Many proverbs have been absorbed into English having been known earlier in other languages. The list here is specifically of English proverbs and the dates given are those when the proverb first appeared in English.

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical lists of English idioms with their meaning and an example.

The lists below show the first and last idiom on each page:

• Alphabetical idioms - lists A :
  
  • list A1 :  abbreviated piece of nothing → (hold all the) aces
  • list A2 :  achilles heel → alarm bells
  • list A3 :  all along → all the rage
  • list A4 :  all sizzle and no steak → apple of your eye
  • list A5 :  (upset the) applecart → at all costs
  • list A6 :  at this stage of the game → (have an) axe to grind

• Alphabetical idioms - lists B :
  
  • list B1 :  (leave someone holding the) baby  →  in bad shape
  • list B2 :  badger someone →  whole new ball game
  • list B3 :  ballpark figure  →  battle lines are drawn
  • list B4 :  battle of wills  →  beat a dead horse
  • list B5 :  beat a hasty retreat  →  before your very eyes
  • list B6 :  beggar can't be choosers  →  beside yourself
  • list B7 :  best bet  →  beyond any reasonable doubt
  • list B8 :  beyond one's wildest dreams →  bite the bullet
  • list B9 :  bite the dust → blamestorming
  • list B10 : blank cheque  →  blow away the cobwebs
  • list B11 : blow a fuse  →  above board
  • list B12 : in the same boat   →  bored to tears
  • list B13 : born with silver spoon in your mouth  →  all brawn no brain
  • list B14 : know which side your bread is buttered  →  a breeze
  • list B15 : bricks and mortar/bricks and clicks  →   pass the buck
  • list B16 : kick the bucket  →  burning question
  • list B17 : bury your head in the sand  →  by degrees

• Alphabetical idioms - lists C :
  
  • list C1 :  (in) cahoots with  →  burn the candle at both ends 
  • list C2 :  (paddle one's own) canoe  → carrot and stick 
  • list C3 :  carry the can  →  fat cat
  • list C4 :  cat nap  →  catch as catch can
  • list C5 :  caught in the crossfire  →  change the face of
  • list C6 :  change of heart  →  chicken out
  • list C7 :  chickens come home to roost  →  chips are down
  • list C8 :  (as useful as a) chocolate teapot  →  clip someone's wings
  • list C9 :   clock in/out  →  cold calls
  • list C10 : cold turkey  →  come to grips
  • list C11 : come to a head  →  common ground
  • list C12 : common knowledge  →  couch potato
  • list C13 : cough up  →  cream of the crop
  • list C14 : cream rises to the top  →  at cross purposes
  • list C15 : cross the Rubicon  →  a cut above
  • list C16 : cut both ways  →  cut it fine
  • list C17 : cut it out  →   cutting edge

• Alphabetical idioms - lists D :
  
  • list D1 :  dab hand at something → dead in the water
  • list D2 :  dead loss  →  (like a) deer caught in the headlights
  • list D3 :  (by) degrees → dice are loaded
  • list D4 :  dice with death → disappear into thin air
  • list D5 :  disaster written all over → dog-eat-dog
  • list D6 :  dog and pony show → (in the) doghouse
  • list D7 :  (in the) doldrums → down in the mouth
  • list D8 :  down payment  →  dressed to kill
  • list D9 :  dressed up to the nines  →  dry (or dummy) run
  • list D10 :sitting duck → dying for

• Alphabetical idioms - lists E :
  
  • list E1 :  eager beaver →  eat crow
  • list E2 :  eat dirt → (walk on) eggshells
  • list E3 :  ego trip  →  even keel
  • list E4 :  even the score  →  eagle eyes
  • list E5 :  eyes in the back of your head  →  eyes on stalks

• Alphabetical idioms - lists F :
  
  • list F1 :   face like a bulldog  → facts speak for themselves
  • list F2 :   fair and square → fall on deaf ears
  • list F3 :   fall on sword → fat cat
  • list F4 :   fat chance → feet of clay
  • list F5 :   (back on your) feet → (play second) fiddle
  • list F6 :   fiddling while Rome burns → finger in every pie
  • list F7 :   put a finger on →  in the first place
  • list F8 :   (of the) first water  →  fit for purpose
  • list F9 :    fit to be tied → fly-by-night
  • list F10 :  fly by seat of one's pants → (on a) fool's errand
  • list F11 :  fool's paradise  →  forewarned is forearmed
  • list F12 :  forty winks → freudian slip)
  • list F13 :  friends in high places → fur coat

