Every language has a collection of sayings used in different situations. To understand English as it is spoken in real life you have to familiarize yourself with the different phrases and idioms. They are commonly used in everyday English and you need to know what they mean and how they are used. Here are some of the most common English phrases which will help to enrich your English vocabulary and have you sounding like a native speaker in no time!
- Go with the flow: To do things the same way as other people because it is easier to do.
Example: “If you don’t want to stand out, go with the flow.”
- Twenty-four seven: Something that is always available; every minute of the day and night.
Example:”7-11 is a good store because they are open twenty-four seven.”
- Under the weather: Feeling sick; not well.
Example: “I’m going to stay home because I’m feeling under the weather today.”
- Don’t sweat it: To tell someone not to worry.
Example: “You tried your best, so don’t sweat it.”
- Beats me: Used when you don’t know or understand what’s happening.
Example:”Beats me how she found out about the surprise party.”
- I don’t buy it: To disagree about something when it isn’t convincing.
Example: “Anna said she was sorry but I don’t buy it.”
- Keep your cool: To act normal.
Example: “I know you’re angry with him but you have to keep your cool.”
- Sort of: A little; kind of.
Example: “I sort of know how to speak Spanish.”
- Good for you: To express that you are happy for a person.
Example: “Good for you, you finally passed your driving test.”
- Good luck: To wish someone well.
Example: “Good luck on your interview tomorrow”
- Big deal: Something important. This phrase is usually used with “no” to express that something is not as important as it seems.
Example: “It’s no big deal if we don’t go out tonight.”
- What a small world: said to show your surprise that people or events in different places are connected.
Example: “I didn’t know that you knew my cousin. What a small world.”
- What’s going on?: To ask what is happening at or around the time of speaking.
Example: “I don’t know why she is upset, do you know what’s going on?”
- Now you’re talking: Used to agree with what someone else said.
Example: “A trip to the beach sounds great, now you’re talking!”
- Never mind: Something you say when you no longer want people to pay attention to whatever you previously said or asked.
Example: “Never mind cooking lunch for me, I’m going out.”
- If you insist: To agree after the other person demands it.
Example: “We will stay longer if you insist.”
- It’s nothing: To tell someone that the task you did was not a big deal.
Example: “No need to thank me for helping you with your homework. It’s nothing.”
- What gives?: Used to ask what is wrong or what the matter is.
Example: “Your mom said you stopped taking violin lessons. What gives?”
- Fair enough: Used when two people agree on something.
Example: A.”If you do not finish your homework you will not be able to go outside to play.”
- Cat got your tongue: Used when someone has nothing to say
Example: “You’re very quiet tonight, cat got your tongue?”