Idioms and phrases are like secret codes in the English language. They may sound funny at first, but once you understand them, they make speaking and reading much more exciting. Famous idioms and phrases do not always mean exactly what the words say. Instead, they have special meanings that help us express feelings, ideas, and situations in a fun and colorful way.
For kids aged 6–12, idioms turn learning into a game. They help children understand storybooks, cartoons, movies, and everyday conversations more easily. When kids learn idioms, they also become better speakers and storytellers because their language sounds more lively and creative.
1. Number Idioms and Phrases
1.1 Piece of Cake – Something very easy
- The spelling test was a piece of cake for me.
- Cleaning my desk felt like a piece of cake today.
1.2 Two Heads Are Better Than One – Teamwork helps
- We solved the puzzle faster because two heads are better than one.
- Let’s work together—two heads are better than one!
1.3 Third Time’s a Charm – Success after trying again
- I missed twice, but the third time’s a charm!
- She kept trying, and third time’s a charm worked.
1.4 On Cloud Nine – Feeling very happy
- I was on cloud nine after my birthday party.
- He felt on cloud nine when he won the race.
1.5 Ten Out of Ten – Perfect score
- My drawing got ten out of ten from the teacher.
- She gave the movie ten out of ten.
1.6 Back to Square One – Start again
- The game restarted, and we were back to square one.
- When the plan failed, we went back to square one.
1.7 One in a Million – Very special
- My best friend is one in a million.
- That kind teacher is one in a million.
1.8 In Two Minds – Not sure
- I was in two minds about picking chocolate or vanilla.
- He’s in two minds about joining the team.
1.9 At the Drop of a Hat – Immediately
- Mom helps us at the drop of a hat.
- She can start singing at the drop of a hat.
1.10 Zero In On – Focus carefully
- The cat zeroed in on the toy mouse.
- I zeroed in on my homework today.
2. Animal Idioms and Phrases
2.1 Busy as a Bee – Working very hard
- Dad was busy as a bee fixing the car.
- I was busy as a bee doing my homework.
2.2 Let the Cat Out of the Bag – Tell a secret
- He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise.
- Don’t let the cat out of the bag yet!
2.3 Fish Out of Water – Feeling uncomfortable
- I felt like a fish out of water in my new class.
- He was a fish out of water at dance practice.
2.4 Sly as a Fox – Very clever
- She solved the riddle, sly as a fox.
- The fox in the story was sly as a fox.
2.5 Copycat – Someone who copies others
- Stop being a copycat and try your own idea!
- My little brother is a copycat sometimes.
2.6 The Lion’s Share – The biggest part
- She ate the lion’s share of the pizza.
- The winner got the lion’s share of prizes.
2.7 Horse Around – Play too roughly
- Stop horsing around in the classroom.
- The kids were horsing around at recess.
2.8 Barking Up the Wrong Tree – Blaming the wrong person
- You’re barking up the wrong tree—I didn’t do it!
- He was barking up the wrong tree again.
2.9 Eagle Eye – Very sharp vision
- The teacher has an eagle eye for mistakes.
- Mom spotted the mess with her eagle eye.
2.10 Chicken Out – Lose courage
- I almost tried the slide but chickened out.
- He chickened out before speaking.
3. Everyday Idioms and Phrases
3.1 Break a Leg – Good luck
- Break a leg in your school play!
- Everyone told her to break a leg.
3.2 Hit the Hay – Go to sleep
- I’m sleepy—time to hit the hay.
- We hit the hay early last night.
3.3 On the Same Page – Agree
- We’re on the same page about homework.
- The team was on the same page.
3.4 Spill the Beans – Share a secret
- She spilled the beans about the gift.
- Don’t spill the beans too soon!
3.5 Bite the Bullet – Be brave
- I bit the bullet and tried again.
- He bit the bullet and apologized.
3.6 Hit the Nail on the Head – Exactly right
- Your answer hit the nail on the head.
- She hit the nail on the head again.
3.7 Get Cold Feet – Feel nervous
- I got cold feet before the race.
- He got cold feet at the last moment.
3.8 Cost an Arm and a Leg – Very expensive
- That toy costs an arm and a leg.
