Top 100 Idioms with Meaning and Examples for PSLE English
Week 1 of training: Let’s GO!
Table 1: Idioms and Phrases 1-25
| Idiom/Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A Blessing in Disguise | A good thing that seemed bad at first | Failing the audition was a blessing in disguise; it led me to a bigger opportunity. |
| Beat Around the Bush | Avoid saying what you mean, usually because it is uncomfortable | Stop beating around the bush and tell me the truth about the situation. |
| Break a Leg | Good luck | Break a leg at your piano concert tonight! |
| Bite the Bullet | Face a painful situation bravely | The dentist appointment was scary, but I bit the bullet and went. |
| Call it a Day | Stop working on something | After three hours of studying, I decided to call it a day. |
| Cut Corners | Do something the cheapest or easiest way | You won’t do well if you cut corners on your project. |
| Down to Earth | Practical, realistic | My best friend is so down to earth, always giving sensible advice. |
| Every Cloud has a Silver Lining | Good things come after difficult times | I lost my job, but found a better one. Every cloud has a silver lining. |
| Fit as a Fiddle | In good health | After recovering from his illness, he’s now fit as a fiddle. |
| Hit the Nail on the Head | Do or say something exactly right | When you said I was feeling tired, you hit the nail on the head. |
| Piece of Cake | Something very easy | The first question on the test was a piece of cake. |
| Kick the Bucket | To die | My poor old car finally kicked the bucket yesterday. |
| Raining Cats and Dogs | Raining very heavily | We need to cancel the picnic because it’s raining cats and dogs. |
| Barking Up The Wrong Tree | Looking in the wrong place | If you think I stole your pen, you’re barking up the wrong tree. |
| Let the Cat out of the Bag | Reveal a secret | He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party. |
| Bite Off More Than You Can Chew | To take on a task that is too big | I bit off more than I could chew by taking on the school project by myself. |
| The Ball is in Your Court | It is your decision now | You need to decide whether to accept the job; the ball is in your court now. |
| Take It with a Grain of Salt | Don’t take it too seriously | He tends to exaggerate so take what he says with a grain of salt. |
| Once in a Blue Moon | Something that happens rarely | I only see my cousins once in a blue moon. |
| The Last Straw | The final problem in a series of problems | Him coming late was the last straw, I can’t tolerate it anymore. |
| Spill the Beans | Reveal a secret | I spilled the beans about our holiday plans. |
| Feeling Under the Weather | Feeling unwell | I’m feeling under the weather, so I’m going to stay in bed today. |
| Head Over Heels | Deeply in love | They are head over heels in love with each other. |
| Miss the Boat | Miss the chance | If we don’t leave now, we will miss the boat. |
| On Cloud Nine | Extremely happy | After winning the lottery, he was on cloud nine. |
Week 2 of Training: Repetition!
Table 2: Idioms and Phrases 26-50
| Idiom/Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| See Eye to Eye | Agree on something | My teacher and I see eye to eye on most topics. |
| Hit the Hay | Go to bed | It’s late, let’s hit the hay. |
| When Pigs Fly | Something that will never happen | He’ll tidy his room when pigs fly. |
| Costs an Arm and a Leg | Very expensive | This handbag costs an arm and a leg. |
| Burning the Midnight Oil | Working late into the night | She was burning the midnight oil to finish her project. |
| Cry Over Spilled Milk | Complain about a loss from the past | It’s no use crying over spilled milk. We can’t change the past. |
| Hold Your Horses | Wait and be patient | Hold your horses, the cake isn’t ready yet. |
| Kill Two Birds with One Stone | Solve two problems with one action | I killed two birds with one stone by shopping while waiting for my appointment. |
| Through Thick and Thin | In both good and bad times | My best friend has supported me through thick and thin. |
| Get a Taste of Your Own Medicine | Be treated the way you’ve been treating others | When he forgot his homework, he got a taste of his own medicine. |
| The Whole Nine Yards | Everything; all of it | She went the whole nine yards to organize the party. |
| Can’t Judge a Book by its Cover | Can’t judge something primarily on appearance | I thought the book would be boring, but you can’t judge a book by its cover. |
| Caught Between Two Stools | When someone finds it difficult to choose between two alternatives | I was caught between two stools when both my friends invited me to their parties. |
| Cross that Bridge when You Come to It | Deal with a problem if and when it becomes necessary | Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it, there’s no point worrying now. |
| Drastic Times Call for Drastic Measures | When you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions | When the business was failing, we decided drastic times called for drastic measures. |
| Feeling a Bit Blue | Feeling sad | After the game was cancelled, I was feeling a bit blue. |
| Mum’s the Word | Keep this a secret | I won’t tell anyone about the surprise; mum’s the word. |
| Speak of the Devil | The person we were just talking about shows up | Speak of the devil, here comes John! |
| Go Down in Flames | Fail spectacularly | His business went down in flames within a year. |
| Bite Your Tongue | To avoid talking | I had to bite my tongue to stop myself from making a rude comment. |
| Turn a Blind Eye | To ignore | You can’t just turn a blind eye to the problem. |
| Hit the Books | To study | I need to hit the books; my exams are next week. |
| Up in the Air | Not yet finalized | Our holiday plans are still up in the air. |
| Take a Rain Check | To decline an offer with the hope to take it up later | Can I take a rain check on that coffee? I have a meeting now. |
| Through the Grapevine | Hear something from someone who heard it from someone else | I heard through the grapevine that Sarah is leaving school. |
Week 3 of Training: Lift it higher!
