English Idioms for Wannabe Native English Speakers (Complete Guide)

Learning English isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary. To truly sound natural and confident, you must understand English idioms. Idioms are expressions that native speakers use every day, but their meanings are often very different from the literal words.

In this complete guide, you will learn common and advanced English idioms used in daily conversation, business English, storytelling, and real-life situations. Each idiom is explained clearly with examples, so you know when and how to use it correctly.

What Are English Idioms?

Idioms (or idiomatic expressions) are phrases used to express emotions, situations, or ideas that do not mean exactly what the words say.

Understanding idioms helps you:

• Sound more like a native English speaker
• Understand movies, TV shows, and conversations
• Improve exam performance (IELTS, TOEFL, CAE)
• Speak more confidently and naturally

Idioms About the Sun and the Moon

Idioms with “Sun”

• Go to bed with the sun – to sleep very early
• Nothing new under the sun – nothing has changed
• The sun rises and sets on someone – someone is extremely important
• A place under the sun – anywhere in the world
• Make hay while the sun shines – act while conditions are good
• Catch some sun / catch some rays – get a tan
• Anything under the sun – absolutely anything

Idioms with “Moon”

• Over the moon – extremely happy
• Reach for the moon – aim for something very difficult
• Many moons ago – a long time ago
• Promise the moon – make unrealistic promises
• Ask for the moon – make unreasonable demands
• Once in a blue moon – very rarely
• Moon over someone – think about someone constantly

Idioms About Rain

• It’s raining cats and dogs – raining very heavily
• Save it for a rainy day – save something for future problems
• Rain on my parade – ruin someone’s happiness
• Take a rain check – postpone plans
• Come rain or shine – no matter what happens
• As right as rain – feeling well again
• It never rains but it pours – problems come all at once
• Make it rain – make a lot of money
• Rained out – canceled due to rain
• Chasing rainbows – pursuing something impossible

Animal Idioms (Dogs, Cats, Fish & More)

Dog & Cat Idioms

• Dog eat dog – very competitive environment
• Go to the dogs – fall into disorder
• Fight like cat and dog – argue constantly
• Work like a dog – work very hard
• Sick as a dog – very ill
• Puppy dog eyes – begging look
• Let the cat out of the bag – reveal a secret
• Catnap – short sleep

Fish Idioms

• Fish for compliments – try to receive praise
• Fish out of water – uncomfortable in a new situation
• Bigger fish to fry – more important things to do
• Drink like a fish – drink a lot of alcohol
• Something fishy – suspicious
• Big fish – important person
• Plenty of fish in the sea – many other opportunities

Business & Workplace Idioms

• 11th hour – last minute
• Pressed for time – not enough time
• Beat around the bush – avoid the main point
• Ballpark figure – rough estimate
• Face the music – face consequences
• Cut to the chase – get to the point
• Sweeten the deal – make an offer more attractive
• An offer you can’t refuse – very tempting offer
• Think outside the box – think creatively

Personality Idioms

• Nerd – highly academic or tech-focused person
• Chatterbox – talks too much
• Cold fish – emotionally distant person
• Party animal – loves parties
• Lone wolf – prefers being alone
• Dark horse – hidden talent
• Smart cookie – clever person
• Pain in the neck – annoying person

Test Yourself with Quizzes

To improve faster, make sure you test yourself after each lesson. Quizzes help reinforce memory, check understanding, and ensure you know when and how to use idioms correctly.

Practice consistently and try using idioms in your own sentences.

Conclusion

Mastering English idioms is a powerful step toward sounding like a native speaker. Whether you are preparing for exams, improving business English, or simply wanting to speak more naturally, idioms will elevate your communication skills.

Keep learning, keep practicing, and don’t forget: language is culture, not just grammar.

See you in the next lesson! 🚀