9 Helpful Idioms For Esl Learners

English Idioms for Esl Learners, expressions, and proverbs are an important part of the English language, both spoken and written English are saturated with them.

For English Language Students idioms are difficult to figure out, the reason being Idioms don’t make literal sense.

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

The team at Lillypad understands the pain and difficulties English Learners run across comprehending the true meaning and accurate usage. This idioms list of Esl Learners makes learning painless, with common Esl 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 Esl Learners together.

Idioms for Esl Learners with Meanings, Definitions & Example Sentences

1. There Are Many Ways To Skin A Cat

Definition and Meaning: There Are Many Ways To Skin A Cat

The expression means that there are often multiple ways to accomplish a task or goal.

There Are Many Ways To Skin A Cat Example Sentences:

• If it’s a delicious meal you want, there are many ways to skin a cat – you can try different recipes, experiment with different ingredients, or even take a cooking class
• When it comes to saving money, there are many ways to skin a cat like cutting back on unnecessary expenses, looking for discounts, or starting a side hustle.
• There are many ways to skin a cat to stay healthy – you can exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep.

2. That’ll Be The Day

Definition and Meaning: That’ll Be The Day

The expression “that’ll be the day” is used to express disbelief or doubt.

That’ll Be The Day Example Sentences:

• I’ll be able to run a marathon in under two hours – that’ll be the day!
• My brother said he’ll clean his room without being asked – that’ll be the day!
• My cat said she’ll stop sleeping all day – that’ll be the day!
• My friend said he’ll stop procrastinating – that’ll be the day!
• My boss said he’ll give us all a raise – that’ll be the day!

3. The Last Straw

Definition and Meaning: The Last Straw

The expression “the last straw” is used to describe a situation where someone has had enough and can’t take anymore.

The Last Straw Example Sentences:

• After my boss yelled at me for the third time this week, the last straw was when he made me stay late to finish a project.
• After months of dealing with my roommate’s messiness, the last straw was when I found mold growing in the kitchen.
• After my car broke down for the third time this year, the last straw was when I had to pay for a costly repair.
• After my partner’s constant criticism, the last straw was when they belittled me in front of my friends.
• After my child’s poor grades, the last straw was when they were suspended from school for fighting.

4. Make A Comeback

Definition and Meaning: Make A Comeback

The expression means to gain success after retirement, failure, or a hiatus.

Make A Comeback Example Sentences:

• I’m sure the band will make a comeback someday.
• I can’t believe oversized shirts are making a comeback.
• The company announced that David Rossetti will make a comeback this year.
• Everyone is receptive when a beloved performer makes a comeback.
• The disbandment won’t last. They will make a comeback sooner or later.

5. Go The Extra Mile

Definition and Meaning: Go The Extra Mile

The expression “go the extra mile” means to do more work than necessary or to do something with extra effort.

Go The Extra Mile Example Sentences:

• It’s in his nature to go the extra mile at his job.
• Have you ever gone the extra mile for a cause?
• If there’s a chance or I have the means to go the extra mile, I would.
• People from that country are known to go the extra mile for others.
• I’m not saying they have to go the extra mile, but they’re too cutthroat.

6. That Bites

Definition and Meaning: That Bites

The expression “that bites” is used to describe something that is unpleasant or disappointing.

That Bites Example Sentences:

• I just found out I have to work late tonight – that bites!
• I was so close to winning the game, but I lost in the last second – that bites!
• I just spilled coffee all over my new shirt – that bites!
• I was really looking forward to going on vacation, but now I have to cancel – that bites!
• I just got a parking ticket – that bites!

7. It’s Not My Cup Of Tea

Definition and Meaning: It’s Not My Cup Of Tea

This expression means that the person does not like the thing that is being talked about.

It’s Not My Cup Of Tea Example Sentences:

• I don’t like going to the opera – it’s not my cup of tea
• I’m not a fan of horror movies – it’s not my cup of tea
• I don’t like spicy food – it’s not my cup of tea
• I’m not interested in politics – it’s not my cup of tea
• I don’t like going to the gym – it’s not my cup of tea

8. 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.

9. Under The Weather

Definition and Meaning: Under The Weather

The phrase “under the weather” is used to describe someone who is feeling sick or not 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.

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