Learning idioms and expressions is essential for becoming fluent in English. Idioms are phrases where the meaning isn’t obvious from the words themselves, and they add color and depth to conversations. For Hindi speakers, understanding and using English idioms can be challenging because these expressions often don’t translate directly. However, mastering them can greatly improve your speaking and listening skills, making your English sound more natural and engaging.
Guruji Sunil Chaudhary (Suniltams), a leading digital success coach and founder of Guruji English Classes, has compiled a list of commonly used English idioms and expressions that every Hindi speaker should know. In this blog, Suniltams explains the meanings of these idioms, provides Hindi translations, and shares examples to help you learn how to use them correctly. Let’s explore these expressions and start adding them to your English vocabulary!
1. A Piece of Cake
- Meaning: Something that is very easy to do.
- Hindi Translation: बहुत आसान काम
- Example: The exam was a piece of cake. I finished it in just 20 minutes.
- Hindi Example: परीक्षा बहुत आसान थी। मैंने इसे सिर्फ 20 मिनट में खत्म कर लिया।
Tips from Suniltams
“When you use idioms like ‘a piece of cake,’ it shows that you understand the nuances of English. Start using simple idioms in your daily conversations to make your language more engaging,” suggests Guruji Sunil Chaudhary.
2. Break the Ice
- Meaning: To start a conversation in a social situation, especially with someone you don’t know.
- Hindi Translation: बातचीत की शुरुआत करना
- Example: He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
- Hindi Example: उन्होंने बैठक में बातचीत शुरू करने के लिए एक मजाक किया।
Special Notes from Guruji Sunil Chaudhary
“Using expressions like ‘break the ice’ can help you navigate social situations more comfortably. Practice using it when you meet new people,” says Suniltams.
3. Hit the Nail on the Head
- Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
- Hindi Translation: बिल्कुल सही बात कहना
- Example: You’ve hit the nail on the head. That’s exactly why we need to improve our marketing strategy.
- Hindi Example: आपने बिल्कुल सही कहा। यही कारण है कि हमें अपनी मार्केटिंग रणनीति में सुधार करने की आवश्यकता है।
Tips from Suniltams
“This idiom is great for emphasizing when someone has accurately identified an issue. Use it to show agreement or acknowledgment,” suggests Guruji Sunil Chaudhary.
4. Let the Cat Out of the Bag
- Meaning: To accidentally reveal a secret.
- Hindi Translation: राज़ खोल देना
- Example: She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
- Hindi Example: उसने सरप्राइज़ पार्टी के बारे में राज़ खोल दिया।
Special Notes from Suniltams
“Idioms like ‘let the cat out of the bag’ add flavor to your language. Be careful when using it; make sure the context is right, or it might sound confusing,” advises Suniltams.
5. Under the Weather
- Meaning: Feeling sick or unwell.
- Hindi Translation: अस्वस्थ महसूस करना
- Example: I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’ll stay at home.
- Hindi Example: मैं आज थोड़ा अस्वस्थ महसूस कर रहा हूँ, इसलिए मैं घर पर ही रहूँगा।
Tips from Suniltams
“This is a common expression used when you are not feeling well. It’s a softer way of saying that you are sick,” suggests Guruji Sunil Chaudhary.
6. Once in a Blue Moon
- Meaning: Something that happens very rarely.
- Hindi Translation: बहुत ही कम
- Example: We go out for dinner once in a blue moon.
- Hindi Example: हम बहुत ही कम बाहर खाना खाने जाते हैं।
Special Notes from Guruji Sunil Chaudhary
“Use ‘once in a blue moon’ to describe rare events. It’s a fun way to emphasize how infrequent something is,” advises Suniltams.
7. Bite the Bullet
- Meaning: To do something difficult or unpleasant that you have been avoiding.
- Hindi Translation: कठिनाई झेलना या कठिन कार्य को स्वीकार करना
- Example: I hate going to the dentist, but I’ll have to bite the bullet and go.
- Hindi Example: मुझे डेंटिस्ट के पास जाना पसंद नहीं है, लेकिन मुझे मजबूरी में जाना पड़ेगा।
Tips from Suniltams
“Expressions like ‘bite the bullet’ make your language sound more idiomatic and native-like. Practice using it when you talk about facing challenges,” suggests Guruji Sunil Chaudhary.
8. The Ball is in Your Court
- Meaning: It’s your decision or responsibility to take action.
- Hindi Translation: अब फैसला आपके हाथ में है
- Example: I’ve done all I can; now the ball is in your court.
