10 Idioms

English is a language that is full of many colourful idioms that describe people and situations in a more interesting way than the typical vocabulary. We've looked at idioms many times before and here are 10 more.

For example instead of saying "he's been doing this for a long time", you can say "He's an old hat at this". This is an especially great way of improving your writing.

English Idioms

Here are some more idioms and their meanings:

I like to kill two birds with one stone = I like to do two things at the same time
Her heart's in the right place = She has good intentions
His lights are on, but no-one's home = He's stupid or distracted
There are plenty more fish in the sea = There are many more men/women for you to meet
When it rains it pours = When things are bad, they're extremely bad
He's a cold fish = He has no strong emotions and can be unfriendly
It’s better to take the road less travelled = It's better to do things differently than to do the same things other people do.
In school I learned history by heart = I memorised history very well
I'm the top dog in my company = I'm the boss of my company
We’re on the same wavelength = We have the same thoughts and opinions

Now, finish the sentences using the correct idiom. Good luck!

• 1. Most people in my country listen to pop music, but I don't. I ___.
  
  take the road less travelled
  am the top dog
  am a cold fish
  
  
• 2. When I was a child I had to ___.
  
  be on the same wavelength
  learn the alphabet by heart
  take the road less travelled
  
  
• 3. While I cook I also like to listen to music. I ___.
  
  kill two birds with one stone
  learn it by heart
  am an old hat at this
  
  
• 4. On the same day that my dog died I broke my legs.
  
  I took the road less travelled
  I killed 2 birds with one stone
  When it rains it pours
  
  
• 5. She often makes mistakes with her boyfriend, but ___ so he loves her anyway.
  
  she's the top dog
  her heart's in the right place
  when it rains it pours
  
  
• 6. My best friend and I have known each other for years and understand each other completely.
  
  His heart's in the right place
  The lights are on, but no-one's home
  We're on the same wavelength
  
  
• 7. My boss is unapproachable, unfriendly and difficult to speak to.
  
  He is a real cold fish
  His lights are on, but no-one's home
  He is the top dog
  
  
• 8. I know a guy who actually thinks that cows aren't real animals and that Paris is a country in South America.
  
  We're on the same wavelength
  He's a cold fish
  His lights are on, but no-one's home
  
  
• 9. My wife is ___ so I do whatever she tells me to do.
  
  the top dog
  is on the same wavelength
  is a cold fish
  
  
• 10. I know you're sad about losing your boyfriend, but ___ so cheer up.
  
  his heart's in the right place
  he's a cold fish
  there's plenty more fish in the sea