65 English Idioms that don't Translate Well

English is full of fun sayings called idioms. Idioms are short phrases that mean something different from the words themselves. For example, “raining cats and dogs” means it is raining a lot. These phrases can be tricky for people who speak another language because the words do not make sense when translated directly.

Some idioms are hard to explain in other languages. If you try to translate them word by word, people might get confused. Learning these idioms can help you understand stories, movies, and conversations in English. In this article, we will look at some English idioms that don’t translate well and why they are tricky. You will see how these phrases make English fun and interesting.

1. Break the Ice

Meaning: To start a conversation or make people feel comfortable.
To Provide an Example: At school, Mia told a funny story to break the ice. During the team meeting, John asked a question to break the ice. At the party, I shared a joke to break the ice.
Alternative Meaning: To make a situation less awkward. Sarah smiled to break the ice with her new neighbors. He offered cookies to break the ice with his classmates.

2. Piece of Cake

Meaning: Something that is very easy to do.
To Provide an Example: Doing the homework was a piece of cake for Emma. Baking cookies with Mom was a piece of cake. Cleaning up the room was a piece of cake for Liam.
Alternative Meaning: Something simple or not hard to finish. Finishing the puzzle was a piece of cake. Riding a bike for the first time was a piece of cake for Jake.

3. Spill the Beans

Meaning: To tell a secret.
To Provide an Example: Tom spilled the beans about the surprise party. Lucy spilled the beans about the new puppy. I accidentally spilled the beans about the field trip.
Alternative Meaning: To reveal information that was meant to be secret. Sarah spilled the beans about the game scores. He spilled the beans about the Halloween plan.

4. Hit the Sack

Meaning: To go to bed or sleep.
To Provide an Example: After school, I hit the sack early. Mom told me to hit the sack after reading. Dad hit the sack after a long day at work.
Alternative Meaning: To rest or take a nap. The baby hit the sack after lunch. Grandma hit the sack after gardening.

5. Under the Weather

Meaning: Feeling sick or not well.
To Provide an Example: I felt under the weather today and stayed home. She felt under the weather and didn’t go to school. Dad was under the weather after catching a cold.
Alternative Meaning: Not feeling healthy or a little tired. Liam was under the weather after soccer practice. Mom felt under the weather after cleaning all day.

6. Let the Cat Out of the Bag

Meaning: To accidentally tell a secret.
To Provide an Example: I let the cat out of the bag about the surprise gift. He let the cat out of the bag about the class trip. Sarah let the cat out of the bag about the party.
Alternative Meaning: To reveal something that was hidden. Dad let the cat out of the bag about the new car. Mom let the cat out of the bag about the family trip.

7. Bite the Bullet

Meaning: To do something difficult that you do not want to do.
To Provide an Example: I had to bite the bullet and eat my vegetables. He bit the bullet and cleaned his messy room. Mom bit the bullet and helped with homework.
Alternative Meaning: To face a challenge bravely. Dad bit the bullet and fixed the broken fence. Lily bit the bullet and asked the teacher for help.

8. Kick the Bucket

Meaning: A polite way to say someone died.
To Provide an Example: The old dog kicked the bucket last night. Grandpa kicked the bucket peacefully at home. The plant kicked the bucket after no water.
Alternative Meaning: To pass away or stop living. The goldfish kicked the bucket after one week. My neighbor’s cat kicked the bucket last month.

9. Hit the Nail on the Head

Meaning: To say or do something exactly right.
To Provide an Example: Mia hit the nail on the head with her answer. Dad hit the nail on the head when he solved the problem. Sam hit the nail on the head during the quiz.
Alternative Meaning: To be correct about something. The teacher hit the nail on the head about the homework. Mom hit the nail on the head about cleaning the kitchen.

10. Cold Feet

Meaning: Feeling nervous about doing something.
To Provide an Example: I got cold feet before my first piano recital. She had cold feet before the big race. He got cold feet about talking to the principal.
Alternative Meaning: Feeling scared or unsure. Mom got cold feet before giving a speech. Dad got cold feet before the dentist visit.

11. On Cloud Nine

Meaning: Feeling very happy.
To Provide an Example: Emma was on cloud nine after winning the game. Dad was on cloud nine when his team won. I felt on cloud nine when I got a new bike.
Alternative Meaning: Feeling very excited or joyful. Mom was on cloud nine after baking a perfect cake. Sam was on cloud nine when he saw the puppy.

