With English dominating the global landscape across the digital spectrum, it is important for individuals who are non-native speakers to pick up, understand and learn English expressions used in daily conversations.
In my current blog, I’m sharing the most widely used English expressions in today’s world.
103 English Expressions Used in Daily Conversations That You Must Learn
Here are a few popular informal English expressions used by native speakers that are part of everyday conversations.
1. Are you kidding me?
The expression is used when someone says something that is surprising or seems less likely to be serious or true.
Examples
Our Drama is supposed to open to the audience in a week! Are you kidding me? We aren’t prepared for that.
Harry: “Are you sure you can manage this report all by yourself?”
Joseph: Are you kidding me? I can manage this in less than an hour.
2. Swamped
“Swamped” refers to a situation when someone has too much work to do or finish.
Examples
After the firm announced that they were hiring, the office was swamped with resumes.
Sally won’t be making it to the party tonight, she is swamped with office files.
3. Hit the sack
Hit the sack implies going to bed and sleeping.
Examples
“I’ve had a long day today. I am going to hit the sack early.”
“That lecture was very long and tiring. I am gonna hit the sack as soon as I reach home.”
4. Call it a day
The expression “Call it a day” is used when someone decides to stop doing something because they have done enough.
Examples
“Rita, we’ve been driving around town in search of your perfect apartment. Let’s call it a day!”
I think we’ve tried enough to convince our boss to help us on the assignment. But since he doesn’t have time, let’s call it a day.
5. Lose your touch
When someone “loses their touch” they are said to not have a special skill or ability anymore.
Examples
“If you don’t practice hip hop dancing daily for an hour Meghana, you will lose your touch.”
“Don’t you think Sham that you will lose your touch for meditating if you continue with your lazy lifestyle?”
6. I couldn’t agree more
The expression, “I couldn’t agree more” is used when you share the exact mindset or opinion with someone.
Examples
Ryan: “I feel the quality of this restaurant has degraded over time.”
Mac: “I couldn’t agree more.”
“I couldn’t agree more with Tom when he said that George Clooney is a brilliant actor.”
7. Put Off
To “put off” something means delaying something for a later date.
Examples
I will put off getting married to 30 years because my immediate focus is my career.
I will put off going on a trip till the world becomes COVID free.
8. Cut me some slack
The expression,”cut me some slack” is used when you expect people to be less hard on you.
Examples
“I am new at this job Sir. You will have to cut me some slack.”
Rick: “Why haven’t you been attending my calls Polly.”
Polly: “I have been working for 14 hours a day. Cut me some slack.”
9. Down in the dumps
When someone is “down in the dumps,” he/she is usually feeling sad or gloomy.
Examples
Having been rejected in three consecutive interviews, Sally felt down in the dumps.
Since Rohan’s dog died, he has been down in the dumps.”
10. Sit tight
The expression “sit tight” is used when you intend for someone not to change their position or situation and wait for something to happen.
Examples
All that hard work you are putting into your body by maintaining good dietary habits is going to pay off. Just sit tight!
You are handling this office politics quite well, sit tight.
11. Getting cold feet
When someone has “cold feet” they have a string doubt or fear of doing something.
Examples
Briana had cold feet just before her final guitar performance.
“Don’t get cold feet now Rex. This is your time to prove yourself.”
12. Cut to the chase
“Cut to the Chase” means getting straight to the point.
Examples
We only have a few hours to finish the report, so let’s cut to the chase.
The new Manager believes in cutting to the chase right away.
13. Midas touch
Someone with a “Midas touch” is said to be capable of making money in whatever she/he undertakes.
Examples
The company has seen a huge spike in profits since Patrick joined. He seems to have a Midas touch.
The man they considered to have a Midas touch, turned out to be a fraud.
14. Keep your chin up
The expression “Keep your chin up ” means staying cheerful and happy in difficult times.
Examples
Ray lost his job last month but he is trying hard to keep his chin up.
“Hey Mona, keep your chin up. We are going to get through this difficult time together.”
