Idiomatic expressions are a fascinating aspect of any language. They provide color, flavor, and a deeper connection to the culture. For English learners, idiomatic expressions can be particularly challenging because their meanings often can’t be deduced from the individual words themselves. Among these, idiomatic expressions with prepositions are especially tricky. These are phrases where a preposition—words like “in,” “on,” “at,” “by,” and “with”—plays a crucial role in the expression’s meaning. In this article, we’ll explore some common idiomatic expressions with prepositions, breaking down their meanings and usage to help you become more fluent and natural in your English communication.
Idiomatic Expressions with “In”
“In” is one of the most versatile prepositions in the English language, and it appears in many idiomatic expressions. Here are some you should know:
In the same boat
To be “in the same boat” means to be in the same difficult situation as someone else. This expression is often used to emphasize solidarity and mutual understanding.
– Example: “We’re all in the same boat now that the project deadline has been moved up.”
In hot water
If you’re “in hot water,” you’re in trouble or facing a difficult situation.
– Example: “She found herself in hot water after missing the crucial meeting.”
In the nick of time
To do something “in the nick of time” means to do it just before it’s too late.
– Example: “We got to the airport in the nick of time and managed to catch our flight.”
Idiomatic Expressions with “On”
“On” is another preposition that appears in a wide range of idiomatic expressions. Here are some to add to your vocabulary:
On the ball
If someone is “on the ball,” they are alert, knowledgeable, and quick to react.
– Example: “We need someone who’s really on the ball to manage this project.”
On cloud nine
To be “on cloud nine” means to be extremely happy or elated.
– Example: “She was on cloud nine after hearing that she got the job.”
On thin ice
If you are “on thin ice,” you are in a precarious or risky situation.
– Example: “He’s on thin ice with his boss after arriving late to work again.”
Idiomatic Expressions with “At”
The preposition “at” is less common in idiomatic expressions compared to “in” and “on,” but it still appears in several important phrases:
At odds
To be “at odds” means to be in disagreement or conflict with someone.
– Example: “The two colleagues have been at odds over the best approach to the project.”
At the drop of a hat
If someone does something “at the drop of a hat,” they do it immediately and without hesitation.
– Example: “She would leave her job at the drop of a hat if she got a better offer.”
At a loss
To be “at a loss” means to be unsure or confused about what to do next.
– Example: “I’m at a loss for words after hearing such shocking news.”
Idiomatic Expressions with “By”
“By” is often used in idiomatic expressions that convey means, manner, or proximity. Here are a few examples:
By the skin of one’s teeth
To do something “by the skin of one’s teeth” means to barely manage to do it or narrowly escape something.
– Example: “He passed the exam by the skin of his teeth.”
By and large
“By and large” means generally or for the most part.
– Example: “By and large, the project was a success despite some minor setbacks.”
By the book
To do something “by the book” means to follow the rules or regulations precisely.
– Example: “She always manages the team by the book, ensuring everything is done correctly.”
Idiomatic Expressions with “With”
“With” is a preposition that often appears in idiomatic expressions related to accompaniment or possession. Here are some examples:
With flying colors
To do something “with flying colors” means to do it very successfully.
– Example: “She passed her exam with flying colors.”
With a heavy heart
If someone does something “with a heavy heart,” they do it with sadness or regret.
– Example: “He left his hometown with a heavy heart, knowing he might not return.”
With bated breath
To wait “with bated breath” means to wait anxiously or eagerly for something to happen.
– Example: “We waited with bated breath for the results of the competition.”
Idiomatic Expressions with “Over”
“Over” is another preposition that appears in idiomatic expressions, often conveying the idea of dominance or completion:
Over the moon
To be “over the moon” means to be extremely happy or delighted.
– Example: “She was over the moon when she heard she had won the lottery.”
Over the top
Something that is “over the top” is excessively extravagant or exaggerated.
– Example: “His reaction to the news was a bit over the top.”