- The backpack cost an arm and a leg.
3.9 Under the Weather – Feeling sick
- I stayed home because I felt under the weather.
- She’s under the weather today.
3.10 A Walk in the Park – Very easy
- The quiz was a walk in the park.
- Cleaning the room was a walk in the park.
4. Food Idioms and Phrases
4.1 Icing on the Cake – Something extra nice
- Getting candy was the icing on the cake.
- The gift was the icing on the cake.
4.2 Couch Potato – Lazy person
- Don’t be a couch potato all day.
- He becomes a couch potato on weekends.
4.3 Full of Beans – Energetic
- The puppy is full of beans.
- I’m full of beans this morning!
4.4 In a Pickle – In trouble
- I forgot my lunch—now I’m in a pickle.
- She was in a pickle during the test.
4.5 Bring Home the Bacon – Earn money
- Parents work hard to bring home the bacon.
- She helps bring home the bacon.
4.6 Bigger Fish to Fry – More important things
- I have bigger fish to fry right now.
- Let’s focus—we’ve got bigger fish to fry.
4.7 Like Two Peas in a Pod – Very similar
- The twins are like two peas in a pod.
- Those friends are like two peas in a pod.
4.8 Egghead – Very smart person
- She’s an egghead in science.
- Ask the egghead in our class!
4.9 A Lemon – Something that doesn’t work
- The toy was a lemon and broke quickly.
- That old bike is a lemon.
4.10 Sweet Tooth – Love for sweets
He has a big sweet tooth.
I have a sweet tooth for candy.
5. Color Idioms and Phrases
5.1 Once in a Blue Moon – Happens very rarely
- I only get to visit my cousin once in a blue moon.
- We eat out once in a blue moon, so it feels special.
5.2 Green with Envy – Feeling very jealous
- He was green with envy when he saw my new bike.
- She felt green with envy over her friend’s trophy.
5.3 Tickled Pink – Very happy or pleased
- I was tickled pink when my teacher praised me.
- Grandma was tickled pink to see us.
5.4 In the Black – Doing well (money or work)
- The school fair was in the black this year.
- His lemonade stand stayed in the black.
5.5 In the Red – Having trouble or loss
- The shop went in the red after a slow week.
- The team was in the red after losing games.
5.6 White as a Ghost – Very scared
- He turned white as a ghost during the thunderstorm.
- I was white as a ghost after the loud noise.
5.7 Black and White – Very clear
- The rules are black and white.
- The answer was black and white to everyone.
5.8 See Red – Get very angry
- He saw red when his toy broke.
- She saw red after being blamed unfairly.
5.9 Golden Opportunity – A great chance
- Winning the contest was a golden opportunity.
- This trip is a golden opportunity to learn.
5.10 Rose-Colored Glasses – Seeing only good things
- He sees everything through rose-colored glasses.
- She looks at school with rose-colored glasses.
6. Body Part Idioms and Phrases
6.1 Keep an Eye On – Watch carefully
- Mom asked me to keep an eye on my sister.
- The teacher keeps an eye on the class.
6.2 Lend a Hand – Help someone
- I lent a hand while cleaning the room.
- Friends always lend a hand when needed.
6.3 Cost an Arm and a Leg – Very expensive
- That video game cost an arm and a leg.
- The shoes cost an arm and a leg.
6.4 Cold Shoulder – Ignore someone
- He felt sad when given the cold shoulder.
- Don’t give your friends the cold shoulder.
6.5 All Ears – Listening carefully
- I’m all ears—tell me the story!
- The class was all ears during the lesson.
6.6 Put Your Foot Down – Be firm
- Dad put his foot down about bedtime.
- The teacher put her foot down on rules.
6.7 Use Your Head – Think carefully
- Use your head before answering.
- She used her head to solve the problem.
6.8 Give a Hand – Applaud or help
- Let’s give her a hand for singing!
- I gave a hand during the project.
6.9 Heart of Gold – Very kind
- My grandma has a heart of gold.
- He helps everyone—heart of gold!
6.10 Turn Your Back On – Ignore or leave
- Don’t turn your back on friends.
- He turned his back on bad habits.