15. Comparing apples and oranges
Comparing apples and oranges implies finding similarity in two completely opposite things.
Examples
To seek oneness in Mexican and Thai food is like comparing apples and oranges.
Trisha seems to be comparing apples and oranges because she is overlapping cricket and baseball.
16. Getting a second wind
The expression “getting a second wind” means finding energy after being exhausted to finish a task.
Examples
It’s amazing to observe Kathakali performers getting a second wind despite spending hours putting on make up.
Sipping coffee at work helps me in a getting a second wind even on hectic days.
17. Speak of the devil
“Speak of the Devil” as an expression is used when someone you are talking about appears in front of you.
Examples
“Speak of the devil! Hi, Davis, we were just talking about you.”
“Speak of the devil! Look, Fiona just entered.”
18. Last straw
“Last straw” refers to the last of a succession of unpleasant incidents before the disaster strikes.
Examples
He was late for the meeting again, and that turned out to be the last straw.
The family was already in a lot of debt and their son losing his job was the last straw.
19. Your guess is as good as mine
The expression “your guess is as good as mine” means that you do not have the answer to the question asked.
Examples
Jake: “Why is your roommate packing all his stuff?”
Sia: “Your guess is as good as mine.”
Riya: “How many more steps do we need to walk to finish the hike?”
Sam” “Your guess is as good as mine.”
20. Down the line
When the expression, “down the line” is used, it means that something was bound to happen.
Examples
Ramesh has just started out his job as a salesman. Therefore he should give himself more credit because he will become a better salesman down the line.
Down the line, she will understand what’s good for her.
21. Rip off
“Rip off” is an expression used to indicate that something costs way more than it should..
Examples
I am not paying 50 USD for that lip balm. It’s a rip off.
The organic products they sell at this store are a complete rip off!
22. As good as it gets
When someone uses the expression “as good as it gets,” it means that nothing better is available or possible.
Examples
This is the best area to live in the city Roy. It is as good as it gets.
This is the prime of your life. Enjoy it while you can. This is as good as it gets.
23. My way or the highway
If you use the phrase “my way or the highway,” you assert that there is no alternative and the listener must accept your opinion.
Examples
Kavita: “Please, let’s meet on Friday for Lunch.”
Elisa: “No, let’s meet on Thursday. Think about it, it’s my way or the highway.”
“My way or the highway” seems to be our boss’s motto.
24. Thin ice
The expression means being in a risky position.
Examples
After skipping the previous tests, he was on thin ice with his teacher.
The company is on thin ice and on the verge of bankruptcy.
25. At it again
“At it again” means that someone is doing something again.
Examples
I saw him in a bar yesterday. He is at it again.
Kylie’s been interfering with her brother’s life. She seems to be at it again.
26. Never mind
Saying “Never mind” means that you aren’t concerned or worried about something.
Examples
Jasmine: “You forgot to buy the tomatoes for Pasta Tom.”
Tom: “Never mind, I will cook the pasta some other time Jasmine.”
Never mind his comments, he is joking most of the time.
27. Hands full
Hands full implies being very busy.
Examples
She has her hands full with the new baby and the job promotion.
The children have their hands full with tuitions, practice sessions and school.
28. Having second thoughts
“Having second thoughts” means having doubt about something.
Examples
Are you having second thoughts about going to the party tonight?
After the business slowed down, the management is having second thoughts about expanding the business.
29. Talk up
To talk up implies discussing something or someone favourably.
Examples
I saw the team of Netflix’s latest show talk up about the series on every platform.
I am not going to talk up a product that I haven’t used myself.
30. Top it all
The expression, “top it all” is used to indicate the last thing to happen for a good or a bad turn.
Examples
I was late for the play as it is and to top it all my Uber Driver cancelled on me.
Veronica was having a good day. She met her friends after a long time, she found a new apartment in the nice neighbourhood and top it all, she also got a promotion she had been anticipating for half a year.
31. Hooked on
to be, “hooked on” something means being addicted to something.
Examples
He has been hooked on to Sudoku for quite some time now.
