English Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: Meanings and Examples in Context

English Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Below you will find a list of common English idioms, phrasal verbs, and useful expressions, each with its meaning and an example sentence to help you understand how they are used in context.

Idioms

The ball is in someone's court

If the ball is in someone's court, they have to do something before any progress can be made in a situation.

It's up to you what to do. The ball is in your court now.

Keep your head above water

To just be able to manage, especially in financial difficulties.

The business is in trouble, but we have to keep our heads above water.

Move the goalposts

To change the rules while someone is trying to do something in order to make it more difficult for them.

We'd almost signed the contract when the other guy moved the goalposts and said they wanted more money.

Learn/know the ropes

To learn how to do a job or activity.

It's my first week at the company, I'm still learning the ropes.

Be ahead of the game

To know more about the development of the people or companies you are competing against.

A research programme ensures that we're ahead of the game.

Win hands down

To win very easily.

She won the debate hands down.

Par for the course

What should be expected because of past experience.

Real Madrid is going to win the Champions League, but it's par for the course.

On the ball

If you are on the ball, you have to be quick to understand and react to things.

I didn't sleep well, so I'm not on the ball today.

Jump the gun

To do something too soon, without thinking about it.

I think you are jumping the gun buying swimsuits. We're in January.

Roll with the punches

To be able to deal with difficult moments.

Life doesn't always go well, but you have to roll with the punches.

Be in over your head

To be involved in a difficult situation that you cannot get out of.

Sean tried to pay his debts, but he was in over his head.

Get something over with

When you don't want to do something but you have to do it.

I hate going to the dentist, but I just want to get it over with.

Bend over backwards

To try very hard to do something helpful.

John bent over backwards to make sure his guests were comfortable.

Head over heels

Completely in love.

John is head over heels for that girl.

Be over the moon

To be very pleased.

She was over the moon with her bike.

Over and over

Repeating many times.

We have to explain the same thing over and over before he understands.

Phrasal Verbs

Fall out

To argue with someone and stop being friendly with them.

• Fall out with: He left home after falling out with his parents.
• Fall out over: She had fallen out with her boyfriend over his ex-girlfriend.

Have something on your mind

To be worrying about something.

Paul has a lot on his mind at the moment.

Be meant for each other

Two people who are destined to be together in a relationship.

John and Ana are meant for each other.

Leave something/someone out

To not include something or someone.

You can leave out the sugar to be healthy.

Hang up

To end a phone conversation.

Let me speak before you hang up.

Point out

To tell someone about some information, often because you believe they do not know it or have forgotten it.

The teacher wrote in the exam, pointing out the mistake.

Verbs and Vocabulary

Deserve

To have earned or to be given something for hard work.

After all the hard work, you deserve a holiday.

Forgive

To stop being angry with someone for doing something.

I don't think she could forgive me for getting her name wrong.

Mumble

To speak in a way that is not clear and is difficult to understand.

She mumbled something about being busy.

Rush

To go or do something quickly.

I've been rushing every day to get everything done.

Sweat (noun)

Salty liquid that passes through your skin.

The athletes were covered in sweat after the race.

Swallow

To cause food, drink, pills, etc. to move from your mouth to your stomach by using the muscles of the throat.

He put a grape into his mouth and swallowed it whole.