Idioms for Class 10

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What are Idioms?

Idioms are a figurative expression that defies the literal interpretation of their words. Idioms give language more depth and richness by vividly expressing concepts, feelings, or circumstances.

For example, Cry for the Moon

In this idiom, "Cry for the Moon" doesn't mean you are crying over a moon. It serves that something is extremely hard or impossible to obtain.

Uses of this idiom in a sentence: Despite studying diligently for weeks, Mark realised that expecting to score 100% on the challenging math exam was like crying for the moon.

Examples of Idioms Using in a Sentence

1. A chip on your shoulder - Being upset about something that happened in the past

Sentence: John carried a chip on his shoulder, fueled by his determination to prove himself and excel in his life.

2. A man of straw - A weak person

Sentence: The politician's speeches and promises turned out to be nothing more than a man of straw unable to fulfill his grand plans once elected into office.

3. At sixes and seven - in a state of total confusion or disarray.

Sentence: After receiving conflicting instructions the new intern found herself at sixes and sevens.

4. Bite off more than you can chew - To take on a task that is way too big to handle

Sentence: Jack decided to investigate a highly intricate topic involving advanced physics, only to realize later that he had bitten off more than he could chew.

5. Know the ropes - To understand the details

Sentence: After joining the robotics club, it took some time to learn the ropes, but eventually, I became proficient.

6. Kick the bucket - Die

Sentence: After years of adventurous globetrotting and fulfilling his bucket list, the old explorer finally kicked the bucket peacefully.

7. Show a clean pair of heels - Run away

Sentence: After being late for school, Tom sprinted through the hallways, determined to show a clean pair of heels and reach the auditorium before the principal started speaking.

8. Tooth and nail - With all of one's power

Sentence: Despite facing numerous challenges, Manuel fought tooth and nail to achieve his dream of becoming a published author.

9. Leave no stone unturned - Use all available means

Sentence: Peter left no stone unturned in his efforts to succeed, studying diligently and seeking help from teachers whenever needed.

10. Let someone off the hook - To not hold someone responsible for something

Sentence: After realizing that Jack had genuinely apologised for his mistake, the teacher decided to let him off the hook and didn't assign any additional punishment.

11. Make a long story short - Tell something briefly

Sentence: The storyteller decided to make a long story short, skipping over the less important details and getting straight to the mystery's resolution.

12. Miss the boat - Miss the chance

Sentence: After studying all night, I realized that I misunderstood the exam schedule and missed the boat, arriving at school a day late for the important test.

13. On the ball - Doing a good job

Sentence: Sharon was on the ball despite all the obstacles that came her way.

14. So far so good - Things are going well so far

Sentence: After studying hard for the first semester exams, Jack realizes, "So far so good", but he knows he needs to continue working hard for the remaining exams.

15. That's the last straw - My patience has run out

Sentence: After weeks of constant teasing, when Jimmy saw his classmates making fun of his artwork, he exclaimed, "That's the last straw!" and decided to speak to the teacher about the bullying.

16. The best of both worlds - An ideal situation

Sentence: After switching to a hybrid learning model, students found that they had the best of both worlds.

17. To get bent out of shape - To get upset

Sentence: After receiving a lower grade than expected, Emily started to get bent out of shape, worrying about how it would affect her overall grade in the class.

18. To make matters worse - Make a problem worse

Sentence: Tom was getting late for school and to make matters worse, it started raining heavily and he had to walk home without an umbrella.

19. Under the weather - sick

Sentence: After studying late into the night for exams, John woke up feeling under the weather the next morning, with a headache and a sore throat.

20. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it - Let's not talk about that problem right now

Sentence: After receiving their class schedules, the students were worried about the difficult subjects they would have to study, but their teacher reassured them by saying, "Don't stress about it now; we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

21. Wrap your head around something - Understand something complicated

Sentence: Solving maths gives Samuel time to wrap his head around the complex concepts but with perseverance, he eventually understood the solution.

22. You can say that again - That's true, I agree

Sentence: After watching the thrilling movie, Sam turned to his friend and exclaimed, "That was the most exciting film I've ever seen!" His friend nodded in agreement and replied, "You can say that again!

23. Your guess is as good as mine - I also have no idea; even I don't know.

Sentence: In a conversation regarding fossils, Tim raised his hand and all he contributed was, "Your guess is as good as mine," leaving the conversation.

