This is lesson 26 from Idiom Part 2. Each idiom is followed by its definition and examples. After you learn them, you can use them in your daily conversation.
Previous English Idiom Lesson
In our previous English idiom lesson, we cover below:
English Idiom Part 2- Lesson 26- Idioms about Numbers
1- Two’s company, three’s a crowd: It means a third person is not welcome when two people (such as two lovers) want to be alone with each other
Well, I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone. Two’s company, three’s a crowd.
2- It knocked me for six = Shocked or upset me greatly.
When I heard the news about her resignation, it knocked me for six.
3- At the eleventh hour = At the very last possible moment.
He submitted his assignment at the eleventh hour.
4- In seventh heaven! = Extremely happy or joyful.
When I got the job offer, I was in seventh heaven!
5- On cloud nine = Very happy and content.
Ever since the wedding, he’s been on cloud nine.
6- Third time lucky! = The third attempt will succeed after two failures.
I’ve failed the test twice, but hopefully it’s third time lucky!
7- Ten a penny = Very common and of little value.
Influencers are ten a penny these days. It’s hard to stand out.
8- Second to none = The best; better than everything else.
Her dedication to her students is second to none.
9- Have second thoughts = To doubt or reconsider a decision.
I agreed to move abroad, but now I’m having second thoughts.
10- Back to square one = Returning to the beginning after a failed attempt.
The negotiations failed, so we’re back to square one.
11- Two heads are better than one = It’s easier or better to solve a problem when two people work together.
I asked my colleague to help because two heads are better than one when it comes to brainstorming ideas.
12- Kill two birds with one stone = To accomplish two tasks with a single effort.
By dropping off the mail on my way to work, I managed to kill two birds with one stone.
13- In two minds = Being undecided or unsure about something.
I’m in two minds about whether to accept the job offer or stay where I am.
14- Put two and two together = To draw a logical conclusion from the facts you know.
When she didn’t answer my calls and I saw her car at the airport, I put two and two together.
15- First come, first served = People will be dealt with in the order they arrive, and latecomers may miss out.
Tickets are limited, so it’s first come, first served.
16- Once bitten, twice shy = After having a bad experience, you are more cautious in the future.
I don’t want to invest in that again once bitten, twice shy.
17- Not in a million years = Absolutely never; very unlikely to happen.
I’d go skydiving? Not in a million years!
18- Once in a lifetime = Very rare; only likely to happen once in someone’s life.
Traveling to Antarctica was a once in a lifetime experience for her.
19- Once and for all = Finally, absolutely, and decisively.
He settled the argument once and for all by showing them the contract.
20- Once or twice = A small number of times; occasionally.
I’ve only met her once or twice, so I don’t know her well.
21- Once is enough = One experience was sufficient, often because it was unpleasant.
I tried skydiving, but once is enough I don’t plan to do it again.
22- Once in a blue moon = Very rarely; hardly ever.
We only get to see each other once in a blue moon since he moved abroad.
23- Once in a while = Occasionally; from time to time.
I like to go hiking once in a while to clear my mind.
24- It takes two to tango = Both people involved in a situation must take responsibility, especially in conflicts or relationships.
Don’t blame her alone; they’re both at fault; it takes two to tango.
Next English Idiom Lesson
In our next English idiom lesson, we cover below:
Related Idioms
Here is the list of idioms related to this lesson.
Idiom Part 2 Outline
If you wish to explore all lessons that are covered in HiCafe Idiom Part 2, you can visit the Essential and Popular English idioms- Part 2 page.
English Fluency Resources
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