7. School Idioms and Phrases
7.1 Top of the Class – Best student
- She finished top of the class.
- He always aims to be top of the class.
7.2 Learn the Ropes – Learn how things work
- I’m learning the ropes at my new school.
- He learned the ropes quickly.
7.3 Bookworm – Loves reading
- She’s a real bookworm.
- The library is a bookworm’s dream.
7.4 Pass with Flying Colors – Do very well
- He passed the test with flying colors.
- She passed with flying colors again.
7.5 Teacher’s Pet – Favorite student
- He’s not the teacher’s pet, just helpful.
- Don’t tease someone as teacher’s pet.
7.6 Hit the Books – Study hard
- I need to hit the books tonight.
- She hit the books before exams.
7.7 Raise Your Hand – Ask to speak
- Please raise your hand to answer.
- He raised his hand politely.
7.8 School of Thought – Way of thinking
- There’s a school of thought about learning.
- Different teachers have different schools of thought.
7.9 Pop Quiz – Surprise test
- We had a pop quiz today!
- The pop quiz was short and easy.
7.10 Make the Grade – Be good enough
- His project made the grade.
- She worked hard to make the grade.
8. Friendship Idioms and Phrases
8.1 Best Buds – Very close friends
- We’ve been best buds for years.
- The boys are best buds.
8.2 Shoulder to Cry On – Someone supportive
- She was my shoulder to cry on.
- Friends should be a shoulder to cry on.
8.3 Thick as Thieves – Very close
- They’re thick as thieves.
- The sisters are thick as thieves.
8.4 Get Along Like a House on Fire – Be great friends
- They got along like a house on fire.
- The team got along well.
8.5 Fair-Weather Friend – Only there in good times
- A fair-weather friend leaves in trouble.
- True friends are not fair-weather friends.
8.6 Stick Together – Stay united
- Friends should stick together.
- We stick together no matter what.
8.7 Have Someone’s Back – Support someone
- I’ve got your back.
- Friends always have each other’s back.
8.8 Patch Things Up – Make peace
- They patched things up after arguing.
- Let’s patch things up.
8.9 Make Friends – Become friendly
- It’s easy to make friends at school.
- He made friends quickly.
8.10 Buddy Up – Team together
- Let’s buddy up for the project.
- They buddied up in class.
9. Weather and Nature Idioms
9.1 Raining Cats and Dogs – Heavy rain
- It’s raining cats and dogs outside.
- We stayed in because it was raining cats and dogs.
9.2 Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining – Good in bad
- Even mistakes teach lessons.
- Every cloud has a silver lining.
9.3 Under the Weather – Feeling sick
- I felt under the weather today.
- She stayed home feeling under the weather.
9.4 Come Rain or Shine – No matter what
- I’ll help you rain or shine.
- We play outside rain or shine.
9.5 Storm in a Teacup – Small problem
- It’s just a storm in a teacup.
- Don’t worry over a storm in a teacup.
9.6 Break the Ice – Start talking
- He told a joke to break the ice.
- Games help break the ice.
9.7 On Thin Ice – In danger
- He’s on thin ice with rules.
- Be careful—you’re on thin ice.
9.8 Calm Before the Storm – Quiet before trouble
- It was calm before the storm.
- The class was quiet before exams.
9.9 Snowed Under – Too busy
- I’m snowed under with homework.
- She’s snowed under with tasks.
9.10 Weather the Storm – Get through problems
- We’ll weather the storm together.
- He learned to weather the storm.
10. Action and Movement Idioms
10.1 Jump the Gun – Act too soon
- He jumped the gun answering early.
- Don’t jump the gun—wait!
10.2 Go the Extra Mile – Try harder
- She went the extra mile to help.
- Going the extra mile feels good.
10.3 Hit the Ground Running – Start fast
- He hit the ground running on day one.
- She hit the ground running at school.
10.4 Call It a Day – Stop working
- Let’s call it a day.
- We called it a day after homework.
10.5 Get the Ball Rolling – Start something
- Let’s get the ball rolling!
- He got the ball rolling on the plan.
10.6 Run Out of Steam – Lose energy
- I ran out of steam after practice.