• Alphabetical idioms - lists G :
  
  • list G1 :  gab of the gab →  get cracking
  • list G2 :  get down to brass tacks → get off the hook
  • list G3 :  get on your high horse →  get your skates on
  • list G4 :  get to bottom → give run-around
  • list G5 :  give the shirt off one's back  → go against the tide
  • list G6 :  go all out → go hand in hand
  • list G7 :  go haywire  →  go postal
  • list G8 :  go to hell in a handcart   →  gone with the wind
  • list G9 :  good as gold →green fingers
  • list G10 : green light → gutter press

• Alphabetical idioms - lists H :
  
  • list H1 :  (old) habits die hard →  half a mind
  • list H2 :  hammer home → hands tied
  • list H3 :  (wash your) hands of → happy as Larry
  • list H4 :  happy-go-lucky→ have you gone out of your mind?
  • list H5 :  have kittens → hear through grapevine
  • list H6 :  heart's content → heebie jeebies
  • list H7 :  hell broke loose → hidden agenda
  • list H8 :  high and dry → hit panic button
  • list H9 :  hit the road  → (not) hold water
  • list H10 : holier-than-thou  →  horns of a dilemma
  • list H11 : horse of a different colour → (not give) house room
  • list H12 : (on the) house → hustle and bustle

• Alphabetical idioms - lists I :
  
  • list I1 : break the ice → in essence
  • list I2 : in the first place → in retrospect
  • list I3 : in safe hands → be an item

• Alphabetical idioms - lists J :
  
  • list J1 : jack of all trades → jump the gun
  • list J2 : jump for joy → just the ticket 

• Alphabetical idioms - lists K :
  
  • list K1 : kangaroo court → keep your nose to the grindstone
  • list K2 : keep your options open → kick yourself
  • list K3 : a kickback → kowtow to someone

• Alphabetical idioms - lists L :
  
  • list L1 : labour of love  → laugh all the way
  • list L2 : laugh off → leave high and dry
  • list L3 : leave no stone unturned → let bygones be bygones
  • list L4 : let me bounce this off you  →  keep a lid on
  • list L5 : lie in → see in new light
  • list L6 : (shed) light → lipstick on a pig
  • list L7 : live beyond your means → (a) load off your mind
  • list L8 : loan shark → look the picture of health)
  • list L9 : look a sight → at a loss

• Alphabetical idioms - lists M :
  
  • list M1 : mad as a hatter →make an exhibition of
  • list M2 : make flesh crawl → make nothing of
  • list M3 : (can't) make an omelette → (find your) match
  • list M4 : matter of time → middle of nowhere
  • list M5 : (smack dab in the) middle → mind your Ps and Qs
  • list M6 : (in one's) mind's eye → money for old rope
  • list M7 : money doesn't grow → (once in blue) moon
  • list M8 : reach for the moon → move heaven and earth
  • list M9 : move in the same circles → my way or the highway

• Alphabetical idioms - lists N :
  
  • list N1 : nailing jelly to the wall → nest egg
  • list N2 : never a dull moment → night owl
  • list N3 : nine-day wonder→ no hard feelings
  • list N4 : no holds barred → not give the time of day
  • list N5 : not in the same league → nuts and bolts

• Alphabetical idioms - lists O :
  
  • list O1 : odds and ends  → can't make an omelette
  • list O2 : on the cards  → one good turn
  • list O3 : one hand washes the other → open secret
  • list O4 : open-and-shut case → out on a limb
  • list O5 : out to lunch → over and done with
  • list O6 : over the hill → world is your oyster

• Alphabetical idioms - lists P :
  