12. Barking Up the Wrong Tree

Meaning: Making a wrong guess or mistake.
To Provide an Example: Jake was barking up the wrong tree about who broke the vase. Lily was barking up the wrong tree thinking it was raining. Tom was barking up the wrong tree about the missing book.
Alternative Meaning: Looking in the wrong place or blaming the wrong person. Mom was barking up the wrong tree about the spilled milk. Dad was barking up the wrong tree about the lost keys.

13. Burn the Midnight Oil

Meaning: To stay up late working or studying.
To Provide an Example: I burned the midnight oil to finish my homework. Mom burned the midnight oil making cookies. Dad burned the midnight oil fixing the car.
Alternative Meaning: To work or study late at night. Sarah burned the midnight oil for her science project. Liam burned the midnight oil reading a new book.

14. Call It a Day

Meaning: To stop working for the day.
To Provide an Example: After cleaning the garage, Dad said, “Let’s call it a day.” Mom called it a day after folding the laundry. I called it a day after finishing my homework.
Alternative Meaning: To finish or stop an activity. The team called it a day after practice. Grandpa called it a day after gardening.

15. Cost an Arm and a Leg

Meaning: Something that is very expensive.
To Provide an Example: The new video game cost an arm and a leg. Mom said the shoes cost an arm and a leg. Dad said the car cost an arm and a leg.
Alternative Meaning: Very high in price. The concert tickets cost an arm and a leg. The new backpack cost an arm and a leg.

16. Cry Over Spilled Milk

Meaning: To be upset about something that already happened.
To Provide an Example: Don’t cry over spilled milk if you drop your snack. She cried over spilled milk after losing the game. He cried over spilled milk about the broken toy.
Alternative Meaning: Don’t worry about things you cannot change. Mom said not to cry over spilled milk about the spilled juice. Dad said not to cry over spilled milk about the mistake.

17. Face the Music

Meaning: To accept the results of your actions.
To Provide an Example: Jake had to face the music after breaking the lamp. Lily faced the music for losing the homework. I faced the music for spilling juice on the carpet.
Alternative Meaning: To deal with problems. Mom faced the music when the cake burned. Dad faced the music when the car was scratched.

18. Get Cold Feet

Meaning: To feel nervous before doing something important.
To Provide an Example: I got cold feet before my first soccer game. Sarah got cold feet before performing a song. Liam got cold feet before asking a question.
Alternative Meaning: To feel scared or unsure. Mom got cold feet before giving a class presentation. Dad got cold feet before the dentist.

19. Hit the Books

Meaning: To study hard.
To Provide an Example: I need to hit the books for the math test. Sarah hit the books to finish her homework. Dad hit the books to learn a new recipe.
Alternative Meaning: To spend time reading or learning. Liam hit the books to prepare for a quiz. Mom hit the books to understand a new guide.

20. In Hot Water

Meaning: In trouble.
To Provide an Example: I was in hot water for forgetting my homework. She was in hot water for breaking a toy. Dad was in hot water for leaving the keys in the car.
Alternative Meaning: Facing a problem or difficulty. Mom was in hot water for missing the meeting. Sam was in hot water for being late.

21. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Meaning: Don’t bring up old problems.
To Provide an Example: Don’t argue about last week; let sleeping dogs lie. Mom said to let sleeping dogs lie about the spilled milk. Dad said to let sleeping dogs lie about the broken chair.
Alternative Meaning: Avoid causing trouble by mentioning old issues. Sarah let sleeping dogs lie about the missing toy. Liam let sleeping dogs lie about the argument.

22. Out of the Blue

Meaning: Something happens suddenly and unexpectedly.
To Provide an Example: The gift came out of the blue. Mom called out of the blue to say hello. Dad got a message out of the blue.
Alternative Meaning: Without warning or notice. A rainbow appeared out of the blue. Liam got a surprise invitation out of the blue.

23. Over the Moon

Meaning: Feeling very happy and excited.
To Provide an Example: I was over the moon to get a puppy. Mom was over the moon when the cake turned out great. Dad was over the moon when his team won.
Alternative Meaning: Extremely pleased or joyful. Sarah was over the moon about her birthday present. Liam was over the moon after scoring a goal.

