These idiom exercises with answers help you practice recognizing common expressions and using them naturally in context.
Try each activity before checking the answer key; a few choices may look plausible until you consider the whole sentence.
How to use these idiom exercises
An idiom is a fixed or familiar expression whose intended meaning is not always clear from the individual words.
For example, “break the ice” means to make people feel more comfortable at the start of a social interaction.
The phrase is not usually about literally breaking frozen water.
Read each sentence for context clues such as the situation, the speaker’s goal, and whether the tone is positive, negative, or neutral.
After choosing an answer, check both the meaning and the usage note.
Knowing what an idiom means is only part of learning it: you also need to know when it sounds natural.
Exercise 1: Fill in the blank
Choose the idiom that best completes each sentence.
Use each expression once: under the weather, once in a blue moon, costs an arm and a leg, hit the books, on the same page.
- I have a biology exam tomorrow, so I need to __________ tonight.
- We rarely eat at that restaurant; we go there __________.
- The new laptop is excellent, but it __________.
- Maya stayed home because she was feeling __________.
- Before we begin the project, let’s make sure we’re __________ about the deadlines.
Answers and notes
- hit the books means to study seriously.
It is informal and commonly used in conversation. - once in a blue moon means very rarely.
It does not specify an exact schedule. - costs an arm and a leg means is very expensive.
It is an informal exaggeration, not a literal description of the price. - under the weather means feeling ill or unwell.
It usually refers to a mild or general illness. - on the same page means sharing the same understanding or plan.
It is common in workplace and everyday contexts.
Exercise 2: Match each idiom to its meaning
Write the letter of the correct meaning next to each idiom.
- Spill the beans
- Keep an eye on
- Call it a day
- Get cold feet
- Piece of cake
- A. Stop working for now
- B. Something very easy to do
- C. Reveal a secret
- D. Watch or look after something
- E. Become nervous and hesitate before doing something
Answers and notes
- C.
Spill the beans: reveal information that was meant to be secret.
It often suggests an accidental or premature disclosure. - D.
Keep an eye on: watch, monitor, or take care of someone or something.
Example: “Could you keep an eye on my bag?” - A.
Call it a day: stop an activity or work session, usually because enough has been done for now. - E.
Get cold feet: become anxious and consider backing out, often before a major decision or event. - B.
Piece of cake: something very easy.
It is an informal expression.
Exercise 3: Choose the best idiom for the situation
Select the expression that most naturally fits each description.
- Leo practiced his presentation repeatedly, so the delivery went smoothly.
Which expression fits? a) Practice makes perfect b) A blessing in disguise c) Bark up the wrong tree - Nina blamed the wrong person for the missing file.
Which expression fits? a) Bark up the wrong tree b) Break the ice c) Let the cat out of the bag - A delayed train was frustrating, but it gave Omar time to meet a future business partner.
Which expression fits? a) A blessing in disguise b) Hit the sack c) Cost an arm and a leg - At a quiet gathering, Sam told a funny story to help guests feel comfortable.
Which expression fits? a) Break the ice b) Get cold feet c) Call it a day
Answers and notes
- a) Practice makes perfect. This saying expresses the idea that repeated practice can improve skill.
It is a proverb-like general statement, rather than a figurative idiom used to describe a specific action. - a) Bark up the wrong tree. This means to pursue a mistaken idea or accuse the wrong person.
- a) A blessing in disguise. This describes something that initially seems bad but later brings an advantage.
- a) Break the ice. This means to ease tension or encourage people to start interacting, especially in a new or awkward social situation.
Exercise 4: Complete the sentence in your own words
Use the idiom in parentheses to finish each sentence so that the meaning is clear.
Sample answers follow; other sentences may also be correct.
- After working for eight hours, we decided to __________. (call it a day)
- Ella wanted to surprise her brother, but she nearly __________ when she mentioned the gift. (let the cat out of the bag)
- I thought the assignment would be difficult, but it turned out to be __________. (a piece of cake)
Sample answers
- “After working for eight hours, we decided to call it a day.”
- “Ella wanted to surprise her brother, but she nearly let the cat out of the bag when she mentioned the gift.” The idiom means to reveal a secret, often unintentionally.
- “I thought the assignment would be difficult, but it turned out to be a piece of cake.”
Common mistakes when practicing idioms
- Taking an expression literally: “Break the ice” usually refers to making social interaction easier, not breaking actual ice.
Context signals the figurative use. - Changing fixed wording: Learners may alter an idiom’s verb or noun and make it sound unfamiliar.
Learn the full expression as it is commonly used. - Using an idiom in a formal setting without checking tone: Expressions such as “hit the books” and “piece of cake” are conversational.
A more direct phrase may suit formal writing better. - Assuming every saying is an idiom: A proverb expresses a general lesson or observation, as in “Practice makes perfect.” An idiom is a conventional expression with a figurative meaning, such as “get cold feet.” The categories can overlap in everyday discussion, but they are not identical.
Tips for learning idioms in context
Keep a short list of new expressions and record a definition, a natural example, and any usage details you notice.
Grouping idioms by situation—such as work, study, emotions, or conversation—can make them easier to recall.
When reading or listening to English, note who uses an expression and what is happening around it.