Break the ice
Make a new situation feel more relaxed.
A simple question helped break the ice.
Daily idioms
English idioms for everyday conversations
Learn an expression, notice how it works in context, then make it your own. Our Daily Challenge in the Learning Hub includes an idiom selected by Cairo date.
Choose one expression below. Say the example aloud, create a different sentence and look for a natural chance to use it. An idiom is useful when it fits the situation; you do not need to use one in every conversation.
Common idioms: meanings and examples
On the same page
Understand or agree about the same thing.
Let's check that we are on the same page.
A piece of cake
Something very easy.
After some practice, the task was a piece of cake.
Get the ball rolling
Start an activity or process.
I'll send the first message to get the ball rolling.
Learn the ropes
Learn how a new job or activity works.
My colleague helped me learn the ropes.
Take it one step at a time
Deal with something gradually.
The course is challenging, so take it one step at a time.
Go the extra mile
Make more effort than expected.
She went the extra mile to explain the instructions.
Think outside the box
Look for an unusual or creative solution.
We need to think outside the box to solve this problem.
In a nutshell
In a few clear words.
In a nutshell, we need more time to prepare.
The big picture
The overall situation rather than small details.
Before changing the plan, look at the big picture.
Keep an open mind
Be willing to consider new ideas.
Keep an open mind when trying a new study method.
Get the hang of it
Learn how to do something.
I found it difficult at first, but I'm getting the hang of it.
Back to square one
Back at the beginning after an unsuccessful attempt.
The file was empty, so we were back to square one.
Call it a day
Stop working for now.
We've finished the main tasks. Let's call it a day.
Under the weather
Feeling a little unwell.
I'm feeling under the weather, so I'll rest today.
A breath of fresh air
A welcome and refreshing change.
Her practical approach was a breath of fresh air.
Better late than never
Doing something late is better than not doing it.
I finally started learning. Better late than never!
In the long run
Over a long period of time.
A small daily habit helps in the long run.
So far, so good
Things have gone well up to now.
How is the new course? So far, so good.
Out of the blue
Unexpectedly.
An old friend called me out of the blue.
Give it a shot
Try something.
I've never written a review in English, but I'll give it a shot.
Hang in there
Keep going during a difficult period.
You're making progress. Hang in there!
Find your feet
Become comfortable in a new situation.
It took me a few weeks to find my feet at work.
Take your time
Do something without rushing.
Take your time and read the question carefully.
Make up your mind
Decide.
I need another day to make up my mind.
Keep an eye on
Watch or check something.
Could you keep an eye on the time?
On the right track
Making progress in a useful direction.
Your examples are clearer. You're on the right track.
A learning curve
A period of learning through new experiences.
Using the new software was a learning curve.
See eye to eye
Agree with someone.
We don't see eye to eye on every detail.
Meet halfway
Reach an agreement by both making a compromise.
You prefer mornings and I prefer evenings. Can we meet halfway?
Go with the flow
Accept changes without trying to control everything.
We had no fixed plan, so we went with the flow.
Out of your comfort zone
In a situation that feels unfamiliar or challenging.
Speaking to a new group took me out of my comfort zone.
Have a lot on your plate
Have many things to deal with.
I have a lot on my plate this week.
Take a rain check
Politely postpone an invitation.
Can I take a rain check on coffee? I'm busy today.
Touch base
Make brief contact to exchange updates.
Let's touch base on Thursday about the project.
Keep me posted
Continue giving me updates.
Keep me posted about the new schedule.
At the last minute
Just before something happens or is due.
The meeting room changed at the last minute.
Ahead of the game
Better prepared or more advanced than others.
Reviewing the notes early helped me stay ahead of the game.
Play it by ear
Decide what to do as the situation develops.
We haven't chosen a time. Let's play it by ear.
Put your heads together
Work with others to think of a solution.
Let's put our heads together and make a plan.
Sleep on it
Wait until the next day before deciding.
It is an important decision. I'll sleep on it.
The best of both worlds
The advantages of two different situations.
Online lessons give me the best of both worlds: coaching and flexibility.
Once in a blue moon
Very rarely.
I eat at that restaurant once in a blue moon.
Time flies
Time seems to pass very quickly.
Time flies when we have an interesting conversation.
Better safe than sorry
Being careful is better than taking an unnecessary risk.
I'll save another copy. Better safe than sorry.
Keep your word
Do what you promised.
He said he would help, and he kept his word.
Make someone's day
Make someone feel very happy.
Your kind message made my day.
Go hand in hand
Be closely connected.
Practice and feedback go hand in hand.
Turn over a new leaf
Start behaving in a better or different way.
I've turned over a new leaf and started studying regularly.
Put something on hold
Pause or delay something.
We put the project on hold until next month.
Cut to the chase
Get to the main point.
We have ten minutes, so let's cut to the chase.
Go back to the drawing board
Start planning again because an idea did not work.
The design was confusing, so we went back to the drawing board.
On the fence
Not yet able to decide.
I'm on the fence about joining the evening course.
Worth a try
Reasonable to attempt even if success is uncertain.
This listening exercise is worth a try.
Read between the lines
Understand a meaning that is not stated directly.
Read between the lines: she may need more time.
Put yourself in someone's shoes
Imagine how another person feels.
Put yourself in the customer's shoes before replying.
Miss the point
Fail to understand the main idea.
I think I missed the point. Could you explain it again?
A fresh pair of eyes
Someone who can look at something in a new way.
Could you check my email? I need a fresh pair of eyes.
Set the tone
Establish the feeling or attitude of a situation.
A friendly introduction set the tone for the meeting.
Take the pressure off
Make a situation less stressful.
Preparing a few notes took the pressure off.
Get straight to the point
Say the main idea without delay.
The email gets straight to the point.
Not set in stone
Still possible to change.
The schedule isn't set in stone yet.
Something to think about
An idea worth considering.
Your suggestion gives us something to think about.
One thing at a time
Focus on one task before starting another.
There are several exercises. Let's do one thing at a time.
Practise expressions in context
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