Common English Idioms

1. Butterflies in my stomach: To be nervous. Example: Liam had butterflies in his stomach before he went on stage to play the violin.

2. By the skin of your teeth: To just barely get by or make it. Example: Nelly made the dance team by the skin of his teeth; you can tell he hasn't been dancing jazz for very long.

3. Cut someone some slack: To not judge someone too harshly. Example: Hey. Cut me some slack. I was really busy with my business last week and forgot to call. I'm sorry!

4. Draw the line: To stop; to know the point where something goes from okay to not okay. Example: don't mind my roommate being a bit messy, but leaving dirty dishes for me to clean up is where I draw the line!

5. Easier said than done: Not as easy as it appears to be. Example: You want me to come to work at 6:00 AM? Easier said than done!

6. Get something off your chest: To talk about something that has been bothering you for a long time; to admit something you have done wrong. Example: I have to get this off my chest, I copied your answers on our last paper.

7. Go the extra mile: To make an extra effort. Example: My dentist always goes the extra mile, offering free back massages at the end of a stressful tooth extraction.

8. Hang in there: Be patient. Wait it out. Example: I know you're struggling right now in school but just hang in there. It'll get easier. I promise.

9. Every cloud has a silver lining: you mean that every sad or unpleasant situation has a positive side to it. Example: When I'm going through a hard time, I try to remind myself that every dark cloud has a silver lining. I can usually find something to be thankful for, no matter what's going on in my life.

10. A taste of your own medicine: harsh or unpleasant treatment that is like the treatment someone has given other people. Example: Dan is a bully—of course he won't like it when his victims fight back and give him a taste of his own medicine.