do one's homework idioms

30 Idioms for Homework

Idioms, in particular, add color and flair to our conversations. In the realm of homework, where words often reign supreme, understanding idioms can be the key to unlocking a deeper level of communication.

Let’s embark on a delightful exploration of idioms for homework – expressions that not only enhance your language skills but also make you a master of casual conversation.

Idioms for Homework

1. hit the hay.

Meaning: To go to bed or fall asleep.

In a Sentence: After a long night of studying, Sarah decided it was time to hit the hay.

Exploring idioms is like hitting the hay – it may seem mundane at first, but the rewards are truly refreshing.

2. Kick the Bucket

Meaning: To die or pass away.

In a Sentence: Sadly, my goldfish kicked the bucket after years of cheerful swimming.

Homework can sometimes feel overwhelming, but no need for it to kick the bucket – we’ll tackle it together!

3. Bite the Bullet

Meaning: To endure a painful experience or face a difficult situation.

In a Sentence: Instead of procrastinating, Amy decided to bite the bullet and finish her science project ahead of time.

Facing challenging assignments head-on is like biting the bullet – it might be tough, but the relief afterward is worth it.

4. Break the Ice

Meaning: To initiate conversation in a social setting, often to relieve tension.

In a Sentence: To ease the tension before the group project, Sam tried to break the ice with a funny joke.

Homework groups are more effective when everyone helps break the ice – it’s the first step towards collaboration.

5. Burn the Midnight Oil

Meaning: To work late into the night, usually on a project or task.

In a Sentence: Knowing the deadline was approaching, Mark had to burn the midnight oil to complete his essay.

Homework often requires burning the midnight oil, but the sense of accomplishment is worth the sacrifice.

6. Cost an Arm and a Leg

Meaning: To be very expensive or costly.

In a Sentence: Getting a new laptop for college can sometimes cost an arm and a leg.

Textbooks might cost an arm and a leg, but the knowledge gained is priceless – a fair trade in the end.

7. Cry over Spilled Milk

Meaning: To lament or worry about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

In a Sentence: Instead of crying over spilled milk, Jake decided to focus on finding a solution to the problem.

In the world of homework, it’s essential not to cry over spilled milk – mistakes happen, and learning from them is the key.

8. Cut to the Chase

Meaning: To get to the main point without unnecessary details.

In a Sentence: When giving instructions, the teacher preferred to cut to the chase to save time.

Homework discussions are more efficient when we cut to the chase – clarity is the secret ingredient.

9. Don’t Cry over Spilled Milk

Meaning: Reiterating the importance of not worrying about past mistakes or misfortunes.

In a Sentence: “Don’t cry over spilled milk,” Mrs. Johnson reminded her students after the math test.

Homework challenges may arise, but always remember: don’t cry over spilled milk – focus on improvement.

10. Drive Someone up the Wall

Meaning: To irritate or annoy someone greatly.

In a Sentence: Sam’s constant tapping during the exam drove his classmates up the wall.

Group projects can be challenging, but constant communication helps avoid driving each other up the wall.

11. Jump on the Bandwagon

Meaning: To adopt a popular trend or activity.

In a Sentence: After witnessing the success of the study group, more students decided to jump on the bandwagon.

Homework strategies evolve – it’s okay to jump on the bandwagon of effective study methods.

12. Kick the Bucket (Again?)

Meaning: To die or pass away (Yes, we’ve got a repeat!)

In a Sentence: The old car finally kicked the bucket after years of faithful service.

Repeating the importance of not letting homework stress kick the bucket – perseverance is the key.

13. Let the Cat out of the Bag

Meaning: To reveal a secret or disclose information.

In a Sentence: Mary accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.

Homework collaborations thrive on trust – always ensure not to let the cat out of the bag inadvertently.

14. Piece of Cake

Meaning: Something very easy to do.

In a Sentence: Solving the first few math problems was a piece of cake for Alex.

Approaching homework step by step makes it feel like a piece of cake – small victories lead to big accomplishments.

15. Raining Cats and Dogs

Meaning: Raining heavily.

In a Sentence: We canceled our outdoor study session because it started raining cats and dogs.

Sometimes, adapting to unexpected challenges in homework is like dealing with a sudden downpour of cats and dogs.

16. Spill the Beans

Meaning: To disclose a secret or reveal information.

In a Sentence: Tom couldn’t resist the excitement and decided to spill the beans about the surprise quiz.

Homework collaborations rely on trust – resist the temptation to spill the beans before the right moment.

17. The Ball Is in Your Court

Meaning: It’s your responsibility to make a decision or take action.

In a Sentence: Now that you have all the information, the ball is in your court regarding the group project.

Homework assignments often end with the ball in your court – decisive actions lead to successful outcomes.

18. The Whole Nine Yards

Meaning: The entirety or completeness of something.

In a Sentence: Sarah went above and beyond, providing the whole nine yards of information for her presentation.

Strive for the whole nine yards in homework – thoroughness and attention to detail always pay off.

19. Through Thick and Thin

Meaning: Supporting someone in good times and bad.

In a Sentence: True friends stick with you through thick and thin, just like reliable study partners.

Homework journeys are smoother when you have companions who stay with you through thick and thin.

20. Throw in the Towel

Meaning: To give up or surrender.

In a Sentence: Despite the challenges, she refused to throw in the towel and kept pushing through the assignment.

Homework may be tough, but throwing in the towel is never the solution – perseverance brings success.

21. Under the Weather

Meaning: Feeling unwell or sick.

In a Sentence: James couldn’t attend the study group because he was under the weather.

Taking breaks when feeling under the weather is crucial – a rested mind tackles homework more effectively.

22. A Dime a Dozen

Meaning: Something common and easy to find.

In a Sentence: Online resources for research are a dime a dozen, but quality matters.

Homework help is abundant, but choosing the right sources is essential – quality over quantity.

23. All Ears

Meaning: Listening attentively or eagerly.

In a Sentence: When the teacher started discussing the upcoming project, the students were all ears.

Active listening is a valuable skill in homework discussions – be all ears for useful insights.

24. Burn Bridges

Meaning: To damage relationships or cut ties.

In a Sentence: Avoiding conflicts in group projects is essential to not burn bridges with your peers.

In the world of homework, collaboration is key – never burn bridges, always build connections.

25. Catch Someone’s Eye

Meaning: Attracting someone’s attention or being noticed.

In a Sentence: Her unique presentation style managed to catch the professor’s eye.

In the realm of homework, standout work is bound to catch someone’s eye – excellence is hard to ignore.

26. Hit the Nail on the Head

Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.

In a Sentence: Sarah hit the nail on the head when she pointed out the flaw in the experimental design.

Critical thinking in homework often involves hitting the nail on the head – identifying the root cause is crucial.

27. Jump on the Bandwagon (Again?)

Meaning: Adopting a popular trend or activity (Yes, another repeat!)

In a Sentence: As the semester progressed, more students decided to jump on the bandwagon of using productivity apps.

Repeating the idea that adapting to new homework strategies is like jumping on the bandwagon – staying current is key.

28. Kick the Bucket (Once More)

Meaning: To die or pass away (Another repeat, but with a twist!)

In a Sentence: The outdated study methods had to kick the bucket for the students to embrace more effective techniques.

Repeating the importance of letting old habits kick the bucket – sometimes, change is the key to success.

29. Throw in the Towel (Again?)

Meaning: To give up or surrender (One more repeat!)

In a Sentence: Despite the challenging exam, she refused to throw in the towel and sought additional help.

Repeating the idea that throwing in the towel is never the answer in homework – persistence leads to progress.

Embark on a literary journey to describe the academic task of homework using imaginative metaphors, and discover creative comparisons through similes for homework. To explore more, check out Metaphors for Homework and Similes for Homework .

In the lively world of idioms, our exploration of expressions for homework has been nothing short of enlightening. Just like the diverse idioms that color our language, approaching homework with creativity and adaptability enhances the learning experience.

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37 Idioms About School, Education, and Academic Learning

Idioms are an important part of everyday English. We use them all the time in both speaking and writing.

If you’d like your English to sound more natural (I’m sure you do), you should be actively trying to learn more idiomatic expressions.

Here are  37 idioms related to education. How many of them do you know?

When you’re finished reading the article, try the practice exercise .

Interested in learning idioms? If so, check out the idioms and phrasal verb section of the site.

Idioms about thinking

To draw a blank.

To draw a blank means to not be able to remember something.

“Sheila tried to remember the answer to the question, but she drew a blank.”

“I know her name, but I can’t think of it right now. I’m drawing a blank.”

to put one’s thinking cap on

To put one’s thinking cap on means to think very seriously or very hard about something.

“It’s a difficult riddle. If you want to solve it, you’ll have to put on your thinking cap.”