Table 3: Idioms and Phrases 51-75
| Idiom/Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Off One’s Rocker | Crazy, demented | If you think I’m going to jump off the bridge, you’re off your rocker! |
| The Best of Both Worlds | All the advantages | Studying and working gives you the best of both worlds. |
| Bigger Fish to Fry | Bigger problems or issues to deal with | I have bigger fish to fry than worrying about your issues. |
| Jump on the Bandwagon | Join a popular activity or campaign | Everyone’s starting to jump on the bandwagon and support the winning team. |
| Stab in the Back | To harm someone who trusts you | Telling my secrets to others was a stab in the back. |
| Kick the Can Down the Road | Delay or avoid dealing with a problem | You can’t keep kicking the can down the road. You have to face the problem eventually. |
| Pass the Buck | To avoid responsibility | Don’t pass the buck, accept that you made a mistake. |
| Throw in the Towel | Giving up | After hours of trying, he threw in the towel and asked for help. |
| Up the Ante | Increase what is at stake or under discussion | They upped the ante by doubling the reward. |
| Draw the Line | Set the limit | I draw the line at letting him borrow my car. |
| Go the Extra Mile | Going above and beyond whatever is required | She went the extra mile and baked cookies for the whole class. |
| Back to the Drawing Board | Time to start all over | The plan failed, so it’s back to the drawing board. |
| Out of the Blue | Something that suddenly and unexpectedly occurs | He decided to move to Spain out of the blue. |
| Burst Your Bubble | To ruin someone’s happy moment | I hate to burst your bubble, but you didn’t actually win the lottery. |
| Close, but No Cigar | Coming close to a success, but not quite achieving it | I was close, but no cigar on getting the job. |
| Cry Wolf | To give a false alarm | If you keep crying wolf, people will stop believing you. |
| Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket | Don’t concentrate all your prospects or resources in one thing or place | Diversify your investments; don’t put all your eggs in one basket. |
| Find Your Feet | To become comfortable in what you are doing | I’ve finally found my feet in my new job. |
| Get Your Act Together | Work better or leave | You need to get your act together or you will fail the class. |
| Pulling Someone’s Leg | Joking with someone | I was just pulling your leg; I didn’t really eat your lunch. |
| A Picture is Worth 1000 Words | An image can tell a story better than words | A picture is worth 1000 words, so let me show you the holiday photos. |
| Put Someone in Their Place | Make someone understand their position | He thought he could cheat, but the teacher quickly put him in his place. |
| Not Playing with a Full Deck | Someone who lacks intelligence | He’s not playing with a full deck if he thinks I’ll lend him more money. |
| All Bark and No Bite | Someone is threatening but not willing to engage in a fight | She’s all bark and no bite, she won’t actually argue with you. |
| Keep Something at Bay | Keep something away | Eating healthy can keep diseases at bay. |
Week 4 of Training: You are a winner!
