English-Zone.Com IDIOM ZONE >> What is an Idiom?

Idioms are words, phrases, or expressions that are unusual either grammatically, as in 'Long time, no see!' or there is a meaning that cannot be derived from the conjoined meanings of its elements, as in 'It's raining cats and dogs!' Every language has idioms, and they are challenging for foreign students to learn.

LITERAL MEANING (not an idiom):
Before the bartender made the drink, he broke the ice with a spoon and dropped in into the glass.

IDIOMATIC MEANING (an idiom):
Before the conference began, the speaker broke the ice with a joke.

to break the ice =
1. to make a beginning
2. to get through the first difficulties in starting a conversation or discussion.

I've tried to make learning idioms a little easier for you by giving you the meaning, and an example for each idiom in the dictionary.

This Idiom Dictionary represents HUNDREDS of hours of hard work. Please do NOT steal my pages and add them to your site. However, you may print one or two pages for personal study.