- She ran out of steam at night.
10.7 Pull Your Weight – Do your share
- Everyone must pull their weight.
- He pulled his weight in the group.
10.8 Take a Leap of Faith – Try bravely
- She took a leap of faith.
- Trying new things takes a leap of faith.
10.9 Keep the Ball in Your Court – It’s your turn
- The choice is yours now.
- The ball is in your court.
10.10 Step Up Your Game – Improve performance
- He stepped up his game in math.
- Time to step up your game!
11. Emotion Idioms and Phrases
11.1 Over the Moon – Extremely happy
- I was over the moon when I got a new book.
- She felt over the moon after winning the prize.
11.2 Down in the Dumps – Feeling sad
- He felt down in the dumps after losing the game.
- A hug helped her feel better when she was down in the dumps.
11.3 Blow Your Top – Get very angry
- Dad blew his top when the window broke.
- Try not to blow your top over small things.
11.4 Happy as a Clam – Very content
- She was happy as a clam at the beach.
- The baby looked happy as a clam.
11.5 Butterflies in My Stomach – Feeling nervous
- I had butterflies in my stomach before the test.
- He felt butterflies in his stomach on stage.
11.6 In High Spirits – Feeling cheerful
- The class was in high spirits before the trip.
- She stayed in high spirits all day.
11.7 Lose Your Cool – Get upset
- He lost his cool during the game.
- Try not to lose your cool when things go wrong.
11.8 On Edge – Feeling worried
- I felt on edge before the results.
- She was on edge during the storm.
11.9 Jump for Joy – Show happiness
- I jumped for joy when school was canceled.
- He jumped for joy after hearing the news.
11.10 Feel Blue – Feel sad
- I felt blue when my friend moved away.
- Rainy days make her feel blue.
12. Time Idioms and Phrases
12.1 In the Nick of Time – Just in time
- We arrived in the nick of time.
- Help came in the nick of time.
12.2 Around the Clock – All day and night
- The nurses work around the clock.
- He studied around the clock for exams.
12.3 Beat the Clock – Finish before time
- She beat the clock on the quiz.
- We ran fast to beat the clock.
12.4 Once Upon a Time – Long ago
- Stories begin with once upon a time.
- Once upon a time, there was a dragon.
12.5 Time Flies – Time goes fast
- Time flies when you’re having fun.
- Time flew during the holidays.
12.6 Kill Time – Do something while waiting
- I read a book to kill time.
- Games help kill time.
12.7 At the Eleventh Hour – Last moment
- He finished at the eleventh hour.
- The homework was done at the eleventh hour.
12.8 Day In, Day Out – Every day
- She practices piano day in, day out.
- Dad works hard day in, day out.
12.9 Ahead of Time – Early
- I finished my work ahead of time.
- She arrived ahead of time.
12.10 Behind the Times – Old-fashioned
- That phone is behind the times.
- The rule feels behind the times.
13. Money Idioms and Phrases
13.1 Save for a Rainy Day – Save money
- I save coins for a rainy day.
- Saving helps on a rainy day.
13.2 Break the Bank – Too expensive
- That toy would break the bank.
- The trip didn’t break the bank.
13.3 Penny Pincher – Someone who saves money
- He’s a penny pincher.
- Penny pinchers save carefully.
13.4 Pay Through the Nose – Pay too much
- We paid through the nose for snacks.
- He paid through the nose for tickets.
13.5 Dirt Cheap – Very cheap
- The book was dirt cheap.
- I bought it dirt cheap.
13.6 Make Ends Meet – Have enough money
- They work hard to make ends meet.
- Saving helps make ends meet.
13.7 Cash Cow – Makes lots of money
- The lemonade stand was a cash cow.
- That game became a cash cow.
13.8 Tighten Your Belt – Spend less
- We tightened our belts this month.
- Tighten your belt to save money.
13.9 Worth Every Penny – Good value
- The toy was worth every penny.
- The trip was worth every penny.
13.10 Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees – Money is limited
- Remember, money doesn’t grow on trees.
- Spend wisely—money doesn’t grow on trees.
14. Sports and Game Idioms
14.1 Ball Is in Your Court – Your turn
- The choice is yours now.
