Idioms: feelings and people
Idioms like over the moon, break the ice and see eye to eye.
English has lots of idioms for describing how people feel and how they get on with each other. They are perfect for the Speaking test – for example when you talk about your friends or describe a photo – and for informal emails and stories. Most idioms are informal: they sound natural when you speak and in informal emails, articles and reviews, but can sound out of place in an essay or a report. Look at the label next to each one.
How you feel
Getting on with people
Say it with an idiom
The same idea, first in plain English, then with an idiom.
- Plain: I was very happy with my result.With an idiom: I was over the moon with my result.Great in Speaking and informal writing.
- Plain: I was nervous before the interview.With an idiom: I had butterflies in my stomach before the interview.More vivid.
- Plain: We liked each other immediately.With an idiom: We got on like a house on fire.Very natural when talking about friends.
- Plain: I can't decide whether to go.With an idiom: I'm in two minds about going.Shows a good range of language in Speaking.
Idioms are especially useful in Speaking Part 1 (talking about yourself) and Part 3 (discussing with your partner). 'I'm in two minds about that' is a natural way to give yourself time to think.
Quick check
Choose the best answer.
🇪🇸 Guía en español: Los 40 phrasal verbs más útiles para el B2 First →