15 Common British Idioms
Here we take a look at 15 common British idioms that are used in everyday conversations. Next time you are speaking to a native speaker see if you can get one of these expressions into the conversation.
1. Not my cup of tea
Meaning: Something you don’t particularly like or are not interested in.
e.g. “Romcoms (romantic comedies) aren’t really my cup of tea.”
2. A storm in a teacup
Meaning: A lot of unnecessary worry or anger about a very small or unimportant matter.
e.g. “The argument over who ate the last piece of cake was just a storm in a teacup.”
3. To go down a treat
Meaning: To be very well-received or enjoyed by everyone.
e.g. “The homemade chocolate brownies went down a treat at my friend’s party.
4. Bob’s your uncle
Meaning: It is done; things will work out easily and successfully.
e.g. “Just plug the cable in, push the start button and Bob’s your uncle!”
5. Over the moon
Meaning: Extremely happy or delighted.
e.g. “He was over the moon about winning the lottery!”
6. Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: Very expensive.
e.g. “Tickets to watch top flight football cost an arm and a leg.”
7. Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working on something or finish for the day.
e.g. “We’ve been doing homework all day. I’m tired – let’s call it a day.”
8. Chuffed to bits
Meaning: Extremely pleased, happy or proud.
e.g. “She was chuffed to bits when she heard she had got the job.”
9. Throw a spanner in the works
Meaning: To cause a sudden problem or disruption to a plan.
e.g. “When my plane was cancelled, it really threw a spanner in the works.”
10. Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling slightly ill, tired or unwell.
e.g. “I’m going to stay in tonight as I’m feeling a bit under the weather.”
11. Get your skates on
Meaning: Hurry up.
e.g. “Get your skates on or we’re going to miss the train!”
12. Pulling someone’s leg
Meaning: Joking, teasing or telling a playful untruth.
e.g. “I’m not actually moving to Italy, I’m just pulling your leg.”
13. Take the mickey
Meaning: To make fun of, tease or mock someone.
e.g. “Are you serious or are you just taking the mickey?”
14. Don’t get your knickers in a twist
Meaning: Don’t get overly upset or stressed about something minor.
e.g. “Relax, don’t get your knickers in a twist, we still have enough time to get there.”
15. As right as rain
Meaning: Completely fine, healthy or in good order.
e.g. “I had a the flu last week, but I’m as right as rain now.”
Want to Use British English More Confidently?
Learning idioms is a great way to make your English sound more natural and understand how native speakers communicate in everyday situations. But the best way to master them is through practice!
At Monty English, we offer friendly online conversation classes where you can expand your vocabulary, improve your fluency and build confidence speaking English with others.
Ready to take your English to the next level? Get in touch with Monty English and find out how our conversation classes can help you speak more naturally and confidently.