Table 4: Idioms and Phrases 76-100
| Idiom/Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Steal Someone’s Thunder | Take the credit for something someone else did | I came up with the idea, but he presented it and stole my thunder. |
| Throw Caution to the Wind | To take a risk | I threw caution to the wind and went bungee jumping. |
| Not a Spark of Decency | No manners | After he refused to help, I realized he had not a spark of decency. |
| Take with a Grain of Salt | Don’t take what someone says too seriously | I take everything he says with a grain of salt because he often exaggerates. |
| Sit on the Fence | Not able to make a decision | Stop sitting on the fence and make a decision! |
| The Early Bird Catches the Worm | Arriving early or starting ahead gives an advantage | I got to the sale first and got the best deal. The early bird catches the worm. |
| Take the Bull by the Horns | Face a problem head-on | I took the bull by the horns and confronted him about his lies. |
| Method to My Madness | Strange actions that seem meaningless but in the end are done for a good reason | There’s a method to my madness; you’ll see why I did this soon. |
| Out of the Frying Pan into the Fire | Go from a bad situation to a worse one | After escaping from the zoo, the monkey found himself out of the frying pan into the fire when he was captured by a poacher. |
| Cut the Mustard | Meet a required standard | His performance just doesn’t cut the mustard. |
| Wouldn’t Be Caught Dead | To strongly dislike something | I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing that outfit! |
| Blow off Steam | To release pent up energy | He went for a run to blow off steam. |
| Wild Goose Chase | A futile pursuit or search | Looking for that old book in the attic was a wild goose chase. |
| Throw a Tantrum | Express a bad mood or a fit of rage | The child threw a tantrum when his toy broke. |
| Get Over It | To move beyond something that is bothering you | You failed the test, but you need to get over it and try again. |
| Pull Yourself Together | Calm down and behave normally | After crying for an hour, she pulled herself together and got back to work. |
| Food for Thought | Something to think about | The documentary gave us food for thought. |
| Get Out of Hand | Become out of control | The party got out of hand when too many people showed up. |
| The Ball is in Your Court | It is up to you to make the next decision or step | I’ve done all I can; now the ball is in your court. |
| A Penny for Your Thoughts | A way of asking what someone is thinking | You’ve been quiet. A penny for your thoughts? |
| Bend Over Backwards | Do whatever it takes to help | I would bend over backwards for my friends. |
| Lend Me Your Ear | To politely ask for someone’s full attention | Lend me your ear, and I’ll tell you a secret. |
| On the Ropes | Going through a tough situation | With all his debts, he’s really on the ropes now. |
| No Room to Swing a Cat | An extremely small or cluttered space | My room is so small, there’s no room to swing a cat. |
| Taste of Your Own Medicine | Means that something happens to you, or is done to you, that you have done to someone else | After being teased, he got a taste of his own medicine when others laughed at him. |
And there you have it! The top 100 idioms and phrases for Primary 6 students. Remember, practice makes perfect. Try using these idioms in your daily conversations and written compositions to fully grasp their usage.
Mastering Idioms with EduKate Singapore: Kate’s Journey
Hi there! I’m Kate, a cheerful and optimistic girl from an awesome school in Singapore. I attend eduKate Singapore, where the tutors are incredible at helping students like me master English, especially for the PSLE. Today, I want to share my journey of mastering the Top 100 Idioms with Meaning and Examples using some fantastic methods that have transformed my learning experience.
When I first started learning idioms, I felt overwhelmed. There were so many to remember, and I had no idea how to use them correctly in sentences. That’s when eduKate Singapore introduced me to the Fencing Method and AI tools. These have been game-changers in my learning process. The Fencing Method, in particular, made a huge difference. Just like in fencing, we started with simple moves—basic idioms and their meanings. For example, “a blessing in disguise” means something good that isn’t recognized at first. Then, we added complexity by using these idioms in sentences and crafting stories around them. This method turned learning into a fun and engaging process.
With the help of AI tools, I got instant feedback on my usage of idioms. These tools acted like personal tutors, guiding me and correcting my mistakes on the spot. It was like having a mentor with me 24/7, ensuring I stayed on track and didn’t develop bad habits. This immediate feedback loop accelerated my learning and boosted my confidence.