24. Pull Someone’s Leg

Meaning: To joke or tease someone.
To Provide an Example: I pulled Jake’s leg about the lost sock. Mom pulled my leg about the surprise gift. Dad pulled Sarah’s leg about the homework.
Alternative Meaning: To trick someone playfully. Liam pulled my leg about the hidden candy. She pulled her brother’s leg about the funny hat.

25. See Eye to Eye

Meaning: To agree with someone.
To Provide an Example: Mom and Dad see eye to eye about bedtime. I see eye to eye with my friend about the game. Sarah and Liam see eye to eye on the project.
Alternative Meaning: To have the same opinion. Dad and Grandpa see eye to eye about gardening. Mom and teacher see eye to eye about the plan.

26. Sit on the Fence

Meaning: To not take sides.
To Provide an Example: I sat on the fence about which game to play. Mom sat on the fence during the argument. Dad sat on the fence about the color choice.
Alternative Meaning: To wait before making a decision. Sarah sat on the fence about the snack choice. Liam sat on the fence about joining the team.

27. Spill the Beans

Meaning: To tell a secret.
To Provide an Example: I spilled the beans about the surprise party. Mom spilled the beans about the new puppy. Dad spilled the beans about the trip.
Alternative Meaning: Reveal information accidentally. Sarah spilled the beans about the game. Liam spilled the beans about the secret project.

28. Take it With a Grain of Salt

Meaning: Don’t believe everything you hear.
To Provide an Example: Mom said to take the rumor with a grain of salt. I took my friend’s joke with a grain of salt. Dad said to take the story with a grain of salt.
Alternative Meaning: Be careful about believing information. Sarah took the advice with a grain of salt. Liam took the news with a grain of salt.

29. The Ball is in Your Court

Meaning: It is your turn to decide or act.
To Provide an Example: Mom said, “The ball is in your court” about choosing dessert. Dad said the ball is in your court about cleaning. I knew the ball was in my court about inviting friends.
Alternative Meaning: You have responsibility to act. Sarah knew the ball was in her court for the project. Liam knew the ball was in his court about the game.

30. Throw in the Towel

Meaning: To give up.
To Provide an Example: I threw in the towel on the puzzle. Dad threw in the towel after fixing the broken chair. Mom threw in the towel after the messy kitchen.
Alternative Meaning: Stop trying or surrender. Sarah threw in the towel during the game. Liam threw in the towel while drawing.

31. Add Fuel to the Fire

Meaning: To make a problem worse.
To Provide an Example: I added fuel to the fire by teasing my brother. Mom added fuel to the fire by arguing about the mess. Dad added fuel to the fire by pointing out mistakes.
Alternative Meaning: Make a situation more heated. Sarah added fuel to the fire during the debate. Liam added fuel to the fire when he shouted.

32. Break a Leg

Meaning: A way to say “good luck.”
To Provide an Example: Mom said “break a leg” before my recital. Dad said “break a leg” before the game. Teacher said “break a leg” before the school play.
Alternative Meaning: Wish someone success. Sarah told Liam to break a leg for the spelling bee. Grandpa said break a leg before the race.

33. Burn Bridges

Meaning: To destroy a relationship or opportunity.
To Provide an Example: I burned bridges by not helping my friend. Mom burned bridges with the neighbor by arguing. Dad burned bridges by quitting the job angrily.
Alternative Meaning: Lose a chance because of your actions. Sarah burned bridges with her team by being mean. Liam burned bridges with classmates by lying.

34. Cry Wolf

Meaning: To ask for help when it’s not needed.
To Provide an Example: I cried wolf about a broken pencil. Mom cried wolf about spilled milk. Dad cried wolf about a small scratch.
Alternative Meaning: To warn about something that is not real. Sarah cried wolf about the lost toy. Liam cried wolf about a pretend spider.

35. Cut Corners

Meaning: To do something in a quick or careless way.
To Provide an Example: I cut corners while cleaning my room. Mom cut corners while making cookies. Dad cut corners fixing the shelf.
Alternative Meaning: Do something without proper care. Sarah cut corners on her homework. Liam cut corners on the painting project.