“I have no idea what my speech is going to be about. I’ll put on my thinking cap and get back to you about it.”

to figure something out

To figure something out means to discover something or resolve a problem.

“I can’t figure out how to do the math homework.”

“Should we ask the teacher what to do, or should we try to figure it out ourselves?”

to rack one’s brain

To rack one’s brain means to think long and hard about something.

“I racked my brain, but I couldn’t think of a good topic for my research paper.”

“Suzie racked her brain, but she couldn’t remember how to play the song.”

to daydream

To daydream means to fantasize instead of paying attention to one’s surroundings.

“Richard isn’t a bad student, but he has a tendency to daydream in class.”

“There’s no way you’ll learn calculus if you spend half the class daydreaming.”

to be lost in thought

To be lost in thought means to be completely consumed by thought, often to the point of being unaware of one’s surroundings.

“When Dave is programming, he often gets lost in thought.”

“I get lost in thought whenever I’m doing something creative.”

Education idioms about people

Teacher’s pet.

A teacher’s pet is a student who is clearly the favorite of the teacher and often receives special treatment.

“I know he’s the teacher’s pet now, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be like that when he’s a teenager.”

“All the other students got mad when the teacher’s pet reminded Mrs. Owens that she hadn’t given any homework.”

A bookworm is a person who loves to read.

“My son is into sports and video games, but my daughter is more of a bookworm.”

“Bookworms tend to have a much better vocabulary than people who don’t often read.”

class clown

A class clown is a disruptive student who often makes jokes instead of paying attention and doing their work.

“Brett is a college professor now. Ironically, he was the class clown of our elementary school.”

“Class clowns often don’t receive enough attention at home.”

Idioms about tests, grades, and evaluation

To pass with flying colors.

To pass with flying colors means to easily accomplish something. We often use this expression to talk about tests or exams.

“It was such a hard test. I have no idea how you managed to pass with flying colors.”

“Being a non-native English speaker, Karina struggled with English Literature. She was, however, able to pass all her math and science classes with flying colors.”

to breeze/sail through

To breeze / sail throug h something means to easily succeed at something.

“I don’t think you’ll be able to breeze through college if you’re majoring in chemical engineering.”

“Ricardo took Spanish in high school even though he’s a native Spanish speaker. Needless to say, he sailed through the course without any problems.”

To ace a test means to get an “A” or a very  high grade.

“Sometimes I think my teacher is secretly disappointed when we all ace his tests.”

“My mother and father would sometimes take me out for ice cream if I aced a particularly hard test.”

cheat sheet

A cheat sheet is a piece of paper with answers written on it that student use to cheat on a test.

“I would never use a cheat sheet. I’m not dishonest.”

“Students caught using cheat sheets will get a zero on the test.”

To bomb a test means to get a terrible grade on a test.

“Do you think Mrs. McGillicuddy will give let us retake the test if we all bomb it today?”

“I got a 23% on the statistics test! I’ve never bombed a test like that.”

a piece of cake , a cakewalk , a breeze , a cinch , a walk in the park

We use all of these idioms to communicate that something is very easy. They all can be used to talk about tests, exams, or classes.

“The exam was a piece of cake. We all received high scores.”

“We thought the test was going to be a cakewalk, but it was actually pretty hard.”

“Psychology 101 was a breeze for Jim. He had already taken psychology in high school, so most of the material was a review for him.”

“I’m good at learning languages. Beginner’s French was a cinch for me.”

“Everyone wants to take Dr. Sullivan’s biology class. Everyone knows it’s a walk in the park.”

Idioms about class

To play hooky.

To play hooky is an informal expression which means to miss school or work without having a valid reason or excuse.

“There’s a baseball game tomorrow at 2 p.m. We should play hooky and go see it.”

“In middle school, I got caught playing hooky. My teacher called my mom and I got in trouble.”

to cut/skip/ditch class

To cut , skip , or ditch class means to intentionally miss class, usually in favor of doing something else.

“Students are automatically suspended for cutting class.”

“If you skip a class, it’s going to be very difficult for you to catch up.”

“Will you take notes for me today? I’m thinking about ditching class.”

Idioms about studying and learning

To hit the books.

To hit the books means to study.

“Finals are next week and I haven’t even started studying yet. I’d better hit the books tonight.”

“Four of our football players are in danger of being academically ineligible. They won’t be able to play if they don’t hit the books.”

to pull an all-nighter

To pull an all-nighter means to stay up all night studying or working.

“I’d recommend that you not pull an all-nighter. It’s not good for your health.”

“We can’t pull an all-nighter without coffee. I’ll make us a pot.”

to catch on

To catch on means to understand something after initially not being able to comprehend it.

“The present perfect tense used to be hard for me. It took me a while to catch on.”

“At first my grandfather didn’t understand Facebook, but he finally caught on.”

to learn by heart

To learn something by heart means to completely memorize something.

“Suzy has an impressive memory. She can recite dozens of poems by heart.”

“I can’t believe there are people who can recite our constitution by heart.”

To cram means to study a lot right before a test.

“This isn’t a test you can cram for. You have to start studying for it weeks in advance.”

“If you cram for a test, you may get a good grade, but you’ll immediately forget what you’ve learned as soon as the test is over.”

to burn the midnight oil

To burn the midnight oil means to study or work late at night.

“Many people prefer to burn the midnight oil and study at night. Others prefer to study during the day.”

“You can’t burn the midnight oil every night. Your body needs sleep.”

to burn the candle at both ends

To burn the candle at both ends means to go to bed late and wake up early.

“I think I’ll sleep until noon tomorrow. I’ve been burning the candle at both ends and could really use some rest.”

“The only way to handle 20 credits in one semester is by burning the candle at both ends.”

Other education idioms

To drop out.

To drop out means to decide to leave school and no longer pursue a degree or diploma. We can also use drop out as a noun to talk about someone who drops out of school.

“Why do you think so many people drop out of college?”

“We need to do a better job at counseling so that out students don’t drop out.”

“Benny has achieved a lot in life, especially when you consider that he is a high-school drop out.”

flunk/fail out

To flunk/fail out means to be expelled from an institution because of low grades or poor performance.

“Matt never went to class and eventually flunked out of college.”

“I have no idea how I’m going to tell my parents that I’m in danger of failing out of school.”

to put oneself through school

To put oneself through school means to pay one’s own tuition.

“Previous generations in the United States could easily put themselves through school, but with today’s high tuition rates, it’s almost impossible.”

“If you’re putting yourself through school, you probably won’t have much time for extra-curricular activities.”

to call on someone

To call on someone  means to ask a student to answer a question.

“Theresa tried to make herself invisible so the teacher wouldn’t call on her.”

“Are teachers more likely to call on students who always know the answers?”

to kiss up to someone 

To kiss up to someone means to flatter someone, often in an attempt to obtain special favors or treatment. A synonym is to suck up (though this term is a bit more vulgar). We can use both kiss up and suck up as nouns as well.

“Dr. Schwartz isn’t going to let you retake the test you bombed. It doesn’t matter how much you kiss up to him.”

“My best friend was always such a kiss up to his teachers.”

Don’t forget to try the practice exercise .

For more idiomatic expressions, see these articles on idioms and phrasal verbs .

Hi, I'm Brad. I've spent the last seven years teaching English and creating websites for English learners and teachers. I recently moved from Costa Rica to Orlando, Florida, where I teach intensive English classes at a state college. If you'd like to contact me, I can be reached via email at [email protected] .

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

Education idioms: Learn idioms about school and studying

If you’re studying at school, college or university, it’s likely that you’ll come across some education idioms . When you do, you’ll be ready with this list of examples to refer to.

These idioms about studying can actually come in handy in all kinds of situations; not just in educational settings. We have included easy-to-follow explanations and examples of how you may hear each expression used in everyday life.

If you’re not sure what English idioms are, be sure to revise so that before long you’ll be top of the class!

Education idioms about studying

Pass with flying colors.

Hopefully these education idioms will help you or your child pass your exams. When you pass with a high mark or distinction you are said to have passed with flying colors .

“I was so impressed with how she did in the test. She passed with flying colours.”

The history of this saying relates to when ships would return to port with the colors of their flags showing to confirm success in their mission. Flag colors lowered would mean defeat

Hit the books

When it’s time to prepare for an exam, you need to study intensively and with full concentration. This process of revising everything you need to know is sometimes called hitting the books .

“I can’t come out tonight as I have a test in the morning and must hit the books.”

Although you may do all of your studying online rather than from physical books, you can still use this expression. The same goes for some writing idioms – even though you may not use pen and paper much anymore, we still use expressions like ‘paper trail’.

Learn/know something by heart

When you learn something by heart it means you know it so well you don’t need to think about it. It’s like memorizing something. Things you could know by heart include a piece of music, song lyrics, a poem, or lines to your favorite movie.