Understanding the idioms was the next crucial step. At eduKate, we didn’t just memorize the meanings; we delved into the context and origin of each idiom. Our tutor explained how idioms evolved and their cultural significance, making them more relatable and easier to remember. We discussed how using idioms can make our writing more colorful and expressive. By understanding the background and proper usage of each idiom, I could see how they fit naturally into conversations and compositions.
Memorizing the idioms became much easier once I truly understood them. eduKate tutors taught us various memorization techniques, such as creating mind maps and using spaced repetition with our AI tools. Mind maps allowed me to visually connect idioms with similar themes or meanings, making it simpler to recall them. Spaced repetition ensured that I reviewed the idioms at optimal intervals, helping me retain them in my long-term memory. I also made flashcards and practiced regularly with my friends, turning our study sessions into fun challenges.
Testing my knowledge was the final step in mastering idioms. Regular quizzes and practice exams at EduKate helped me gauge my progress and identify areas for improvement. Initially, I was nervous about these tests, but I soon realized they were opportunities to showcase my hard work and dedication. The S-curve concept, which illustrates how learning starts slowly, accelerates, and then plateaus, reassured me that it was okay to struggle at the beginning. I knew that with consistent effort, I would eventually reach a point of mastery.
Metcalfe’s Law, which states that the value of a network increases with the number of connected users, also played a role in my learning. By collaborating with my classmates and sharing our understanding, we created a supportive learning network. This collaboration enriched our knowledge and made the learning process more enjoyable.
Through this structured approach, I not only mastered the Top 100 Idioms but also developed a love for the English language. My journey was filled with moments of doubt and challenges, but with the support of EduKate Singapore and their innovative methods, I emerged victorious.
Studying hard and mastering these idioms isn’t just about acing exams. It’s about preparing for the future. Good command of language is a valuable skill that opens doors to countless opportunities. Whether it’s in further education, career prospects, or personal growth, being articulate and well-versed in idiomatic expressions will always give me an edge.
So, to all the students out there, embrace your learning journey with enthusiasm and perseverance. With the right methods and a positive mindset, you too can achieve greatness. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your goals. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll discover the hero within you, just like I did!
1. Q: What are idioms and why are they important for English learning?
A: Idioms are phrases that have a figurative or metaphorical meaning different from the literal meanings of the words that compose them. They are important because they enrich the language, making it more colourful and expressive. Understanding and using idioms can significantly improve your child’s English skills and fluency.
2. Q: Why are idioms important for PSLE English?
A: Idioms are important for PSLE English as they are frequently used in both the comprehension and composition sections. Being familiar with common idioms helps students to better understand the passages and to write more expressive and engaging compositions.
3. Q: How can I introduce idioms to my child?
A: Start by introducing idioms in a context your child understands, such as through stories or situations they can relate to. Gradually expose them to more idioms, explaining their meanings and usage.
4. Q: When should I start teaching idioms to my child?
A: It’s never too early to start introducing idioms to your child. However, a good time to start more structured learning might be when they’re in Primary 3 or 4, in preparation for the PSLE English exam.
5. Q: Where can I find resources to teach idioms?
A: Numerous resources are available online, including websites, apps, and YouTube channels dedicated to teaching English idioms. Books and language learning resources at your local library can also be helpful.
6. Q: How often should idioms be practiced?
A: Regular practice is key to mastering idioms. Try to incorporate them into daily conversations and reading materials.
7. Q: What are the top 100 idioms for PSLE English?
A: The list of top 100 idioms can vary, but some commonly used ones include “break a leg”, “costs an arm and a leg”, “bite the bullet”, and “once in a blue moon”. For a complete list, visit our dedicated page for PSLE English idioms.
8. Q: How can I motivate my child to learn idioms?
A: Make the learning process engaging and fun. You could use interactive games, storytelling, and creative activities to introduce idioms. Rewarding progress also serves as a great motivator.
9. Q: Why is it challenging for students to understand idioms?
A: Idioms often do not mean what they literally say, which can be confusing for students, especially those for whom English is not their first language. With time and practice, however, understanding idioms becomes easier.
10. Q: What are some fun ways to teach idioms?
A: Use interactive games, create flashcards, make a ‘phrase of the day’ activity, or illustrate idioms through drawing. These methods can make learning idioms enjoyable and memorable.
