Everyday Native English (06)

Introduction

English is a language full of idioms and expressions, which can be difficult for learners to understand at first. However, once you learn the meaning of some of the most common phrases, you'll be well on your way to sounding more like a native speaker.

In this article, we'll take a look at 10 often used English short phrases and examples. We'll also explain what each phrase means and how to use it in a sentence.

1. Break a leg
2. Hit the nail on the head
3. Under the weather
4. A piece of cake
5. On the ball
6. Spill the beans
7. Cost an arm and a leg
8. Raining cats and dogs
9. Barking up the wrong tree
10. Cut to the chase

We'll also explain what each phrase means and how to use it in a sentence.

✅1. Break a leg

This phrase is used to wish someone good luck, especially before they perform in a play or concert.

• Example: "Break a leg tonight, Sarah! I know you're going to do great."

✅2. Hit the nail on the head

This phrase means to say something that is exactly true or correct.

• Example: "When you said that the company needs more HR support, you really hit the nail on the head."

✅3. Under the weather

This phrase means to be feeling slightly sick or unwell.

• Example: "I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I'm going to stay home from work."

✅4. A piece of cake

This phrase is used to describe something that is very easy to do.

• Example: "The math test was a piece of cake! I'm so glad I studied last night."

✅5. On the ball

This phrase means to be alert, aware, and quick to understand things.

• Example: "Our new manager is really on the ball. He's already made a lot of positive changes to the company."

✅6. Spill the beans

This phrase means to tell someone a secret that they were supposed to keep.

• Example: "I was supposed to keep it a secret that Sarah is pregnant, but I accidentally spilled the beans to my sister."

✅7. Cost an arm and a leg

This phrase means to be very expensive.

• Example: "That new car costs an arm and a leg! I'm not sure if I can afford it."

✅8. Raining cats and dogs

This phrase is used to describe very heavy rain.

• Example: "It's raining cats and dogs outside! I'm glad I don't have to go anywhere today."

✅9. Barking up the wrong tree

This phrase means to be looking for something in the wrong place.

• Example: "If you're looking for the bathroom, you're barking up the wrong tree. It's on the second floor."

✅10. Cut to the chase

This phrase means to get to the point and stop talking about irrelevant things.

• Example: "Can you please cut to the chase and tell me what you want?"

These are just a few of the many common English short phrases that you can use in your everyday conversation. Learning these phrases will help you to sound more like a native speaker and make your communication more effective.