8 Common Idioms For Esl

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

For ESL Students idioms are frustrating to comprehend, the reason being Idioms don’t make objective sense.

To learn the meanings and usage of idioms for Esl, students studying English must study and familiarize themselves with their everyday usage.

The team at Lillypad understands the pain and difficulties English Learners run into comprehending the true meaning and appropriate usage. This list of idioms for Esl makes learning trouble-free, with common Esl idioms, definitions, and example sentences that 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 together.

Idioms for Esl with Meanings, Definitions & Example Sentences

1. Work One’s Fingers To The Bone

Definition and Meaning: Work One’s Fingers To The Bone

The expression means to work very hard.

Work One’s Fingers To The Bone Example Sentences:

• We’ve worked ourselves to the bone for nothing.
• I’m looking forward to the day when I don’t have to work my fingers to the bone.
• Work your fingers to the bone and you’ll reap the rewards.
• People from that time worked themselves to the bone to have a better life.
• You haven’t worked your fingers to the bone ever, have you?

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 on my laptop – that’ll be the day!
• My friend said he’ll stop eating junk food – that’ll be the day!
• My sister said she’ll stop talking on the phone all night – that’ll be the day!

3. Raise The Bar

Definition and Meaning: Raise The Bar

This expression means to set an existing standard higher for people to follow.

Raise The Bar Example Sentences:

• That building raised the bar for architects in the city.
• Joel certainly raised the bar for single dads everywhere.
• You’ve raised the bar since you started working here.
• I don’t intend to raise the bar so I’ll hold back.
• Their team raised the bar early in the game. We have to surpass them.

4. 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.

5. Move Mountains

Definition and Meaning: Move Mountains

This expression means to do something that others think is impossible.

Move Mountains Example Sentences:

• Years ago, this research would have been like moving mountains.
• We don’t need to move mountains for this project.
• I’m not asking you to move mountains. I’m asking you to do your job properly.
• A dozen people with strong determination can move mountains.
• Humans have been moving mountains for centuries without them knowing it.

6. Hit The Jackpot

Definition and Meaning: Hit The Jackpot

This expression means to gain great success or money in a short time or unexpectedly.

Hit The Jackpot Example Sentences:

• We know we hit the jackpot with this game before we launched it.
• She hit the jackpot with her book about microgreens.
• I’d like to hit the jackpot before I turn 30.
• Hitting the jackpot is as rare as getting hit by lightning.
• The family hit the jackpot when they unearthed a relic in their backyard.

7. (To) Pitch In

Definition and Meaning: (To) Pitch In

The expression means to contribute to or join with someone or something.

(To) Pitch In Example Sentences:

• He can’t stay if he doesn’t pitch in.
• Let’s pitch in and buy something for Bob for his birthday.
• We’ll all pitch in so we can clear the yard faster.
• You can pitch in with as little or as much as you can.
• Everyone in the group needs to pitch in to make this work.

8. Make The Cut

Definition and Meaning: Make The Cut

The expression means to be chosen from a set of candidates or possibilities; to meet the standards or requirements of a position.

Make The Cut Example Sentences:

• Sheila made the cut in the initial interview but didn’t make it to the final one.
• Louis was sure he would make the cut so he didn’t rehearse.
• I made the cut without much effort, but I think their standards were pretty low.
• He was worried about the audition but he made the cut nonetheless.
• If you made the cut in that company, you’d do well anywhere else.

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