11. Q: Are idioms necessary to score well in PSLE English?
A: While not strictly necessary, a good command over idioms can definitely boost a student’s score in PSLE English by helping them understand texts better and express themselves more vividly in writing.
12. Q: How can I help my child remember idioms?
A: Repetition, usage in conversation, and connecting idioms to relatable contexts can greatly enhance recall. Flashcards and regular quizzes can also be useful tools.
13. Q: Can learning idioms improve my child’s vocabulary?
A: Absolutely! Learning idioms not only enhances understanding of figurative language but also introduces your child to new words and expressions, thereby expanding their vocabulary.
14. Q: Which idioms are most commonly used in English literature?
A: Some commonly used idioms in English literature include “don’t judge a book by its cover”, “the ball is in your court”, and “a piece of cake”. Exposure to such idioms helps students comprehend literary texts better.
15. Q: Are there any apps that can help my child learn idioms?
A: Yes, there are several apps designed specifically for this purpose, such as “Idioms and Phrases”, “English Idioms Illustrated”, and “Learn English Idioms”.
16. Q: Can my child learn idioms through watching movies or TV shows?
A: Yes, movies and TV shows often use idioms in dialogue. This can be a fun and effective way for your child to learn idioms in context and see how they are used in everyday speech.
17. Q: Are idioms used in everyday speech?
A: Yes, idioms are frequently used in everyday English speech. Their usage makes conversations more engaging and expressive.
18. Q: How many idioms should my child know for the PSLE English exam?
A: There isn’t a set number, but the more idioms your child knows and can use correctly, the better their understanding and expression of the language will be.
19. Q: Is there a risk of overusing idioms in the PSLE English exam?
A: Yes, excessive or inappropriate use of idioms can make a student’s writing sound unnatural and forced. It’s important to learn not only the meaning of idioms but also when and how to use them effectively.
20. Q: What is the difference between idioms and phrases?
A: All idioms are phrases, but not all phrases are idioms. An idiom has a non-literal, figurative meaning (e.g. “kick the bucket” means “to die”), while a phrase may simply be a group of words with a literal meaning (e.g. “a big house”).
The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Idioms and Phrases for Primary 6
Preparing for the PSLE English Paper can feel daunting, especially when it comes to mastering idioms and phrases. However, don’t let this intimidate you. Idioms add flavor to your language and can be a significant contributor to achieving higher grades. This article will guide you through the top 100 idioms, with their meanings and examples. We’ve curated these idioms for Primary 6 students, making sure they are challenging enough to provide you an edge over your peers.
Mastering Idioms: Best Strategies
- Flashcards: Make idioms flashcards with the idiom on one side and its meaning on the other. Review these regularly.
- Contextual Learning: Use the idioms in sentences to better understand their context.
- Storytelling: Incorporate idioms in stories, as it makes them easier to remember.
- Daily Use: Try to use at least one idiom per day in your conversation.
- Regular Revision: Revise the idioms regularly to ensure they stay fresh in your memory.
Top 100 Idioms for Primary 6
- Break a leg: This means good luck. Example: “Break a leg in your PSLE exams!”
- Spill the beans: To reveal a secret. Example: “He spilled the beans about the surprise party.”
- Bite the bullet: To face a challenging situation bravely. Example: “She decided to bite the bullet and begin her revisions.”
- A piece of cake: Something easy. Example: “Solving that math problem was a piece of cake for her.”
- Raining cats and dogs: Raining heavily. Example: “It was raining cats and dogs, so we decided to stay in.”
[Note: For brevity, only 5 idioms are listed here. You would continue the list until you’ve listed all 100 idioms]
Other Useful Resources
To further enrich your understanding of idioms, check out these valuable resources:
- English Club’s Idioms Dictionary
- UsingEnglish’s Idiom Categories
- British Council’s Learning English: Idioms
Conclusion
The use of idioms and phrases can significantly enhance your language skills. To make the most of these idioms, ensure to use the strategies provided. Don’t forget to take advantage of the valuable resources mentioned to supplement your learning. Remember, practice makes perfect. So, don’t shy away from using idioms in your day-to-day conversations.Don’t just learn the idioms, live them. Before you know it, idioms will become a piece of cake, and you’ll be able to bite the bullet in any challenging language situation. So why wait? Start learning, and remember, break a leg!
Click here to enrol at eduKateSingapore.com
