Idioms for Class 10

Idiom

Meaning

Example Sentence

1. Kick the bucket

To die

a) He's so old; he might kick the bucket soon.

b) I hope to accomplish all my dreams and goals before I kick the bucket.

2. Hit the nail on the head

Accurately describe or identify something

a) Her explanation hit the nail on the head.

b) She hit the nail on the head with her idea for a science exhibition.

3. Get out of hand

Not in one's control anymore

a) The party started off as a small gathering, but it quickly got out of hand with more and more people arriving.

b) The argument between the two friends got out of hand.

4. To burn the midnight oil

To work late into the night

a) She had to burn the midnight oil to finish her project.

b) Kerry had to burn the midnight oil to prepare for her entrance.

5. Like two peas in a pod

Be together always

a) Me and my best friend are like two peas in a pod.

b) The twins, Mark and Mike, look so much alike that they are like two peas in a pod.

6. Know which way the wind blows

To understand what is happening

a) She always knows which way the wind blows when it comes to fun activities.

b) The experienced coach always knows which way the wind blows with his team's performance. 

7. Catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar

Getting what you want by being nice

a) He decided to be polite and friendly, like this, she can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.

b) Being kind and with an approachable tone, the boss gives feedback to his team members and catches more flies with honey than can with vinegar.

8. Let someone off the hook

Releasing someone or letting someone go

a) Charlie forgot to do his homework, but the teacher let her off the hook when he explained that his dog had chewed up her assignment.

b) Tiger was supposed to clean the garage, but his parents let him off the hook because he had a lot of studying to do for his upcoming exams.

9. Like riding a bicycle

A skill that you learn and will never forget

a) Learning to swim was challenging at first, but once I got the hang of it, it was like riding a bicycle. 

b) I sat down at the piano, it was like riding a bicycle – my fingers remembered the keys and I played a beautiful tune.

10. Blame one's tools

Blaming something on someone else

a) Luke didn't do well on his art project and tried to blame his tool.

b) During the soccer game, Tony missed a crucial shot and blamed it on his tool.

11. It's not rocket science

Not that difficult to comprehend

a) Winny, don't worry! Solving this math problem is not rocket science. 

b) Mark, take your time and follow the instructions step by step. Remember, it's not rocket science.

12. Spill the beans

Reveal a secret

a) Ketty accidentally spilt the beans about the surprise party.

b) The detective tried to get the witness to spill the beans about what he saw at the crime scene.

13. Get the show on the road

Start something or begin an enterprise

a) After spending hours preparing for the event, it's time to get the show on the road and start welcoming the guests.

b) We've discussed the plan long enough, now let's get the show on the road and start implementing it.

14. Pull the last straw

The final point in a series of unfortunate events when you feel you cannot take it anymore

a) I had been late to school multiple times and when he missed an important exam, it was like he pulled the last straw for his teacher.

b) Selena's constant complaining about her job was already annoying her coworkers, but when she blamed them for her mistakes, that was the last straw she pulled.

15. That ship has sailed

It is too late to do something

a) Shelly wanted to apply for that scholarship, but she missed her chance and now she realizes that the ship has sailed.

b) John regretted not investing in that company when it was just starting. Now it's a huge success, and he knows that the ship has sailed on that opportunity.

16. It is always the darkest before dawn

Things will get better

a) Do not be worried about your career; it is always the darkest before dawn.

b) Her coach reminded the team that it's always the darkest before dawn and they should keep playing with determination.

17. Have one's head in the clouds

To have no concentration at all

a) Elizabeth always has her head in the clouds during math classes.

b) Instead of focusing on his responsibilities, Jack often has his head in the clouds, lost in thoughts.

18. On thin ice

Refers to a sensitive scenario or a person who is in trouble

a) After forgetting to do his homework for the third time, Tim was really on thin ice with his teacher. 

b) Daisy knew she was on thin ice with her boss because of her frequent tardiness.

19. Give a cold shoulder

Act rudely to someone

a) When Phillip tried to apologize for his mistake, his friend gave him a cold shoulder and didn't speak to him for days.

b) During the school project presentation, John felt nervous and gave a cold shoulder to the audience by avoiding eye contact and speaking softly.

20. Cannot make an omelette without breaking some eggs

Everything has a cost to pay

a) When you want to improve your grades, you'll have to study, you can't make an omelette without breaking some eggs.

b) To become a skilled painter, you'll have to practice a lot and make some mistakes along the way. You can't make an omelette without breaking some eggs!

