Fun English Idioms

What are Idioms? Idioms are a group of words that have a non-literal meaning.

They act as a figure of speech. Today we will learn five.

1. Once in a blue moon.

   Meaning: Rarely.

   Why do we say this?: Although uncommon, the moon can look bluish if atmospheric conditions, such as volcanic eruptions or wildfires, scatter red light and let more blue light reach our eyes. This phenomenon is infrequent. Hence, the idiom signifies rarely/not often.

   Examples:

   - I go to the gym once in a blue moon. I am usually too busy with work, so it's difficult to find the time.

   - It's okay to have cake once in a blue moon.

   - We only see each other once in a blue moon.

2. Hold your horses.

   Meaning: Wait/Slow down.

   Why do we say this?: This expression has historical ties to horseback riding or horse travel. To prevent horses from escaping, we might 'hold their reins,' and to reduce their speed, we can pull on the reins. Thus, the idiom means to slow down.

   Examples:

   - Sorry but you're going to have to hold your horses. There are a lot of people waiting in the queue ahead of us.

   - Hold your horses children, the film will start soon.

   - I think we should hold your horses before buying this house. It's a lot of money.

3. Break a leg.

   Meaning: Good Luck.

   Why do we say this?: Why do we say 'break a leg' when wishing someone 'good luck'? In the theatre world, there's a superstition that saying something positive before a show or performance can actually bring bad luck or tempt fate. However, some people believe the phrase dates back to Elizabethan times when, instead of applauding, audience members would bang their chairs on the floor, often breaking the chair's leg. Thus, if the chair leg breaks, it indicates a good performance.

   Examples:

   - Break a leg tonight. I can't wait to see the show.

   - Break a leg Beth, I am sure your performance will be fantastic.

   - Before the audition, her friend told her to 'break a leg'.

4. Hit the sack.

   Meaning: To go to bed.

   Why do we say this?: The 'sack' in 'hit the sack, refers to the sackcloth that was used to make mattresses or bedding in the old days. People use to fill sacks with straw or other soft materials to sleep on, making 'hitting the sack' quite literally about getting into bed. You don't actually hit anything, but just go to sleep.

   Examples:

   - It's time for me to hit the sack, I am exhausted.

   - Let's hit the sack. We have a very early start tomorrow.

   - I can't wait to hit the sack tonight. It has been a long day.

5. When pigs fly.

   Meaning: Highly unlikely.

   Why do we say this?: Is it possible for pigs to fly? Naturally, the answer is no. Unlike birds or insects, pigs don't have wings. Therefore, when we use this expression, we imply that something is highly improbable. It's often employed humorously to mock unrealistic ambitions. There are many variations of this idea; if someone known for failing eventually succeeds, observers might sarcastically say they've spotted a flying pig.

   Examples:

   - 'I might go to bed early tonight'. Said Jack. 'Oh yeah, when pigs fly', said Susie.

   - He will learn to ice skate when pigs fly.

   - You really think we will get a raise this year? Come on, when did you last see a pig fly?

   
   

There you go, five fun idioms that you can use to enrich your English vocabulary. We hope you enjoy using them.