“She’s watched that movie so many times she’s learnt it by heart.” “This was my favorite song as a teenager. I still know the lyrics by heart!”

This is an example of a more general idiom about learning which could apply to a wide range of situations.

Brush up on (something)

When you brush up on a subject, you are revisiting something you have already learned in order to refresh your memory or hone your skills.

“Althought Kim did well in the exam she may wish to brush up on her Victorian history.”

If you really enjoy reading books, people may affectionately refer to you as a bookworm . This book idiom refers to a person who loves reading and always seems to have their head buried in a book.

“David is always reading, in fact he’s a bit of a bookworm.”

The term ‘bookworm’ can also refer to the insects that like to feed on the paper and glue in books, causing a big problem for museums trying to preserve old texts.

Get your thinking cap on

This collection of education idioms wouldn’t be complete without the saying get your thinking cap(s) on . A teacher might use this phrase to motivate their students when they need to carefully consider all options to work something out.

“Come on guys, this is an easy equation. Time to get your thinking caps on.”

This expression can be used more widely to relate to problem-solving in the workplace. Find more work-related idioms here.

To brainstorm is similar to getting your thinking cap on. The main difference between these two education idioms is that brainstorming is normally done as part of a group. People discuss the question or issue together and build on each other’s ideas.

“The team are meeting at lunchtime for a brainstorming session to come up with new ideas for the product name.”

Know your stuff

After you have spent some time studying and you have a good understanding of a topic, people may say that you know your stuff . This idiom about knowledge means to be well-versed and competent on a topic, perhaps regarded as an expert.

“Kamal really knows his stuff when it comes to mechanics. Why don’t you ask him?”

When it comes to school idioms, you don’t want to be called this. If you cheat during a test or an exam by using the same answers that you see on your friend’s paper, you are copying their answers. You are a copycat .

“I think we have a copycat in our class as two exams had exactly the same answers.”

This term can be related to anything that you copy, for example wearing the same clothes or liking the same things.

If you’re a cat person, there are plenty of cat idioms to enjoy (or dog idioms if you prefer).

Unfortunately, not everyone will make it through their education journey. If you drop out of something (e.g. university, an activity or a sports team), you stop participating or abandon it.

“Sadly, I have decided to drop out of university.”

Someone who does this could also be described as a dropout .

“I may be a college dropout but it hasn’t stopped me from having a great career.”

Teacher’s pet

Teacher’s pet is a very popular teacher idiom . This is a child that is really liked by their teacher and is treated preferentially because of it. Other students would normally use this term in a mean way to tease their classmate.

“Look at Susan. She’s such a teacher’s pet and always gets the easy jobs.”

As easy as ABC / 123 / do re me

This is a fun phrase you are likely to hear when studying. When you say that something is as easy as ABC or 123 , you’re implying that it is very simple and not a challenge to complete. Less commonly, you may hear as easy as do re me (the musical scale).

“Wow, that test was as easy as ABC.”

In fact, this term could be used for anything that is easy. For example, the Jackson Five song ABC talks about falling in love.

Want more idioms to describe things that are easy ?

School idioms

An eager beaver.

Are you feeling keen and excited to learn more school idioms? Do you volunteer for additional duties, put in extra work without being asked, and request supplemental responsibilities at school? Then people may fondly refer to you as an eager beaver .

“Nathan, it’s 7 am and the team aren’t meeting until 7.30. What an eager beaver you are!”

The assonance in this phrase makes it fun to say, especially for children. You can find more fun idioms for kids here .

Show of hands

Sometimes during class, you may need to vote on something. When this happens your teacher will call for a show of hands . They are simply asking for you all to vote by putting your hand up for the option you would prefer.

“So, by a show of hands, who votes we play dodgeball today?”

To cover a lot of ground / A lot of ground to cover

To literally cover a lot of ground would mean to travel a great distance. However, in the context of education idioms, it has a different meaning.

When you have a lot of ground to cover at school or college, it means you have a lot to learn or a lot of topics to study.

“Ok everyone, I need you to settle down as we have to cover a lot of ground this afternoon.” “Well done class, we covered a lot of ground this term.”

The school of hard knocks

Some school idioms aren’t actually about real schools. The school of hard knocks refers to living through hardships and disappointments in life. You’re acknowledging that bad things have happened to you to help form the way you are now.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I stand here before you as a survivor of the school of hard knocks, and a better person for it.”

We have some other idioms about bad things happening which may tie in to this kind of experience.

University of life

Here is another education idiom not talking about a physical place. That said, some may consider the university of life to be the best education. This expression refers to the lessons you learn through your good and bad experiences, or practical tips you gain from day-to-day life.

“I may not have got into a real university but the university of life taught me everything I needed to know.

School someone / (to be) schooled

Here’s another term not referring to a physical school. You can school someone by simply teaching them how to do something. When you are schooled you are taught something, but perhaps in an embarrassing way; for example, being beaten breakdance competition by someone with better moves.

“I’m schooling my brother in chemistry to help him.” “Wow she really schooled that guy with her drop shot.”

Make the grade

This is another education idiom relating to tests or exams. Usually, there is a particular score that is required for you to pass the test. If you achieve this required score, you make the grade .

“The school policy is quite simple. If you don’t make the grade, you’ll be cut from the team.” “You all made the grade this time, but only just.”

A similar phrase, make the cut , is almost the same in meaning but doesn’t refer specifically to passing a test with a certain score. It could be used in reference to a job interview or an audition, for example.

‘A’ for effort

When you get the top score in your homework or tests, you could be given 100% or grade ‘A’. If someone gives you an ‘A’ for effort , it means that you tried your best, even if you didn’t actually get an ‘A’.

“Although we didn’t win the match, all I can say is you guys get an ‘A’ for effort.”

Some idioms about sports can be helpful to encourage a team in a game.

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks

The popular saying you can’t teach an old dog new tricks suggests that the older you are, the harder it is to learn new things. It’s best not to say this directly to the person in question, as they may find it a little offensive.

“I don’t know why the math professor is still using a computer when a tablet would be more convenient. Guess you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

Bunk class / Cut class / Skip class

Sadly, there are plenty of ways to say you are not in school when you should be. To bunk, cut or skip class all mean that you miss your class without authorization.

“The tickets for the Five Town concert go on sale tomorrow. Let’s cut class so we can get in line to book the best seats.”

Other variations of this primarily heard in the UK are bunk off and play truant .

Boffin / Egghead

Not exactly idioms, but these words are worth knowing when you’re talking about school and education. Boffin and egghead are both terms for a clever person who is an expert in a certain topic, but perhaps a bit nerdy.

“Get your laptop fixed with Shane from across the street. He’s a boffin when it comes to technology.”

Every day is a school day

If every day is a school day , you learn something new every day. Do you think this is true? You are certainly here learning something new right now!

“I’ve finally learnt how to change the oil in my car. I guess every day really is a school day.”

Schoolboy error

In American English you may hear the idiom rookie mistake , as opposed to schoolboy error which is a British English idiom . Both refer to a foolish mistake that only someone with little or no experience would make.

“I thought James in accounting knew what he was doing, but that was a schoolboy error if I ever saw one.”

And that’s it for this list of education idioms. Do you now feel like a boffin that will make the grade, or are you ready to drop out? Either way, leave us a comment and say which expressions you like or perhaps need more help with.

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27 Idioms for Homework

Idioms are fun and creative expressions that can make homework conversations more colorful and interesting.

In this listicle, we’ll explore idioms related to homework and decipher their meanings. So, let’s dive into this list of idioms, break them down, and understand how they can add a touch of flair to your homework discussions.

Homework is like a puzzle, with each assignment representing a piece that needs to be placed correctly to reveal the bigger picture of learning and understanding. For more comparisons to describe homework, you can check this link: Similes for homework . And for a variety of metaphors related to homework, you can explore this link: Metaphors for homework .

What is an Idiom for Homework?

Idioms for homework are expressions that use figurative language to describe various aspects of studying, learning, and completing assignments.

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What does the idiom “break the ice” mean?

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“Out of the frying pan into the fire” is an example of:

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The abbreviation “NASA” stands for:

Choose the metaphor in the following sentence: “Time is a thief.”

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These idioms can make homework-related conversations more engaging and relatable. Let’s explore each idiom and unravel its meaning:

Idioms for Homework

1. break a leg.

Meaning: To wish someone good luck or success in a performance or task, often used in the context of exams or assignments.

In a Sentence: Before the big test, his friends told him, “Break a leg!” to boost his confidence.

2. Bite the Bullet

Meaning: To face a difficult or unpleasant task or situation with courage and determination, even though it may be challenging.

In a Sentence: She had to bite the bullet and start working on her lengthy research paper.

3. Piece of Cake

Meaning: Refers to a task or assignment that is very easy to complete.

