Idioms are those curious turns of phrase that don’t quite mean what they say — yet they carry centuries of culture, history, and imagination inside them. They give language its color and rhythm, turning ordinary speech into something lively and memorable. Take the idiom “The writing is on the wall,” for example: it doesn’t literally mean words painted on bricks, but rather a warning sign that trouble is coming.
In this quiz, you’ll encounter both well-loved classics and a few trickier gems that might surprise you. Along the way, you’ll discover the quirky origins and hidden meanings behind each expression. Ready to see just how fluent you are in the art of idioms?
Quiz
Quiz :
💡 So, What Are Idioms?
Idioms are more than just quirky sayings - they’re cultural snapshots. They capture humour, wisdom, and everyday experiences in ways that literal language never could. Because their meanings can’t always be guessed word for word, they can be a real challenge for learners, but they also open the door to deeper cultural understanding.
English, in particular, is full of idioms, drawn from history, literature, religion, sports, and even old-fashioned farming. They make conversations more colorful, lively, and memorable. Did you know?
idiomatic expressions more than almost any other language.
Here are some classic idioms (not included in the quiz), along with their meanings and origins:
🍎 Food Idioms
Apple of someone’s eye → A person who is deeply cherished.
Spill the beans → To reveal a secret.
Sour grapes → Pretending you didn’t want something after failing to get it.
🐾 Animal Idioms
The elephant in the room → An obvious problem no one wants to discuss.
Let the cat out of the bag → Accidentally reveal a secret.
Hold your horses → Wait and be patient.
Wild goose chase → A pointless or hopeless pursuit.
⚽ Sports Idioms
Out of left field → Something unexpected or surprising.
Throw in a curveball → To present an unexpected problem or challenge.
Step up to the plate → To take responsibility and face a challenge.
🇨🇦 English Idioms in Canada
In Canada, English idioms are an integral part of everyday communication, often reflecting the country’s cultural diversity and unique character. Common expressions like “out in the boonies” (meaning a remote or rural area), “to be on the same page” (to share the same understanding), or “break the ice” (to ease social tension) are frequently used in both casual and professional settings. Canadians also share idioms with their American and British counterparts, though sometimes with a local twist, take for example, “eh?” is often added at the end of a sentence to seek agreement, giving a distinctively Canadian flavor to conversations. Understanding these idioms not only helps learners grasp the nuances of Canadian English but also provides insight into the country’s friendly, approachable style of communication.
So what are the most commonly used idioms in the North?
- Eh?
A classic Canadian tag added at the end of a sentence to seek agreement or confirmation.
Example: “It’s cold today, eh?” - Out in the boonies
Refers to a very remote or rural place.
Example: “Their cabin is way out in the boonies.” - To break the ice
To ease tension in a social situation.
Example: “He told a funny story to break the ice at the meeting.” - On the same page
To share the same understanding or agreement about something.
Example: “Before we start, let’s make sure we’re on the same page.” - To be snowed under
To be overwhelmed with work.
Example: “I can’t go out tonight, I’m snowed under with assignments.” - Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey
A humorous way to say it’s extremely cold (very Canadian!).
Example: “Better bundle up—it’s cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey.” - To play it by ear
To improvise rather than plan ahead.
Example: “We don’t have an itinerary, we’ll just play it by ear eh.” - To give someone the cold shoulder
To deliberately ignore someone.
Example: “She gave me the cold shoulder after the argument.” - A snowball’s chance in hell
Something very unlikely to happen.
Example: “He has a snowball’s chance in hell of finishing that project on time.” - To be in hot water
To be in trouble.
🎭 English Idioms Inspired by Shakespeare
When it comes to idioms, few writers have left a bigger mark than William Shakespeare. His plays introduced hundreds of phrases that slipped into everyday English, many of which we still use without realising their origin.
Expressions like “wild-goose chase” (Romeo and Juliet), “in a pickle” (The Tempest), “break the ice” (The Taming of the Shrew), and “wear your heart on your sleeve” (Othello) all began as lines in his works. Creativity didn’t just entertain audiences—it enriched the English language with colorful metaphors that continue to shape how we speak today. Take a deeper look at the Shakespearean expression "the green-eyed monster", from the play Othello:
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Want to master idioms and speak English with confidence? Superprof connects you with expert tutors who can guide you through tricky expressions, help you practice using them naturally, and boost your fluency in conversation and writing. Whether online or in person, personalized lessons make learning idioms fun, practical, and memorable. Start your journey with a Superprof tutor today!
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