24. A penny saved is a penny earned - Money you save today you can spend later

Sentence: My grandmother said, "a penny saved is a penny earned", emphasizing the value of being frugal and making thoughtful financial decisions.

25. A perfect storm - the worst possible situation

Sentence: As the student approached the final exams week with a heavy workload, unexpected family responsibilities, and a sudden illness, he found himself amid a perfect storm, making it challenging to focus on his studies.

26. Actions speak louder than words - Believe what people do and not what they say

Sentence: Even though Mark promised to help his friend with the project, his actions spoke louder than words when he stayed up all night working on it together, demonstrating his true commitment.

27. Add insult to injury - To make a bad situation worse

Sentence: After forgetting to invite her to the party, John accidentally spills juice on Mary's new dress, adding insult to injury and leaving her feeling embarrassed and upset.

28. Barking up the wrong tree - To be mistaken, to be looking for solutions in the wrong place

Sentence: When Tim accused Sarah of stealing his lunch, he was barking up the wrong tree because it turned out his lunch was in the office fridge all along.

29. Break the ice - Make people feel more comfortable

Sentence: At the class orientation, the teacher organized a fun icebreaker activity to help students break the ice and get to know each other better.

30. By the skin of your teeth - Just barely

Sentence: Despite his lack of preparation, Taylor managed to pass the exam by the skin of his teeth.