  • list P1 :  put through paces → paper tiger
  • list P2 :  paper trail → not a patch on
  • list P3 :  pay dearly for → penny drops
  • list P4 :  in for a penny → no picnic)
  • list P5 :  picture of health → pillar to post
  • list P6 :  (at a) pinch → play with fire
  • list P7 :  play footsie → pleased as punch
  • list P8 :  pluck out of the air→ politically correct
  • list P9 :  pop one's clogs → pour one's heart out
  • list P10 : power behind the throne → (a) proper do
  • list P11 : proud as a peacock → push one's luck
  • list P12 : if push comes to shove → put one's house in order
  • list P13 : put in one's place  → Pyrrhic victory

• Alphabetical idioms - lists Q :
  
  • list Q :  quaking in one's boots  →  quiet as a mouse

• Alphabetical idioms - lists R :
  
  • list R1 :  race against time → rake in the money
  • list R2 :  ram down someone's  throat  → rear its ugly head
  • list R3 :  recharge one's batteries → refresh someone's memory
  • list R4 :  regain one's composure →  (a) rip-off
  • list R5 :  ripple effect → (when in) Rome do as the Romans
  • list R6 :  (go through the) roof   →  (bend the) rules
  • list R7 :  run down → (in a) rut

• Alphabetical idioms - lists S :
  
  • list S1 :  (get the) sack  → (in the) same boat
  • list S2 :  (by the) same token  → scales fall from your eyes
  • list S3 :  scarce as hen's teeth → sea legs
  • list S4 :  seal of approval → seen better days
  • list S5 :  sell down the river  → settle a score
  • list S6 :  shake like a leaf → ship has sailed
  • list S7 :  ships that pass in the night  → short end of the stick
  • list S8 :  short fuse → shrug something off
  • list S9 :  shut the stable door when horse ...  → simplicity itself
  • list S10 : since time immemorial → skeleton staff
  • list S11 : skin a cat  →  slice of the cake
  • list S12 : sling mud  →  (a) smash hit
  • list S13 : smoke like a chimney → sneak preview
  • list S14 : (not to be) sneezed at → spanner in the works
  • list S15 : (go) spare → spin a yarn
  • list S16 : spinach cinema  →  (no) spring chicken
  • list S17 : (on the) spur of the moment  → starter marriage
  • list S18 : state of the art → step on someone's toes
  • list S19 : step out of line → sticky fingers
  • list S20 : (on a) sticky wicket  →  (a) storm is brewing
  • list S21 : (a) storm in a teacup  →  stretch the truth
  • list S22 : (in) strict confidence → stubborn as a mule
  • list S23 : stuck in time warp → sweet nothings
  • list S24 : sweet tooth → (all) systems go

• Alphabetical idioms - lists T :
  
  • list T1 :  tail wagging the dog → take with a grain of salt
  • list T2 :  take the law into your own hands → take the rough with the smooth
  • list T3 :  take shape → take stock
  • list T4 :  take to the cleaners → (run a) taut ship
  • list T5 :  (not for all the) tea in China  → text-walking
  • list T6 :  thank one's lucky stars   -  thick as thieves
  • list T7 :  through thick and thin → thrilled to bits
  • list T8 :  (at each other's) throats →  (rule of) thumb
  • list T9 :  (all) thumbs → time after time
  • list T10 : (for the) time being → toing and froing
  • list T11 : token gesture  →  toot your own horn
  • list T12 : (fight) tooth and nail → toy with an idea
  • list T13 : trade secret  → tunnel vision
  • list T14 : turkeys voting for Christmas → (in the) twinkling of an eye
  • list T15 : twist someone's arm  →  put two and two together

• Alphabetical idioms - lists U :
  
  • list U1 :  ugly as sin → up in arms
  • list U2 :  up in the air → useful as chocolate teapot 

• Alphabetical idioms - lists V :
  
  • list V1 :  vanish into thin air  →  vote with one's feet

• Alphabetical idioms - lists W :
  
  • list W1 :  on the wagon  → walk a tightrope
  • list W2 :  walking on air  →  wax lyrical
  • list W3 :  ways and means → wet blanket
  • list W4 :  whale of a time→ white lie
  • list W5 :  whiz kid →  get wind of)
  • list W6 :  (know) which way wind blows  →  wise after the event
  • list W7 :  wise up to → can't see the wood for the trees
  • list W8 :  touch wood → work like a charm
  • list W9 :  work to rule → best of both worlds
  • list W10 :worlds apart  →  written all over your face

• Alphabetical idioms - lists X-Y-Z :
  
  • list X-Y-Z : xerox subsidy  →  zero tolerance
    
    For more idioms visit this link 
    http://www.learn-english-today.com/idioms/idioms_alphalistsA-Z.html

Smart Idioms

A hot potato

Speak of an issue (mostly current) which many people are talking about and which is usually disputed

A penny for your thoughts

A way of asking what someone is thinking

Actions speak louder than words

People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.