21. Once bitten, twice shy

Being extremely cautious as you have been hurt already

a) Whenever Jonas sees dark clouds forming, he grabs her umbrella because once bitten, twice shy right?

b) He's been afraid of all dogs, even small ones. After all, once bitten, twice shy!

22. Out of the blue

Something that happens unexpectedly or without a warning

a) He became my best friend, out of the blue.

b) I was completely shocked when I received a job offer out of the blue from a prestigious company.

23. When it rains, it pours

When everything goes wrong at once

a) She not only had a tough week, but she also lost her job. When it rains, it pours!

b) He failed his math exam on the same day, he lost his bicycle too. When it rains, it pours!

24. Miss the boat

To act too slowly and miss an opportunity

a) Now the concert's tickets have been sold out and Daizy has missed the boat.

b) The club is full and I missed the boat to be a part of it.

25. Pull someone's leg

To make fun of someone

a) Don't pull my leg!

b) He kept on pulling my younger brother's leg.

26. No pain no gain

Suffering or making efforts is required to achieve something

a) If you want to be a doctor, you have to study hard. No pain no gain.

b) Wrestling asks for hard work. No pain no gain.

27. See eye to eye

Have the same opinion

a) My sister and I, see eye to eye.

b) We both think the same way. We have the same eye to eye.

28. Wear your heart on your sleeve

To be extremely open about what you feel and think

a) If you are not happy here, wear your heart on your sleeve and tell him.

b) You should wear your heart on your sleeve if you are hurting so long.

29. Takes two to tango

Two persons are equally responsible for what is happening or has happened

a) You can't blame only one person for the argument. Remember, it takes two to tango.

b) In a friendship, it takes two to tango.

30. Come rain or shine

No matter what happens

a) Smith is always there to help his friends, come rain or shine.

b) The dedicated postal workers deliver mail to our doorstep every day, come rain or shine.

31. Break a leg

Wishing good luck

a) Before the play, I told my brother to break a leg.

b) Break a leg at your audition!

32. Piece of cake

Very easy

a) The math test was a piece of cake. 

b) Building a sandcastle is a piece of cake.

33. Hit the books

Start studying

a) I need to hit the books for my science test.

b) She hit the books for her history exam.

34. Cost an arm and a leg

Very expensive

a) That new video game console costs an arm and a leg.

b) Going to a fancy restaurant is like spending an arm and a leg.

35. It's raining cats and dogs

Heavy rain

a) We had to stay inside because it was raining cats and dogs.

b) I got soaked when it started raining cats and dogs on my way home.

36. Don't cry over spilt milk

Don't worry about the past

a) I accidentally broke my toy, but I know I shouldn't cry over spilt milk. 

b) Don't cry over spilt milk; just clean it up and move on.

37. Biting the bullet

Facing a difficult situation with courage

a) She's biting the bullet and going to the dentist today.

b) I had to bite the bullet and tell the truth.

38. On the same page

Having a shared understanding or agreement

a) We need to be on the same page about the project's goals. 

b) It's essential that the team is on the same page for the presentation.

39. Under the weather

Feeling unwell or sick

a) I won't be at school today because I'm under the weather. 

b) She's a bit under the weather, so she's staying home.

40. All ears

Listening attentively

a) I'm all ears, tell me what happened.

b) When the teacher started the story, the students were all ears.

41. The ball is in your court

It's your responsibility

a) I've given you all the information; now the ball is in your court. 

b) After the instructions, the success of the project is in your court.

42. A piece of the pie

A share or portion of something

a) If you work hard, you can have a piece of the pie. 

b) Everyone in the team deserves a piece of the pie for their efforts.

43. Walking on air

Feeling extremely happy or elated

a) After winning the game, she was walking on air. 

b) His surprise birthday party left him walking on air.

44. Hitting the nail on the head

Making an accurate statement

a) When he described the issue, he really hit the nail on the head. 

b) Her explanation of the problem hit the nail on the head.

45. Jump on the bandwagon

Join a popular trend or activity

a) Many people are jumping on the bandwagon of fitness these days. 

b) She decided to jump on the bandwagon and start painting like her friends.

46. Clouds on the horizon

Problems/ Trouble

a) Sussan noticed that her friend was showing it as clouds on the horizon and suspected that something might be bothering her.

b) The company's financial report showed a decline in profits for the third quarter, which was like clouds on the horizon for the investors.

47. A blessing in disguise

Something that you think is bad but turns out to be a blessing

a) Due to rain, we didn't visit an amusement park but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because we stayed home and found out about a fantastic new video game.

b) I didn't get selected for the sports club but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because I joined the school's art club instead and discovered my talent for painting.

