8 Important Idioms For Everyday Use

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

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

To learn the meanings and usage of idioms, ESL students 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 suitable usage. This idioms list of Everyday Use makes learning trouble-free, with common Everyday Use 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 Everyday Use together.

Idioms for Everyday Use with Meanings, Definitions & Example Sentences

1. Hit the hay

Definition and Meaning: Hit the hay

The expression means that someone is exhausted and wants to sleep.

Hit the hay Example Sentences:

• It’s time to hit the hay. I’ll see you tomorrow.
• Can’t wait for the time that I can hit the hay.
• I’m afraid it’s time for me to hit the hay.
• Why don’t you hit the hay? I’ll take care of the shipment.
• It’s time for us to hit the hay. We’ve been on the road since noon.

2. Kill Two Birds With One Stone

Definition and Meaning: Kill Two Birds With One Stone

The expression “kill two birds with one stone” is used to express doing two tasks at the same time.

Kill Two Birds With One Stone Example Sentences:

• Why don’t you pick up the dry cleaning on your way there? That kills two birds with one stone.
• Indeed, you could kill two birds with one stone, but you’ll be exhausted when you return.
• You can kill two birds with one stone if you visit him yourself.
• Why not buy a cake on your way to pick Sylvia up and kill two birds with one stone?
• Two birds, one stone. I’ve always lived by that.

3. Piece Of Cake

Definition and Meaning: Piece Of Cake

This expression “piece of cake” means something is incredibly easy to do.

Piece Of Cake Example Sentences:

• This math exam is a piece of cake for me.
• I can’t believe woodworking is a piece of cake for him.
• For Tracy, teaching kids is a piece of cake. But classroom management is crazy.
• Putting colors in is a piece of cake, but drawing on the canvas takes some work.
• You told me it was a piece of cake. You didn’t tell me the frosting was made of rock.

4. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Definition and Meaning: Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

The expression “let sleeping dogs lie” means to leave something alone that is better left alone.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie Example Sentences:

• I know you’re tempted to bring up the argument you had with your brother, but I think it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie.
• I heard about the scandal at the office, but I think it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie and not get involved.
• I know you want to confront your ex about what happened, but it’s probably best to let sleeping dogs lie and move on
• I know you want to ask your boss for a raise, but I think it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie and wait for the right time.
• I know you want to bring up the past, but it’s probably best to let sleeping dogs lie and focus on the present.

5. To Sugarcoat

Definition and Meaning: To Sugarcoat

The expression “to sugarcoat” means to make something more palatable or acceptable by adding something sweet.

To Sugarcoat Example Sentences:

• She tried to sugarcoat the bad news, but it was still difficult to hear.
• He was trying to sugarcoat the truth, but I could tell he was lying.
• She was trying to sugarcoat the situation, but I could tell she was really upset.
• He was trying to sugarcoat the facts, but I could tell he was hiding something.
• She was trying to sugarcoat the reality of the situation, but it was still pretty grim.

6. You Can’t Judge A Book By Its Cover

Definition and Meaning: You Can’t Judge A Book By Its Cover

The expression means that you can’t judge something by its appearance.

You Can’t Judge A Book By Its Cover Example Sentences:

• Just because my friend looks like a slob doesn’t mean he’s not a genius You can’t judge a book by its cover.
• Don’t be fooled by the exterior of the restaurant You can’t judge a book by its cover.
• Don’t be so quick to judge my brother You can’t judge a book by its cover.
• Don’t be so quick to dismiss the new girl in school You can’t judge a book by its cover.
• Don’t be so quick to judge the homeless man on the street You can’t judge a book by its cover.

7. Rule Of Thumb

Definition and Meaning: Rule Of Thumb

This expression is often used to describe a rule that isn’t exactly accurate or official but is followed based off experience and common sense.

Rule Of Thumb Example Sentences:

• The rule of thumb is to not crowd the mushrooms. Otherwise, they won’t brown.
• Well, the rule of thumb is not to feed the animals or step too close to the cage.
• Isn’t it a rule of thumb not to wash your hair after getting a perm?
• What’s the rule of thumb if you want to build your own furniture?
• The rule of thumb is if the cattle is lined up that way, bad weather is coming.

8. Easy Does It

Definition and Meaning: Easy Does It

The expression “easy does it” is a way of telling someone to relax and take it easy.

Easy Does It Example Sentences:

• I know you’re excited to start your new job, but easy does it – take your time and get to know the ropes first
• I know you want to get this project done quickly, but easy does it – don’t rush and make sure you do it right.
• I know you want to get the party started, but easy does it – let’s take it slow and enjoy the night.
• I know you want to get the house cleaned up quickly, but easy does it – take your time and do it right.
• I know you want to get the presentation done quickly, but easy does it – don’t rush and make sure you do it right.

Looking for more examples of English Idioms with example sentences, proper usage, and meanings?
Top Idioms For Cold Weather
Common Idioms For Going To Sleep
Useful Idioms For Daily Routine
Everyday Idioms For Daily Conversation
Useful Idioms For Casual Conversation