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In the world of composition writing, using plain language is like painting a picture with only a lead pencil. It gets the job done, but it lacks the vibrant colours and depth that examiners look for in top-tier scripts. This is where idioms come in. An idiom is a phrase where the meaning is not literal. Instead, it carries a figurative “punch” that shows a mature command of the language.
Whether you are preparing for the PSLE or the O-Level English Paper, learning how to write a good composition in English involves more than just perfect grammar. It requires flair. At WRITERS AT WORK, we teach our students that idioms are the “secret sauce” to making descriptions more evocative and relatable.

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.

A piece of cake, a mouth biting a bullet, and a bush.

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.

A leg in a cast, a hammer hitting a nail, and scissors cutting paper.

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.

A blue moon, a cat in a paper bag, a tiger balancing on a ball.

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

Enthusiastic students in a WRITERS AT WORK classroom

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I use idioms in formal argumentative essays for secondary school?

Yes, but they should be used sparingly and chosen carefully. Idioms like “hit the nail on the head” or “cutting corners” are more acceptable in formal contexts than very casual ones like “break a leg.”

Q2. How do I avoid using idioms wrongly?

Always check the context! Some idioms carry a specific emotional weight. In our Composition Writing modules, we encourage students to practise using new idioms in short sentences before applying them to a full-length essay.

Q3. Are idioms helpful for the Oral Exam?

Absolutely! Using an idiom like “on the ball” or “under the weather” during the PSLE Oral or O-Level Oral exam demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary and a natural “feel” for the language.
Agnes Ng
Article Written By

Agnes Ng

Agnes Ng, Co-Founder and Teaching & Curriculum Director of WRITERS AT WORK. An NUS Honours graduate and published author with over 30 years of experience, Agnes has been the architect of the organization’s student-centric curricula since 2012.

Dedicated to teacher mentorship and academic excellence, she has guided hundreds of students to achieve outstanding results. Her expertise and commitment to high-quality education remain the cornerstone of WRITERS AT WORK’s success in empowering every learner.

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