I was hooked on to the show after watching the first episode itself.
32. Gotta run
“Gotta run” is used when someone is in a hurry and has to leave immediately.
Examples
I gotta run to the store to grab some toiletries.
Do you mind watching my dog? I gotta run for urgent office work.
33. Clear the air
Doing something to “clear the air” means resolving an issue or problem.
Examples
Before we start today’s meeting, let’s clear the air about the issues the team has been facing.
It’s important to clear the air before you start a new chapter with your partner.
34. Elephant in the room
The expression “elephant in the room” stands for an important issue or controversial topic that everyone is aware of but no one wants to discuss.
Examples
While the politicians have been discussing a multitude of topics, poverty still remains the biggest elephant in the room.
Silvia has been fired from the last three jobs and no one is taking that seriously. Seems no one is ready to acknowledge the elephant in the room.
35. Keeping an eye
The expression “keep an eye” on something means to watch them carefully.
Examples
Keeping an eye on Ria is important for she is known to steal things.
“Do you mind keeping an eye on the baby? I need to pick up a few things from the pharmacy nearby.”
36. Jumping to conclusions
The expression “means arriving at a conclusion without considering all the information.
Examples
“Let her put her points forward, don’t just jump to conclusions.”
Kritika is always jumping to conclusions, panicking and doesn’t need the feel to listen.
37. Red Flag
The expression “red flag” is used to indicate dangerous signs in something or someone.
Examples
Peter’s temper is a red flag to all his potential relationships.
Ramsey’s failure to follow orders is a serious red flag for job recruiters.
38. Bend over backwards
It means to try very hard to please someone.
Examples
Mira bend over backwards to help her brother secure a job at one of the top firms.
The local police had to bend over backwards while making arrangements for the MLA’s speech.
39. Foot the bill
To foot the bill means to pay for something expensive.
Examples
“You damaged my car – Please foot the bill so that I can get it repaired.”
Dad has clearly told me that he will not foot the bill for internet this month.
40. Have a ball
To have a ball means to enjoy yourself greatly.
Examples
“Hey John, have a ball at your friend’s wedding.”
“I am going to have a ball at my school’s annual function.”
41. I’m worn out
“I’m worn out” means I’m exhausted.
Examples
I’m worn out from working late nights at office.
I’m worn out from doing all the house work all by myself.
42. I get it
“I get it” means that, “I understand.”
Examples
I get it how Ralph maintains his weight. He exercises for an hour daily.
“I get it finally” exclaimed the student after solving the arithmetic problem.
43. No biggie
No biggie means to not worry about something because it isn’t really of consequence.
Examples
“Thank you so much for helping with me the art work,” said Shelley.
“No biggie” said Joan
It was no biggie for the chef to slice ten onions in just a few minutes.
44. Laid back
To be laid back implies to relax in manner or character or style.
Examples
Tom: “How are you so laid back with studying history Jim? You failed your history exam.”
A laid back attitude is helping cure my heart problems.
45. A bummer
“A bummer” implies great disappointment.
Examples
It was such a bummer to see our dance team lose the competition despite working so hard.
The local MLA is such a bummer. He doesn’t want to take responsibility for anything.
46. Have a crush
To have a crush means to be romantically attracted to somebody.
Examples
“I have a crush on Rohit. I think I should tell him now.”
“Hey do you have a crush on Tia? ” Each time you see her, you start blushing.”
47. Stand my ground
“Stand my ground” means to maintain your firm position.
Examples
“I am a devout believer in the goodness of the universe. And I will always stand my ground in that regard.”
“I will stand my ground for my boys in the military” shouted a Major of the battalion.
48. Couch potato
A couch potato is a lazy person.
Examples
“Don’t be a couch potato son. Get up and clean your room.”
Rohan is putting on so much weight lately because he is a couch potato.
49. Have a blast
When you have a blast, it means you’re having a very good time.
Examples
“Hey did you have a blast at the college concert last evening?”
“Until the Author came to sign my book himself at the event, I did not know that I will have a blast.