36. Devil’s Advocate

Meaning: Someone who argues the opposite to make a point.
To Provide an Example: Jake played devil’s advocate in the discussion. Mom played devil’s advocate about the best snack. Dad played devil’s advocate in the game debate.
Alternative Meaning: To question or challenge an idea. Sarah played devil’s advocate about the plan. Liam played devil’s advocate about the rules.

37. Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch

Meaning: Don’t assume something will happen before it does.
To Provide an Example: I didn’t count my chickens before they hatch about the test grade. Mom didn’t count her chickens before they hatch about the sale. Dad didn’t count his chickens before they hatch about the lottery.
Alternative Meaning: Don’t expect results too early. Sarah didn’t count her chickens before they hatch about the game. Liam didn’t count his chickens before they hatch about the gift.

38. Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining

Meaning: There is something good in a bad situation.
To Provide an Example: I fell but found a new friend; every cloud has a silver lining. Mom burned the cookies, but we laughed; every cloud has a silver lining. Dad lost the keys but found money; every cloud has a silver lining.
Alternative Meaning: Something positive can come from problems. Sarah was sad, but then she played; every cloud has a silver lining. Liam lost the game, but learned; every cloud has a silver lining.

39. Go the Extra Mile

Meaning: To work harder than needed.
To Provide an Example: I went the extra mile to clean the garage. Mom went the extra mile to make dinner special. Dad went the extra mile fixing the car.
Alternative Meaning: Do more than expected. Sarah went the extra mile to help a friend. Liam went the extra mile for the school project.

40. Hit the Jackpot

Meaning: To have great luck or success.
To Provide an Example: I hit the jackpot with a new toy. Mom hit the jackpot finding a sale. Dad hit the jackpot with the parking spot.
Alternative Meaning: Get something very good by chance. Sarah hit the jackpot with ice cream. Liam hit the jackpot finding money on the ground.

41. Keep Your Chin Up

Meaning: Stay positive even when things are hard.
To Provide an Example: I kept my chin up after losing the game. Mom kept her chin up after spilling the milk. Dad kept his chin up after missing the bus.
Alternative Meaning: Stay brave or cheerful. Sarah kept her chin up when she was nervous. Liam kept his chin up after falling off the bike.

42. Let the Chips Fall Where They May

Meaning: Accept whatever happens.
To Provide an Example: I told the truth and let the chips fall where they may. Mom cleaned the kitchen and let the chips fall where they may. Dad finished his project and let the chips fall where they may.
Alternative Meaning: Don’t try to control the results. Sarah studied hard and let the chips fall where they may. Liam told the truth and let the chips fall where they may.

43. Make a Long Story Short

Meaning: Tell something quickly without details.
To Provide an Example: I made a long story short about the trip. Mom made a long story short about the game. Dad made a long story short about work.
Alternative Meaning: Give the main idea quickly. Sarah made a long story short about the movie. Liam made a long story short about the homework.

44. Miss the Boat

Meaning: To miss an opportunity.
To Provide an Example: I missed the boat on the ice cream sale. Mom missed the boat on buying tickets. Dad missed the boat on the early bird deal.
Alternative Meaning: Lose a chance. Sarah missed the boat on joining the game. Liam missed the boat on picking a team.

45. No Pain, No Gain

Meaning: You must work hard to succeed.
To Provide an Example: I practiced basketball because no pain, no gain. Mom cleaned the house because no pain, no gain. Dad worked in the garden because no pain, no gain.
Alternative Meaning: Hard work brings rewards. Sarah studied for her test; no pain, no gain. Liam practiced piano; no pain, no gain.

46. On Thin Ice

Meaning: In a risky or dangerous situation.
To Provide an Example: I was on thin ice after forgetting my homework. Mom was on thin ice for leaving the oven on. Dad was on thin ice for being late to work.
Alternative Meaning: At risk of trouble. Sarah was on thin ice for talking back. Liam was on thin ice for breaking the vase.

47. Out of the Frying Pan into the Fire

Meaning: Going from a bad situation to a worse one.
To Provide an Example: I went out of the frying pan into the fire by spilling juice and dropping my homework. Mom went out of the frying pan into the fire when she lost her keys and dropped groceries. Dad went out of the frying pan into the fire when the car broke down and it started raining.
Alternative Meaning: From trouble to more trouble. Sarah went out of the frying pan into the fire when she tripped and dropped her art project. Liam went out of the frying pan into the fire when he forgot his snack and lost his backpack.

