To sound more natural in English you should know these idiomatic expressions in English.

 

Idiomatic expressions in English are phrases with a figurative meaning, which should be interpreted and not translated literally. They help you communicate more naturally and help you understand native speakers.

Why use idiomatic expressions in English?

For everyone. Idiomatic phrases or expressions exist in every language. Think of some phrases you say in Spanish, for example, this is a piece of cake! I'm sure you've used it after passing an easy exam. Well, the same is true in English! Of course, these types of phrases also have their English equivalents, and it is important not to translate them literally.

Most commonly used English expressions

To feel under the weather

It is used when you have a cold or a general malaise. It means that you are not feeling quite well and may need a rest or a hot soup. You can use it in casual conversation and at work, e.g. Jack has reported that he is feeling unwell, so he won't be attending today's meeting.

Head in the clouds

It is a reference to being distracted or distracted, as one would say in Spanish, thinking about lost oxen. Also to mention when another person is not paying attention. It is a very common expression in spoken language, e.g. He was with his head in the clouds during class.

Break a leg!

It's a funny and ironic expression that you can use to wish someone luck. However, be careful who you say it to, as it is an informal expression. You can use it with your friends, even with co-workers with whom you have confidence, for example: I have a meeting with my boss in a few minutes, break a leg!

A piece of cake

This is the Spanish equivalent of "es pan comido". Perfect to say after passing an exam or solving something simple for you, e.g. This morning I ran 5 km. It was a piece of cake.

Talking a mile a minute

When you are talking to someone and they say a thousand words a minute, you can use this expression. Since it comes from American English, the unit of measurement of miles is used. This expression is usually used in jest, with no intention of offending the other person, for example I just met Sarah, she was so excited about the new movie that she was talking a thousand words per hour.