50. Pig out
To pig out means to eat a lot.
Examples
People who pig out all the time damage their health.
It isn’t good to pig out that often at a dinner party.
51. Lighten up
To lighten up implies being less serious and rather be more relaxed.
Examples
“You’ve been stressing at work lately. Why don’t you lighten up a little?”
“Our boss gets angry at minor things easily. He needs to lighten up.”
52. Screw you
The expression, “screw you” is used when you are annoyed with someone.
Examples
“Screw you Tony. You are such a bad friend.”
Nina was so upset with her husband this morning that she shouted, “screw you” at him.
53. Wrap up
To wrap up something means to finish it or sum it up.
Examples
“I’ll wrap up this discussion with the panel today.”
Sudha always ensures to wrap up emails politely.
54. Bail out
To bail out on someone implies leaving them in a difficult situation.
Note” This is different from ‘bailout’ – used as a single word. ‘Bailout‘ means to help a company financially when it faces bankruptcy.
Examples
“Are you going to bail out on me this evening despite knowing that I have my dance practice?”
“I am so grateful to have a teacher like Mrs. Das. She doesn’t bail out on me ever.
55. Busted
Busted implies an act of being caught doing something inappropriate.
Examples
The local village authorities busted an illegal liquor manufacturing unit.
Two students of Class X were busted for smoking on campus.
56. Rip off
Rip off implies an act of dishonesty where a person ends up paying more money than required.
Examples
Shopping at the local sports merchandise was such a rip off for us.
Health insurance is becoming a rip off in COVID cases.
57. Chill out
Chill out means to calm down.
Examples
“Stop panicking about the Maths exam. Just chill out.“
“If you don’t chill out right now, you’ll destroy your mental peace.”
58. Down to Earth
Down to Earth means to be very humble.
Examples
Mr. Narayana Murthy – the Founder of Infosys is a very down to Earth man.
People who are down to Earth progress really ahead in life.
59. Off the hook
“Off the hook” implies to escape from a difficult or unpleasant situation.
Examples
The accused of now off the hook because his layer fought the case well.
“I don’t think you’ll get off the hook this time. Your mom saw you smoking the other day.
60. Going bananas
Going bananas implies a crazy state in mind.
Examples
The coach is going bananas over his team’s poor performance.
Kim’s parents are going bananas over their missing dog.
61. Hang Tight
To hang tight means to wait with utmost patience.
Examples
The doctor asked the expecting mother to hang tight until childbirth.
The teacher asked the students to hang tight until the exam results were announced.
62. Fancy a cuppa
To say, “fancy a cuppa” means to ask someone whether they would like a cup of tea with you.
Examples
“It’s a cold windy day outside Lidia. Would you fancy a cuppa with me indoors?”
“You just drenched yourself in the rain. Would you come indoors and fancy a cuppa?”
63. I’m knackered
You use the expression, “I’m knackered” when you feel tired.
Examples
“After working in the garden all day, I’m knackered by evening.”
“I had a hard day at school mom. I’m knackered.”
64. Very lush
“Very lush” implies being attractive.
Examples
Claudine was looking gorgeous at the party last night. She is a very lush young woman.
The warriors in ancient Greek plays were always played by very lush men.
65. Hunky dory
The expression, “hunky dory” implies a condition when everything is going well.
Examples
“I was so anxious before my wedding. However, everything was so hunky dory.”
“I want my interview to go hunky dory today.”
66. Have a chinwag
To have a chinwag means to chat casually.
Examples
“It’s been such a long time Chloe. Let’s have a chinwag sometime.
COVID has forced people to stay indoors. I want to have a chinwag with my buddies in the garden like before.
67. Don’t get your knickers in a twist
The expression, “don’t get your knickers in a twist” means to not get so upset.
Examples
“Hey Greg, why are you so tensed about the Biology test? Please don’t get your knickers in a twist.”
Don’t get your knickers in a twist just because your teammates under appreciate your hard work.
68. All to pot
The expression, “all to pot” is used when a situation goes completely out of control.
