An idiom is a turn of phrase which may seem incomprehensible to someone who is not familiar with the language in which it is spoken. Idioms are extremely difficult to learn, and may language learners cite them as one of the more challenging parts of thoroughly understanding language and culture.

Many idioms are colourful and curious, and their origins are impossible to trace. It is suspected that William Shakespeare added several hundred to the English language, but countless others are constantly acquired and dropped over time. These figures of speech colour a language, making it more alive and fun to use. They are also often an important part of a national culture, which can be very alienating to people who are not from that culture.

The commonly used idioms in English are introduced in this book. Their presentation helps learners incorporate common expressions into their everyday speech. Appealing illustrations keep students engaged as they explore idioms related to various topics.