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Idioms | List of Idioms

A List of idioms. This page contains examples of idioms and an ever growing list of idioms. It is a good practice to avoid use of these idioms in poetry unless used in a completely original way. See also: Proverbs

What is an idiom?

Idioms are expressions, sayings, or phrases whose meanings cannot be understood from the meanings of the words that make it up.

Examples of Idioms

It's about time | Discuss

It's about time.

Meaning:

You say "It's about time" when you think

1. something should happen or should have happened. (It hasn't happened yet.) or

2. something should have happened earlier than it actually happened.

You often use this expression when you are annoyed.

Example:

Do you think Jane has gotten home now?
It's about time.

Mary and Scott are getting married next week.
It's about time! They've been dating for years!

It's easier said than done | Discuss

It's (That's) easier said than done.

Meaning:

It's easy to suggest, but hard to do.

You say "It's easier said than done" when someone suggests something, and you think it would actually be hard to do.

Example:

"Forget all your mistakes and start it over!"
"I'll try, but that's easier said than done."

I should just say "No" to him, but it's easier said than done.