500+ English Idioms & Phrases With Hindi Meanings

Hey guys! Learning English can be a rollercoaster, right? But what if I told you there's a way to make it super fun and effective? Yup, we're diving headfirst into the amazing world of idioms and phrases! And to make it even better, we'll explore their meanings in Hindi too. Trust me, this is going to be a game-changer for your language skills!

Why Learn Idioms and Phrases?

So, why should you even bother with idioms and phrases? Well, let me break it down for you. First off, idioms and phrases add color and flavor to your language. Instead of saying something plain like "I'm very angry," you could say "I'm seeing red!" See the difference? It's way more vivid and engaging.

Secondly, understanding idioms and phrases is crucial for comprehending native speakers. Think about it: when someone says "It's raining cats and dogs," they don't literally mean animals are falling from the sky! If you don't know the idiom, you'll be totally lost. And let's be real, we all want to understand what's going on, right?

Thirdly, using idioms and phrases makes you sound more fluent and natural. It shows that you're not just memorizing words but that you actually understand how people communicate. This can seriously impress your friends, teachers, or even potential employers. Who wouldn't want that?

Finally, learning idioms and phrases can be a lot of fun! It's like unlocking secret codes in the language. Each idiom has its own unique history and story, which makes learning them super interesting. Plus, you get to use them in your everyday conversations and see people's reactions. Trust me, it's a blast!

Common English Idioms and Phrases with Hindi Meanings

Alright, let's get down to business! Here's a list of 500+ common English idioms and phrases, complete with their Hindi meanings and example sentences. Get ready to level up your English game!

A

1. A hot potato

   • Meaning: A controversial or difficult issue.
   • Hindi Meaning: एक विवादास्पद या मुश्किल मुद्दा। (Ek vivaadspad ya mushkil mudda.)
   • Example: The issue of tax reform is a hot potato for the government.

2. A piece of cake

   • Meaning: Very easy.
   • Hindi Meaning: बहुत आसान। (Bahut aasaan.)
   • Example: The exam was a piece of cake.

3. Actions speak louder than words

   • Meaning: What someone does is more important than what they say.
   • Hindi Meaning: कर्म कथनी से अधिक महत्वपूर्ण होते हैं। (Karm kathni se adhik mahatvapurna hote hain.)
   • Example: He always promises to help, but actions speak louder than words.

4. Add insult to injury

   • Meaning: To make a bad situation even worse.
   • Hindi Meaning: जले पर नमक छिड़कना। (Jale par namak chidakna.)
   • Example: To add insult to injury, they charged me extra for the late delivery.

5. All ears

   • Meaning: Fully listening.
   • Hindi Meaning: ध्यान से सुनना। (Dhyan se sunna.)
   • Example: I'm all ears; tell me what happened.

6. Apple of one's eye

   • Meaning: Someone cherished above all others.
   • Hindi Meaning: किसी की आँख का तारा। (Kisi ki aankh ka tara.)
   • Example: His daughter is the apple of his eye.

7. At the drop of a hat

   • Meaning: Immediately; without hesitation.
   • Hindi Meaning: तुरंत; बिना किसी हिचकिचाहट के। (Turant; bina kisi hichkichahat ke.)
   • Example: He's ready to go at the drop of a hat.

B

1. Back to the drawing board

   • Meaning: To start over.
   • Hindi Meaning: फिर से शुरू करना। (Phir se shuru karna.)
   • Example: The project failed, so it's back to the drawing board.

2. Barking up the wrong tree

   • Meaning: To be mistaken or misguided.
   • Hindi Meaning: गलत रास्ते पर जाना। (Galat raste par jana.)
   • Example: If you think I'm the one who did it, you're barking up the wrong tree.

3. Beat around the bush

   • Meaning: To avoid getting to the point.
   • Hindi Meaning: घुमा फिरा कर बात करना। (Ghuma phira kar baat karna.)
   • Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think.

4. Best of both worlds

   • Meaning: To enjoy the advantages of two different things.
   • Hindi Meaning: दोनों दुनियाओं का सबसे अच्छा। (Dono duniyaon ka sabse achha.)
   • Example: Working from home gives me the best of both worlds.

5. Bite the bullet

   • Meaning: To face a difficult situation with courage.
   • Hindi Meaning: मुश्किल का सामना करना। (Mushkil ka samna karna.)
   • Example: I didn't want to go to the dentist, but I had to bite the bullet.

6. Blessing in disguise

   • Meaning: Something bad that turns out to be good.
   • Hindi Meaning: आपदा में अवसर। (Aapda mein avsar.)
   • Example: Losing my job was a blessing in disguise because it led me to start my own business.