Click here to read about: Homophones for Class 10

List of Some Idioms

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
1. Kick the bucket	To die	a) He's so old; he might *kick the bucket* soon. b) I hope to accomplish all my dreams and goals before I *kick the bucket*.
2. Hit the nail on the head	Accurately describe or identify something	a) Her explanation *hit the nail on the head. b) She hit the nail on the head* with her idea for a science exhibition.
3. Get out of hand	Not in one's control anymore	a) The party started off as a small gathering, but it quickly *got out of hand* with more and more people arriving. b) The argument between the two friends *got out of hand*.
4. To burn the midnight oil	To work late into the night	a) She had to *burn the midnight oil* to finish her project. b) Kerry had to *burn the midnight oil* to prepare for her entrance.
5. Like two peas in a pod	Be together always	a) Me and my best friend are like *two peas in a pod. b) The twins, Mark and Mike, look so much alike that they are like two peas in a pod*.
6. Know which way the wind blows	To understand what is happening	a) She always *knows which way the wind blows* when it comes to fun activities. b) The experienced coach always knows *which way the wind blows* with his team's performance.
7. Catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar	Getting what you want by being nice	a) He decided to be polite and friendly, like this, she can *catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar. b) Being kind and with an approachable tone, the boss gives feedback to his team members and catches more flies with honey than can with vinegar*.
8. Let someone off the hook	Releasing someone or letting someone go	a) Charlie forgot to do his homework, but the teacher *let her off the hook* when he explained that his dog had chewed up her assignment. b) Tiger was supposed to clean the garage, but his parents *let him off the hook* because he had a lot of studying to do for his upcoming exams.
9. Like riding a bicycle	A skill that you learn and will never forget	a) Learning to swim was challenging at first, but once I got the hang of it, it was *like riding a bicycle. b) I sat down at the piano, it was like riding a bicycle* – my fingers remembered the keys and I played a beautiful tune.
10. Blame one's tools	Blaming something on someone else	a) Luke didn't do well on his art project and tried to *blame his tool. b) During the soccer game, Tony missed a crucial shot and blamed it on his tool*.
11. It's not rocket science	Not that difficult to comprehend	a) Winny, don't worry! Solving this math problem is *not rocket science. b) Mark, take your time and follow the instructions step by step. Remember, it's not rocket science*.
12. Spill the beans	Reveal a secret	a) Ketty accidentally *spilt the beans* about the surprise party. b) The detective tried to get the witness to *spill the beans* about what he saw at the crime scene.
13. Get the show on the road	Start something or begin an enterprise	a) After spending hours preparing for the event, it's time to *get the show on the road* and start welcoming the guests. b) We've discussed the plan long enough, now let's *get the show on the road* and start implementing it.
14. Pull the last straw	The final point in a series of unfortunate events when you feel you cannot take it anymore	a) I had been late to school multiple times and when he missed an important exam, it was like he pulled the last straw for his teacher. b) Selena's constant complaining about her job was already annoying her coworkers, but when she blamed them for her mistakes, that was the *last straw she pulled*.
15. That ship has sailed	It is too late to do something	a) Shelly wanted to apply for that scholarship, but she missed her chance and now she realizes *that the ship has sailed. b) John regretted not investing in that company when it was just starting. Now it's a huge success, and he knows that the ship has sailed* on that opportunity.
16. It is always the darkest before dawn	Things will get better	a) Do not be worried about your career; it is *always the darkest before dawn. b) Her coach reminded the team that it's always the darkest before dawn* and they should keep playing with determination.
17. Have one's head in the clouds	To have no concentration at all	a) Elizabeth always has her *head in the clouds* during math classes. b) Instead of focusing on his responsibilities, Jack often has his *head in the clouds*, lost in thoughts.
18. On thin ice	Refers to a sensitive scenario or a person who is in trouble	a) After forgetting to do his homework for the third time, Tim was really *on thin ice* with his teacher. b) Daisy knew she was *on thin ice* with her boss because of her frequent tardiness.
19. Give a cold shoulder	Act rudely to someone	a) When Phillip tried to apologize for his mistake, his friend *gave him a cold shoulder* and didn't speak to him for days. b) During the school project presentation, John felt nervous and *gave a cold shoulder* to the audience by avoiding eye contact and speaking softly.
20. Cannot make an omelette without breaking some eggs	Everything has a cost to pay	a) When you want to improve your grades, you'll have to study, you *can't make an omelette without breaking some eggs. b) To become a skilled painter, you'll have to practice a lot and make some mistakes along the way. You can't make an omelette without breaking some eggs*!
21. Once bitten, twice shy	Being extremely cautious as you have been hurt already	a) Whenever Jonas sees dark clouds forming, he grabs her umbrella because *once bitten, twice shy right?* b) He's been afraid of all dogs, even small ones. After all, *once bitten, twice shy!*
22. Out of the blue	Something that happens unexpectedly or without a warning	a) He became my best friend, *out of the blue. b) I was completely shocked when I received a job offer out of the blue* from a prestigious company.
23. When it rains, it pours	When everything goes wrong at once	a) She not only had a tough week, but she also lost her job. *When it rains, it pours!* b) He failed his math exam on the same day, he lost his bicycle too. *When it rains, it pours!*
24. Miss the boat	To act too slowly and miss an opportunity	a) Now the concert's tickets have been sold out and Daizy has *missed the boat. b) The club is full and I missed the boat* to be a part of it.
25. Pull someone's leg	To make fun of someone	a) Don't *pull my leg! b) He kept on pulling my younger brother's leg*.
26. No pain no gain	Suffering or making efforts is required to achieve something	a) If you want to be a doctor, you have to study hard. *No pain no gain.* b) Wrestling asks for hard work. *No pain no gain*.