48. Blue in the face

To be exhausted due to strain or anger

a) He argued with his friend about their favourite football team until he was blue in the face, but they still couldn't agree on which team was better.

b) She tried to convince her parents to let her go to the sleepover party until she was blue in the face, but they remained firm in their decision to say no.

49. Make a long story short

To say something in simple words in a brief manner

a) They decided to cut the long story short and tell them what happened to them.

b) My father decided to cut the long story short and did what he wanted to.

50. Cup of tea

Not something that a person would do

a) Cooking has never been my cup of tea.

b) It's their matter, not my cup of tea to deal with.

51. Beating a dead horse

Overdoing something or a pointless action

a) My friend is like someone beating a dead horse because I already know what to do.

b) Answering the same question repeatedly is like beating a dead horse.

52. Speak of the devil

It refers to a person who appears as soon as they are being mentioned

a) Speak of the devil! Here she arrives.

b) Speak of the devil! He was the one, who did that to me.

53. Let sleeping dogs lie

To stop discussing something that is already over or sorted out

a) My little brother was playing with his toys quietly in the corner, and I didn't want to wake him up, so I decided to let sleeping dogs lie.

b) During the school assembly, Shelly accidentally dropped her book. I told her to let sleeping dogs lie and not draw any more attention to it.

54. Let the cat out of the bag

Reveal a secret carelessly

a) Zain accidentally let the cat out of the bag when he told everyone about the surprise party.

b) My little brother can't keep a secret. He always lets the cat out of the bag by sharing our family's plans with everyone.

55. Elephant in the room

A controversial problem or a major issue

a) During the school assembly, nobody wanted to talk about the elephant in the room, which was the upcoming maths test.

b) At the family dinner, there was an awkward silence as everyone avoided discussing the elephant in the room, which was the disagreement between Mom and Dad.

56. To say it in a nutshell

To sum up the points and be brief

a) To say it in a nutshell, the story is about a young boy who learns valuable life lessons during his summer vacation.

b) To say it in a nutshell, the science experiment was a success.

57. Worth its weight in gold

To be highly valuable

a) My grandmother's advice has always been worth its weight in gold.

a) In our soccer team, the experienced goalkeeper is worth her weight in gold.

58. To weather the storm

To go through something difficult

a) During the challenging times of the pandemic, our family stuck together and supported each other to weather the storm.

b) The small business faced financial setbacks, but the owner's determination and hard work helped them weather the storm and keep the company afloat.

59. Get your act together

To stop fooling around and do something in the way it should be done

a) Tim, you need to get your act together if you want to do well in the upcoming math test.

b) Sam it's important to get your act together when cleaning your room. 

60. On top of the world

A state of extreme happiness

a) After receiving an A+ on my math test, I felt like I was on top of the world.

b) When the team won the championship, the players were on top of the world with joy and excitement.

61. Bite the bullet

This is used when facing a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination.

a) Even though the math test was hard, she had to bite the bullet and do her best.

b) Jack had to bite the bullet and go to the dentist even though she was scared.

62. Piece of cake

This is used for something very easy to do.

The spelling test was a piece of cake for me because I studied really hard.

b) Finishing my homework last night was a piece of cake. I just sat down and did it in no time because it was so easy.

63. A penny for your thoughts

This is used as when polite way of asking someone what they are thinking about.

a) You look deep in thought. A penny for your thoughts?

b) Hey Tim, you've been sitting quietly for a while, a penny for your thoughts. Is there something on your mind?

64. Don't cry over spilt spilled milk

This is used when you want to say don't be upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

a) I accidentally dropped my ice cream, but I won't cry over spilt spilt milk. I'll get another one.

b) After I accidentally knocked over my glass of water, my mom told me not to cry over spilt milk and helped me clean it up.

65. In the same boat

This is used when you are In the same situation or facing the same difficulties as someone else.

a) We both have a lot of homework to do, so we're in the same boat.

b) During the rainy season, all the students were in the same boat, getting wet on their way to school.

66. Under the weather

This is used when you are feeling sick or not well.

a) I won't be able to come to school today because I'm feeling under the weather.

b) I lost the chance because I was feeling under the weather.

67. Hit the books

This is used when you want to study or start doing schoolwork.

a) I need to hit the books to prepare for my upcoming science test.

b) He decided to hit the books and study for several hours.

68. Break the ice

This is used when one wants to start a conversation or social interaction in a friendly and relaxed manner.

a) At the new student orientation, we played games to break the ice and get to know each other.

b) She decided to break the ice by introducing herself to her classmates.