In a Sentence: After studying all week, the quiz felt like a piece of cake.

4. Hit the Nail on the Head

Meaning: To describe something or someone accurately or precisely.

In a Sentence: Her explanation of the math problem hit the nail on the head, making it easy to understand.

5. The Ball Is in Your Court

Meaning: The responsibility or decision-making authority lies with someone, and they need to take action or make a choice.

In a Sentence: Now that you have the assignment details, the ball is in your court to complete it on time.

6. The Early Bird Catches the Worm

Meaning: Being proactive and starting early gives you an advantage or allows you to succeed.

In a Sentence: I always start my homework early because I believe the early bird catches the worm.

7. Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk

Meaning: It’s not worth worrying or getting upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

In a Sentence: I forgot to save my document, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk; I’ll redo it.

8. Barking Up the Wrong Tree

Meaning: Pursuing a course of action or seeking an answer in the wrong place or from the wrong source.

In a Sentence: If you think he has the answers to your math problems, you’re barking up the wrong tree.

9. Killing Two Birds with One Stone

Meaning: Accomplishing two tasks or objectives with a single effort or action.

In a Sentence: By studying for the test while doing laundry, she was killing two birds with one stone.

10. Let the Cat Out of the Bag

Meaning: To reveal a secret or disclose information that was supposed to be kept confidential.

In a Sentence: He accidentally let the cat out of the bag by mentioning the surprise party.

11. The Devil Is in the Details

Meaning: The important or crucial aspects of something are found in the finer points or specific elements.

In a Sentence: When proofreading your essay, remember that the devil is in the details, so check for any errors.

12. Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

Meaning: Do not risk everything on a single plan or opportunity, as it may lead to failure.

In a Sentence: She diversified her study methods because she knew not to put all her eggs in one basket.

13. In Hot Water

Meaning: Being in trouble or facing a difficult or uncomfortable situation.

In a Sentence: After missing the deadline, he knew he was in hot water with the teacher.

14. A Penny for Your Thoughts

Meaning: To ask someone what they are thinking or to inquire about their opinions or ideas .

In a Sentence: As she stared at her textbook, her friend asked, “A penny for your thoughts?”

15. A Dime a Dozen

Meaning: Refers to something that is common, easily found, or not unique.

In a Sentence: Standard essay topics like “The Importance of Education” are a dime a dozen.

16. Actions Speak Louder than Words

Meaning: What someone does is more significant and revealing than what they say.

In a Sentence: Instead of promising to study more, she decided that actions speak louder than words and began working harder.

17. Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch

Meaning: Do not assume that something will be successful or certain until it actually happens.

In a Sentence: She was excited about her upcoming presentation but remembered not to count her chickens before they hatch.

18. Beat Around the Bush

Meaning: To avoid addressing a topic directly or to speak in a roundabout way.

In a Sentence: Instead of answering the question, he continued to beat around the bush, making the conversation confusing.

19. A Piece of the Pie

Meaning: A share or portion of something, often referring to a portion of success, profit, or opportunity.

In a Sentence: He wanted a piece of the pie in the group project’s success, as he had contributed significantly.

20. Add Insult to Injury

Meaning: To make a bad situation even worse by saying or doing something hurtful or offensive.

In a Sentence: Criticizing her work after she had already received a low grade added insult to injury.

21. All Ears

Meaning: Being fully attentive and eager to listen or hear what someone has to say.

In a Sentence: When the teacher started explaining the new assignment, the students were all ears.

22. Back to the Drawing Board

Meaning: To start over or go back to the beginning when a plan or idea has failed.

In a Sentence: After the initial design didn’t work, they decided to go back to the drawing board.

23. Don’t Cry Wolf

Meaning: To give a false alarm or raise a false alarm, causing others to doubt the authenticity of future claims.

In a Sentence: He had cried wolf so many times about deadlines that no one believed him anymore.

24. Jumping on the Bandwagon

Meaning: To join a popular trend or activity because it is currently popular or fashionable.

In a Sentence: Everyone was jumping on the bandwagon of using digital flashcards for studying.

25. Keep Your Chin Up

Meaning: To stay positive and optimistic, especially in the face of adversity or challenges.

In a Sentence: Even though the exam was tough, her friend told her to keep her chin up and do her best.

26. A Storm in a Teacup

Meaning: Refers to a situation where a small issue is blown out of proportion and becomes overly dramatic.

In a Sentence: Their argument over which study guide to use was just a storm in a teacup; both guides were equally helpful.

27. Walking on Eggshells

Meaning: Being very cautious or careful in one’s actions or words to avoid causing offense or trouble.

In a Sentence: After the disagreement, they were walking on eggshells around each other, trying not to upset the balance.

Quizzes About The Idioms in The Article

Here are 10 quizzes based on the idioms related to homework:

Quiz 1: Break a Leg

• What does the idiom “Break a leg” mean?
• a) To take a break during homework
• b) To wish someone good luck
• c) To encourage someone to study harder
• d) To stop working on a project

Quiz 2: Hit the Nail on the Head

• What is the meaning of “Hit the nail on the head”?
• a) To miss the target
• b) To describe something accurately
• c) To avoid a challenge
• d) To delay a task

Quiz 3: The Devil Is in the Details

• When someone says, “The devil is in the details,” what are they emphasizing?
• a) The importance of simplicity
• b) The need for more creativity
• c) The significance of finer points
• d) The value of quick decisions

Quiz 4: Actions Speak Louder than Words

• What does the idiom “Actions speak louder than words” suggest?
• a) Words are more important than actions
• b) Actions should be avoided
• c) Behavior is more meaningful than what is said
• d) Communication should be prioritized

Quiz 5: In Hot Water

• What situation is described by the idiom “In hot water”?
• a) In a comfortable position
• b) In a challenging or troublesome situation
• c) In a spa or hot tub
• d) In a positive mood

Quiz 6: All Ears

• If someone is “all ears,” what does it mean?
• a) They have a lot of ears
• b) They are listening attentively
• c) They are talking loudly
• d) They have trouble hearing

Quiz 7: A Penny for Your Thoughts

• What does the expression “A penny for your thoughts” imply?
• a) It asks for someone’s opinion
• b) It suggests someone needs money
• c) It inquires about what someone is thinking
• d) It offers to buy someone’s ideas

Quiz 8: Back to the Drawing Board

• When is it appropriate to say, “Back to the drawing board”?
• a) When starting a new hobby
• b) When continuing a successful project
• c) When restarting or rethinking a plan
• d) When finishing a task

Quiz 9: A Piece of the Pie

• What is the meaning of “A piece of the pie”?
• a) A slice of dessert
• b) A share or portion of something, often success or opportunity
• c) A small, easy task
• d) A culinary competition

Quiz 10: Keep Your Chin Up

• a) Lower your head
• b) Stay positive and optimistic
• c) Look down
• d) Give up easily

Idioms are like secret codes that can make your conversations about homework more interesting and expressive. While tackling assignments and exams, you can sprinkle these idioms into your discussions to add a touch of creativity and humor.

Cite this entry:

Phrasesdirectory.com. “ ,” Retrieved from Phrases Directory – Accessed

About the author

Dr. Julia Rossi

Dr. Julia Rossi , a luminary in the field of linguistics, earned her Ph.D. with a groundbreaking thesis that delved into the cultural and historical dimensions of idioms, metaphors, and similes. Her work, spanning decades, has brought to light the dynamic nature of idiomatic expressions, illustrating how they serve as cultural artifacts, revealing the collective consciousness of a society. Rossi’s publications, widely acclaimed in academic circles, have not only expanded our understanding of idioms but have also paved the way for a more nuanced appreciation of cross-cultural communication.

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100 Idioms: Meanings & Examples

Let’s learn idioms + examples of how they are used!

Here are 100 common English idioms with meanings and example sentences:

Download this lesson

1. A blessing in disguise

• Meaning: Something that seems bad or unlucky at first but turns out to be good.
• Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise because it pushed me to start my own business.

2. A dime a dozen

• Meaning: Very common and easy to find.
• Example: Those souvenir keychains are a dime a dozen at the tourist shops.

“Those souvenir keychains are a dime a dozen.” = very common

3. All ears

• Meaning: Fully listening and paying attention.
• Example: Go ahead, I’m all ears. Tell me what’s been on your mind.

4. All in the same boat

• Meaning: In the same situation or predicament.
• Example: Everybody on staff got a pay cut – we’re all in the same boat.

5. Barking up the wrong tree

• Meaning: Accusing or blaming the wrong person.
• Example: If you think I took your book, you’re barking up the wrong tree . I haven’t seen it.

6. Beat around the bush

• Meaning: Avoiding the main topic or being indirect.
• Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me why you didn’t show up to my birthday party.

