The English language is full of idioms, and they’re not always easy to learn! Idioms are expressions that most likely don’t directly translate to your native language. Learn these five expressions to take your English to the next level!
1. Get cold feet
When someone gets cold feet it means that they become nervous or afraid of doing something new or making a new change.
Two days before the wedding, she got cold feet and decided she didn’t want to get married.
2. Get the hang of (something)
This idiom is commonly used in English conversation. When you get the hang of something, it means you are learning the proper way of doing it, or becoming accustomed to it little by little.
I started learning to play the guitar last month. At first it was difficult, but now I’m getting the hang of it.
3. Hit the nail on the head
To hit the nail on the head is simply another way to say that someone is correct. We tend to use this expression when we are impressed with the correctness of someone’s statement or when they give the exact right answer. This expression refers to hitting a nail on the perfect point with a hammer.
The doctor hit the nail on the head with his diagnosis of the patient. He knew exactly what the problem was.
4. Sink or swim
When a situation is sink or swim, this means it will either fail or succeed. This expression alludes to the two options you have when you are in water, you can either sink or swim.
We have put all of our money into this business, it will either sink or swim.
5. Stay in touch
When you stay in touch with a person, it means that you are in contact with them. This usually applies to a situation when there is distance between two friends or business acquaintances, and they stay in touch by writing or by phone.
My best friend moved to another part of the country last year, but we stay in touch.