48. Play it by Ear

Meaning: Decide what to do as things happen.
To Provide an Example: I decided to play it by ear about the game. Mom played it by ear about dinner plans. Dad played it by ear about fixing the car.
Alternative Meaning: Not planning everything ahead. Sarah played it by ear during the craft project. Liam played it by ear during the walk.

49. Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

Meaning: Rely on only one thing for success.
To Provide an Example: I put all my eggs in one basket by only studying math. Mom put all her eggs in one basket by buying one gift. Dad put all his eggs in one basket by betting on one game.
Alternative Meaning: Risk everything on one thing. Sarah put all her eggs in one basket on her drawing. Liam put all his eggs in one basket on one puzzle.

50. Rain on Someone’s Parade

Meaning: To spoil someone’s fun.
To Provide an Example: I rained on Jake’s parade by telling him the wrong answer. Mom rained on my parade by saying no dessert. Dad rained on Sarah’s parade by canceling the trip.
Alternative Meaning: Ruin someone’s excitement. Sarah rained on Liam’s parade by showing the broken toy. Liam rained on Mom’s parade by spilling the juice.

51. Shoot the Breeze

Meaning: To chat casually.
To Provide an Example: I shot the breeze with my friend after school. Mom shot the breeze with the neighbor. Dad shot the breeze with his coworker.
Alternative Meaning: Talk for fun. Sarah shot the breeze with her cousin. Liam shot the breeze with his teammate.

52. Sit Tight

Meaning: Wait patiently.
To Provide an Example: I sat tight while Mom baked cookies. Dad told me to sit tight during the storm. Sarah sat tight while the teacher explained.
Alternative Meaning: Stay where you are and be patient. Liam sat tight during the game. Mom sat tight while waiting for the phone call.

53. Steal Someone’s Thunder

Meaning: Take credit for someone else’s idea.
To Provide an Example: I stole Jake’s thunder by answering first. Mom stole my thunder by showing my art. Dad stole Sarah’s thunder by finishing the joke.
Alternative Meaning: Take attention away from someone. Sarah stole Liam’s thunder during the game. Liam stole Mom’s thunder at the party.

54. Take the Bull by the Horns

Meaning: Face a problem directly.
To Provide an Example: I took the bull by the horns and asked for help. Mom took the bull by the horns and fixed the sink. Dad took the bull by the horns and spoke to the teacher.
Alternative Meaning: Be brave and act. Sarah took the bull by the horns and led the project. Liam took the bull by the horns and solved the puzzle.

55. The Early Bird Catches the Worm

Meaning: People who act early get rewards.
To Provide an Example: I woke up early for the game; the early bird catches the worm. Mom woke up early for the sale; the early bird catches the worm. Dad woke up early for the hike; the early bird catches the worm.
Alternative Meaning: Being prepared helps. Sarah came early to the library; the early bird catches the worm. Liam arrived early for the field trip; the early bird catches the worm.

56. Throw Caution to the Wind

Meaning: Take a risk.
To Provide an Example: I threw caution to the wind and tried the big slide. Mom threw caution to the wind and baked a new recipe. Dad threw caution to the wind and played the game differently.
Alternative Meaning: Ignore worries and act. Sarah threw caution to the wind during the experiment. Liam threw caution to the wind on the bike.

57. Turn Over a New Leaf

Meaning: Start fresh or behave better.
To Provide an Example: I turned over a new leaf by cleaning my room. Mom turned over a new leaf and cooked healthier meals. Dad turned over a new leaf and exercised daily.
Alternative Meaning: Make a positive change. Sarah turned over a new leaf by being kind. Liam turned over a new leaf by doing homework on time.

58. Up in the Air

Meaning: Uncertain or undecided.
To Provide an Example: Our picnic plans are up in the air because of rain. Mom’s decision about the trip is up in the air. Dad said the game time is up in the air.
Alternative Meaning: Not yet settled. Sarah’s birthday party is up in the air. Liam’s choice for the project is up in the air.

59. Walk on Eggshells

Meaning: Be very careful not to upset someone.
To Provide an Example: I walked on eggshells around my little sister. Mom walked on eggshells with Dad after the argument. Dad walked on eggshells with the neighbor.
Alternative Meaning: Act carefully to avoid trouble. Sarah walked on eggshells during the meeting. Liam walked on eggshells while painting.