69. Cost an arm and a leg

This is used when the thing is meant to be very expensive.

a) The latest video game console costs an arm and a leg, so I can't afford it right now.

b) That new dress console costs an arm and a leg, I’ll need to save money.

70. The ball is in your court

This is used to show that now it's your responsibility or turn to make a decision or take action in a particular situation.

a) We have done our part and now the ball is in your court.

b) You can choose the starting point for the game. The ball is in your court.

71. Cold feet

This is used to show that someone is getting nervous

a) Sammy was going to perform in the school talent show, but she got cold feet and decided not to go on stage.

b) Tim was excited about his first swimming lesson, but when he saw the cold water in the pool, he got cold feet and hesitated to jump in.

72. Apple of my eye

This is used to show someone whom you are very fond of or like

a) My little sister is the apple of my eye. 

b) This special necklace that my grandmother gave me is the apple of my eye.

73. Set the record straight

This is used to reveal the truth / to clarify

a) Who won the school's first chess tournament? Can someone please set the record straight?

b) Can someone set the record straight, who broke the vase?

74. Kill two birds with a stone

This is used to achieve two results by doing one thing

a) Samuel invited her friends over to study and killed two birds with one stone by completing their homework and spending time together.

b) Dad decided to kill two birds with one stone by going to the supermarket, which was right next to the post office, to save time and get everything done at once.

75. Snowed under

This is used to show that someone is busy

a) I can't play with you today, I'm snowed under with homework from school.

b) Sorry, I can't go to the movies this weekend. I'm snowed under with work at the office.

76. To break someone's bubble

This is used to do or say something that proves someone else's beliefs are not true.

a) I hate to break Sana's bubble, but I heard that her birthday party is not happening.

b) I don't want to break John's bubble, but I saw him make some mistakes in the spelling bee practice today.

77. Walk on eggshells

This is used to be very careful with your actions and words.

a) Alice walks on eggshells around the house to avoid making noise and disturbing her brother.

b)Timmy was so nervous that he felt like he had to walk on eggshells to avoid making any mistakes in his presentation.

78. Make two ends meet

This is used to have just enough money for all your needs

a) My mom works very hard to make two ends meet.

b) Sam's dad manages the family budget carefully to make two ends meet.

79. To be at loggerheads with someone

This is used to quarrel or disagree

a) Manuel and his friend Mary were at loggerheads when they couldn't agree on which movie to watch.

b) The two siblings

80. Pretty penny

This is used to describe expensiveness

a) Manuel's parents bought him a new bicycle for her birthday and it cost them a pretty penny.

b) Alley spent a pretty penny to add them to his collection.

81. Through thick and thin

This is used at all times - both good and bad

a) They have supported each other through thick and thin.

b) Tom's family always sticks together through thick and thin.

82. Beat around the bush

This is used to not say directly

a) When Ellan was asked by his teacher why he didn't finish his homework, he started to beat around the bush.

b) When Emily and her friends were trying to decide which movie to watch at the sleepover, they kept beating around the bush.

83. Hang in there

This is used to stay strong in a difficult situation

a) Hang in there! Everything will be okay.

b) Hang in there! You can achieve it.

84. Cut corners

This is used to reduce expenses

a) I often cut corners to buy something for my boss.

b) She stopped eating thrice a day to cut the corners.

85. Steal someone's thunder

This is used to direct attention and do something to gain praise and prevent another person from gaining praise.

a) Ortis was about to show his amazing magic trick but John suddenly performed his trick and stole his thunder.

b) Tom sang the same song and stole her thunder.

86. Call it a day

This is used to stop doing something

a) After playing at the park for hours, we decided to call it a day and go home for dinner.

b) The students had been studying for their exams all afternoon, so their teacher told them to call it a day and get some rest.

87. Better late than never

This is to do something rather than not do it.

a) Cooper forgot to do his homework, but he thought, "It's better late than never.

b) Shelly missed the beginning of the school play, but she arrived during the second act. It's better late than never!

88. Stick to your guns

This is used to stay morally strong or be firm in decisions especially when being opposed

a) Despite facing criticism from my friends, I stuck to my guns and continued to study diligently.

b) The cricket team decided to stick to their guns and play their best.

89. Leave no stone unturned

This is used to look everywhere without missing a spot or to make every effort possible to achieve something

a) When preparing for my science project, I left no stone unturned.

b) Veronica wanted to find her lost necklace, so she searched her room thoroughly, leaving no stone unturned.

90. Time is money

To work quickly in the time that is left

a) Remember, time is money. Use your time wisely!

b) Let's plan our activities carefully. Time is money, and we want to make sure we enjoy every moment.