Add insult to injury

To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation.

An arm and a leg

Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money.

At the drop of a hat

Meaning: without any hesitation; instantly.

Back to the drawing board

When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.

Ball is in your court

It is up to you to make the next decision or step

Barking up the wrong tree

Looking in the wrong place. Accusing the wrong person

Be glad to see the back of

Be happy when a person leaves.

Beat around the bush

Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.

Best of both worlds

Meaning: All the advantages.

Best thing since sliced bread

A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan.

Bite off more than you can chew

To take on a task that is way to big.

Blessing in disguise

Something good that isn't recognized at first.

Burn the midnight oil

To work late into the night, alluding to the time before electric lighting.

Can't judge a book by its cover

Cannot judge something primarily on appearance.

Caught between two stools

When someone finds it difficult to choose between two alternatives.

Costs an arm and a leg

This idiom is used when something is very expensive.

Cross that bridge when you come to it

Deal with a problem if and when it becomes necessary, not before.

Cry over spilt milk

When you complain about a loss from the past.

Curiosity killed the cat

Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation.

Cut corners

When something is done badly to save money.

Cut the mustard [possibly derived from "cut the muster"]

To succeed; to come up to expectations; adequate enough to compete or participate

Devil's Advocate

To present a counter argument

Don't count your chickens before the eggs have hatched

This idiom is used to express "Don't make plans for something that might not happen".

Don't give up the day job

You are not very good at something. You could definitely not do it professionally.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket

Do not put all your resources in one possibility.

Drastic times call for drastic measures

When you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions.

Elvis has left the building

The show has come to an end. It's all over.

Every cloud has a silver lining

Be optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.

Far cry from

Very different from.

Feel a bit under the weather

Meaning: Feeling slightly ill.

Give the benefit of the doubt

Believe someone's statement, without proof.

Hear it on the grapevine

This idiom means 'to hear rumors' about something or someone.

Hit the nail on the head

Do or say something exactly right

Hit the sack / sheets / hay

To go to bed.

In the heat of the moment

Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment.

It takes two to tango

Actions or communications need more than one person

Jump on the bandwagon

Join a popular trend or activity.

Keep something at bay

Keep something away.

Kill two birds with one stone

This idiom means, to accomplish two different things at the same time.

Last straw

The final problem in a series of problems.

Let sleeping dogs lie

Meaning - do not disturb a situation as it is - since it would result in trouble or complications.

Let the cat out of the bag

To share information that was previously concealed

Make a long story short

Come to the point - leave out details

Method to my madness

An assertion that, despite one's approach seeming random, there actually is structure to it.

Miss the boat

This idiom is used to say that someone missed his or her chance

Not a spark of decency

Meaning: No manners

Not playing with a full deck

Someone who lacks intelligence.

Off one's rocker

Crazy, demented, out of one's mind, in a confused or befuddled state of mind, senile.

On the ball

When someone understands the situation well.

Once in a blue moon

Meaning: Happens very rarely.

Picture paints a thousand words

A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words.

Piece of cake

A job, task or other activity that is easy or simple.

Put wool over other people's eyes

This means to deceive someone into thinking well of them.

See eye to eye

This idiom is used to say that two (or more people) agree on something.

Sit on the fence

This is used when someone does not want to choose or make a decision.

Speak of the devil!

This expression is used when the person you have just been talking about arrives.

Steal someone's thunder

To take the credit for something someone else did.

Take with a grain of salt

This means not to take what someone says too seriously.

Taste of your own medicine

Means that something happens to you, or is done to you, that you have done to someone else

To hear something straight from the horse's mouth

To hear something from the authoritative source.

Whole nine yards

Everything. All of it.

