In today’s podcast, you’ll learn 12 very common English idioms so that you’ll sound more like a native speaker.
And speaking of native speakers, my regular co-host Reza isn’t here with me, but I’m delighted to say I’m joined this week by Ben from the popular YouTube channel To The Point English with Ben.

Ben has been on the podcast before: How to Prepare for Cambridge English Exams https://inglespodcast.com/ben

Visit Ben’s website: http://ttpenglish.com/

Ben’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tothepointenglishwithben

Ben recently invited me onto his YouTube channel and put me on the spot with some fossilized expressions and collocations. I’m going to return the favour today.

Finish the idiom (play along with us as you listen)

1. I’m thinking of buying the new DJI Osmo Pocket 3 video camera. Have you seen it? It’s really expensive, though. It costs and arm and ……..a leg.
It costs an arm and a leg – It’s very expensive

2. When you experience good times and bad times we can say that we go through thick and ……..thin.
Through thick and thin – In good times and bad times

This idiom dates back to the 14th century and originally referred to moving through dense and sparse parts of a forest. It means enduring all kinds of difficulties.

3. Actually, I wasn’t telling the truth about my wife. I was joking and teasing you and the listeners. I was pulling your……..leg.
To pull someone’s leg – to joke with or tease someone

4. In my conversation groups, I always look forward to the first lesson at the beginning of the course. Very often the students don’t know each other. We spend some time introducing ourselves and I have some fun activities that help to break the……ice.
Break the ice – To initiate conversation in a social setting
This idiom dates back to the 16th century and originally referred to breaking ice to allow ships to pass. It later evolved to mean breaking social awkwardness to initiate conversation

5. I really like YouTube and podcasting, but I think I need to be on another social media platform to attract more students to my conversation courses. I’ve thought about Instagram, TikTok and Linkedin but I can’t make up my mind because each platform has its advantages and disadvantages. I can’t decide. I’m really on the ……fence. I can’t decide.
Be/Sit on the fence – To be undecided or neutral
Is there anything you’re on the fence about at the moment?

6. I’ll need to make a decision sooner or later, I need to bite the…..bullet.
Bite the bullet – To endure a painful situation bravely
This phrase dates back to the 19th century when soldiers would bite on bullets during surgery without anesthesia to endure the pain. It symbolizes facing a difficult situation with courage

7. It’s hard to create videos. Your videos on YouTube seem effortless. You look really natural in front of the camera. You make it look so easy. In fact, you make it look like a piece of…..cake.
A piece of cake – Something very easy to do

8. Do you know what the subject or focus of your next video is going to be? Can you tell us the secret? Can you let the ……..cat out of the bag – To reveal a secret unintentionally.
To let the cat out of the bag – To reveal a secret unintentionally
(A similar idiom is “to spill the beans”)
This phrase dates back to the 18th century and is thought to originate from market fraud, where a cat would be substituted for a piglet in a bag. When the cat was let out, the deception was revealed. It could also be from a cat o’ nine tails that used to be used on ships to whip and punish sailors.

9. There’s a new method that claims that people can learn English in 4 weeks without studying. Do you believe it? Take it with a pinch……of salt.
Take it with a pinch of salt – Don’t take it too seriously

10. Students have tried it and they say it’s the best thing since……..sliced bread!
The best thing since sliced bread – A great invention or innovation
This idiom originated in the 1920s after the invention of pre-sliced bread, which was marketed as a revolutionary convenience

11. I was thinking that you have some pressure to create videos on a regular basis for your channel. In a similar way, I often feel under pressure to create podcast episodes every week to keep up the consistency. So, really, we are in the same……….. boat.
To be in the same boat – To be in the same difficult situation as someone else

12. Do you ever feel like giving up? Do you ever think, ‘Oh, I need to make another video I have no idea what to talk about’?
Do you ever feel like throwing…………. in the towel?
To throw in the towel – To give up or admit defeat
This phrase comes from boxing, where a trainer throws a towel into the ring to signal defeat. It means to give up or admit defeat.

12 common English Idioms
Cost an arm and a leg – very expensive.
Through thick and thin – in good times and bad times.
To pull someone’s leg – to joke or tease someone.
Break the ice – to initiate conversation in a social setting.
to be on the fence about something – to be undecided or neutral.
Bite the bullet – to endure a painful situation bravely.
A piece of cake – something that’s very easy to do.
To let the cat out of the bag – to reveal a secret unintentionally.
Take it with a pinch of salt – don’t take it too seriously.
The best thing since sliced bread – a great invention or innovation.
To be in the same boat – to be in the same difficult situation as someone else.
To throw in the towel – to give up or admit defeat

…and now it’s your turn to practise your English.

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