Learn some common English expressions and idioms with me!
I am super excited to bring this blog to you guys today with some common English expressions. You will read 10 common American English expressions and idioms, their meanings and two examples for each one. Let’s get started with these expressions.
#1: Off the top of my head
Meaning: it’s what’s coming to mind in this moment.
We also use this when we’re trying to recall or remember something.
The examples for this one:
“Do you have any Spanish books that I can borrow?” “uh off the top of my head, I can think of two that I can loan you.”
“Can you think of any good restaurants in the city?” “Oh, off the top of my head, there’s an amazing Indian restaurant right around the corner.”
#2 Get the best of someone or something
Meaning: to overwhelm to take control or gain an advantage over someone.
It’s usually used more in a negative way.
Examples:
I never meant to yell at my kids, but my anger got the best of me that day.
Don’t let her get the best of you, just ignore her.
#3 Freaking out
We use this expression a lot. If someone freaks out they’re either extremely upset, surprised, angry, or even confused.
Examples:
When her boyfriend proposed over dinner, Melissa freaked out because she wasn’t expecting it.
I freaked out when I got an A on the exam. I was so excited.
#4 Beat around the bush
Meaning: Avoiding saying something that you want to say because it’s uncomfortable.
Examples:
“Please don’t beat around the bush, just tell me, did I get the job or not?”
I felt like grandma kept beating around the bush because she didn’t want to hurt my feelings.
#5 Bite the bullet
It means to finally do something.
Examples:
I’m going to bite the bullet and buy Camille’s English course. You should do it.
John finally bit the bullet and bought a new vacuum cleaner.
#6 Get your act together
It means improve your performance / behavior.
Examples:
If you don’t get your act together, they will fire you.
You better get your act together, or you will fail the class.
#7 Pull yourself together
Meaning calm down.
Examples:
I know you’re upset, but you have to pull yourself together, because your presentation is in 10 minutes.
It was hard to pull herself together after Rose got dumped by her boyfriend.
#8 To get bent out of shape
Meaning to get upset.
Examples:
Don’t let it get you bent out of shape, just calm down.
There’s no reason to get bent out of shape, you will find an answer to your problem.
#9 Wrap your head around something
Meaning: to understand something complicated.
Examples:
The boys aren’t wearing jackets and it’s snowing, I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.
They don’t work, yet they have been traveling for over a year. I’m trying to wrap my head around it.
#10 Your guess is as good as mine
Meaning: I have no idea, and it’s usually in response to a question.
Examples:
Do you know if Matt is going to the party tonight? Your guess is as good as mine.
Does the recipe call for eggs? Your guess is as good as mine.
So that concludes the 10 common English expressions for today. Did you learn any new expressions? I hope so!
Tchau, ciao.
