult situation).
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How do I understand the meaning of idioms? Understanding idioms often requires context and cultural familiarity. Exploring their origins and usage in sentences helps grasp their meanings.
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Are all idioms universal or do they vary by region? Idioms can vary across regions and cultures. While some idioms are universal, many are culturally specific.
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Are there common idioms used in everyday conversation? Yes, several idioms, like “break a leg” (good luck) or “piece of cake” (easy task), are frequently used in daily conversations.
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Do idioms have fixed meanings? Generally, yes. However, some idioms might have slight variations in meaning or usage based on context or region.
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How can I incorporate idioms into my writing or speech? Using idioms contextually and accurately can add richness to your language. Start by understanding their meanings and then applying them naturally.
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Are idioms only found in English? No, idioms exist in many languages. Each language has its own set of colorful expressions and phrases.
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Where can I learn more idioms and their meanings? Online resources, books on idioms, and even language learning platforms offer extensive lists of idioms with explanations of their meanings and origins.