60. Water Under the Bridge

Meaning: Something in the past that is forgotten.
To Provide an Example: The fight is water under the bridge. Mom said it is water under the bridge about the spilled milk. Dad said it is water under the bridge about the broken chair.
Alternative Meaning: Forget past problems. Sarah said it is water under the bridge after arguing. Liam said it is water under the bridge about the lost toy.

61. When Pigs Fly

Meaning: Something that will never happen.
To Provide an Example: I will clean my room when pigs fly. Mom will run a marathon when pigs fly. Dad will eat ice cream for breakfast when pigs fly.
Alternative Meaning: Impossible or very unlikely. Sarah will ride a unicorn when pigs fly. Liam will skip homework when pigs fly.

62. Wild Goose Chase

Meaning: A pointless or silly search.
To Provide an Example: I went on a wild goose chase for my pencil. Mom went on a wild goose chase for the missing sock. Dad went on a wild goose chase for his keys.
Alternative Meaning: Searching for something that is not there. Sarah went on a wild goose chase for the hidden candy. Liam went on a wild goose chase for the toy car.

63. Your Guess is as Good as Mine

Meaning: I don’t know.
To Provide an Example: I asked about the test and my guess is as good as yours. Mom asked about the bus schedule and her guess is as good as mine. Dad asked about the score and his guess is as good as mine.
Alternative Meaning: We both don’t know the answer. Sarah asked about the time and her guess is as good as mine. Liam asked about the weather and his guess is as good as mine.

64. Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

Meaning: Take on too much work.
To Provide an Example: I bit off more than I can chew by choosing two projects. Mom bit off more than she can chew by cooking three meals. Dad bit off more than he can chew by cleaning the garage and yard.
Alternative Meaning: Try to do too much at once. Sarah bit off more than she can chew with crafts and homework. Liam bit off more than he can chew with chores and soccer practice.

65. Break the Bank

Meaning: Spend all your money.
To Provide an Example: I broke the bank buying toys. Mom broke the bank buying groceries. Dad broke the bank on tickets for the game.
Alternative Meaning: Cost a lot of money. Sarah broke the bank on new shoes. Liam broke the bank buying snacks.

Fill in the blanks: Trials for Success – “English Idioms That Don’t Translate Well”

I was __________ when I saw my test grade because I studied a lot.
Mom told me to __________ and wait while she finished cooking dinner.
Dad said it is okay to make a mistake; it is just __________.
I tried to clean the garage quickly, but I knew I was __________.
Sarah spilled the milk, but Mom said it is __________.
I wanted the new video game, but it would __________ to buy it.
Liam was nervous before his piano recital and got __________.
I told the surprise about the party, so I accidentally __________.
Dad told me to __________ and ask for help when the project was hard.
Mom said that even if we lost the soccer game, every __________.
I wanted to get the first cookie, so I woke up early; the __________.
I was __________ for forgetting my homework and had to apologize.
Jake teased his brother, which only __________ the argument.
I wanted to finish two projects at the same time, but I __________.
Sarah laughed at my joke, so I felt __________.
I decided to __________ and not plan every single step of the field trip.
Mom told me to __________ about the spilled juice and move on.
I tried to fix the broken shelf, but I had to __________ and ask Dad.
Liam joked with me and I knew he was just __________.
Dad canceled the trip, which really __________ for Mom because she was excited.

Answers

over the moon
sit tight
water under the bridge
cutting corners
water under the bridge
cost an arm and a leg
cold feet
let the cat out of the bag
take the bull by the horns
cloud has a silver lining / every cloud has a silver lining
early bird catches the worm / the early bird catches the worm
in hot water
added fuel to the fire / add fuel to the fire
bit off more than I can chew
on cloud nine
play it by ear
let the chips fall where they may
bite the bullet
pulling my leg / pull someone’s leg
rained on her parade / rain on someone’s parade

Conclusion

English idioms can be fun but tricky. Some phrases do not make sense if you translate them word by word. Learning these idioms helps you understand conversations, books, and movies better.

By practicing idioms like “break the ice” or “hit the books,” you can talk more like a native speaker. Even if they seem strange at first, these phrases make English more interesting. Remember, the more you read and listen, the easier it becomes to use them in real life.