Below is a curated list of 20 common idioms that will help you stand out in your next English writing class for primary school or secondary school revision.
Top 20 Common English Idioms and Meanings
1. A blessing in disguise
Meaning: A misfortune that eventually results in something good happening later on.
2. A piece of cake
Meaning: Something that is very easy to accomplish.
3. Actions speak louder than words
Meaning: What you do is more significant than what you say you will do.
4. Beat around the bush
Meaning: To avoid speaking directly about a difficult or embarrassing topic.
5. Bite the bullet
Meaning: To endure a painful or difficult situation that is unavoidable.
6. Break a leg
Meaning: A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.
7. Call it a day
Meaning: To decide to stop working on something.
8. Cutting corners
Meaning: Doing something poorly or taking shortcuts to save time or money.
9. Get out of hand
Meaning: To become difficult to control or chaotic.
10. Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
11. Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To accidentally or prematurely reveal a secret.
12. Miss the boat
Meaning: To be too late to take advantage of an opportunity.
13. No pain, no gain
Meaning: You must work hard or suffer a bit to achieve a goal.
14. On the ball
Meaning: To be very alert, quick to understand, and reacting well to a situation.
15. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Something that happens very rarely.
16. Pull someone’s leg
Meaning: To joke with someone or tease them by telling them something that isn’t true.
17. Through thick and thin
Meaning: To be loyal or persist through both good and bad times.
18. Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling slightly ill or not quite yourself.
19. Wrap your head around something
Meaning: To find a way to understand something complex or strange.
20. The best of both worlds
Meaning: A situation where you can enjoy the advantages of two very different things at the same time.
Elevate Your Composition Writing in English Singapore
Using these idioms correctly can transform a “good” essay into a “great” one. However, the key is moderation. Overusing idioms can make your writing feel forced or “cluttered.” At our English composition writing classes in Singapore, we guide students on how to “sprinkle” these phrases naturally within their narratives and arguments.
If you are looking for the best creative writing classes for kids in Singapore, look no further. At WRITERS AT WORK, we don’t just provide a list of words; we provide the “Thinking Frameworks” that allow students to express their unique voices with confidence and precision.
Ready to take your writing to the next level? Explore our Types of Idioms: A Comprehensive Guide or check out our Writing Good Introductions to see how to hook your reader from the very first sentence.
For those preparing for major milestones, we also offer specialised resources for the PSLE Past Years Composition Questions, our PSLE Oral Topics 2025 Guide, and a deep dive into Past Years PSLE Oral Questions. Join us and discover why we are the top choice for parents seeking excellence in English education.
