Essential English expressions you should know to help you speak like a native

Idioms are an important part of the English language. In order to speak English fluently; it is very useful to understand them and how to use them correctly. Here are some of the best-known English expressions, so that you can speak Shakespeare's language like a native speaker.

 

  • "Break a leg!”: Good luck!

This is an expression traditionally used in the theatre to wish someone good luck, without bringing them bad luck. The origin of this expression dates back to ancient Greece, when the audience would stamp their feet at the end of a play instead of applauding.

 

  • "To sit on the fence”

This expression is used to express uncertainty, or indecision. To be "on the fence" means you are undecided as to which side you are on.

 

  • "Out of the blue!”: out of nowhere

This expression is very useful when you want to describe something that is completely unexpected, or unforeseen, which happens very suddenly.

 

  • "That rings a bell': that brings back memories

This refers to something that is difficult to remember, and that is a bit confused and distant in your memory.

 

  • "Let's call it a day”: Decide or agree to stop doing something

This expression is common in the workplace and is often used to mark the end of a task, a meeting or a day. It is also a way of admitting defeat.

 

  • "It's not rocket science”: it's simple

This is used to explain to someone that something is not very complicated, and that it is very simple to understand or to do.

 

  •  "When pigs fly”: it's not going to happen

It is used to explain that something will never happen.

 

  • "Cut a long story short": to sum up

This common English expression is used to end an account of events quickly..

 

What is the meaning of the word idiom?

An idiom is an idiomatic expression. It is a phrase, usually imagery, whose meaning is a form of expression that is natural to a language, person or group of people.

 

What you should know about translating English idioms

English idioms often make no sense if they are translated literally. You should therefore use equivalents in the target language. Whatever the content to be translated, you should use the services of a professional translator to translate a text from English into another language.