What is an idiom? An idiom is a phrase that is commonly used in everyday English to express certain ideas or opinions. The meaning of an idiom generally depends on the specific context in which it is used. Understanding English idioms is important because they require a deeper familiarity of the English language to understand what someone means when they use them in conversation or in writing.
Idioms may seem difficult to learn at first, but they can actually be a lot of fun to memorize. Practice the following idioms about knowledge and learning to improve your understanding of native speakers.
to know something inside out
- Meaning: to know something completely.
- Example: I have read this story so many times that I know it inside out.
to not have a clue
- Meaning: to be completely unaware of something, to not have any understanding of something, to be hopelessly ignorant or confused.
- Example: My grandfather has never used a computer, so when I gave him a laptop, he didn’t have a clue what to do with it.
to get the hang of something
- Meaning: to know something completely.
- Example: I have been using this program for a few weeks, and at last I am getting the hang of how it works.
to get the picture
- Meaning: to understand the real or overall meaning of something, without the need of further explanation.
- Example: Read it for yourself and you will get the picture.
to learn the ropes
- Meaning: to learn or understand the basic details of how to do or perform a job, task, or activity.
- Example: Once you learn the ropes at your new job, you won’t be so nervous and I am sure you will be very good at the work you do.”
to burn the midnight oil
- Meaning: to stay up late at night to work, study, read, in In order to finish what you have to do on time.
- Example: If I’m going to get this project done in time for school tomorrow, I will have to burn the midnight oil tonight.
- Synonyms: to cram
to pick someone’s brains
- Meaning: to ask questions in order to get detailed information or advice.
- Example: You should pick Ben’s brain sometimes. He knows all about sports cars.
to draw a blank
- Meaning: to be unable to remember something.
- Example: I am sorry. I’m drawing a blank – where is he from again?
to rack your brain(s)
- Meaning: to struggle to recall or think of something.
- Example: I’ve been racking my brain for days trying to think of a solution to the problem.
to pass with flying colours
- Meaning: to achieve something exceptional, especially in regards to tests, exams, or training of some kind.
- Example: My son was rather nervous taking his final exams, but he passed with flying colours! We all are so proud of him!