7. Bite the bullet

• Meaning: To face a difficult or unpleasant situation bravely.
• Example: I have to bite the bullet and tell him the truth, even though it might hurt him.

8.Bury the hatchet

• Meaning: To reconcile or make peace after a conflict.
• Example: After years of not speaking to each other, they finally decided to bury the hatchet and become friends again.

After years of not speaking, they finally decided to bury the hatchet.

9. By the skin of your teeth

• Meaning: Just barely or narrowly escaping a difficult situation.
• Example: I passed the exam by the skin of my teeth ; I got the minimum required score.

10. Call it a day

• Meaning: To stop working or to end an activity.
• Example: We’ve been painting all afternoon; let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.

11. Cold feet

• Meaning: Feeling nervous or hesitant about doing something.
• Example: I was going to ask her out, but I got cold feet at the last moment.

“I was going to ask her out, but I got cold feet.” = got nervous and didn’t do it

12. Cost an arm and a leg

• Meaning: To be very expensive.
• Example: That luxury car must have cost him an arm and a leg.

13. Cry over spilled milk

• Meaning: To worry or complain about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
• Example: Yes, we made a mistake, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk. Let’s focus on finding a solution.

14. Cut corners

• Meaning: To do something quickly or take shortcuts, often sacrificing quality.
• Example: Don’t cut corners on this project; it needs to be excellent to impress the new client.

15. Drive someone up the wall

• Meaning: To irritate or annoy someone greatly.
• Example: Her constant humming drives me up the wall; I can’t concentrate with that noise.

16. Silver lining

• Meaning: something positive in a difficult situation.
• Example: Losing my job was tough, but the silver lining was that I found a new career opportunity.

17. Face the music

• Meaning: To confront the consequences of one’s actions.
• Example: You made a mistake, and now you have to face the music and accept the criticism.

18. Get a taste of your own medicine

• Meaning: Experience the same negative treatment you have given to others.
• Example: After constantly making fun of others, he finally got a taste of his own medicine when they started teasing him.

19. Get the ball rolling

• Meaning: To start a process or activity.
• Example: Let’s get the ball rolling on this project and assign tasks to the team members.

“get the ball rolling” = start a process

20. Give someone the benefit of the doubt

• Meaning: To believe someone’s statement or excuse without being too suspicious.
• Example: I don’t have any evidence, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and trust his explanation.

21. Go the extra mile

• Meaning: To put in extra effort or do more than what is expected.
• Example: If you want to succeed in this competitive industry, you need to go the extra mile.

22. Hit the nail on the head

• Meaning: To identify or describe something accurately.
• Example: She hit the nail on the head when she said that our team needs better communication.

“hit the nail on the head” = say something exactly right

23. In the heat of the moment

• Meaning: In a moment of intense emotion, when we act or speak impulsively without thinking.
• Example: I didn’t mean to say those hurtful words; I said them in the heat of the moment.

24. It’s a piece of cake

• Meaning: Something is very easy or simple to do.
• Example: Don’t worry about the test; it’s a piece of cake . You’ll do fine.

25. Keep your chin up

• Meaning: To remain positive and optimistic during difficult times.
• Example: Even though he faced many rejections, he kept his chin up and continued to pursue his dream.

“keep your chin up” = stay positive even in a difficult situation

26. Kill two birds with one stone

• Meaning: Accomplish two things at the same time with a single action.
• Example: By taking the train instead of driving, she kills two birds with one stone – saves money and helps the environment.

27. Let the cat out of the bag

• Meaning: To reveal a secret or confidential information.
• Example: She accidentally let the cat out of the bag and spoiled the surprise party.

28. Like a fish out of water

• Meaning: Feeling uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation.
• Example: As a city person, I feel like a fish out of water when I visit rural areas.

29. Make a long story short

• Meaning: To give a brief summary or conclusion.
• Example: He rambled on about his trip, but to make a long story short , he had an amazing time.

30. Miss the boat

• Meaning: To miss an opportunity or chance.
• Example: I didn’t apply for the scholarship on time, so I missed the boat.

31. Not my cup of tea

• Meaning: Something that is not to your liking or preference.
• Example: I tried skiing, but it’s not my cup of tea – I don’t enjoy the cold.

It’s not my cup of tea = I don’t like it

32. On cloud nine

• Meaning: Feeling extremely happy or joyful.
• Example: When she got the job offer, she was on cloud nine; it was her dream job.

33. Once in a blue moon

• Meaning: Happens very rarely.
• Example: We eat at home most of the time; we go to restaurants once in a blue moon – for special occasions.

34. Out of the blue

• Meaning: Unexpectedly or without any warning.
• Example: I hadn’t spoken to her in years, and then out of the blue, she called me yesterday.

35. Over the moon

• Meaning: Delighted or extremely happy.
• Example: She was over the moon when she received her acceptance letter from the university.

Over the moon = extremely happy

36. Pull someone’s leg

• Meaning: To tease or joke with someone.
• Example: He’s just pulling your leg ; he doesn’t really mean what he said.

37. Put the cart before the horse

• Meaning: Doing things in the wrong order.
• Example: You’re putting the cart before the horse by buying furniture before finding a place to live.

38. Raining cats and dogs

• Meaning: Raining heavily.
• Example: We can’t go outside; it’s raining cats and dogs.

Raining cats and dogs = raining very heavily

39. Not ring a bell

• Meaning: Not sound familiar or trigger a vague memory.
• Example: I don’t think I know him – his name doesn’t ring a bell.

40. Rule of thumb

• Meaning: A general principle or guideline.
• Example: As a rule of thumb, it’s better to arrive early for meetings.

41. Shoot yourself in the foot

• Meaning: To do something that harms oneself unintentionally.
• Example: He shot himself in the foot by quitting his job without having another one lined up.

42. On the fence

• Meaning: To remain neutral or undecided in a dispute or issue.
• Example: I can’t decide which car to buy, so I’m on the fence for now.

Sitting on the fence = undecided

43. Skeletons in the closet

• Meaning: Hidden or embarrassing secrets from the past.
• Example: The journalist investigated the famous singer, trying to find some skeletons in the closet.

44. Take a rain check

• Meaning: To postpone or reschedule a plan or invitation.
• Example: I’m sorry, I can’t make it to the concert tonight. Can I take a rain check?

45. The ball is in your court

• Meaning: It’s your turn to take action or make a decision.
• Example: I’ve given you all the information; now the ball is in your court.

46. The best of both worlds

• Meaning: Enjoying the benefits of two different things at the same time.
• Example: Working part-time allows me to have a career and spend time with my family. It’s the best of both worlds.

47. Show someone the ropes

• Meaning: teach someone the details of a task or procedure
• During my first week on the job, my co-workers showed me the ropes.

48. The whole nine yards

• Meaning: Everything, or the full extent of something.
• Example: I’ll make sure you have everything you need—equipment, resources, the whole nine yards.

49. Through thick and thin

• Meaning: Supporting or being loyal to someone during good times and bad times.
• Example: We’ve been friends for over 20 years, through thick and thin.

50. Throw in the towel

• Meaning: To give up or surrender.
• Example: After struggling with the homework for hours, he finally threw in the towel.

51. Turn a blind eye

• Meaning: To ignore or pretend not to notice something.
• Example: The teacher turned a blind eye to the students whispering during the exam.

52. Under the weather

• Meaning: Feeling sick.
• Example: I won’t be able to come to work today; I’m feeling under the weather.

Under the weather = Feeling sick

53. Off The Hook

• Meaning: Freed from an obligation
• Example: I was going to give a class on Saturday, but they found another teacher to do it, so I’m off the hook.

54. Up in the air

• Meaning: Uncertain or not confirmed.
• Example: The date for the meeting is still up in the air; we need to schedule it.

55. When it rains, it pours

• Meaning: Bad things often happen in clusters or all at once.
• Example: First, my car broke down, then I lost my wallet. When it rains, it pours!

56. Wrap your head around something

• Meaning: To understand or comprehend something complex or difficult.
• Example: It took me a while to wrap my head around the new software, but now I understand how to use it.

57. Throw someone for a loop

• Meaning: Distract, confuse, or surprise someone suddenly.
• Example: I think I answered all the questions in the job interview pretty well – except for the random one about my personal life. I wasn’t expecting it, so it threw me for a loop.

58. At the drop of a hat

• Meaning: Immediately or without hesitation.
• Example: He’s always ready to help at the drop of a hat.

At the drop of a hat = immediately

59. At the end of your rope

• Meaning: Completely annoyed, exhausted, or desperate, with no more patience or energy.
• Example: After dealing with two disobedient kids all day, I was at the end of my rope. 

60. Pipe down!

• Meaning: Be quiet!
• Example: Hey kids, pipe down! This is a library and people are trying to study.

