Learning Idioms and Phrases

Skill Building

Learn how to use Youglish.com to see words and phrases in action.

Animal Idioms

The straw that broke the camel's back

The final small thing, along with a collection of other issues, that caused a major problem.

Elephant in the room

Something that is important or controversial but no one wants to talk about.

Kill two birds with one stone

To do two things with one action to save time or be efficient.

Canary in the coal mine

Something that is a warning sign for more dangerous outcomes.

Crocodile tears

Fake tears or remorse to seem supportive.

A leopard can't change its spots

You cannot change who you are.

You can't teach an old dog new tricks

It is hard for people to change their ways, especially older people.

You can lead a horse to water
(but you can't make it drink)

People will do as they please no matter how hard you try.

Jump the shark

To do something that marks the end of something being great.