When you’re learning English as a second language, it’s easy to collect the basics—like “break a leg” or “hit the books.” But if you really want to impress native speakers, mastering some lesser-known idioms can help you sound both fluent and savvy. Below are ten uncommon English idioms, complete with definitions and practical examples, to help you take your English to the next level.
1. Nip Something in the Bud
- Meaning: To stop a problem or challenge early on, before it becomes too big to control.
- Example: “If you see any signs of procrastination, you should nip it in the bud before it affects your grades.”
This idiom comes from gardening, where cutting off a flower bud prevents it from blooming into something larger. Use it when you want to handle an issue immediately so it doesn’t grow worse.
2. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
- Meaning: Avoid bringing up a problem or topic that could cause trouble if addressed again.
- Example: “I know you want to confront your coworker about last month’s argument, but maybe it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie.”
This idiom suggests that disturbing a settled matter can lead to more problems than leaving it alone—sometimes peace is the better route!
3. Shoot the Breeze
- Meaning: To have a casual, friendly conversation about unimportant topics.
- Example: “We were just shooting the breeze over coffee when we came up with a brilliant new idea for the project.”
This relaxed phrase captures the idea of chatting without a specific goal or serious subject—just passing time pleasantly.
4. Steal Someone’s Thunder
- Meaning: To take credit for someone else’s ideas or to do something that takes away another person’s attention or success.
- Example: “My friend announced her promotion at the same time I announced my engagement—she totally stole my thunder!”
This idiom paints a dramatic picture of one person overshadowing another. It’s handy when you feel your moment to shine has been hijacked.
5. Pull the Wool Over Someone’s Eyes
- Meaning: To deceive or trick someone, often by hiding the truth.
- Example: “His smooth talking can pull the wool over anyone’s eyes, so be careful in negotiations with him.”
Picture someone literally covering your eyes with wool; you can’t see what’s really happening. Use this idiom to warn others about deception.
6. Jump the Gun
- Meaning: To start or act too soon, often before you’re truly prepared or before something is officially ready.
- Example: “I jumped the gun by telling everyone about the new policy before it was confirmed.”
This idiom references a race start; if you leap forward before the starting pistol (“the gun”) is fired, you’ve gone too early.
7. Let the Chips Fall Where They May
- Meaning: To allow events to unfold naturally, without worrying about the consequences.
- Example: “I’ve made my decision to change careers, and I’ll just let the chips fall where they may.”
Imagine bits of wood (chips) flying off during carving—where they land is out of your control. This idiom is about accepting outcomes without fear.
8. Burn the Midnight Oil
- Meaning: To work or study very late into the night.
- Example: “She burned the midnight oil all week to finish her thesis on time.”
Back when oil lamps were the primary source of light, working late literally meant using up more lamp oil. Use this phrase when you’re putting in late hours.
9. Beat a Dead Horse
- Meaning: To continue discussing or pushing an issue that has already been settled or has no resolution.
- Example: “We’ve been talking about last year’s budget for hours—let’s not beat a dead horse. Let’s move on.”
It’s a vivid way of saying that no further effort can fix what’s already finished or gone—time to stop and focus on something new.
10. Under the Table
- Meaning: To do something secretly, often involving money or deals that aren’t entirely legal or aboveboard.
- Example: “They suspected the contractor was being paid under the table, but no one could prove it.”
It conjures up the image of money literally exchanging hands out of sight beneath a table. Use this phrase to point out hidden or possibly shady dealings.
Final Thoughts
Idioms add color to your language, making your English sound authentic and more closely matched to the speech of native speakers. However, remember that idioms can vary by region and culture—so listen carefully to how locals use them. With these ten uncommon idioms in your toolkit, you’ll be ready to impress friends, colleagues, and teachers alike with your natural-sounding English!
Keep practicing, stay curious, and you’ll keep moving closer to fluency—idiom by idiom!