Examples
There was a street fight this morning and no bystanders could help because it was all to pot.
The French seaport of Dunkirk was all to pot during the battle.
69. Oh bollocks
“Oh bollocks” is an expression denoting annoyance.
Examples
“Oh bollocks! I’ve been working very hard on this painting the entire day and you’ve spilled ink on it.”
“Oh bollocks Tommy! Did you eat all the cake yourself?”
70. Lost the plot
“Lost the plot” as an expression is used when a person doesn’t know how to deal with a situation anymore.
Examples
I think our investors have lost the plot and are leading us astray as a company.
The Germans lost the plot during World War – I and suffered terrible economic disruption.
71. Pork pies
Pork pies implies lying.
Examples
“Enough of your pork pies Zayne. I will not have you as a business partner anymore.
“I’ve been listening to your pork pies since two years Ronnie. Why can’t you just tell the truth?”
72. Throwing a wobbly
Throwing a wobbly means to be in a fit of rage and throwing a tantrum.
Examples
The child is often seeing throwing a wobbly in the playground. His parents should counsel him politely.
It was sad to see my colleague throwing a wobbly at our boss.
73. My bad
“My bad” as an expression implies, “I’m at fault.”
Examples
Were these clothes not meant to be thrown away? My bad, I did not realise it and dumped them in the bin.
“My bad that I couldn’t sense Tony’s cheating habits before this incident.”
74. Kudos
The expression, “kudos” is used to congratulate for performing well.
Examples
Kudos to military personnel for always protecting our nation no matter how grave the threat from outside.
Kudos to animal right activists who always try their best to protect endangered wildlife.
75. Twenty four seven
“Twenty four seven” implies something that is non-stop or all the time.
Examples
“We were taken care of by the selfless doctors at the hospital twenty four seven.”
The armed forces in Kashmir watch out against radicalism twenty four seven.
76. It’s not rocket science
“It’s not rocket science” means “it’s not difficult.”
Examples
“Hey it’s not rocket science to solve algebra.”
It’s not rocket science to understand that gender discrimination has done so much harm in this world.
77. Hot potato
The expression, “hot potato” implies a controversial or an unpleasant situation that is difficult to handle.
Examples
Atheism as a practice is a hot potato in all of the Middle Eastern countries.
Discussing the murdered celebrity case has become a political hot potato in this country.
78. Call the shots
To call the shots means to be in a position to make powerful decisions.
Examples
“I call the shots around here” said the Dance Master to his pupils.
The management team call the shots in every Corporate office.
79. Knock it off
The expression, “knock it off means to stop doing something because it is annoying.
Examples
“Could you three knock it off? You’ve been arguing since the past one hour.”
My landlord told the tenants to knock it off with the midnight parties.
80. All along
All along means to be present for a period of time
Examples
The love between the couple has lasted all along. It’s beautiful.
I’ve had faith in the establishment all along despite all the criticism by people.
81. Acting up
Acting up implies behaving badly.
Examples
Ramesh started acting up with his parents after the party.
The toddler started acting up when his mother refused him ice-cream.
82. No sweat
The expression, “no sweat” implies no difficulty at all.
Examples
Tina: “Will you please the upper shelf of my book closet?”
Arman:”Sure Tina. No sweat.”
“Hey it is no sweat to me for waking up early and watering the garden roses.
83. Know it all
Any person who thinks that he/she knows more than other people is a know it all.
Examples
Rashi is a know it all and gets offended with inputs by others.
Nikhil’s know it all nature distances himself from friends.
84. Fed up
When you’ve had enough of something it implies you’re fed up.
Examples
I’m fed up of working long office shifts.
I’m fed up all the negativity on social media.
85. What’s the catch
To use, “What’s the catch” in a sentence implies that you’re pointing towards some hidden problems or disadvantage in an ideal looking scenario.
Examples
The deal with the broker seems too good to be true. “What’s the catch” in there?
You never bother to ask me about my well being on ordinary days but since you’re being different today, I want to know, “what’s the catch?”
