10 Essential English Idioms — With Real Stories (B2)

By Sourov

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B2  ⏱ 5 min

💡 10 Essential English Idioms — With Real Stories

My first year in an Australian workplace, I understood every word but missed the meaning. Idioms. Here are the 10 I needed most.

📖 10 Idioms You Must Know

Idiom Meaning Example
hit the ground running start fast and effectively She hit the ground running in her new role.
under the weather feeling unwell I’m a bit under the weather today.
bite the bullet endure something difficult Just bite the bullet and make the call.
the ball is in your court it’s your decision/turn I’ve sent the email — the ball is in their court.
go the extra mile do more than expected She always goes the extra mile for guests.
on the same page in agreement/understanding Let’s make sure we’re all on the same page.

‘I’m feeling a bit under the weather today.’ This means:

‘The ball is in their court now.’ This means:

‘She hit the ground running on her first day.’ This describes someone who:

I didn’t want to call him, but I just had to bite the ____________.

We’re all ____________ the same page — the meeting is on Friday.

💬 Use in Context

Write 3 sentences using 3 different idioms from today’s list. Then ask a friend to guess the meaning before you explain.

Independent project; not affiliated with, endorsed by, or accredited by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Confers no qualification.