What is an idiom?

An idiom is a phrase saying or a group of words with a metaphorical (not literal) meaning that has become accepted in common usage.

An idiom’s symbolic sense is quite different from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made. There are a large number of idioms, and they are used very commonly in all languages. There are estimated to be at least 25,000 idiomatic expressions in the English language. Here are some common idioms: She has a bun in the oven = She is pregnant. Let’s paint the town red = Let’s have a good time in town.

What are phrasal verbs?

Phrasal verbs are phrases that indicate actions. They are generally used in spoken English and informal texts. Examples of such verbs include: turn down, come across, and run into. Sometimes, it isn’t easy to understand the meaning of phrasal verbs. Before looking them up in a dictionary, it would be helpful to use the context to understand them.

In this section – ENGLISH IDIOMS & PHRASAL VERBS, you will find idioms and phrasal verbs that are often used in English.