86. Getting hitched
Getting hitched means to get married.
Examples
Neha is getting hitched on the first Sunday of May.
Rohit is getting hitched to his college sweetheart.
87. Under the weather
When you don’t feel well that means you are under the weather.
Examples
I got soaked in the rain last evening and now I’m under the weather.
I’ll have to apply for a sick leave today because I’m under the weather.
89. You bet
“You bet” is a informal way of saying ‘”certainly.”
Examples
Children are the most pure souls in the world. You bet they will go to any length to show compassion.
You bet Jimmy will be at the party tonight.
90. I feel you
“I feel you” implies that you completely empathise with somebody.
Examples
“I see you sitting in office after working hours. I feel you sister.”
Lex: “The Mathematics exam was so difficult this time.”
Lisa: “I feel you Lex.”
91. Piece of cake
When doing something is easy, we say, “it’s a piece of cake.”
Examples
Using Facebook is a piece of cake for the elders in my family.
Blogging is a piece of cake for Chris because he’s been doing it for 2 years.
92. Break a leg
The expression, “Break a leg” is used for wishing someone good luck so that the person performs well.
Examples
Hey Ronnie break a leg in the art competition today.
“Break a leg,” shouted Tina’s husband just before her performance on stage.
93. Out of shape
Out of shape implies being physically unfit.
Examples
The modern sedentary lifestyle is making people go out of shape.
I do yoga everyday at 5 am to avoid being out of shape.
94. Not in my book
When a person uses the expression, “Not in my book” it means, “Not according to my opinion.”
Examples
John: “I think it’s ok to smoke pot.”
Kylie: “Not in my book.”
Zelda: “The murder mystery got solved ethically under law.”
Tim: ““Not in my book because there are many lose strings in the case till today.”
95. Dig in
To dig in means to immediately start eating.
Examples
Don’t feel shy to try the smoked salmon. Just dig in now.
Dig in the hot pizza before the cheese becomes hard.
96. Beats me
The expression,”Beats me” is used when a person has absolutely no idea about something.
EXAMPLES
It beats me how people claim they’re religious and yet never show compassion towards the poor.
Millions of people have died because of COVID 19. Yet people don’t wear masks. It beats me how people can be so frivolous about life.
97. Get off my tail
Stop following me
Getting off someone’s tails means to stop following them.
Examples
“Get off my tail Jake; I’m not interested to speak with you.
I asked the rowdy boys to get off my tail during my evening walk.
98. Hang out
Spending time with someone implies that you’re hanging out with them.
Examples
“Hey Jasmine – It’s been a long time since we saw each other. Let’s hang out this Saturday.”
No matter how many times I hang out with you, I always end up learning something new.
99. I’m all ears
To say, “I’m all ears” means that you’re paying utmost attention to somebody.
Examples
I’m all ears during Mr. Lombock’s Geography class at school.
Please begin with your recital. I’m all ears now.
100. In the heat of the moment
Saying something or acting a certain way without thinking implies that you’re doing it in the heat of the moment.
Examples
I didn’t meant to provoke the management. It happened in the heat of the moment.
No judgement can ever be passed in the heat of the moment. The law requires both sides to prove facts based on evidence.
101. Call it quits
You call it quits when you stop doing something permanently
Examples
I think it’s time to call it quits on this assignment.
While performing in his last play, Joe knew it was time to call it quits on stage performances.
102. Dibs
To make the first claim is to call dibs on something or someone.
Examples
I call dibs on the last piece of the chocolate cake.
Kevin needed the promotion badly but the employees with experience had dibs on it.
103. What’s Cooking
When you ask, “what’s cooking to somebody” it means interested in knowing that what is going on with them.
Examples
“Hi Tom. You haven’t played football all week. What’s cooking?”
As soon as Ron’s mother smelled a whiff of cigarette smoke from his room, she immediately asked him, “Ron – What’s Cooking?”
I hope you have a better understanding of all of these 103 English expressions used in daily conversations. In case of any questions or doubts, use the comments section below or the BE. Community to discuss possible solutions.
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