10 Everyday Idioms For Understanding Something

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

For English Learners idioms for Understanding Something are difficult to make head or tail of, the reason being Idioms don’t make literal sense.

To learn the meanings and usage of idioms, English learners must study 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 accepted usage. This idioms list of Understanding Something makes learning painless, with common Understanding Something 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 Understanding Something together.

 

Idioms for Understanding Something with Meanings, Definitions & Example Sentences

 

1. It’s All Greek To Me

Definition and Meaning: It’s All Greek To Me

The expression “it’s all Greek to me” means that someone doesn’t understand something.

It’s All Greek To Me Example Sentences:

• I’m trying to understand this math equation, but it’s all Greek to me.
• It’s all Greek to me how you bake this flourless cake.
• I’m trying to understand this computer code, but it’s all Greek to me.
• Can you explain the concept of chaos theory? It’s all Greek to me.
• It’s all Greek to me how they make a living in this country.

2. Catch One’s Drift

Definition and Meaning: Catch One’s Drift

To “catch one’s drift” means to understand the meaning of what someone said.

Catch One’s Drift Example Sentences:

• Did you catch my drift, or do I have to explain it again?
• If you catch my drift, you would want to avoid this place.
• He didn’t catch her drift when she asked him for a loan.
• She’s quick to catch his drift and respond with grace and wit.
• I didn’t quite catch his drift. What did he mean by that?

3. Over My Head

Definition and Meaning: Over My Head

The expression “over my head” describes something too difficult to understand.

Over My Head Example Sentences:

• I’m sorry, but this math problem is way over my head.
• I’m not sure what the boss is talking about. It’s all over my head.
• Can you explain that again in simple terms? It’s over my head.
• Try avoiding using jargon because what you said is over my head.
• It’s over my head that I can’t figure out how to execute this project properly.

4. To Get A/The Picture

Definition and Meaning: To Get The Picture

The expression “to get a/the picture” means to understand a situation or concept.

To Get A/The Picture Example Sentences:

• I need you to get a picture of the benefits of using the new accounting system for this company.
• I was trying to follow the instructions for assembling the furniture, but I could not quite get a picture of how to build it.
• My professor was talking about the latest economic theories, and I’m getting the picture of how exports affect us.
• He was trying to explain the new video game for me to get the picture of what he was saying.

5. Shed Light

Definition and Meaning: Shed Light

The expression “shed light” means to make something understandable by giving information or an explanation on a topic or situation.

Shed Light Example Sentences:

• I called this meeting to shed light on the problem of our company’s declining sales.
• Today, the teacher will shed light on the subject of English grammar.
• The inspectors were able to shed some light on the mystery surrounding his disappearance.
• This article sheds light on the economic problems in the United States.
• He will shed light and explain why he came up with his decision to migrate.

6. Hammer Home

Definition and Meaning: Hammer Home

The idiomatic expression “hammer home” means to make a point or to explain something clearly for someone to understand something.

Hammer Home Example Sentences:

• The manager hammered home the importance of punctuality.
• She tried to hammer home her message by using her experience as an example.
• I must not have explained my idea well. I will try again and ensure to hammer it home.
• He repeated his explanation to hammer home the point he was making.
• The teacher used a rhetorical question to hammer home the message she was delivering.

7. Take A Hint

Definition and Meaning: Take A Hint

To “take a hint” means to get the message that one is being told or understand something.

Take A Hint Example Sentences:

• Learn how to take a hint and avoid awkward situations.
• Ben tried to get his friend to go earlier, but he could not take a hint.
• She said her schedule is full, but he can’t seem to take a hint.
• His tone gives finality. And I know how to take a hint, so I changed the subject.
• She took a hint from my silence when she realized that I was not going to tell her anything more about myself.

8. Know The Ropes

Definition and Meaning: Know The Ropes

The expression “know the ropes” means a thorough understanding of something. It also describes someone who has mastered or learned to do something, especially in a particular field.

Know The Ropes Element Example Sentences:

• Jim knows the ropes of working for a large company, having worked in the corporate world for a decade.
• You will know the ropes as you get more experience.
• She is an expert in accounting and knows the ropes of taxation.
• You will know the ropes of your profession during your internship next month.
• He will know the ropes of starting a business.

9. Get The Hang

Definition and Meaning: Get The Hang

This phrase means to understand something or to learn something.

Get The Hang Example Sentences:

• I can’t get the hang of this new computer program.
• You’ll have to get the hang of this before you can do anything useful.
• It’s challenging to bake at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be a pro!
• She gets the hang of driving after the first session of a driving lesson.

10. Get The Gist

Definition and Meaning: Get The Gist

The expression “get the gist” means to understand or comprehend something.

Get The Gist Example Sentences:

• He explained his plans thoroughly for them to get the gist of it.
• She got the gist of the organic chemistry lesson.
• Will they get the gist of your presentation?
• It’s not going to be easy to get the gist of all these new developments.

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