Common Idiomatic Expressions in English Language

Here are some of the useful expressions that can increase your word power in English. Take time to read and understand the meaning and how these words are used in the sentence.

1.  as easy as pie means "very easy" (same as "a piece of cake")

Example: He said it is a difficult problem, but I don't agree. It seems as easy as pie to me!

2. be sick and tired of means "I hate" (also "can't stand")
Example: I'm sick and tired of doing nothing but work. Let's go out tonight and have fun.

3. broke - means "to have no money"
Example: I have to borrow some money from my Dad. Right now, I'm broke.

4. change one's mind means "decide to do something different from what had been     decided earlier"
Example: I was planning to work late tonight, but I changed my mind. I'll do extra work on the weekend instead.

5. drop someone a line means "send a letter or email to someone"
Example: It was good to meet you and I hope we can see each other again. Drop me a line when you have time.

6. figure something out means "come to understand a problem"
Example: I don't understand how to do this problem. Take a look at it. Maybe you can figure it out.

7. in ages means "for a very long time"
Example: Have you seen Joe recently? I haven't seen him in ages.

8. give someone a hand means "help"
Example: I want to move this desk to the next room. Can you give me a hand?

9. hit the hay means "go to bed" (also "hit the sack")
Example: It's after 12 o'clock. I think it's time to hit the hay.

10. in the black means "the business is making money, it is profitable"
Example: Our business is really improving. We've been in the black all year.

11. in the red means "the business is losing money, it is unprofitable"
Example: Business is really going poorly these days. We've been in the red for the past three months.

12. out of the blue  means “something happens completely unexpectedly”

 Example: I hadn’t heard from Junneil in ages – and then he contacted me out of the blue.

13. in the nick of time means "not too late, but very close!"
Example: I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. It's a good thing, because I really need this medicine!

14. know something like the back of your hand means "know something very, very well"

Example: If you get lost, just ask me for directions. I know this part of town like the back of my hand

15. once in a while means "sometimes, not very often"
Example: Have you been to the new movie theater? No, I only see movies once in a while. I usually stay home and watch TV.

16. sharp means "exactly at a that time"
Example: I'll meet you at 9 o'clock sharp. If you're late, we'll be in trouble!

17. sleep on it means "think about something before making a decision"
Example: That sounds like a good deal, but I'd like to sleep on it before I give you my final decision.

18. take it easy means "relax"
Example: I don't have any special plans for the summer. I think I'll just take it easy.

19. to get the ball rolling means "start something, especially something big"
Example: We need to get this project started as soon as possible. I'm hoping you will help me get the ball rolling.

20. up to the minute means "the most recent information"
Example: I wish I knew more about what is happening in the capital city. We need more up to the minute news.

21. twenty-four/seven means "every minute of every day, all the time" 

Example: You can access our web site 24/7. It's very convenient! 

22. under the weather means “not feeling well, but not very sick”

Example:  He has gone to bed because he’s feeling a bit under the weather.

23.  fair-weather friend means “someone who is your friend when things are going well for you, and who stops being your friend when you are having problems”

Example: When I lost my job and my home he didn't want to see me: he was a fair-weather friend.

 24. as right as rain – means “to feel completely well again” This expression is often used as a reassurance. 

Example: I don't feel well but I'm sure I'll be as right as rain for tomorrow's discussion.

 25. raining cats and dogs means “ it is raining very heavily”

Example: Don't forget your umbrella: it's raining cats and dogs!

 26. save for a rainy day  means “to save something (especially money) for a time in the future when it might be needed unexpectedly”

Example: I'm saving £50 a month for a rainy day.

 27. snowed under means “to have too much work to do”

Examples: I am totally snowed under at work.

 28. a ray of hope means “there is a small chance that something positive will happen” The negative form, not a ray of hope, is often used

Example: News headline: New research is a ray of hope for cancer treatment.

 29. on cloud nine means “you are extremely happy”

Example: He was on cloud nine after he passed the final exam.

30. have a face like thunder  means “to look very angry”

Example: My father had a face like thunder when he saw the broken window.

Source: http://www.teacherjoe.us/Idioms01.html