Idioms used in the United States

Created by Deanna - Mr. Harris’ LAL Class

Idioms are phrases used in languages that do not mean what they say literally word for word. If you try to figure out the meaning word for word you would be confused. Idioms are phrases used in languages that do not mean what they say literally word for word. If you try to figure out the meaning word for word you would be confused.

“Ants in your Pants” Sentence- You never sit still. You must have “ants in your pants”. Meaning- Extreme restlessness; over activity.

“At the drop of a Hat” Sentence-Lou would have gone to the football game “at the drop of a hat”. Meaning- Right away, without delay; willing at any moment.

“At the end of your rope” Sentence- I’ve tried everything, but nothings worked. I’m “at the end of my rope”, I give up. Meaning- At the limit of your ability, endurance, or patience to do something. endurance, or patience to do something.

“Back to Square one” Sentence-Our answer to the math problem didn’t work so it’s “back to square one”. Meaning-Return to the beginning because of a failure to accomplish the desired result.

“Back seat driver” Sentence-I can fix this computer myself, but my mom always tries to be a “back seat driver” and tell me what to do. Meaning- A bossy person who tells another person what to do; A person who gives unwanted advice and directions.

“Batten down the hatches” Sentence-We’d better “batten down the hatches ”. The weather channel says a storm is on the way. Meaning-To get ready for trouble; Prepare for any emergency.

“Beat around the bush” Sentence- Stop “beating around the bush”. Tell me who you’re taking to the dance? Meaning-To avoid answering a question; To approach something carefully or in a roundabout way.

“Bed of roses” Sentence- Compared with my old school, this one is a “bed of roses”. Meaning- A wonderful, pleasant situation or position; An easy, comfortable life.

“Beggars can’t be choosers” Sentence-”Beggars can’t be choosers. If you don’t have money to go out for pizza, you’ll have to eat in the cafeteria. Meaning- Needy people have to take whatever they can get and cannot care about the quality if they can’t afford to buy it for themselves.

“Behind the eight ball” Sentence-My father caught me napping in the Hammock instead of mowing the lawn. I’m really “behind the eight ball’ now. Meaning- In trouble or out of luck; In a difficult position with little hope of winning.

“Better Half” Sentence- I’m not making a decision until I check with my “better half”. Meaning- Either partner in marriage.

“Better safe than sorry” Sentence-Terri told Alexandra to put on her seat belt, even for a short drive.”better safe than sorry”, she said. Meaning-Be careful, avoid risks and injury that you’ll regret later.

“Call your bluff” Sentence- They’re bragging they can beat us badly. C’mon. Let’s “call their bluff”. Meaning- To demand that someone prove a what they say. To challenge someone, to carry out a threat.

“Can’t hit the side of a barn” Sentence-Don’t worry about getting hit in the booth at the county fair. These kids “can’t hit the side of a barn”. Meaning-To have terrible aim; To not be able to throw well enough to hit even a large target.

“Carry the weight of the world on your shoulders” Sentence-Since Jennifer got they big job, she looks as if she’s “carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders”. Meaning-To feel all the problems in the world.

“Cat got your tongue” Sentence-”Why don’t you answer me ? “Cat got your tongue?” Meaning-Is there a reason you’re not speaking?

“Drop you like a hot potato” Sentence-When she found out that her boyfriend was lying to her, she “dropped him like a hot potato”. Meaning-To get rid of something or somebody as quickly as possible.

“Get up on the wrong side of the bed” Sentence-Watch out! Dad “got up on the wrong side of the bed”. Meaning-to wake up in a bad mood, feeling sad or grouchy.

“Blood is thicker than water” Sentence- My boss chose her daughter instead of me to work in her store. I guess “blood is thicker than water” Meaning: a person will do more for a relative than for someone else.

“Break a leg” Sentence-On the night of the play, Anne’s father told her to “break a leg”. Meaning-The most crucial fact; the net result.