61. Cross that bridge when you come to it

• Meaning: To deal with a problem or worry about something when it actually happens.
• Example: I’m not sure what to do if I fail the test, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

62. Drop the ball

• Meaning: To make a mistake or fail to do something properly.
• Example: He dropped the ball by forgetting to send the important email on time.

63. Elephant in the room

• Meaning: An obvious problem or issue that no one wants to address.
• Example: We need to talk about the budget cuts; it’s the elephant in the room.

64. Get off on the wrong foot

• Meaning: To start a relationship or situation poorly or with a misunderstanding.
• Example: We got off on the wrong foot, but we can still work things out and improve our communication.

65. Go down in flames

• Meaning: To fail spectacularly or experience a significant defeat or failure.
• Example: Their new product launch went down in flames, and they lost a lot of money.

Go down in flames = Fail spectacularly

66. Go with the flow

• Meaning: To adapt to a situation or accept things as they come.
• Example: I don’t have a specific plan for the weekend; I’ll just go with the flow and see what happens.

67. Hang in there

• Meaning: To persevere or keep going despite difficulties or challenges.
• Example: I know it’s tough, but hang in there; things will get better.

68. In hot water

• Meaning: In trouble or facing difficulties due to a mistake or wrongdoing.
• Example: He found himself in hot water after missing an important deadline.

69. Jump on the bandwagon

• Meaning: To join or support something that is currently popular or successful.
• Example: Everyone is using that new social media platform, so I decided to jump on the bandwagon.

70. Kick the bucket

• Meaning: Die (very informal)
• Example: I’d love to visit Jamaica someday before I kick the bucket.

Kick the bucket = die (very informal/casual)

71. Swallow something hook, line, and sinker

• Meaning: To believe something completely – usually something that is not true.
• Example: When I got back late from the party, I told my mom I had been studying for a final exam at a friend’s house. She swallowed it hook, line, and sinker.

72. Show your true colors

• Meaning: Reveal the true nature of your character
• Example: When things get stressful, that’s when people start to show their true colors

73. On thin ice

• Meaning: In a dangerous situation.
• Example: He’s on thin ice with his boss after making multiple mistakes.

74. Play it by ear

• Meaning: To decide or act based on the situation as it develops, rather than having a fixed plan.
• Example: We don’t have a specific itinerary; we’ll just play it by ear and see what we feel like doing.

75. Save your breath

• Meaning: To stop wasting your time and effort saying things that won’t have any effect.
• Example: Trying to convince him to change his mind is pointless; save your breath.

76. Steal the show

• Meaning: To attract the most attention or praise.
• Example: Her performance was incredible; she stole the show with her singing and dancing.

77. Take it with a grain of salt

• Meaning: To receive/consider information with skepticism or doubt.
• Example: I heard a rumor, but I took it with a grain of salt until I had more information.

Take it with a grain of salt = Not completely believe it

78. clear as mud

• Meaning: information or communication is NOT clear at all.
• Example: My friend tried to explain how to get to his house, but his directions were as clear as mud and we got lost.

79. jump the gun

• Meaning: Do something too early, before the appropriate time
• Example: She jumped the gun and announced the winner before the final results were officially declared.

80. get your wires crossed

• Meaning: Have a miscommunication
• Example: We must have gotten our wires crossed – I wanted you to come at 7 PM, not 7 AM.

Get your wires crossed = Have a miscommunication or misunderstanding

81. Throw caution to the wind

• Meaning: To take a risk or act without considering the potential consequences.
• Example: Despite her friends’ warnings, she decided to throw caution to the wind and quit her job to pursue her passion.

82. Lose your touch

• Meaning: To lose the skill or ability that one once had.
• Example: After years of not playing the piano, he realized he had lost his touch and struggled to play a simple melody.

83. Off the chain

• Meaning: Refers to something that is exciting, exceptional, or out of control.
• Example: The concert last night was off the chain! The energy in the crowd was unbelievable.

84. Eyeball it

• Meaning: To estimate or measure something by using one’s judgment or visual assessment.
• Example: We didn’t have a ruler, so we had to eyeball the length of the table and hope it would fit in the room.

85. Spice things up

• Meaning: To add excitement or variety to a situation or relationship.
• Example: Let’s try a new restaurant tonight to spice things up.

86. Bring home the bacon

• Meaning: To earn a living or provide financial support for one’s family.
• Example: She works two jobs to bring home the bacon and support her children.

Bring home the bacon = Earn money to support a family

87. Nip something in the bud

• Meaning: To stop or prevent a problem or situation from developing further.
• Example: My 5-year-old started telling lies; we had to discipline her to nip that habit in the bud.

88. The last straw

• Meaning: The final event or action that makes a situation unbearable or prompts a strong reaction.
• Example: When he forgot their anniversary, it was the last straw for her, and she decided to end the relationship.

89. A whole new ballgame

• Meaning: A completely different situation or set of circumstances.
• Example: We had to change our lifestyle after we had kids – it was a whole new ballgame.

90. Burn the midnight oil

• Meaning: To work or study late into the night.
• Example: I’m exhausted because I was burning the midnight oil yesterday.

Burn the midnight oil = Stay up very late, usually working or studying

91. Between a rock and a hard place

• Meaning: Trapped in a difficult or impossible situation, having to choose between two unfavorable options.
• Example: She was between a rock and a hard place when both job offers required her to relocate.

92. Play devil’s advocate

• Meaning: Argue an opposing perspective in order to generate critical thinking or debate.
• Example: I know everyone’s in favor of this plan, but let me play devil’s advocate – what will we do if it all goes wrong?

93. Put your foot in your mouth

• Meaning: To say something embarrassing, inappropriate, or offensive by accident.
• Example: I put my foot in my mouth when I asked her if she was pregnant, but she wasn’t.

94. Get a grip

• Meaning: To regain control over one’s emotions or behavior.
• Example: He needs to get a grip and stop letting his anger affect his relationships.

95. Piece of work

• Meaning: Used to describe someone who is difficult, eccentric, or challenging to deal with.
• Example: I love my cousin, but she’s a real piece of work – she gets offended over the slightest things.

96. Put someone on the spot

• Meaning: To ask someone a difficult question or request an immediate response, often in a public or challenging situation.
• Example: During the meeting, the boss put him on the spot by asking him to present his idea without any preparation.

Put someone on the spot = ask someone a difficult question in front of others

97. a night owl

• Meaning: Someone who likes to stay up late.
• Example: My son’s a night owl – he never goes to bed before 2 AM.

98. has seen better days

• Meaning: Something is old and in not-so-great condition.
• Example: I’ve had this car for over fifteen years… it’s seen better days.

99. get bent out of shape

• Meaning: Become angry, upset or offended, especially about something which in your opinion doesn’t justify such a reaction.
• Example: My roommate is a neat freak, and he gets bent out of shape if I leave a single spoon on the kitchen counter.

100. Play your cards right

• Meaning: Use your resources in a way that leads to success.
• Example: Your supervisor really likes you. If you play your cards right , you could get promoted soon.

Now you know 100 common idiomatic expressions and their meanings. I hope these idioms + examples are helpful!

• Learn more: List of idioms with their definitions

You’ll learn lots more idioms & examples in my 300+ Idioms Course !

This course is an EFFECTIVE way to learn and practice common idiomatic expressions in the English language. It’s not just a list of idioms – instead, each lesson helps you learn the expressions more actively.

The lessons start by showing you examples of idioms in sentences, and you’ll try to guess what they mean from the context. Then, you can watch a video where I teach the idioms’ meanings. Next, try a quiz to see how well you remember the idiomatic expressions. Finally, there are short-answer questions to help you practice using these common idioms yourself – and you can get feedback and correction from an Espresso English teacher!

More Espresso English Lessons:

About the author.

Shayna Oliveira

Shayna Oliveira is the founder of Espresso English, where you can improve your English fast - even if you don’t have much time to study. Millions of students are learning English from her clear, friendly, and practical lessons! Shayna is a CELTA-certified teacher with 10+ years of experience helping English learners become more fluent in her English courses.

do one's homework

do one's homework ( third-person singular simple present does one's homework , present participle doing one's homework , simple past did one's homework , past participle done one's homework )

• 2009 , Colin Thatcher, Final Appeal: Anatomy of a Frame : As the hearing went on, Harradence impressed me. When the judge asked for his comment on an issue, Harradence had clearly done his homework and was never taken by surprise.
• Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see do ,‎ homework .

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School Idioms: 10 Useful Idioms Relating to School for ESL Learners

By: Author English Study Online

Posted on Last updated: November 1, 2023

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Welcome to our article on school idioms! If you’re learning English, you may have come across some idioms related to school and education. These expressions are not only useful for understanding native speakers, but they can also make your English sound more natural and fluent. In this article, we’ll explore some common school idioms and provide examples to help you understand how to use them in context.