7. Burn the midnight oil

   • Meaning: To work late into the night.
   • Hindi Meaning: देर रात तक काम करना। (Der raat tak kaam karna.)
   • Example: I had to burn the midnight oil to finish the project on time.

C

1. Call it a day

   • Meaning: To stop working on something.
   • Hindi Meaning: काम बंद करना। (Kaam band karna.)
   • Example: It's getting late; let's call it a day.

2. Catch someone red-handed

   • Meaning: To catch someone in the act of doing something wrong.
   • Hindi Meaning: रंगे हाथों पकड़ना। (Range hathon pakadna.)
   • Example: He was caught red-handed stealing the money.

3. Cost an arm and a leg

   • Meaning: Very expensive.
   • Hindi Meaning: बहुत महंगा। (Bahut mahanga.)
   • Example: That car cost an arm and a leg.

4. Cross that bridge when you come to it

   • Meaning: To deal with a problem when it arises.
   • Hindi Meaning: जब आएगी तब देखी जाएगी। (Jab aayegi tab dekhi jayegi.)
   • Example: Don't worry about that now; we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

5. Cry over spilt milk

   • Meaning: To be upset about something that cannot be changed.
   • Hindi Meaning: बीते हुए पर पछताना। (Beete hue par pachtana.)
   • Example: There's no point in crying over spilt milk; let's focus on what we can do now.

6. Curiosity killed the cat

   • Meaning: Being too curious can lead to trouble.
   • Hindi Meaning: जिज्ञासा हानिकारक हो सकती है। (Jigyasa hanikarak ho sakti hai.)
   • Example: I know you're curious, but remember, curiosity killed the cat.

D

1. Dark horse

   • Meaning: A competitor that is unexpectedly successful.
   • Hindi Meaning: छुपा रुस्तम। (Chhupa Rustam.)
   • Example: He was a dark horse in the election, but he won.

2. Devil's advocate

   • Meaning: Someone who presents a counter-argument.
   • Hindi Meaning: विरोधी पक्ष रखने वाला। (Virodhi paksh rakhne wala.)
   • Example: I'm just playing devil's advocate to encourage discussion.

3. Don't count your chickens before they hatch

   • Meaning: Don't make plans based on something that might not happen.
   • Hindi Meaning: पहले से ही नतीजा मान लेना। (Pehle se hi nateeja maan lena.)
   • Example: We might not win the contract, so don't count your chickens before they hatch.

4. Don't put all your eggs in one basket

   • Meaning: Don't risk everything on one venture.
   • Hindi Meaning: सारे अंडे एक ही टोकरी में मत रखो। (Saare ande ek hi tokri mein mat rakho.)
   • Example: It's wise not to put all your eggs in one basket.

5. Draw a blank

   • Meaning: To fail to remember something.
   • Hindi Meaning: कुछ याद न आना। (Kuch yaad na aana.)
   • Example: I tried to remember her name, but I drew a blank.

E

1. Easy come, easy go

   • Meaning: Something easily gained is easily lost.
   • Hindi Meaning: आसानी से आया, आसानी से गया। (Aasani se aaya, aasani se gaya.)
   • Example: He won the lottery, but spent it all quickly; easy come, easy go.

2. Every cloud has a silver lining

   • Meaning: There is something good in every bad situation.
   • Hindi Meaning: हर अंधेरे के बाद उजाला होता है। (Har andhere ke baad ujala hota hai.)
   • Example: Even though you lost the game, remember that every cloud has a silver lining.

3. Everything but the kitchen sink

   • Meaning: Almost everything imaginable.
   • Hindi Meaning: सब कुछ। (Sab kuch.)
   • Example: They packed everything but the kitchen sink for their trip.

F

1. Face the music

   • Meaning: To accept the consequences of your actions.
   • Hindi Meaning: परिणाम भुगतना। (Parinaam bhugatna.)
   • Example: He lied, and now he has to face the music.

2. Fall on deaf ears

   • Meaning: To be ignored.
   • Hindi Meaning: अनसुना कर देना। (Anasuna kar dena.)
   • Example: My advice fell on deaf ears.

3. Far cry from

   • Meaning: Very different from.
   • Hindi Meaning: बहुत अलग। (Bahut alag.)
   • Example: This hotel is a far cry from the one we stayed at last year.

4. Fish out of water

   • Meaning: Someone who is uncomfortable in a new situation.
   • Hindi Meaning: असहज महसूस करना। (Asahaj mahsus karna.)
   • Example: He felt like a fish out of water at the fancy party.

5. Fool's paradise

   • Meaning: A state of happiness based on false beliefs.
   • Hindi Meaning: झूठी खुशी। (Jhoothi khushi.)
   • Example: Living in a fool's paradise won't solve your problems.

G

1. Get something off your chest

   • Meaning: To talk about something that has been bothering you.
   • Hindi Meaning: मन की बात कहना। (Man ki baat kehna.)
   • Example: I need to get something off my chest.

