Every language contains idioms and expressions, and American English is no different. Native American English speakers use idioms and expressions all day long in every speaking situation and don't even realize it. Because idioms are so much a part of the language, they are automatic. While native American English speakers feel quite at home hearing idioms and using them, idioms can be a challenge for anyone who speaks English as a second language. Simple words you may know are suddenly put together in phases that mean something completely different from their literal translation!
Many idioms can be grouped together in terms of the types of words or categories used to create them. For example, some very common idioms include "food" words. Let's take a look at some of these, what they mean, and how they might be used in sentences.
1. A piece of cake: something that is very easy
Ex: The math test was such a piece of cake, that I am sure I got every answer correct.
2. Lemon: something that is defective
Ex: That used car was a lemon, so I returned it and got my money back.
3. In a nutshell: briefly, in a few words
Ex: In a nutshell, we will need to finish this project by the end of the week.
4. Couch potato: someone who is lazy
Ex: My daughter sits around the house and does nothing all day; she's turning into a couch potato.
5. The cream of the crop: the best
Ex: The pro football team is only looking for the cream of the crop for this year's team.
6. Bad egg: a bad person
Ex: That thief is just a bad egg.
7. Big cheese: someone important, boss
Ex: The president of our company, the big cheese, is coming here for a meeting tomorrow.
8. Cup of tea: something that you like or enjoy
Ex: Watching college football on TV is just my cup of tea.
9. Use one's noodle: use your brain
Ex: You'll really have to use your noodle to solve that math problem.
10. Chew the fat: chat or talk
Ex: My husband's friends come over on Sundays to watch football and chew the fat.
