One of the ways to speak English fluently is to understand English idioms correctly and use them appropriately. English idioms can often seem meaningless or different when translated word for word. However, they help us convey feelings and thoughts more naturally and effectively in daily conversations.

In this article, we discuss the Turkish equivalents of frequently used English idioms and explain the contexts in which these expressions are used. Our aim is not only to teach meanings; but also to make you realize the cultural clues behind the idioms. Thanks to this content supported by example sentences, you will not only memorize English idioms, but also be able to use them yourself.

English Idioms and Their Turkish Meanings

In English, idioms are special expressions that reflect not only the rules of the language but also its cultural aspect. These patterns, which are frequently used in daily conversations, can often be confusing when directly translated. Therefore, it is of great importance to learn in which situations and how they are used rather than memorizing the meaning of English idioms.

In this article, we will discuss the most common idioms in English with their Turkish equivalents. We aim to make it easier for you to understand the meaning by examining it in context with sample sentences. We will also touch on typical situations in which idioms are used and provide practical information that will help you improve your daily speaking skills.

Most Used English Idioms

Break the ice – To melt the ice

Hit the books – To start studying

Let the cat out of the bag – To reveal the secret

Piece of cake – Very easy

Under the weather – To feel bad

Costs an arm and a leg – Very expensive

Once in a blue moon – Once in a while

Bite the bullet – To grit your teeth

The ball is in your court – The ball is in your court

Spill the beans – To let slip/Expose

Burn the midnight oil – To work late into the night

Hit the sack – To go to bed

Kick the bucket – To die

Cry over spilled milk – To be sad in vain

A blessing in disguise – To do something that seems bad but is actually good

Actions speak louder than words – Actions are more important than words

Add fuel to the fire – To add fuel to the fire

Back to square one – To go back to the beginning

Beat around the bush – To beat around the bush

Best of both worlds – To have both advantages at once

By the book – According to the rules

Cut corners – To take the easy way out

Devil’s advocate – To defend an opposing view

Easier said than done – Easy to say, hard to do

Give someone the cold shoulder – To treat someone coldly

In hot water – To get into trouble

Jump on the bandwagon – To follow the trend

Keep an eye on – To keep an eye on

Leave no stone unturned – To try all the ways

Make a long story short – To make a long story short

Miss the boat – To miss an opportunity

On the ball – To master your job

Pull someone’s leg – To make fun of

Rain on someone’s parade – To spoil your mood

See eye to eye – To agree

Speak of the devil – To prepare the stick

Take with a grain of salt – To approach with suspicion

The last straw – The last straw

Throw in the towel – To give up

Under your nose – In front of your eyes

Up in the air – Uncertain

Your guess is as good as mine – I don’t know either

Bend over backwards – To do your best

Call it a day – To quit

Drive someone up the wall – To drive them crazy

Face the music – To accept the consequences

Go the extra mile – To do one step more

Hit the nail on the head – To step right on it

In the same boat – To be in the same situation

Let someone off the hook – To relieve someone of responsibility

English Idioms Example Sentences

1. He made a joke to break the ice.

He made a joke to break the ice.

2. I need to hit the books tonight.

I have to study tonight.

3. She let the cat out of the bag.

She let the secret slip.

4. This test was a piece of cake.

This exam was a piece of cake.

5. I'm feeling under the weather.

I feel sick.

6. We go there once in a blue moon.

We go there once in a while.

7. She burned the midnight oil to meet the deadline.

She worked late to meet her deadline.

8. You hit the nail on the head with that comment.

You hit the nail right on the head with that comment.

9. We're all in the same boat now.

We're all in the same situation right now.

10. They finally threw in the towel and gave up.

They finally gave up and gave up.