Wouldn't be caught dead

Would never like to do something

Your guess is as good as mine

To have no idea, do not know the answer to a question

for more idioms visit this link
http://www.smart-words.org/quotes-sayings/idioms-meaning.html

A bit muchIf something is excessive or annoying, it is a bit much.A bridge too farA bridge too far is an act of overreaching- going too far and getting into trouble or failing.A chain is no stronger than its weakest linkThis means that processes, organisations, etc, are vulnerable because the weakest person or part can always damage or break them.A day late and a dollar short(USA) If something is a day late and a dollar short, it is too little, too late.A fool and his money are soon partedThis idiom means that people who aren't careful with their money spend it quickly. 'A fool and his money are easily parted' is an alternative form of the idiom.A fool at 40 is a fool foreverIf someone hasn't matured by the time they reach forty, they never will.A fresh pair of eyesA person who is brought in to examine something carefully is a fresh pair of eyes.A hitch in your giddy-upIf you have a hitch in your giddy-up, you're not feeling well. ('A hitch in your gittie-up' is also used.)A lick and a promiseIf you give something a lick and a promise, you do it hurriedly, most often incompletely, intending to return to it later.A light purse is a heavy curseLife is difficult when you don't have much money.A ListProminent and influential people who comprise the most desirable guests at a social function or gathering.A little bird told meIf someone doesn't want to say where they got some information from, they can say that a little bird told them.A little learning is a dangerous thingA small amount of knowledge can cause people to think they are more expert than they really are.eg. he said he'd done a course on home electrics, but when he tried to mend my table lamp, he fused all the lights! I think a little learning is a dangerous thingA long row to hoeSomething that is a long row to hoe is a difficult task that takes a long time.A lost ball in the high weedsA lost ball in the high weeds is someone who does not know what they are doing, where they are or how to do something.A lot on my plateIf you have got a lot on your plate, you are very busy and have commitments.A month of SundaysA month of Sundays is a long period of time: I haven't seen her in a month of Sundays.A OKIf things are A OK, they are absolutely fine.A penny for your thoughtsThis idiom is used as a way of asking someone what they are thinking about.A penny saved is a penny earnedSaving money is just as important as earning money- we shouldn't spend it foolishly.A penny saved is a penny earnedThis means that we shouldn't spend or waste money, but try to save it.A picture is worth a thousand wordsA picture can often get a message across much better than the best verbal description.A poor man's somethingSomething or someone that can be compared to something or someone else, but is not as good is a poor man's version; a writer who uses lots of puns but isn't very funny would be a poor man's Oscar Wilde.A pretty pennyIf something costs a pretty penny, it is very expensive.A problem shared is a problem halvedIf you talk about your problems, it will make you feel better.A rising tide lifts all boatsThis idiom, coined by John F Kennedy, describes the idea that when an economy is performing well, all people will benefit from it.A rolling stone gathers no mossPeople say this to mean that an ambitious person is more successful than a person not trying to achieve anything. Originally it meant the opposite and was critical of people trying to get ahead.A shallow brook babbles the loudestPeople who are loud and talk a lot usually have nothing of substance to say. This contrasts with "Still waters run deep." Other versions are "Shallow brooks babble loudest" and "Shallow brooks are noisy."A slice off a cut loaf is never missedUsed colloquially to describe having sexual intercourse with someone who is not a virgin, especially when they are in a relationship. The analogy refers to a loaf of bread; it is not readily apparent, once the end has been removed, exactly how many slices have been taken.('You never miss a slice from a cut loaf' is also used.)  A stealIf something is a steal, it costs much less than it is really worth.A still tongue keeps a wise headWise people don't talk much.A textbook caseA textbook case, it is a classic or common example of something.A watched pot never boilsSome things work out in their own time, so being impatient and constantly checking will just make things seem longer.A1If something is A1, it is the very best or finest.ABCABC means the basics of something- knowing the ABC of science, etc.ABCMeaning:basic terms or basic steps example:she don't know even ABC steps in dance.Abide by a decisionIf you abide by a decision, you accept it and comply with it, even though you might disagree with it.Abject lesson(India) An abject lesson serves as a warning to others. (In some varieties of English 'object lesson' is used.)About as useful as a chocolate teapotSomeone or something that is of no practical use is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.About faceIf someone changes their mind completely, this is an about face. It can be used when companies, governments, etc, change their position on an issue.Above and beyondThis means more than what is expected or required.Above boardIf things are done above board, they are carried out in a legal and proper manner.Above parBetter than average or normalAbove the foldIf a news story is important, it will be above the fold- in the top half of the page of a newspaper.Above the saltThis means that something or someone has a high position.Absence makes the heart grow fonderThis idiom means that when people are apart, their love grows stronger.Accident waiting to happenIf something is an accident waiting to happen, there's definitely going to be an accident or it's bound to go wrong. ('Disaster waiting to happen' is also used.)Ace in the holeAn ace in the hole is something other people are not aware of that can be used to your advantage when the time is right.Ace up your sleeveIf you have an ace up your sleeve, you have something that will give you an advantage that other people don't know about.Achilles' heelA person's weak spot is their Achilles' heel.

