8 English Idioms to Help Native Speakers Understand

English idioms are a group of words whose meaning is not clear if you try to translate by words.They have evolved over time and therefore may seem strange to you.English idioms are often based on analogies and metaphors and are often used in everyday English.If you don't know them, it is almost impossible to understand the context.

The key to understanding English idioms is never to look at them or read them literally - the words just don't make sense together.Instead, you need to examine them in context so that you can understand their true meaning.

Hit the books

Literally hit the books meansphysically beat the books.However, this is a common English idiom among students, especially American college students who study a lot.It simply means "learn" and is a way to tell your friends that you are going to study.This could be a final exam, a midterm test, or even an English exam.

Hit the sack

As with the first idiom, literally it would mean physicallyhitting or beating the bag (a large bag commonly used to carry things like flour, rice, or even soil).But really hit the sack means to go to sleep.This expression is commonly used to tell your friends or family that you are really tired, so you go to bed.

Instead of saying hit the sack, you can also say hit the hay.

Twist someone's arm

Literally - "twistsomeone's hand. "This idiom means the following: to force someone to do something against their will, desire.

Stab someone in the back

If we take this idiom literally, we may encounter a lot ofproblems with the police, as this would mean taking a knife or other sharp object and sticking it into the person's back.

However, as an idiom, stab someone in the back means to betray or injure someone who was close to us and trusted us.

Lose your touch

This literally means that you no longer have the ability to touch or feelfingers or hands.But losing your touch actually means that you are losing the ability or talent that you once had when dealing with things, people, or situations.Synonyms: lose grip;lose the ability to lead, manage someone or something.

Pitch in

This English idiom doesn't really make sense if you're trying to take it literally...However, figuratively speaking, it means contributing or joining someone.

Example: dad tells the family that he wants everyone to pitch in this weekend and help clear the backyard - the father wants everyone to get together and contribute to clearing the yard this weekend.

Go cold turkey

Do not try to translate verbatim, as it will not be successful.Idiom means to abruptly, completely end a bad habit (drugs, alcohol, etc.)

Play devil's advocate

Many people watched the movie "The Devil's Advocate", but few people know that the idiom "play devil's advocate"means not to take on faith and to doubt everything;to be an advocate of an unrighteous cause.