Here is a list of 2 important idioms that are commonly used in English and would be helpful for beginners, as well as students preparing for exams like IELTS and TOEFL:
1. A blessing in disguise
Meaning: Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.
Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise; it led to better opportunities.
2. A dime a dozen
Meaning: Something very common or easy to find.
Example: Good ideas are a dime a dozen, but great execution is rare.
3. A piece of cake
Meaning: Something that is very easy to do.
Example: The exam was a piece of cake.
4. Actions speak louder than words
Meaning: What you do is more important than what you say.
Example: He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words.
5. Add fuel to the fire
Meaning: To make a bad situation worse.
Example: Her comments only added fuel to the fire.
6. Bite the bullet
Meaning: To do something difficult or unpleasant that you have been avoiding.
Example: I hate going to the dentist, but I’m going to bite the bullet and go.
7. Break the ice
Meaning: To make people feel more comfortable in a social setting.
Example: He told a funny joke to break the ice at the party.
8. By the book
Meaning: To do something according to the rules.
Example: She always does everything by the book.
9. Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working for the day.
Example: We’ve been working for hours; let’s call it a day.
10. Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: To be very expensive.
Example: That new car costs an arm and a leg.
11. Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: To be upset about something that cannot be undone.
Example: There’s no use crying over spilled milk. Let’s move on.
12. Cut to the chase
Meaning: To get to the point quickly.
Example: Let’s cut to the chase and talk about the main issue.
13. Don’t judge a book by its cover
Meaning: Don’t judge something or someone by appearance alone.
Example: He may seem quiet, but don’t judge a book by its cover.
14. Easy come, easy go
Meaning: Things that are gained easily can also be lost easily.
Example: I won a lot of money at the casino, but it was easy come, easy go.
15. Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: There is something good in every bad situation.
Example: Don’t worry about your job loss; every cloud has a silver lining.
16. Get cold feet
Meaning: To suddenly feel nervous or unsure about something.
Example: I was about to propose, but I got cold feet.
17. Give someone the benefit of the doubt
Meaning: To believe someone’s word without proof.
Example: I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you didn’t mean to insult me.
18. Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
Example: You hit the nail on the head when you said the problem is communication.
19. In hot water
Meaning: In trouble.
Example: She’s in hot water for missing the meeting.
20. It takes two to tango
Meaning: Both people involved in a situation are responsible.
Example: Don’t blame him, it takes two to tango.
21. Jump on the bandwagon
Meaning: To join others in doing something popular or trendy.
Example: After the new smartphone release, everyone jumped on the bandwagon.
22. Keep an eye on
Meaning: To watch carefully.
Example: Keep an eye on the kids while I’m cooking.
23. Kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: To accomplish two tasks with one action.
Example: I’ll drop off the mail and buy groceries, killing two birds with one stone.
24. Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To reveal a secret.
Example: We were planning a surprise party, but Jane let the cat out of the bag.
25. Make a long story short
Meaning: To tell something in a more concise way.
Example: To make a long story short, we missed the flight.
26. Miss the boat
Meaning: To miss an opportunity.
Example: I should’ve applied for the job earlier, now I’ve missed the boat.
27. On cloud nine
Meaning: Extremely happy.
Example: She was on cloud nine after receiving the good news.
28. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Something that happens very rarely.
Example: I only see my childhood friend once in a blue moon.
29. Out of the blue
Meaning: Unexpectedly.
Example: He called me out of the blue after five years.
30. Pull someone’s leg
Meaning: To joke or tease someone.
Example: I was just pulling your leg when I said I would quit.
31. Put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: To rely on one thing for success.
Example: Don't put all your eggs in one basket; try different options.
32. Read between the lines
Meaning: To understand something that isn’t directly stated.
Example: If you read between the lines, you’ll understand what he really meant.
33. The ball is in your court
Meaning: It’s your turn to make a decision or take action.
Example: I’ve done my part, now the ball is in your court.
34. The early bird catches the worm
Meaning: The person who takes action earliest has an advantage.
Example: I woke up early for the sale; the early bird catches the worm.