Most Beautiful Idioms in the English Language

What is Idiom? What is Idiom:- Idioms occur in all languages on every continent throughout the world. They are known as a form of formulaic language. This type of language is not meant to be taken literally in most cases. These phrases are meant to have a figurative meaning that paints a picture in someone’s mind as a comparison to what is literally implied by the terminology being used. Most idioms come in the form of phrases known as idiomatic phrases. Idioms are used every day in all types of conversations and discussions about many topics. They most often appear in informal conversations, but can also appear in formal discussions as well.

The History of Idiom Most idioms have an extensive history of being used over an extended period of time. Many have origins in the Bible and even more, are derived from Old English or Latin phrases and words. Well-known authors like Shakespeare, Chaucer, and many others have used or are solely responsible for the creation of some idioms in their works of poetry, drama, plays, and more. These well-known authors used idioms to prevent their writing from sounding bland, mundane, and repetitive by using the same old boring comparisons using both relative and literal terms. In fact, most of the popular idioms that we still use to this very day have stood the ultimate test of time having originated thousands of years ago.

Idiom Definition An idiom is a phrase or an expression that has a figurative, or sometimes literal meaning. An idiom’s figurative meaning is different from the literal meaning. Idioms are things that people say or write that when taken literally, don’t make sense. This can be quite confusing, but essentially they are ‘sayings’ or ‘phrases’ that are understood by English speakers in terms of their intended meaning, but when taken at face value the words together make little or no sense at all. An example might be somebody saying they were “Over the moon” because of something good happening in their lives. Taking that literally would leave somebody feeling quite confused, but most people understand that the individual is trying to say that they are really happy about something.

Why Use Idioms in Everyday Conversations? In short, because it would be difficult not to. We all know certain sayings or phrases from growing up, and that is exactly what an idiom is. Idioms can be universally understood, locally understood in your country/town/city/street, or even be understood just within your own family. Idioms are sewed into the fabric of the English language, wherever you’re speaking it. They are useful in everyday conversations because they get the meaning across without having to say very much at all. You save time, your meaning is clear in a figurative sense (even when it is not literally understood), and then you can move on to the next part of your conversation.

1. It takes two to tango Everyone knows that two people are needed to dance the tango, so this expression means that if there has been some kind of unpleasant situation in which two people were involved, they are both to blame. Origin The idiom “it takes two to tango” came from a 1952 song title Takes Two to Tango. The lyrics were popularized in a later cover and came into common use. This is fairly recent for an idiom to originate and become popular. Most date back several centuries. Example Sentence 1. You’re never going to be able to do that by yourself, it takes two to tango. 2. It takes two to tango and you’re just one person. 3, He seems to have forgotten, to make a relationship work it takes two to tango. 3. Like the tango, it takes two to make this job work. 4. My mother always told me that it is going to take two to tango if I ever want to have a good partnership. 5. She blames Sarah for stealing her husband. But anyway, it takes two to tango.

2. Variety is the spice of life Meaning *new and exciting practices make life more attractive *one should attempt lots of different types of experiences because trying different things maintains life exciting *life is more fascinating when it changes repeatedly and you have many diverse incidents. Origin This proverbial expression comes from William Cowper s poem The Task (1785): Variety’s the very spice of life, That gives it all flavors. Example Sentences 1. I started learning tennis after having tried swimming because variety is the spice of life. 2. She loves trying different sports every year as she knows variety is the spice of life. 3. James keeps exploring different countries every year. He says variety is the spice of life. 4. Aren’t you bored of visiting the same restaurant every weekend? You should know that variety is the spice of life. 5. One should learn different things for having different experiences as variety is the spice of life that keeps one moving. 6. It is not his fault to keep changing his profession every five years. The belief that variety is the spice of life is in his blood. 7. This generation believes that variety is the spice of life; that is why they keep changing their interests.

3. Every cloud has a silver lining Meaning The phrase “every cloud has a silver lining” is a common one. It’s used in a wide variety of situations to convey a feeling of hope when it seems like there shouldn’t be any. This idiom means that in every negative situation, there is also something positive. Origins of “Every cloud has a silver lining” Like most proverbs and idioms, this one has a complicated origin. John Milton is credited with coining the phrase “silver lining” in his poem ‘Comus: A Mask Presented at Ludlow Castle,’ published in 1634. It reads: Example Sentences 1. Don’t worry, every cloud has a silver lining. Something is going to work out. 2. You shouldn’t stress so much. Every cloud has a silver lining. 3. It’s only when you take the time to relax that you realize every cloud has a silver lining. 4. Everyone is going to benefit from this situation. Every cloud has a silver lining. 5. I lost my phone yesterday. Well, now you can buy the phone you’ve been wanting. "Every cloud has a silver lining!”

4. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones This idiom means that you shouldn’t criticize other people’s negative personality traits or mistakes when you have those same traits or have made the same mistakes. Origin It is an epic poem, written in Middle English, that tells the story of two tragic lovers against the backdrop of the Siege of Troy. It is sometimes cited as Chaucer’s best work and is also considered to be the origin of the phrase “all good things must come to an end.” Example: 1.Susan says that Carla is jealous, but Susan is even more jealous. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. 2. Henry, stop, you know what they say about stones and glass houses. 3. I don’t think you should really go there, Anna, those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. 4. Do you know that old proverb about glass houses and stones? Well, I think it applies here. 5. I’ve near heard anything more hypocritical. Have they never heard the proverb “those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones” in Washington?

5. Burn your bridges This idiom, which you have probably heard, means to do something that makes it impossible to return to an earlier state or condition. Example: I think you really burned your bridges when you announced you were quitting and proceeded to insult your manager in front of all of your colleagues. 6. Burn the midnight oil Students know this idiom. It means to stay up late and work and study very hard. It can also mean that a person has been working very hard at something over a period of time. Example: Jim has to burn the midnight oil to pass that exam.

7. Water under the bridge This idiom in English means that problems and difficulties that happened in the past can’t be changed, and one should forget about them and move forward. Example: It was terrible that your car was stolen, but it is water under the bridge now, so you must move forward. 8. Wear your heart on your sleeve This means to not hide your feelings; letting everyone know by your words and actions how you feel. Example: He’s the kind of guy who wears his heart on his sleeve.

9. What goes around comes around You probably know the song by this name which was sung by Justin Timberlake. You could translate this with the phrase “you will reap what you sow.” In other words, we eventually feel the consequences of what we say or do. Example: People say what goes around comes around. So be careful… 10. Two’s company, three’s a crowd Some situations – such as a date – are fine with two people, but awkward or uncomfortable when there are three. Example: The couple wanted to go on holiday with their friend. But two’s company, three’s a crowd, so none of them were able to enjoy themselves.