2. Get your act together

   • Meaning: To organize yourself and behave properly.
   • Hindi Meaning: ठीक से व्यवहार करना। (Theek se vyavahar karna.)
   • Example: You need to get your act together if you want to succeed.

3. Give someone the benefit of the doubt

   • Meaning: To believe someone is telling the truth even if you're not sure.
   • Hindi Meaning: किसी पर विश्वास करना। (Kisi par vishwas karna.)
   • Example: I'll give him the benefit of the doubt this time.

4. Go the extra mile

   • Meaning: To do more than what is expected.
   • Hindi Meaning: उम्मीद से ज़्यादा करना। (Ummeed se zyada karna.)
   • Example: She always goes the extra mile to help her students.

5. Grasp at straws

   • Meaning: To try anything to find a solution, even if it's unlikely to work.
   • Hindi Meaning: असहाय होकर कोशिश करना। (Asahay hokar koshish karna.)
   • Example: We're grasping at straws trying to save the business.

H

1. Hang in there

   • Meaning: To persevere; to not give up.
   • Hindi Meaning: हार मत मानो। (Haar mat mano.)
   • Example: Hang in there; things will get better.

2. Hit the books

   • Meaning: To study hard.
   • Hindi Meaning: पढ़ाई करना। (Padhai karna.)
   • Example: I need to hit the books before the exam.

3. Hit the nail on the head

   • Meaning: To say exactly the right thing.
   • Hindi Meaning: सही बात कहना। (Sahi baat kehna.)
   • Example: You hit the nail on the head with that comment.

4. Hold your horses

   • Meaning: Wait a moment; be patient.
   • Hindi Meaning: थोड़ा रुक जाओ। (Thoda ruk jao.)
   • Example: Hold your horses; let's think about this first.

I

1. In a nutshell

   • Meaning: Briefly; in summary.
   • Hindi Meaning: संक्षेप में। (Sankshep mein.)
   • Example: In a nutshell, the meeting was a success.

2. In the heat of the moment

   • Meaning: Overwhelmed by emotion.
   • Hindi Meaning: आवेश में। (Aavesh mein.)
   • Example: I said things I didn't mean in the heat of the moment.

3. It takes two to tango

   • Meaning: Both parties are responsible.
   • Hindi Meaning: दोनों ही जिम्मेदार हैं। (Dono hi zimmedar hain.)
   • Example: It takes two to tango in a relationship.

J

1. Jump on the bandwagon
   • Meaning: To join a popular trend or activity.
   • Hindi Meaning: लोकप्रिय गतिविधि में शामिल होना। (Lokpriya gatividhi mein shamil hona.)
   • Example: Many people jumped on the bandwagon when the stock price soared.

K

1. Keep your chin up

   • Meaning: Stay positive.
   • Hindi Meaning: सकारात्मक रहो। (Sakaratmak raho.)
   • Example: Keep your chin up; things will get better.

2. Kill two birds with one stone

   • Meaning: To accomplish two things at once.
   • Hindi Meaning: एक तीर से दो निशाने। (Ek teer se do nishane.)
   • Example: I can kill two birds with one stone by going to the grocery store on my way home.

L

1. Last straw

   • Meaning: The final problem that makes you lose patience.
   • Hindi Meaning: अंतिम परेशानी। (Antim pareshani.)
   • Example: His constant complaining was the last straw.

2. Let the cat out of the bag

   • Meaning: To reveal a secret.
   • Hindi Meaning: रहस्य खोलना। (Rahasy kholna.)
   • Example: He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.

M

1. Make a long story short

   • Meaning: To summarize quickly.
   • Hindi Meaning: संक्षेप में बताना। (Sankshep mein batana.)
   • Example: To make a long story short, we won the game.

2. Miss the boat

   • Meaning: To miss an opportunity.
   • Hindi Meaning: अवसर चूक जाना। (Avasar chuk jana.)
   • Example: If you don't apply now, you'll miss the boat.

N

1. No pain, no gain
   • Meaning: You have to suffer to achieve something.
   • Hindi Meaning: बिना कष्ट के फल नहीं मिलता। (Bina kasht ke phal nahi milta.)
   • Example: No pain, no gain when you're working out.

O

1. On cloud nine

   • Meaning: Extremely happy.
   • Hindi Meaning: बहुत खुश। (Bahut khush.)
   • Example: She was on cloud nine after getting the job.

2. Once in a blue moon

   • Meaning: Rarely.
   • Hindi Meaning: कभी कभार। (Kabhi kabhar.)
   • Example: I only go to the movies once in a blue moon.

