Essential english idioms (part 2)

Essential english idioms (part 2 – H to J)


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A complete list of the most common English idioms and expressions:

ENGLISH IDIOMS (H to J) MEANINGS
Hands off! a warning not to touch or interfere with something.
Hang In There. Don’t give up (during a difficult time)
Hang tight. To await further instructions.
Haste makes waste You’ll make mistakes if you rush into something
Have a big mouth Someone who talks more or says secret things
Have the guts you are brave or have a lot of courage
Have your head in the clouds the person is not paying much attention to what is happening around them
He has bigger fish to fry He has other things to do than what we’re talking about now.
He who laughs last laughs loudest the person who has control of a situation in the end is most successful, even if other people had seemed originally to have an advantage
He wouldn’t hurt a fly. He’s very kind and gentle
He’s a chip off the old block The son is like the father
He’s not playing with a full deck He’s stupid.
He’s off his rocker He lost his mind.
He’s sitting on the fence He can’t decide what to do.
Hear it on the grapevine hearing rumors about something or someone.
Hear something straight from the horse’s mouth Hear something from the person involved
Hit the books study in depth
Hit the nail on the head Do or say something exactly right
hit the road get in the car, take off
Hit the sack Go to bed
Hold On a Sec Wait a second
Hop In Get in! (in a vehicle)
How does that sound? What do you think of that?
I beg to Differ To politely disagree.
I blew It you made a big mistake.
I can eat a horse I’m very hungry
I can’t Thank You Enough Thanks a LOT!
I can’t get xxx out of my head. I can’t manage to forget someone or something
I can’t keep up. I have too much to do
I can’t put a face to the name. to remember the name of someone who you recognize
I don’t Buy it I don’t believe it.
I don’t know off the top of my head. I don’t know what I’m talking about.
I don’t want to hear it. to not be willing to discuss or consider something
I have a bad/good feeling about this. Think something good/bad will happen
I have a lot on my plate. I have a lot to do.
I have faith in you. I trust you
I have no idea. I don’t know!
I have some money burning a hole in my pocket. Money that someone has just acquired and is eager to spend
I have to get this off my chest I have to relieve myself of what’s on my mind.
I have too much time on my hands. I have too much free time.
I haven’t kept in touch with them. to maintain communications with someone
I haven’t seen you for ages. I haven’t seen you in a long time.
I messed Up I ruined everything.
I missed The Boat On That One. means it is too late to have an opportunity, so you lose the chance to participate.
I owe you To owe someone something
I spoke too soon. means that the person involved spoke before the time was right (and was wrong)
I think I’ll pass. When you don’t want to accept an offer or participate in a game
I want nothing to do with it. To be unrelated or irrelevant to someone or something
I’m Hosed to be out of luck
I’m on my way I’m coming
I’m sick of It you don’t like something anymore.
I’d like to pick your brain. to understand what motivation of the persons actions, what triggers the feeling
I’m feeling under the weather. I don’t feel well.
I’m flattered. I feel important or attractive
I’m losing it. I’m losing my mind.
I’m sorry for the mix up. I’m sorry for the confusion.
I’m starving! I’m really hungry!
I’m washing my hands of this whole situation. I refuse to be involved with them any more or to take responsibility for them.
I’ve lost my touch. I’m no longer able to do or handle something skillfully.
Ignorance is bliss You better not know
In the heat of the moment at a time when you are too angry or excited to think carefully
In the nick of time At the right time
In your dreams unlikely to happen!
It ain’t over till the fat lady sings It’s not over yet.
It can’t Hurt It’s not bad for me, so it must be good
It is a poor workman who blames his tools If you can’t do the job, don’t blame others.
It is always darkest before the dawn Things will get better
It rocks! / rules! It’s awesome, great!
It serves you right you got what you deserved.
It takes one to know one You’re as bad as I am.
It takes two to tango Only one person is not responsible. Both people are involved.
It totally slipped my mind I forgot something that I had to do
It was like pulling teeth. it was extremely difficult to do.
It’s a long story it’s something complicated to explain shortly
It’s a piece of cake It’s easy!
It’s about time / it’s high time It’s past the time when something should have happened
It’s not rocket science It’s not complicated.
It’s raining cats and dogs It’s pouring rain
It’s up to you. It’s your decision
It’s written all over your face Your face expression is giving a message (sad, angry, happy)
It’s a little chilly. It’s a little cold out there.
it’s been a while. It’s been a long a period of time
It’s no big deal. It’s not very important
It’s out of my hands. It’s not my responsibility.
Judge a book by its cover Judging someone or something based solely on appearance
Jump on the bandwagon Follow a trend
Jump to a conclusion to judge a situation quickly and emotionally without having all the facts
Just my luck! I’m not lucky! (you say that when something bad happens to you)

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