Patel knew his students were eager to try out the new playground equipment, so he told them to go ahead and get it out of their system before they started class. Meaning: Do the thing you’ve been wanting to do so you can move onĮxample: Mr. Rodriguez told her students they could chat while they worked, as long as the noise level didn’t get out of hand. Meaning: No matter how bad something seems, there’s usually a good side to it as wellĮxample: Jamal was disappointed that his soccer game was canceled, but it gave him time to go the movies with his friends, and his mom pointed out that every cloud has a silver lining. Meaning: Don’t depend on something before it’s happenedĮxample: I know you’re sure you’re going to get the lead in the spring play, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch Meaning: To do something quickly and badly in order to save time or moneyĮxample: Liza cut corners on her math homework so she could watch TV, and ended up getting most of the answers wrong. Davis decided to cut him some slack since she knew he’d had the stomach flu. Meaning: To ease up on someone, to allow them some leeway or another chanceĮxample: Even though Jake was late with his English essay, Ms. Meaning: To describe something that is very expensiveĮxample: A new Playstation costs an arm and a leg, so you’d better start saving now if you want to buy one. Meaning: To stop working on something and plan to pick it up again laterĮxample: After working for three hours on her science fair project, Sofia decided to call it a day. Meaning: To do or say something that will make people feel more comfortableĮxample: “OK, since none of us have met before, let’s introduce ourselves and break the ice by sharing our favorite ice cream flavor.” 9. Meaning: Good luck! Often used in the theater before a play or performanceĮxample: Is your piano recital tonight? Well, break a leg! 8. Meaning: To do something that’s uncomfortable or not fun and get it over withĮxample: After putting it off for several days, Alex decided to bite the bullet and start work on the history project. Just tell me why you can’t come to my birthday party on Friday.
Meaning: To avoid saying what you mean, often because it would be difficult or uncomfortableĮxample: Don’t beat around the bush. Meaning: To be looking for answers in the wrong placeĮxample: James thought Christopher was the one who broke the vase, but he was barking up the wrong tree. Anything butĮxample: When they heard about the pop quiz, the students were anything but excited. Meaning: Do something to make a bad situation worseĮxample: Learning she failed her science test on the same day her best friend moved away added insult to injury. Meaning: Someone in an uncomfortable position or situationĮxample: It was Allison’s first day at her new school, and she felt like a fish out of water. Idiom Examples to Use in Idiom of the Day Lessons 1.