For more Idioms visit this link http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/a.html

For more idioms visit this link
http://www.idiomsite.com

Idioms/A

Idioms beginning with A. Select an idiom for more details.

Parts of Speech

Parts of Speech

In grammar, a part of speech (also called lexical categories, grammatical categories or word classes) is a linguistic category of words. In English there are eight parts of speech.

A list of parts of speech

A list of parts of speech in English grammar include the following:

1. Verb

A verb is used to show an action or a state of being

go, write, exist, be

2. Noun

A noun is a word used to refer to people, animals, objects, substances, states, events, ideas and feelings. A noun functions as a subject or object of a verb and can be modified by an adjective.

John, lion, table, freedom, love ...

3. Adjective

Adjectives are used to describe or specify a noun or pronoun

good, beautiful, nice, my ...

4. Adverb

An adverb is used to modify a verb, adjective and other adverbs.

completely, never, there ...

5. Pronoun

A pronoun is used in the place of a noun or phrase.

I, you, he, she, it ...

6. Preposition

Prepositions are used before nouns to form a phrase that shows where, when, how and why

in, above, to, for, at ...

7. Conjunction

Conjunctions join clauses or sentences or words

and, but, when ...

8. Interjection

Interjections are used to show surprise or emotion.

oh!, Good Lord

There was a man, who lived in the mountain village, and he was known because he has never argued with anyone. One day some correspondent, who wished to write about this man in the Guinness book of records, came to him. They had the following conversation:

— Please tell me, is it true, that you have lived more than 90 years and never argued with anyone?

— Yes, it is true.

— Absolutely with no one?

— Absolutely with no one, at all!

— Even with your wife?

— Even with my wife.

— Even with your children?

— Even with my children.

— Not once for 90 years?

— Not once.

— Not once absolutely with no one? — becoming angry, the correspondent asked.

— Yes, —the old man said quietly.

The correspondent (blushing and becoming irritated):

— It can‘t be, that you had not argued with anyone for all your life!

— I had, had, had… — the old man said apologetically.

"There was a girl playing in the park when she saw a picture in the bush.She kept the photo, but forgot about it until she was married. Her husband asked, who is that little boy in her wallet. She answered: " My first love". Then the husband smiled and said: " I lost this picture when I was nine years old".

Be with the one who makes you happy,
The one who makes you smile,
The one who makes you laugh,
And each day worth while,
Live life for the moment,
Try hard to make it last,
Because life is so short and hard,
It goes by so fast,
So when you find love,
Don`t let it slip away,
Hold it forever,
And Cherish it each day,
As long as You are happy,
That`s what you should do,
Love that someone and let them know,
Before your life is through..............

A true friend can make you laugh so hard you pee a little 

Judge a person by his questions rather than by his answers. 
I asked an old man what is more important to love or to be loved? The old man replied me back What is more important to a bird? The left wing or the right wing?

The happiest time or moment in any woman's life is just after the first divorce

The tragedy of life is not death,But we let die inside of us while we still alive,But just few lives in someone`s heart 

Watch your thoughts.They become your words
Watch your words.They become actions
Watch your actions.They become habits
watch your habits.They become your character
and watch your character.It becomes your destiny

! hate waiting but if waiting means being able to be with you,I`ll keep waiting for as long as forever to be with you