9 Useful Idioms For English Language Learners

English Idioms for English Language Learners, expressions, and proverbs are an essential part of the English language, both spoken and written English are filled with them.

For English Learners, idioms for English Language Learners are confusing to make head or tail of, the reason being Idioms don’t make objective sense.

To learn the meanings and usage of idioms, language learners must practice and familiarize themselves with their everyday usage.

The team at Lillypad understands the pain and difficulties English Learners struggle with comprehending the true meaning and established usage. This list of idioms for English Language Learners makes learning easygoing, with common English Language Learners idioms, definitions, and example sentences which make the meaning clear.

Learning to use common idioms and expressions will make your English sound more native, so it’s a good idea to master some of these expressions with daily practice, so bookmark this page or share it with your friends; now let us learn about idioms for English Language Learners together.

Idioms for English Language Learners with Meanings, Definitions & Example Sentences

1. A Fish Out Of Water

Definition and Meaning: A Fish Out Of Water

The expression means to feel uncomfortable in a new or unfamiliar situation.

A Fish Out Of Water Example Sentences:

• I feel like a fish of water when I ride a bike.
• I’m a fish out of water at these things. I never know how to act.
• A fish out of water. That’s what you look like in jeans.
• Wedding receptions make me feel like a fish out of water. You should accompany me.
• What are you doing looking like a fish out of water in the corner? get in here.

2. Rule Of Thumb

Definition and Meaning: Rule Of Thumb

The expression “rule of thumb” is used to express an unwritten but generally accepted rule.

Rule Of Thumb Example Sentences:

• It’s a rule of thumb not to honk car horns when state exams are going on.
• Not crowding meat while frying it is a rule of thumb for them to brown evenly.
• The 5-minute rule about food spilling on the ground is a silly rule of thumb.
• They told me it’s a rule of thumb to use vinegar when housecleaning.
• Although not proven, it’s a rule of thumb not to be near a TV set when watching to avoid damaging one’s eyesight.

3. That’s Life

Definition and Meaning: That’s Life

The expression “that’s life” is often used to describe the fact that life is full of ups and downs.

That’s Life Example Sentences:

• I failed my math test, but that’s life.
• My car broke down on the way to work, but that’s life.
• My boss is always giving me a hard time, but that’s life.
• My friend moved away, but that’s life.
• I didn’t get the job I wanted, but that’s life.

4. Up In The Air

Definition and Meaning: Up In The Air

The expression “up in the air” means a decision or course of action hasn’t been made yet.

Up In The Air Example Sentences:

• His plans are up in the air at the moment because of the storm.
• Are you still up in the air about the ball?
• Everything has been up in the air since the venue’s closure.
• During the pandemic, the future seemed up in the air.
• Don’t remain up in the air too long because they are impatient businessmen.

5. Devil’s Advocate

Definition and Meaning: Devil’s Advocate

The expression refers to a person who has an unpopular opinion or a counterargument.

Devil’s Advocate Example Sentences:

• Let me play Devil’s Advocate for a minute and ask a difficult question.
• You love being the Devil’s Advocate in these meetings.
• Are you the Devil’s Advocate in this scenario?
• The Devil’s Advocate asked about the legality of their process.
• He’s the Devil’s Advocate, but the boss values his input.

6. Far Cry From

Definition and Meaning: Far Cry From

The expression “far cry from” describes something that is very different from the state or condition of the subject.

Far Cry From Example Sentences:

• This is a far cry from the beach in the brochure.
• We are a far cry from our hometown, I can tell you that.
• The party was a far cry from what the organizers promised.
• His reception was a far cry from what he expected.
• That’s a far cry from the products I ordered.

7. Method To One’s Madness

Definition and Meaning: Method To One’s Madness

The expression “method to one’s madness” is used to indicate that something chaotic actually follows a structure.

Method To One’s Madness Example Sentences:

• It looks pretty random, but there’s a method to his madness I assure you.
• So what’s the method to your madness? I’m sure there’s one.
• Is there a method to her madness or does she just draw paper from a hat?
• Jill is fairly certain Orland has a method to his madness so she stuck by him.
• His abstract manner of painting actually has a method to its madness.

8. Under The Weather

Definition and Meaning: Under The Weather

The expression “under the weather” is used to describe someone who is not feeling well.

Under The Weather Example Sentences:

• I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’m going to take it easy.
• My friend has been under the weather since she caught the flu last week.
• I’m sorry I’m not up for going out tonight, I’m still under the weather.
• My mom has been under the weather since she had surgery last month.
• I’m afraid I won’t be able to make it to the party, I’m still feeling a bit under the weather.

9. There’s No Time Like The Present

Definition and Meaning: There’s No Time Like The Present

The expression “there’s no time like the present” means that now is the best time to do something.

There’s No Time Like The Present Example Sentences:

• Were you thinking of starting a new business? Well, there’s no time like the present!
• If you want to learn a new language, there’s no time like the present!
• There’s no time like the present, you know, so go on a vacation if you want to.
• If not now, when, right? There’s no time like the present to get into a new hobby.
• If you want to make a change in your life, there’s no time like the present.

Looking for more examples of English Idioms with example sentences, correct usage and meanings?
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