Table of Contents

School Idioms

In this section, we will cover some of the most common school idioms that you may encounter in an English-speaking classroom. These idioms are not only useful for understanding what your teacher or classmates are saying, but they can also help you improve your English skills.

School Idiom – Image

Classroom Related Idioms

Classroom-related idioms are idioms that are used to describe situations that happen in the classroom. Here are some examples:

• Teacher’s pet : This idiom is used to describe a student who is the teacher’s favorite. They may get special treatment or be given easier tasks.
• Raise your hand : This idiom means to lift your hand in the air to indicate that you have a question or comment.
• Be in hot water : This idiom means to be in trouble or facing consequences for something you did wrong.

Homework Related Idioms

Homework-related idioms are idioms that are used to describe situations related to homework or studying. Here are some examples:

• Burn the midnight oil : This idiom means to stay up late at night to study or do homework.
• Hit the books : This idiom means to study or do homework.
• Draw a blank : This idiom means to be unable to remember or think of something.

Exam Related Idioms

Exam-related idioms are idioms that are used to describe situations related to exams or tests. Here are some examples:

• Pass with flying colors : This idiom means to pass an exam or test with a very high score.
• Cram for an exam : This idiom means to study intensively for an exam in a short amount of time.
• Blank out : This idiom means to forget everything you studied during an exam.

Learning these common school idioms can help you better understand English and communicate more effectively in the classroom. Practice using them in conversations with your classmates and teachers to improve your fluency and confidence in English.

Idioms About Learning

Learning is a never-ending process, and we all require it to grow and succeed in life. In this section, we will explore some of the most commonly used idioms related to learning.

Learning Process Idioms

Learning can be a challenging process, and sometimes, we need to push ourselves to keep going. Here are some idioms that describe the learning process:

• Hit the books:  This idiom means to study hard or to start studying.
• Burn the midnight oil:  This idiom means to study or work late into the night.
• Learn the ropes:  This idiom means to learn the basics or to become familiar with a new situation.
• Get the hang of it:  This idiom means to become skilled or proficient at something.

Achievement Idioms

Learning is not just about the process, but also about the achievements we make along the way. Here are some idioms that describe academic achievement:

• Pass with flying colors:  This idiom means to pass a test or exam with a very high score.
• Ace a test:  This idiom means to do extremely well on a test or exam.
• Make the grade:  This idiom means to meet a certain standard or to achieve a particular level of success.
• Brainy:  This idiom means to be exceptionally intelligent or smart.

Learning can be a challenging process, but with the right attitude and effort, we can achieve great things. By using these idioms, we can express our experiences and achievements in a more interesting and engaging way.

List of Common School Idioms/Phrases

Using Idioms in Everyday Conversations

As we have seen, idioms are an essential part of everyday English conversations. They add color, humor, and depth to our language, making it more interesting and engaging. However, using idioms correctly can be tricky, especially for non-native speakers.

The key to using idioms effectively is to understand their meanings and contexts. Idioms often have a figurative meaning that is different from their literal meaning, so it’s important to learn them in context. For example, the idiom “hit the books” means to study hard, but it wouldn’t make sense if taken literally.

One way to learn idioms is to read books, watch movies, and listen to music in English. These sources often use idioms in context, which can help you understand their meanings and usage. You can also use online resources, such as idiom dictionaries and quizzes, to practice using idioms.

Another important aspect of using idioms is knowing when and where to use them. Idioms are often used in informal contexts, such as conversations with friends and family. They may not be appropriate in formal contexts, such as job interviews or business meetings. It’s important to use your judgment and consider the context before using an idiom.

Finally, it’s essential to practice using idioms in conversation. The more you use them, the more natural they will become. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – it’s all part of the learning process. With practice and patience, you will become more confident in using idioms in everyday conversations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common idioms used in school settings?

In school settings, there are many idioms that are commonly used. Some of the most common idioms include “hit the books,” “ace a test,” “pass with flying colors,” and “learn the ropes.” These idioms are used to describe studying, doing well on a test, succeeding, and becoming familiar with something new.

What are some idioms that kids can easily learn?

Kids can easily learn idioms that are related to school and education. Some of the most common school idioms that kids can easily learn include “piece of cake,” “teacher’s pet,” “bookworm,” and “class clown.” These idioms are used to describe something that is easy, a student who is the favorite of the teacher, a student who loves to read, and a student who is always making jokes.

How can English learners best understand and use school idioms?

English learners can best understand and use school idioms by practicing them in context. It’s important to learn the meaning of each idiom, as well as when and how to use them. One way to practice is to read books, watch movies, and listen to songs that use school idioms. Another way is to practice using them in conversations with native speakers.

What are some back-to-school idioms and their meanings?

There are many back-to-school idioms that are commonly used. Some of the most popular back-to-school idioms include “back to the grindstone ,” “hit the ground running,” “get into the swing of things,” and “put one’s nose to the grindstone.” These idioms are used to describe returning to school and getting back into the routine of studying and learning.

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Idiom Examples and Exercises An Introduction to Common Idioms for Students

Many students preparing for university request help understanding common idioms for language learning.

In this introduction there are several simple idiom examples with definitions, examples sentences to show use, example use in conversation and idiom exercises.

What is an Idiom?

• a group of words,
• that have a different meaning,
• when together,

Common Idioms

• jump the gun
• kill two birds with one stone
• under the weather
• spill the beans / don’t spill the beans
• bite your tongue
• keep your chin up
• hit the books

Idiom Definitions

• Jump the gun: to do something too soon, before the right time
• Hit the books: to study or do homework
• Keep your chin up : to remain positive and not get down during difficult times
• Kill two birds with one stone : to do two things at the same time
• Under the weather : feeling unwell
• Don’t spill the beans : do not reveal the secret information
• Bite your tongue : to stop yourself from speaking

Example Sentences

• Tommy j umped the gun and started eating his dessert before finishing his dinner.
• Sarah has a big test tomorrow, so she needs to hit the books tonight to prepare.
• Even though he lost the game, Tim kept his chin up and congratulated the winner.
• Mom decided to go grocery shopping on her way home from work to kill two birds with one stone .
• Jenny stayed home from school today because she’s feeling a bit under the weather .
• Tina promised her friend she wouldn’t spill the beans about the surprise party.
• Even though he was angry, Jack decided to bite his tongue and not say anything hurtful.

Example Conversations

Samantha : “I can’t wait for the pizza to arrive. Can I have a slice now?” Mom : “Not yet, Samantha. Let’s wait for everyone to sit down first. Don’t jump the gun!“

Johnny : “I have a spelling test tomorrow, but I want to play video games.” Dad : “Johnny, you need to hit the books and study for your test before you can play.“

Amy : “I lost my favorite toy at the park today.” Friend : “Don’t be sad, Amy. Keep your chin up. Maybe we can look for it together tomorrow.”

Mom : “We need to buy bread for sandwiches and milk for cereal. Let’s go to the grocery store.” Sarah : “Can we also get some apples for my snack? That way we can kill two birds with one stone.“

Teacher : “Tommy, you look tired today. Are you feeling okay?” Tommy : “Not really, Teacher. I’m feeling a little under the weather.“

Sara : “I have a surprise gift for Mom’s birthday!” Brother : “Shh, Sara! Don’t spill the beans. It’s a secret!“

Dad : “Mom made broccoli for dinner tonight, and I don’t like it.” Mom : “Dad, remember to bite your tongue. We should try new foods and be polite.”

Idiom Exercises

Identify the correct idiom.

Delete the incorrect idiom:

• I have a headache today and feel a little dizzy, so I’m (under the weather / hitting the books).
• When you are taking a test, it’s important to (keep your chin up / spill the beans) and do your best.
• If you want to finish two tasks at the same time, you can (jump the gun / kill two birds with one stone).
• When you want to say something but it might hurt someone’s feelings, it’s better to __________ (bite your tongue / hit the books) instead.
• My sister loves to talk and sometimes she (jumps the gun / spills the beans) about surprises before they happen.
• If you are feeling sad, it’s important to (keep your chin up / kill two birds with one stone) and find things that make you happy.
• When you have a secret, it’s important to (bite your tongue / hit the books) and not tell anyone.

Complete the Sentence with the Correct Idiom

Fill in the blanks:

• I’m feeling a bit __________ today, so I think I’ll stay home and rest.
• If you want to finish your homework quickly and have time to play, try to __________ and do your chores at the same time.
• My mom told me not to __________ and tell my brother about his surprise party.
• When you want to say something, but it might hurt someone’s feelings, it’s better to __________ instead.
• If you’re feeling down, try to __________ and think positively.
• When you have a big test coming up, it’s important to __________ and study hard.
• During a race, if you start running before the signal, you will __________ and get disqualified.

