Learn 20 common English idioms that will help you sound like a native speaker.

Top 20 English Idioms

If you describe something as a white elephant, you mean that it is a waste of money because it is completely useless.

"The new office block has become an expensive white elephant."

If you refer to an untrue statement as a white lie, you mean that it is made to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to avoid trouble, and not for an evil purpose.

"A little white lie is surely excusable."

White-collar workers work in offices rather than doing physical work such as making things in factories or building things.

"White-collar workers now work longer hours."

Blue-collar workers work in industry, doing physical work, rather than in offices.

"These facilities employed thousands of blue-collar workers."

If something happens out of the blue, it happens unexpectedly.

"One of them wrote to us out of the blue several years later."

Very rarely, almost never.

"Once in a blue moon, there's an issue I can't resolve."

A feeling of sadness or depression.

"Leave me alone. I really have the blues today."

If you say that someone has blue blood, you mean that they are from a family that has a high social rank.

"It is crystal clear what they want: they want blood - blue blood."

To go out and enjoy yourself by drinking alcohol, dancing, laughing with friends.

"I'm ready to paint the town red with a few of my closest friends."

Official rules and processes that seem unnecessary and delay results.

"We must cut through the red tape."

To give someone a special welcome and treat them very well.

"We'll roll out the red carpet for the senator."

Afact, idea, or subject that takes people's attention away from the central point being considered.

"The police investigated many clues, but they were all red herrings."

To catch someone while they are doing something illegal or wrong.

"In fact, the burglar wasn't inside the flat, but on the roof, and was caught red-handed by the police."

To inherit wealth or social standing. To have a high social position and be rich from birth.

"It's obvious that he wasn't raised with a silver spoon."

A chance to do something that is likely to be successful and rewarding.

"This is one golden opportunity we must not waste."

A golden parachute is an agreement to pay a large amount of money to a senior executive of a company if they are forced to leave.

"He was also awarded a golden parachute worth $15 m."

Wishing very much that you had what someone else has.

"When I heard about his new job I was green with envy."

To give permission for something to happen.

"And you could get the green light for a project that means a lot to the family."

A situation that is not clear or where the rules are not known. 

"At the moment, the law on compensation is very much a grey area."

A person who has done something bad that brings embarrassment or shame to his or her family.

"He's the black sheep of the family."