27. See eye to eye	Have the same opinion	a) My sister and I, *see eye to eye. b) We both think the same way. We have the same eye to eye*.
28. Wear your heart on your sleeve	To be extremely open about what you feel and think	a) If you are not happy here, *wear your heart on your sleeve* and tell him. b) You should *wear your heart on your sleeve* if you are hurting so long.
29. Takes two to tango	Two persons are equally responsible for what is happening or has happened	a) You can't blame only one person for the argument. Remember, it *takes two to tango. b) In a friendship, it takes two to tango*.
30. Come rain or shine	No matter what happens	a) Smith is always there to help his friends, *come rain or shine. b) The dedicated postal workers deliver mail to our doorstep every day, come rain or shine*.
31. Break a leg	Wishing good luck	a) Before the play, I told my brother to *break a leg. b) Break a leg* at your audition!
32. Piece of cake	Very easy	a) The math test was a *piece of cake. b) Building a sandcastle is a piece of cake*.
33. Hit the books	Start studying	a) I need to *hit the books* for my science test. b) She *hit the books* for her history exam.
34. Cost an arm and a leg	Very expensive	a) That new video game console *costs an arm and a leg. b) Going to a fancy restaurant is like spending an arm and a leg*.
35. It's raining cats and dogs	Heavy rain	a) We had to stay inside because it was *raining cats and dogs. b) I got soaked when it started raining cats and dogs* on my way home.
36. Don't cry over spilt milk	Don't worry about the past	a) I accidentally broke my toy, but I know I shouldn't *cry over spilt milk. b) Don't cry over spilt milk*; just clean it up and move on.
37. Biting the bullet	Facing a difficult situation with courage	a) She's *biting the bullet* and going to the dentist today. b) I had to *bite the bullet* and tell the truth.
38. On the same page	Having a shared understanding or agreement	a) We need to be *on the same page* about the project's goals. b) It's essential that the team is *on the same page* for the presentation.
39. Under the weather	Feeling unwell or sick	a) I won't be at school today because I'm *under the weather. b) She's a bit under the weather* , so she's staying home.
40. All ears	Listening attentively	a) I'm *all ears, tell me what happened. b) When the teacher started the story, the students were all ears*.
41. The ball is in your court	It's your responsibility	a) I've given you all the information; now the *ball is in your court. b) After the instructions, the success of the project is in your court*.
42. A piece of the pie	A share or portion of something	a) If you work hard, you can have *a piece of the pie. b) Everyone in the team deserves a piece of the pie* for their efforts.
43. Walking on air	Feeling extremely happy or elated	a) After winning the game, she was *walking on air.* b) His surprise birthday party left him *walking on air*.
44. Hitting the nail on the head	Making an accurate statement	a) When he described the issue, he really *hit the nail on the head. b) Her explanation of the problem hit the nail on the head*.
45. Jump on the bandwagon	Join a popular trend or activity	a) Many people are *jumping on the bandwagon* of fitness these days. b) She decided to *jump on the bandwagon* and start painting like her friends.
46. Clouds on the horizon	Problems/ Trouble	a) Sussan noticed that her friend was showing it as *clouds on the horizon* and suspected that something might be bothering her. b) The company's financial report showed a decline in profits for the third quarter, which was like *clouds on the horizon* for the investors.
47. A blessing in disguise	Something that you think is bad but turns out to be a blessing	a) Due to rain, we didn't visit an amusement park but it turned out to be *a blessing in disguise* because we stayed home and found out about a fantastic new video game. b) I didn't get selected for the sports club but it turned out to be *a blessing in disguise* because I joined the school's art club instead and discovered my talent for painting.
48. Blue in the face	To be exhausted due to strain or anger	a) He argued with his friend about their favourite football team until he was *blue in the face, but they still couldn't agree on which team was better. b) She tried to convince her parents to let her go to the sleepover party until she was blue in the face*, but they remained firm in their decision to say no.
49. Make a long story short	To say something in simple words in a brief manner	a) They decided to *cut the long story short<* Quick Video Recap In this section, you will find interesting and well-explained topic-wise video summary of the topic, perfect for quick revision before your Olympiad exams. × Share Your Feedback CREST Olympiads has launched this initiative to provide free reading and practice material. In order to make this content more useful, we solicit your feedback. Do share improvements at info@crestolympiads.com. Please mention the URL of the page and topic name with improvements needed. You may include screenshots, URLs of other sites, etc. which can help our Subject Experts to understand your suggestions easily. English Related Topics Punctuation Adjectives Spoken and Written Expressions Information Retrieval Prepositions Articles Adverbs Conjunctions Verbs Homophones Voice and Narration Tenses Nouns Synonyms Antonyms Pronouns Collocation Other Subjects for Class 10 Maths Reading Material for Class 10 Science Reading Material for Class 10 × Register For CREST Olympiads Leave this field empty Student Name School Name Email Mobile Number Home About Us FAQs Register Your School Become Coordinator Sample Papers Privacy Policy Terms of Use Press Release Country-wise Olympiads Teacher Olympiads Marking Scheme Exam Schedule Syllabus Cut-Offs & Ranking Criteria Awards & Recognition Olympiad Preparation Brain Yoga Blog Schools Buy Workbooks Career Olympiads CREST Mathematics Olympiad (CMO) CREST Science Olympiad (CSO) CREST English Olympiad (CEO) CREST Reasoning Olympiad (CRO) CREST Cyber Olympiad (CCO) CREST Mental Maths Olympiad (CMMO) International Green Warrior Olympiad (IGWO) CREST International Drawing Olympiad (CIDO) CREST International Spell Bee Summer (CSB) CREST International Spell Bee Winter (CSBW) Subject Rankers Subject Cut-off Zones +91-98182-94134 info@crestolympiads.com Contact Us B2-234, Spaze IT Park, Sector-49, Gurgaon, Haryana-122018, India CREST Olympiads^TM 2018 – 2024 70%

Idioms for Class 10

Table of Content

What are Idioms?

Examples of Idioms Using in a Sentence

List of Some Idioms

Quick Video Recap

Share Your Feedback

English Related Topics

Other Subjects for Class 10

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