In English grammar, Idioms are basically the combination of words that have a different figurative meaning as compared to the literal meaning of each word or phrase. Sometimes idioms become confusing for the kids who are learning English. It is because idioms don’t mean what they say.
22 Idioms List with Meanings for Kids
We, at Englishbix, have compiled a list of easy idioms. Using Theses idioms you would be to express yourself is an interesting way.
- A grey area
Meaning: Something unclear
Example: Indeed, the role of journalists and the media in dealing with criminals or suspected felons is a grey area with undefined boundaries.
- A rip-off
Meaning: Too expensive
Example: People in York mostly think that estate agents are a rip-off, greedy, corrupt, or that they are cowboys or sharks.
- Add fuel to the fire
Meaning: To add more to an existing problem
Example: The controversy continues to rage, and these latest accusations will only add fuel to the fire.
- As easy as ABC
Meaning: Something is very easy
Example: Signals are as easy as ABC for the trader with the right tools and know-how.
- Call it a day
Meaning: Time to quit
Example: He will have to forgive you and stop being a parole officer, or you’ll have to call it a day.
- Cool as a cucumber
Meaning: To be very calm under stress
Example: Opening night, and while Amy was as cool as a cucumber, I was the one that was feeling nervous, and I wasn’t even in the play at all.
- Crack a book
Meaning: Open up a book and study
Example: It creates an immersive world that might actually lead some audience members to crack a book.
- Down to the wire
Meaning: At the last minute
Example: Played at a cracking pace, this final had drama, referee’s calls being queried and a finish that went right down to the wire.
- Draw a blank
Meaning: Can’t remember
Example: Many searches ultimately draw a blank, but people do turn up on occasion.
- Get a kick out of it
Meaning: Really enjoy/like something
Example: Still, I get a kick out of watching our hens roam around the yard, digging and scratching, or taking dust baths.
- Get your act together
Meaning: Behave properly
Example: You need to get a grasp of the evidence, and in effect, get your act together.
- Give it a shot
Meaning: To try to do something
Example: I am willing to give it a shot by throwing him to the lions and asking him what he prefers afterward.
- Have mixed feelings
Meaning: Be unsure of how you feel
Example: What this director does not have mixed feelings about is his country or, better, his country’s people, whom he manifestly loves.
- Have second thoughts
Meaning: Have doubts
Example: I wasn’t exactly keen, but my husband wanted to go, though we did have second thoughts when they had to screw the door shut.
- In hot water
Meaning: Be in trouble
Example: Bowen is the latest in a line of old-style comedians to have landed themselves in hot water after using racially provocative language or jokes.
- In the same boat
Meaning: Be in the same situation
Example: But in the end we all ended up in the same boat so to speak, achieving but still trying.
- It’s in the bag
Meaning: It’s a certainty
Example: China steps on to the pitch at the World Cup finals this year with one victory already in the bag.
- Miss the boat
Meaning: You missed your chance
Example: The price discount ended yesterday and I just missed the boat on a great deal.
- Mumbo jumbo
Meaning: To call something total nonsense
Example: He’s a shyster, they say, ripping off poor uneducated country folk with his mumbo-jumbo, and luring a stream of young girls into his bed.
- Out of the blue
Meaning: With no warning
Example: His performance was out of the blue but one that he certainly can repeat again as he grows in confidence.
- Pass with flying colors
Meaning: To succeed at something easily
Example: She was just testing him to see how he’d respond, and little did she know, he’d pass with flying colors.
- Piece of cake
Meaning: Something very easy
Example: Adrian had taken a woodworking and carpentry course in high school, so this would be a piece of cake.
We hope that kids will find it easy to learn. It is the responsibility of Teachers and parents to make them use these idioms in their communication and writing.
Save this list for your future reference and make the best use of it.