Why Should English Language Learners Know Idioms?

As a non-native speaker learning English, it’s easy to pick up the basics of vocabulary and grammar. However, one area that can often be challenging is idioms. Idioms are an essential part of English communication and can help make your language skills sound more natural. In this article, we will discuss why English learners should learn idioms and provide a list of ten common idioms.

Idioms are an important part of everyday conversation in English-speaking countries. They are a group of words that have a figurative meaning and are not meant to be taken literally.

Learning idioms can help you:

• Understand native speakers better. Native speakers use idioms regularly, and it can be challenging to follow a conversation if you don’t know what they mean.
• Improve your language skills. Using idioms in your language skills can make your language sound more natural and fluent.
• Express yourself better. Idioms help you express ideas quickly and effectively, especially in informal situations.
• Connect with people better. Idioms are cultural expressions that reflect the values, beliefs, and customs of a particular group of people. Learning idioms can help you understand and connect with people better.

10 common idioms every English learner should know

1. Break a leg — To wish someone good luck.
2. Cut the mustard — To perform well.
3. Hit the nail on the head — To be correct.
4. A piece of cake — Something that is easy to do.
5. Cost an arm and a leg — Something that is very expensive.
6. Bite the bullet — To face a tough situation.
7. See eye to eye — To agree with someone.
8. Once in a blue moon — Something that happens rarely.
9. Give someone the cold shoulder — To ignore someone.
10. Cry over spilled milk — To worry about things that cannot be changed.

How to learn English idioms

Remember! Idioms are like any other vocabulary: some of them may become an old fashion, and they are not used anymore. On the other hand, new idioms may emerge, so you should be updated in order to use the new ones.

As a learner of the English language, watching popular TV shows is an excellent way to learn idioms in context. Also, talking to native speakers and reading their comments and informal writing can help a lot to learn and practice those expressions.