- The ball is in your court.
14.2 Level Playing Field – Fair chance
- Everyone deserves a level playing field.
- The rules made it a level playing field.
14.3 Hit Below the Belt – Unfair action
- That comment hit below the belt.
- Be kind—don’t hit below the belt.
14.4 Throw in the Towel – Give up
- Don’t throw in the towel yet.
- He almost threw in the towel.
14.5 Game Changer – Big change
- That idea was a game changer.
- The coach’s plan was a game changer.
14.6 Keep Your Eye on the Ball – Stay focused
- Keep your eye on the ball in class.
- He stayed focused and won.
14.7 Call the Shots – Be in charge
- Mom calls the shots at home.
- The leader calls the shots.
14.8 Get a Head Start – Start early
- I got a head start on homework.
- Getting a head start helps.
14.9 Strike While the Iron Is Hot – Act quickly
- She acted fast while the iron was hot.
- Strike while the iron is hot!
14.10 Win Hands Down – Win easily
- Our team won hands down.
- She won hands down again.
15. Travel and Journey Idioms
15.1 Hit the Road – Start a trip
- It’s time to hit the road.
- We hit the road early.
15.2 Off the Beaten Path – Unusual place
- We visited an off-the-beaten-path village.
- He likes off-the-beaten-path spots.
15.3 On the Right Track – Doing well
- You’re on the right track.
- She’s on the right track with math.
15.4 Miss the Boat – Lose a chance
- I missed the boat by being late.
- Hurry or you’ll miss the boat.
15.5 Go the Distance – Finish strongly
- She trained to go the distance.
- He went the distance.
15.6 Smooth Sailing – Easy progress
- The trip was smooth sailing.
- Homework was smooth sailing.
15.7 Long Road Ahead – Hard work coming
- Learning takes a long road ahead.
- There’s a long road ahead.
15.8 Take a Detour – Change path
- We took a detour home.
- Sometimes detours are fun.
15.9 On the Go – Very busy
- I’m always on the go.
- She stays on the go all day.
15.10 Roadblock – Problem stopping progress
- That mistake was a roadblock.
- We solved the roadblock together.
16. Thinking and Learning Idioms
16.1 Put on Your Thinking Cap – Think hard
- Put on your thinking cap for this puzzle.
- She wore her thinking cap.
16.2 Light Bulb Moment – Sudden idea
- I had a light bulb moment.
- The answer popped up!
16.3 Learn by Heart – Memorize
- I learned the poem by heart.
- She knows it by heart.
16.4 Get the Hang of It – Understand
- I got the hang of skating.
- He got the hang of it fast.
16.5 Think Outside the Box – Be creative
- Think outside the box.
- Her idea was creative.
16.6 Brainstorm – Share ideas
- Let’s brainstorm ideas.
- Brainstorming helps learning.
16.7 Sharp as a Tack – Very smart
- She’s sharp as a tack.
- He’s sharp as a tack in math.
16.8 Rack Your Brain – Think hard
- I racked my brain for answers.
- He racked his brain too.
16.9 Know the Ropes – Be skilled
- She knows the ropes now.
- He learned the ropes quickly.
16.10 Food for Thought – Something to think about
- That idea gave me food for thought.
- The story was food for thought.
17. Family Idioms and Phrases
17.1 Like Father, Like Son – Similar traits
- They love sports—like father, like son.
- Like mother, like daughter works too!
17.2 Runs in the Family – Common in family
- Singing runs in the family.
- Kindness runs in the family.
17.3 Black Sheep – Different family member
- He’s the black sheep of the family.
- Every family has a black sheep.
17.4 Bundle of Joy – A baby
- The baby is a bundle of joy.
- She brings joy everywhere.
17.5 Home Sweet Home – Love home
- Home sweet home feels best.
- Nothing beats home sweet home.
17.6 Blood Is Thicker Than Water – Family first
- Family sticks together always.
- Blood is thicker than water.
17.7 Born with a Silver Spoon – Wealthy family
- He was born with a silver spoon.
- She grew up comfortable.
17.8 Chip Off the Old Block – Like parent
- He’s a chip off the old block.
