English Idioms and Phrases are the souls of the language and these are so realistic and true for the human being. English Idioms are also known as “Proverbs” “Sayings” or the phrases. These are part of our daily life communication. Not only in spoken English but also you encounter with it in written English every day.
Since the idioms don’t represent the literal meaning all the time so you must have the social and cultural aspects as well. Without having a sense of the social and cultural value of an English Phrase you might not get it completely.
This may seem to have a lot of exercises however learning idioms or English saying is fun indeed. Idiomatic expressions may not be the same in your own language because its literal meaning differs.
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Most Popular English Idioms or English Phrases
If you can learn some most popular English Proverbs, that would help you sound more real English speaker. So here are some of the Idioms- Phrases or Sayings that are most commonly used. You must learn and use them wisely in your expressions which will make more impact on your communication.
Let’s have a look-
A bird in hand is better than two in the bush
Meaning: Don’t rush for more when you have the risk to lose some in hand.
Example: You probably should not leave your present job till your future job is not assured, as you know a bird in hand is better than two in the bush.
Hindi Version: आधी छोड़ के पूरी को धावे आधी मिले न पूरी पावे
A Bed of Roses
Meaning: Easy Job
Example: Taking care of kids no a bed of roses, they need too much attention.
Hindi Version: बच्चो का खेल नहीं
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: Don’t risk all your assets together.
Example: Going to Invest in Mutual Fund? Yes! That is a good idea but don’t put all your eggs in the same basket. (Means don’t invest all the money in one company or fund).
Don’t cry over spilt milk
Meaning: No benefit of regret after the loses.
Example: There are no benefits of crying on past mishappening.
Hindi Version: अब पछताए क्या होत जब चिड़िया चुग गई खेत
Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
Means: There is always some hope even in the worst situation.
Example:
Hindi Version: निराशा में आशा
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning: Don’t count on something good happening until it’s happened
Example: Harry keeps on calculating the future outcome of the investment however I always suggest him Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
Get the taste of your own medicine
Meaning: Get treated in the same manner you treat others or experience the same behaviour you do with others.
Example: People get offended when they get the taste of their own medicine.
Also Read: 100 Majedar Hindi Kahawtein
Some English Idiomatic Expressions (English Proverbs) for Daily Communication
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Means: Continuity is more important than speed.
Example: This is based on the most commonly known story “Race of Rabbit and Tortoise” where the slow and steady speed of tortoise wins the race.
Calm before the Storm
Means: Peacefulness before something bad to happen. Something bad to come but at the movement it peaceful.
Hindi Version: तूफ़ान के पहले की शांति
Haste makes Waste
Means: Do your work with a calm mind because haste always makes waste.
Hindi Version: जल्दी का काम शैतान का
A picture is worth 1000 words
Means: Picture speaks louder than words.
Barking Dogs Seldom Bites
Means: Those who speak more, do very little.
Hindi Version: जो गरजते हैं वो बरसते नहीं
Add Insult to Injury
Means: Make the bad situation the worst
Hindi Version: जले पे नमक छिड़कना
Actions Speak Louder than Words
Meaning: Instead of lips service people should impress with their actions because actions speak louder than words.
Empty Vessels make much Noise
Meaning: Less educated people speak more and loud and the educated people are calm and composed.
Hindi Version: थोथा चना बाजे घना or अध जल गगरी छलकत जाए
He has bigger fish to fry
Means: He has bigger responsibilities to handle.
Beat Around the Bush
Means: Talking about the different topics of the discussion.
New Shoe Pinches
Means: In the beginning, trouble comes but they disappear with the course of time.
Hindi Version: शुभ कार्य में तो विघ्न आते ही हैं
Some Most Useful English Sayings for Daily Use
Heat of the Movement
Meaning: Overwhelmed by the things going on around.
Kill two birds in one Stone
Means: Doing multiple works together.
Hindi Version: एक पंथ दो काज
Burning Bridges
Meaning: Destroying relationship to mend. We should keep the way to return back. But its not possible after burning bridges.
Your guess is as good as mine
Means; we both don’t know something completely.
The elephant in the room
Meaning: An issue, person, or problem that someone is trying to avoid.
Straight from the horse’s mouth
Meaning: Reading or hearing something from the source
An empty mind is devil’s workshop
Meaning: If you sit idle the weird thoughts will prevail you. In Hindi, we say it: खाली दिमाग शैतान का घर
Piece of Cake
Meaning: A very easy and comfortable job or work.
Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: Its time to reveal the secret. or to share the information kept secret.
Cutting Corner
Means; Not performing the task or duty in a proper way. trying to use shortcuts to save time or money.
Caught between a rock and a hard place
Meaning: stuck between two difficult and unpleasant choices. in Hindi, we say it- एक तरफ कुआँ एक तरफ खाईं
It takes two to tango
Means; One person usually isn’t the only responsible party. In Hindi, we say it- एक हाथ से ताली नहीं बजती (you cannot clap with one hand).
You cannot make omelettes without breaking eggs.
Means; you cannot make everybody happy. like to make omelettes you have to break some eggs.
A bad workman quarrels with his tools
Means; When the person doesn’t know how to do the task, he blames on stupid things. in Hindi, we say it- नांच न जाने आँगन टेढ़ा
Hitting the Nail on Head
Meaning: Doing the work with perfection or hitting the target accurately.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink
Meaning: You cannot force your idea on someone.
Conclusion:
English Idioms or “Hindi Kahawte or Muhawre”, are the key to the language. If you use relevant English phrases in your daily communication you sound more native speaker.
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