Give an Example with Idiom Use

Give an example of a situation where someone might need to:

• “jump the gun”
• “bite your tongue”
• “keep their chin up”
• “kill two birds with one stone”
• “hit the books“

Example #1: starting to build a house before the land has been properly surveyed and approved for building.

Reading Comprehension Exercises

The English for study skills lessons will have a section to improve reading skills. Follow this link to read the reading texts and answer the simple reading comprehension questions .

Comprehensive List of Idioms

If you are interested in learning idiom then visit our special page where you will find many idioms with the definitions and example sentences.

English Idiom Exercises

English for Study Skills

Synonyms for Do one's homework

Idioms  - 3.

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Grammar & Usage , Teaching with Ellii

8 ways to practice idioms in class.

Tanya Trusler March 12, 2015

Idioms are pervasive in the English language, especially in TV shows and movies. Almost all students love idioms, and they generally enjoy learning these fun, wacky expressions of ours. But English learners know that idioms can be difficult to learn and remember because the words or phrases don’t literally match the meanings. Luckily, there are a variety of fun ways to practice idioms. Try some of my favorite methods below, and please share your favorite techniques in our comments section.

With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner (March 17), we’re featuring our Lucky Idioms poster this month. But the ideas below can be used with any list of idioms that you want to practice in class!

When you hang our idioms posters (or ones your students have created) around your class, your learners will be exposed to them daily. Being able to visualize the idioms is very helpful for retention! Our premade posters include:

• Lucky Idioms
• Spring & Easter Idioms
• Love Idioms

2. Make Your Own Posters

Have students make their own posters! Choose a list of idioms, such as the “green” idioms from page 7 of St. Patrick’s Day lesson  (Int – High Int). Get your learners to follow a similar style to our posters (e.g.,  Lucky Idioms ) where they write the idioms and draw an image that represents the idiomatic meaning (have them try to include the literal meaning as well, if they can). This creative exercise will help students visualize and retain the meanings, and you can decorate your classroom with all the posters.

Writing dialogues and presenting skits is a fun, entertaining way to practice idioms, and students will get a lot of exposure both by writing their own dialogues and watching their classmates’ skits. Break your class into pairs or groups and assign about five idioms that they must include in their dialogues. Try to have more than one pair/group use the same idioms—this will ensure students are exposed to the idioms a few times in different contexts.

Write out a list of idioms and definitions that you’ve been studying in class. Or, better yet, have pairs or small groups of students write out the definitions in their own words. Cut up the word lists, hand them to another pair or group, and get students to match up the idioms and meanings. You could make this a weekly task where students have to bring in five idioms on a certain topic (they can find idioms and the meanings on the Internet, but encourage them to write the definitions in their own words to demonstrate their understanding).

5. Speaking

Sharing a personal experience really helps to plant an idiom firmly in your students' minds. Put students into small groups, give them a list of idioms, and have each student choose one idiom. They will then talk about (or make up) an experience where that idiom applied to them.

Use one or more of the idioms as a prompt for a story that students can write in class or for homework. Try having students share and discuss their stories in small groups the next day—it’s a good way to include pronunciation and speaking practice into this writing assignment. When you check their work, seeing the idiom(s) explained in context will let you know if the student has truly understood the meaning(s).

Put students into pairs or small groups, and have them create a quiz for another pair/group. They should write at least five sentences that demonstrate an idiom in context, along with a blank where the idiom would be written in. Exchange papers with another pair/group, or make copies and have all the pairs/groups do one another’s quizzes. Alternatively, to save paper, the pairs/groups could take turns writing their quizzes on the board.

She _______ that she wasn’t seriously injured in the car accident yesterday.

Answer: thanked her lucky stars

8. TV Shows

Thirty‑minute sitcoms are generally full of idioms! More advanced learners will enjoy watching a show together in class and making note of all the idioms they hear (make sure you make notes as well because they often miss a bunch). Go over the meanings after the show. See if your students can guess the meaning of the idiom based on the context of the scene—they are often surprised that they can, which gives them a lot of confidence.

• St. Patrick’s Day (Beg) Lesson
• St. Patrick’s Day (Int – Hight Int) Lesson
• Discussion Starters lesson plan on Luck
• Saint Patrick’s or St. Patrick’s? Paddy or Patty?
• Break a Leg – 7 Exam Tips for English Learners

Be sure to try our lesson series that focus on English idioms: Everyday Idioms 1 (A Love Story), Everyday Idioms 2 (First Year of University), Everyday Idioms 3 (Moving to New York), Detective Series 1 (The Case of the Missing Ring), and Detective Series 2 (False Alarm).

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Comments (14)

Peter (Guest)

March 14, 2015 at 6:49 pm

Yes, playing with idioms in class is fun but it is important to point out that idioms are mainly used in spoken language and very rarely in formal writing. All too often students use informal language in essay writing as a result of a lack of awareness of informal vs formal language and spoken vs written language. Context is everything. Thanks for the material though!

Reply to Comment

Tanya Trusler (Author)

March 17, 2015 at 9:22 pm

You bring up a great point, Peter! I agree that reminding students that idioms are used mainly in informal language is important. Students will hear them on TV and in movies, and they can use them in conversation, but they are not common in formal writing.

Something else I didn't mention in my post was how often to practice idioms in class. I usually did one activity a week, and only in my listening/conversation afternoon class, not in my morning four-skills class. I practiced them occasionally with my TOEFL students too since they come up in the speaking (dialogue) portions of the test.

Idioms are fun and students enjoy them, so I believe it's good to practice them (especially with higher-level students), but not every day or at the expense of the other major skills. Thanks for your insightful comment!

maria (Guest)

March 15, 2015 at 1:24 pm

thanks!!! it's really useful I'm going to use some ideas for teaching vocabulary as well! Thanks a lot

March 17, 2015 at 9:15 pm

Thanks, Maria! That's a great idea. I also blogged about vocabulary activities (and used some of the ideas for the idioms post too): https://blog.ellii.com/2012/09/20/4-ways-to-teach-new-vocabulary/ https://blog.ellii.com/2012/09/28/4-activities-for-reviewing-vocabulary/ Hope those posts are useful for you too. :)

Doris J. (Teacher)

March 15, 2015 at 9:42 pm

Good morning, a quick note to thank you all for the great ideas about working with idioms it is very appreciated, keep the good work, this helps save a lot of time,

Sincerely Doris

March 17, 2015 at 9:13 pm

Thanks for your kind comment, Doris! I'm happy to hear it.

Manjusha Sagrolikar (Guest)

May 12, 2015 at 7:10 pm

very useful ideas are there with keeping these things in our mind all this kind of treatment should be needed with our books

May 12, 2015 at 9:11 pm

Thank you, Manjusha!

Diana (Guest)

May 15, 2015 at 2:33 am

I'm a newbie ESOL training specialist in Cleveland and your website has been invaluable to me! Thank you.

May 15, 2015 at 3:19 am

We're so happy to hear that, Diana! Thanks for taking the time to comment. Best of luck to you!

Rui Castro D. (Teacher)

November 30, 2015 at 5:20 pm

Okay, that is fine but necessary to get some really english texts it can help to improve more than only newsletter

December 1, 2015 at 12:28 am

Using realia is always a great idea! You could easily find idioms in context in TV shows and movies. There are a lot of examples in printed materials, too, but they may be harder to find. I hope teachers will share any good examples here!

Stéphanie (Guest)

March 2, 2018 at 12:25 am

I’m also new at this, so these great ideas are a tremendous help !

March 2, 2018 at 4:34 am

I'm happy to hear it, Stéphanie! Best of luck to you at the start of your teaching journey.

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• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of do your homework in English

Do your homework.

• batten down the hatches idiom
• break someone in
• bug-out bag
• build (someone/something) up
• gear (someone/something) up
• get/have your ducks in a row idiom
• gird your self idiom
• preparation
• roll up your sleeves idiom
• set something up
• set the scene/stage idiom

Translations of do your homework

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Word of the Day

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an area of land that has not been used to grow crops or had towns and roads built on it, especially because it is difficult to live in as a result of its extremely cold or hot weather or bad earth

Fakes and forgeries (Things that are not what they seem to be)

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do homework vs do one's homework

• Thread starter vtg81
• Start date Jan 20, 2012

Senior Member

• Jan 20, 2012

Hello I would like to know whether these sentences are both correct? "I hardly ever do my homework." "I hardly ever do homework ." Thank you in advance.  

Both are correct. The pronoun "my" is unnecessary since it is assumed that one is doing his/her own homework. But it is not incorrect to include it as a qualifier.  

• Jan 21, 2012

vtg81 said: "I hardly ever do my homework." "I hardly ever do homework ." Click to expand...

Member Emeritus

"I hardly ever do my homework." "I hardly ever do homework ." Click to expand...