Native English speakers, or of any language for that matter, naturally inherit the knowledge to know what idioms mean because they have the benefit of hearing them every day as they grow up. However, when you are learning English as a secondary language and it is not your native tongue, idioms and other forms of figurative language can be extremely difficult to understand. Understanding them, however, is an essential part of being able to communicate effectively with those around you and for them to communicate effectively with you.

• Hit the books: this idiom simply means to study, especially with particular intensity. It is used as a verb – hit the books.
• On the ball: this idiomatic expression is used to reference someone that is alert, active, or attentive. If you say someone is “on the ball”, you mean that he or she understands the situation well.
• Pull someone’s leg: this idiom means to tease someone, to lead someone on, or to goad someone into overreacting.“I hadn’t pulled Ms Jane’s leg for any of that stuff, she had just handed it to me on a platter, and that wasn’t my fault”
• Hit the sack: This idiomatic phrase generally means to go to bed. You can also say “hit the hay” which has the same meaning.

Idiom Examples