15
Idioms about communication
Idioms are easier to remember when you learn them together with others from the same situation. Here are the 15 idioms on this topic in the English Idioms app, each with its meaning and an example sentence. Choose one to see it in more detail.
- Break the iceHelp people feel comfortable when they first meet.“A short game helped break the ice at the workshop.”
- Spill the beansReveal a secret.“She spilled the beans about the surprise party.”
- Pull someone's legJoke with someone by saying something untrue.“I'm only pulling your leg; the story isn't true.”
- Beat around the bushAvoid talking directly about the main point.“Please don't beat around the bush; tell me what happened.”
- Read between the linesUnderstand a meaning that is suggested but not stated.“Her message sounded polite, but you had to read between the lines.”
- Speak of the devilSaid when a person appears just as you are talking about them.“Speak of the devil! We were just talking about you.”
- Through thick and thinDuring both good and difficult times.“They supported each other through thick and thin.”
- Give someone the benefit of the doubtChoose to believe someone when you cannot be sure.“Without clear evidence, I prefer to give someone the benefit of the doubt.”
- Actions speak louder than wordsWhat people do matters more than what they say.“He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words.”
- In the same boatFacing the same difficult circumstances as another person.“Both of us are looking for our first job, so we're in the same boat.”
- Take something with a grain of saltTreat information cautiously because it may not be reliable. UK: take something with a pinch of salt.“His stories are often exaggerated, so take them with a grain of salt.”
- The elephant in the roomAn obvious problem that people avoid discussing.“The unpaid bills were the elephant in the room at the family meeting.”
- Draw the line at somethingSet a boundary on what you will do or accept.“I can work late occasionally, but I draw the line at working every weekend.”
- Hang in thereEncourage someone to keep trying through a difficult situation.“Hang in there; the course is difficult, but you're making progress.”
- Break a legAn informal wish for good luck, especially before a performance.“Break a leg! I hope your first stage performance goes well.”