Useful Idioms and Phrases to Improve Your English

8 Useful Idioms and Phrases to Improve Your English

When it comes to mastering a language, there is no substitute for practice. However, it can be helpful to know some of the most commonly used idioms and phrases in order to quickly and accurately express yourself in English. Idioms, in particular, are a great way to make your English sound more natural and native-like. Here are some of the most useful and common idioms and phrases that you can use to improve your English.

Idiom: "Once in a Blue Moon"
This idiom is used to describe something that happens very rarely. For example, if you say you go to the movies once in a blue moon, it means you don't go to the movies very often.

Phrase: "The Best of Both Worlds"
This phrase is used to describe a situation where you can enjoy the advantages of two different scenarios. For example, if you say that you have the best of both worlds, it means that you are able to enjoy the benefits of two different circumstances.


Idiom: "Piece of Cake"
This idiom is used to describe something that is very easy to do. For example, if you say that a task is a piece of cake, it means that the task is very straightforward and easy to complete.

Phrase: "Think Outside the Box"
This phrase is used to encourage someone to think of creative or innovative solutions to a problem. For example, if you tell someone to think outside the box, it means that you want them to consider alternative solutions that are not immediately obvious.

Idiom: "Break a Leg"
This idiom is used to wish someone good luck. It is typically used before a performance or presentation. For example, if you tell someone to break a leg before their presentation, it means that you are wishing them luck and success.

Phrase: "Hit the Books"
This phrase is used to describe studying or doing research. For example, if you say that you are going to hit the books, it means that you are going to spend some time studying or doing research.

Idiom: "Cut to the Chase"
This idiom is used to tell someone to get to the point quickly. For example, if someone is talking and you tell them to cut to the chase, it means that you want Cut to the chase

Tools
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the albums, see Cut to the Chase (MJ Cole album) and Cut to the Chase (Vampire Rodents album).

This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (August 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
To "cut to the chase" is to get to the point without wasting time.

The saying originated from early film studios' silent films. It was a favorite of, and thought to have been coined by, Hal Roach Sr.. It is, however, present in Chaucer's "The Wife of Bath's Tale"- "and shortly forth this tale for to chace" (to cut a long story short).

History
Films, particularly comedies, often climaxed in chase scenes. Some inexperienced screenwriters or directors would pad the film with unnecessary dialogue, which bored the audience and prolonged the time before the exciting chase scene. Cut to the chase was a phrase used by movie studio executives to mean that the audience shouldn't get bored by the extra dialogue, and that the film should get to the interesting scenes without unnecessary delays. The phrase is now widely used, and means "get to the point."

An earlier version of the phrase (recorded 1880–1940) was Cut to Hecuba. This refers to the practice of shortening matin;e performances of Hamlet by cutting the long speeches before the reference to Hecuba in Act II, Scene ii.[1]

References
 A Dictionary of Catch Phrases, ed. Eric Partridge & Paul Beale, 2nd ed. 1985, p.59; ISBN 0-7102-0495-7
External links

Look up cut to the chase in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
The Phrase Finder
The Mavens' Word of the Dayhem to get to the point quickly and avoid unnecessary details.


Phrase: "Cost an Arm and a Leg"
This phrase is used to describe something that is very expensive. For example, if you say that a product costs an arm and a leg, it means that the product is very expensive.


These are just a few of the many useful idioms and phrases that you can use to improve your English. With practice and memorization, you will be able to use these expressions in your everyday conversations. So take the time to learn and practice these expressions and you will quickly see your English improve.