P

1. Piece of mind

   • Meaning: The state of not being worried or troubled
   • Hindi Meaning: मन की शांति (Man Ki Shanti)
   • Example: Doing yoga every morning gave me a great piece of mind.

2. Pull Someone's Leg

   • Meaning: To joke or tease someone.
   • Hindi Meaning: किसी की टांग खींचना। (Kisi ki tang khichna.)
   • Example: I was just pulling your leg.

Q

1. Quiet as a mouse
   • Meaning: Very quiet.
   • Hindi Meaning: बिलकुल शांत। (Bilkul shant.)
   • Example: She was as quiet as a mouse.

R

1. Rain on someone's parade
   • Meaning: To spoil someone's enjoyment.
   • Hindi Meaning: किसी की खुशी में बाधा डालना। (Kisi ki khushi mein badha dalna.)
   • Example: I don't want to rain on your parade, but I think you should know the truth.

S

1. See eye to eye

   • Meaning: To agree.
   • Hindi Meaning: सहमत होना। (Sahamat hona.)
   • Example: We don't always see eye to eye, but we respect each other's opinions.

2. Spill the beans

   • Meaning: To reveal a secret.
   • Hindi Meaning: रहस्य खोलना। (Rahasy kholna.)
   • Example: Don't spill the beans about the surprise party.

T

1. Take with a grain of salt

   • Meaning: To not take something too seriously.
   • Hindi Meaning: थोड़ी आशंका के साथ लेना। (Thodi ashanka ke saath lena.)
   • Example: You should take his advice with a grain of salt.

2. The ball is in your court

   • Meaning: It's your turn to take action.
   • Hindi Meaning: अब तुम्हारी बारी है। (Ab tumhari bari hai.)
   • Example: I've done my part; now the ball is in your court.

U

1. Under the weather
   • Meaning: Not feeling well.
   • Hindi Meaning: तबियत ठीक नहीं होना। (Tabiyat theek nahi hona.)
   • Example: I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.

V

1. Variety is the spice of life
   • Meaning: Doing different things makes life interesting.
   • Hindi Meaning: विविधता जीवन का सार है। (Vividhata jeevan ka saar hai.)
   • Example: I like to try new things because variety is the spice of life.

W

1. Walking on eggshells
   • Meaning: Being very careful not to offend someone.
   • Hindi Meaning: बहुत सावधानी से काम करना। (Bahut savdhani se kaam karna.)
   • Example: I feel like I'm walking on eggshells around him.

Y

1. You can't judge a book by its cover
   • Meaning: You shouldn't judge someone or something by appearances alone.
   • Hindi Meaning: किसी को बाहरी रूप से नहीं आंकना चाहिए। (Kisi ko bahari roop se nahi aakana chahiye.)
   • Example: You can't judge a book by its cover; get to know people before you judge them.

Z

1. Zero tolerance
   • Meaning: No acceptance of a particular behavior.
   • Hindi Meaning: किसी विशेष व्यवहार की कोई स्वीकृति नहीं। (Kisi vishesh vyavahar ki koi sweekriti nahin.)
   • Example: The school has a zero tolerance policy for bullying.

Tips for Learning and Using Idioms

Okay, now that we've covered a ton of idioms and phrases, here are some tips to help you learn and use them effectively:

• Start with the most common idioms: Focus on the idioms and phrases that are used most frequently in everyday conversations. This will give you the most bang for your buck.
• Use flashcards: Write the idiom on one side and the meaning and an example sentence on the other. This is a great way to memorize new expressions.
• Practice using idioms in your own sentences: Don't just memorize the definitions; actually use the idioms and phrases in your own conversations and writing. This will help you internalize them and make them a natural part of your vocabulary.
• Watch movies and TV shows: Pay attention to how native speakers use idioms in movies and TV shows. This is a fun and engaging way to learn new expressions and see how they're used in context.
• Read books and articles: Look for idioms in books and articles. This will help you understand how they're used in different types of writing.
• Ask native speakers: Don't be afraid to ask native speakers about idioms you don't understand. They can provide valuable insights into the meanings and usage of these expressions.
• Don't overuse idioms: While idioms can add color and flavor to your language, using too many can make you sound unnatural or even pretentious. Use them sparingly and only when they're appropriate.
• Be aware of cultural differences: Some idioms are specific to certain cultures or regions. Be aware of these differences and avoid using idioms that might be offensive or confusing to your audience.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to 500+ English idioms and phrases with Hindi meanings. I hope this has been helpful and that you're now feeling more confident about using these expressions in your own language. Remember, learning idioms is a journey, not a destination. So keep practicing, keep exploring, and keep having fun! You've got this!

By mastering these idioms and phrases, you'll not only improve your English language skills but also gain a deeper understanding of the culture and people who speak it. Happy learning, and may your conversations be colorful and full of flavor!