List of English Idioms in Alphabetical Order

A to Z Idioms List (Idiomatic Expressions Organaized Alphabetically.)

This page is your master directory of over 1,186 common English idioms and expressions. Use the alphabetical index below to find any idiom quickly. Each phrase links to its dedicated page with its full meaning, origin, and multiple example sentences so you can understand and use it correctly.

Quick Reference: 10 Most Useful English Idioms

Here are some of the most common idioms with their meanings and examples—perfect for quick learning.

IdiomMeaningExample Sentence
Break the iceTo relieve tension or start a conversation“He told a funny story to break the ice at the beginning of the workshop.”
A piece of cakeSomething very easy to do“That math test was a piece of cake; I finished it in 20 minutes.”
Hit the booksTo study seriously“I can’t go to the concert. I have to hit the books for my finals.”
Let the cat out of the bagTo reveal a secret accidentally“She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party a week early.”
Cost an arm and a legTo be extremely expensive“Fixing the roof is going to cost an arm and a leg.”
Beat around the bushTo avoid talking about what is important“Stop beating around the bush and tell me what the problem is.”
Once in a blue moonVery rarely“They only go out for a fancy dinner once in a blue moon.”
Spill the beansTo give away a secret“Who spilled the beans about the merger?”
Hit the nail on the headTo describe exactly what is causing a problem“You hit the nail on the head when you said the issue is a lack of communication.”
Under the weatherFeeling slightly ill“I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’ll work from home.”

Pro Tip: Don’t try to memorize them all at once! Pick 2–3 new idioms each week, learn their meanings, and use them in your writing or conversation.

How to Use This Idiom Directory & Learn Effectively

  • Find an Idiom: Scroll and click any letter below to jump to that section, or use your browser’s find function (Ctrl+F / Cmd+F) to search for a specific phrase on this page.
  • Learn in Context: After clicking an idiom, study the example sentences on its dedicated page to see how it’s used in real situations.
  • Study by Theme: Interested in a specific type? Explore our collections of idioms by category. Examples: Animal Idioms, Food Idioms, and Money Idioms.

A to Z Idioms List

Idioms in Alphabetical Order
Idioms in Alphabetical Order

A-Z List of English Idioms

Ready for more? Explore our complete clickable A-Z index below. Each idiom links to its dedicated page with definition, origin, and examples. This is your ultimate reference to understand and use natural English idioms fluently.

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Tags: English Learning Resources
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