- Hindi Example: मैंने जो भी कर सकता था, कर दिया है; अब फैसला आपके हाथ में है।
Special Notes from Guruji Sunil Chaudhary
“This idiom is often used in business or negotiations. It’s a polite way of saying that someone else needs to make the next move,” says Suniltams.
9. Cost an Arm and a Leg
- Meaning: Something that is very expensive.
- Hindi Translation: बहुत महंगा
- Example: The new smartphone cost me an arm and a leg.
- Hindi Example: नया स्मार्टफोन बहुत महंगा था।
Tips from Suniltams
“‘Cost an arm and a leg’ is a colorful way to talk about expensive things. Use it in casual conversations to add some flair,” advises Guruji Sunil Chaudhary.
10. Throw in the Towel
- Meaning: To give up or stop trying.
- Hindi Translation: हार मान लेना
- Example: After trying to solve the problem for hours, I finally threw in the towel.
- Hindi Example: घंटों कोशिश करने के बाद, मैंने आखिरकार हार मान ली।
Special Notes from Guruji Sunil Chaudhary
“Learning to use idioms like ‘throw in the towel’ shows that you have a deeper understanding of English. It’s often used in sports or competitive situations,” suggests Suniltams.
11. Burning the Midnight Oil
- Meaning: To work late into the night.
- Hindi Translation: रात भर काम करना
- Example: She’s been burning the midnight oil to finish her project.
- Hindi Example: वह अपनी परियोजना को पूरा करने के लिए रात भर काम कर रही है।
Tips from Suniltams
“Use this expression to talk about hard work and dedication. It’s a great way to describe late-night efforts,” says Guruji Sunil Chaudhary.
12. Hit the Books
- Meaning: To study hard.
- Hindi Translation: कड़ी मेहनत से पढ़ाई करना
- Example: I have an exam next week, so I need to hit the books.
- Hindi Example: मुझे अगले हफ्ते परीक्षा है, इसलिए मुझे कड़ी मेहनत से पढ़ाई करनी है।
Special Notes from Guruji Sunil Chaudhary
“‘Hit the books’ is a popular expression among students. Use it to talk about serious study time,” advises Suniltams.
13. Kick the Bucket
- Meaning: To die (informal and often humorous).
- Hindi Translation: मृत्यु होना (मज़ाकिया अंदाज में)
- Example: He’s not that old, but he talks like he’s about to kick the bucket.
- Hindi Example: वह इतना बूढ़ा नहीं है, लेकिन वह ऐसे बात करता है जैसे वह मरने वाला हो।
Tips from Suniltams
“Be cautious when using ‘kick the bucket’ because it can sound disrespectful in serious contexts. It’s best used in a light-hearted or humorous setting,” says Guruji Sunil Chaudhary.
14. Spill the Beans
- Meaning: To reveal a secret.
- Hindi Translation: राज़ खोल देना
- Example: Someone spilled the beans about the surprise party.
- Hindi Example: किसी ने सरप्राइज़ पार्टी के बारे में राज़ खोल दिया।
Special Notes from Guruji Sunil Chaudhary
“Use ‘spill the beans’ when talking about secrets. It’s a playful way to describe revealing information that wasn’t supposed to be shared,” advises Suniltams.
15. Call it a Day
- Meaning: To stop working on something, usually at the end of the workday.
- Hindi Translation: काम बंद करना (विशेषकर दिन के अंत में)
- Example: It’s already 7 PM. Let’s call it a day.
- Hindi Example: पहले से ही 7 बज गए हैं। चलो आज का काम खत्म करते हैं।
Tips from Suniltams
“‘Call it a day’ is a common phrase in the workplace. Use it when you want to suggest stopping work,” advises Guruji Sunil Chaudhary.
Conclusion
Understanding and using English idioms can make your speech more engaging and natural. For Hindi speakers, learning these expressions may seem challenging at first, but with regular practice, you can start using them confidently. By following the explanations and examples shared by Guruji Sunil Chaudhary (Suniltams), you can add these idioms to your vocabulary and make your English conversations more colorful and expressive.
“Learning idioms is like learning the soul of a language. They add depth to your communication and make you sound more fluent. Practice using these idioms in real conversations, and watch how they transform your English,” encourages Suniltams.
For more expert tips, lessons, and guidance on mastering English idioms and expressions, subscribe to Guruji EnglishClasses on YouTube. Keep practicing, stay motivated, and enrich your English vocabulary!