- She acts just like mom.
17.9 Close-Knit Family – Very close
- They are a close-knit family.
- Close-knit families support each other.
17.10 Family Ties – Family bonds
- Family ties are important.
- Strong family ties matter.
18. Work and Effort Idioms
18.1 Hard Nut to Crack – Difficult problem
- That puzzle was a hard nut to crack.
- Math can be a hard nut to crack.
18.2 Burn the Midnight Oil – Work late
- He burned the midnight oil studying.
- She burned the midnight oil too.
18.3 Pull an All-Nighter – Stay awake
- He pulled an all-nighter.
- Try not to pull all-nighters.
18.4 Go the Extra Mile – Try harder
- She went the extra mile.
- Extra effort pays off.
18.5 Put Your Back Into It – Work hard
- Put your back into cleaning.
- He put his back into practice.
18.6 Learn the Hard Way – Learn from mistakes
- I learned the hard way.
- Mistakes teach lessons.
18.7 Sweat It Out – Work with effort
- He sweated it out during training.
- Practice helps sweat it out.
18.8 Roll Up Your Sleeves – Get ready to work
- Roll up your sleeves and start.
- She rolled up her sleeves.
18.9 Leave No Stone Unturned – Try everything
- We left no stone unturned.
- He searched everywhere.
18.10 Call It a Day – Stop working
- Let’s call it a day.
- We called it a day happily.
19. Communication Idioms
19.1 Get Your Point Across – Be understood
- She got her point across clearly.
- He spoke slowly to get his point across.
19.2 Speak Your Mind – Say what you think
- It’s okay to speak your mind.
- She spoke her mind politely.
19.3 Word of Mouth – Told by people
- I heard it by word of mouth.
- News spread by word of mouth.
19.4 Read Between the Lines – Understand hidden meaning
- Read between the lines.
- He understood the message.
19.5 Lost for Words – Don’t know what to say
- I was lost for words.
- She was lost for words too.
19.6 On the Same Wavelength – Think alike
- We’re on the same wavelength.
- Friends think alike.
19.7 Get the Wrong End of the Stick – Misunderstand
- I got the wrong end of the stick.
- He misunderstood.
19.8 Keep It Under Your Hat – Keep secret
- Keep it under your hat.
- Don’t tell anyone yet.
19.9 Straight from the Horse’s Mouth – From source
- I heard it from the teacher.
- Straight from the horse’s mouth!
19.10 Actions Speak Louder Than Words – Do more
- Show kindness with actions.
- Actions speak louder than words.
20. Success and Failure Idioms
20.1 Reach for the Stars – Aim high
- Reach for the stars!
- She dreams big.
20.2 Hit the Jackpot – Big success
- He hit the jackpot winning.
- The idea hit the jackpot.
20.3 Back on Your Feet – Recover
- She’s back on her feet.
- He recovered quickly.
20.4 Learn from Mistakes – Improve
- Mistakes help learning.
- Learn and grow.
20.5 Rise to the Occasion – Do well
- She rose to the occasion.
- He performed well.
20.6 Fall Short – Not succeed
- He fell short this time.
- Try again next time.
20.7 Make the Cut – Succeed
- She made the cut.
- He worked hard.
20.8 Come Out on Top – Win
- Our team came out on top.
- She finished first.
20.9 Get Back on Track – Improve again
- Let’s get back on track.
- He focused again.
20.10 Practice Makes Perfect – Improve by practice
- Practice makes perfect.
- Keep practicing daily.
✅ Conclusion.
Famous idioms and phrases turn everyday language into something exciting, colorful, and full of imagination for kids. Instead of using plain words, idioms help children express feelings, ideas, and stories in a fun and creative way. When kids understand idioms, they can enjoy books, cartoons, classroom talks, and conversations with greater confidence and clarity.
Learning idioms also helps improve thinking skills because children learn to understand meanings beyond the words they see. By practicing these phrases regularly, kids can sound more fluent, communicate better, and enjoy English as a playful adventure rather than a boring subject. Keep exploring idioms, use them in daily life, and watch language come alive with joy, creativity, and confidence! 🎉📚
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