Over the hill
To be “over the hill” means to be past one’s prime, often used humorously to refer to aging.
– Example: “He jokes that he’s over the hill now that he’s turned 50.”
Idiomatic Expressions with “Under”
“Under” is frequently used in idiomatic expressions that convey subordination or struggle:
Under the weather
To be “under the weather” means to feel ill or unwell.
– Example: “I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’ll be staying home.”
Under the gun
If you’re “under the gun,” you’re under pressure to do something quickly.
– Example: “She was under the gun to finish the report before the deadline.”
Under one’s breath
To say something “under one’s breath” means to say it quietly so that others cannot hear it.
– Example: “He muttered something under his breath as he walked away.”
Idiomatic Expressions with “Out”
“Out” is a preposition used in idiomatic expressions often indicating exclusion or completion:
Out of the blue
If something happens “out of the blue,” it happens unexpectedly.
– Example: “She showed up out of the blue after years of no contact.”
Out of the woods
To be “out of the woods” means to be out of danger or difficulty.
– Example: “The project is not out of the woods yet; we still have some challenges to overcome.”
Out of hand
If something gets “out of hand,” it becomes difficult to control.
– Example: “The situation got out of hand quickly, and we had to call for help.”
Idiomatic Expressions with “For”
“For” is a preposition often used in idiomatic expressions that convey purpose or benefit:
For the record
When someone says “for the record,” they are indicating that what they are saying should be noted or remembered.
– Example: “For the record, I never agreed to the terms of that contract.”
For a song
To buy or sell something “for a song” means to do so at a very low price.
– Example: “She bought that vintage car for a song.”
For good
If something is done “for good,” it is done permanently.
– Example: “He’s moving to Europe for good.”
Idiomatic Expressions with “To”
“To” is a preposition that frequently appears in idiomatic expressions that indicate direction or purpose:
To the letter
To follow instructions “to the letter” means to follow them exactly and precisely.
– Example: “She followed the recipe to the letter and the cake turned out perfect.”
To no avail
If an effort is “to no avail,” it means it was unsuccessful or in vain.
– Example: “They searched for hours, but to no avail; the keys were nowhere to be found.”
To the point
To be “to the point” means to be direct and concise in communication.
– Example: “Her presentation was clear and to the point.”
Idiomatic Expressions with “From”
“From” is a preposition used in idiomatic expressions that often denote origin or separation:
From scratch
To do something “from scratch” means to start from the very beginning without any prior preparation or advantage.
– Example: “She built her business from scratch.”
From the heart
When something is done “from the heart,” it is done sincerely and with genuine emotion.
– Example: “He wrote the letter from the heart.”
From time to time
“From time to time” means occasionally or at intervals.
– Example: “We all need a break from time to time.”
Idiomatic Expressions with “About”
“About” is a preposition used in idiomatic expressions that often convey proximity or relevance:
About time
If someone says “it’s about time,” they mean that something should have happened sooner.
– Example: “It’s about time you arrived; we were getting worried.”
About to
“About to” means that something is going to happen very soon.
– Example: “I’m about to leave for the meeting.”
Beating about the bush
To “beat about the bush” means to avoid the main topic and speak indirectly.
– Example: “Stop beating about the bush and tell me what happened.”
Practical Tips for Learning Idiomatic Expressions
Learning idiomatic expressions can be daunting, but there are several effective strategies you can use to make the process easier and more enjoyable:
Contextual Learning
One of the best ways to learn idiomatic expressions is by seeing them used in context. This can be through reading books, watching movies, or listening to native speakers. Pay attention to how and when these expressions are used.
Practice and Repetition
Like any other aspect of language learning, practice and repetition are key. Try to use new idiomatic expressions in your own sentences. This will help cement them in your memory.
Use Flashcards
Flashcards can be a great way to memorize idiomatic expressions. Write the expression on one side of the card and its meaning on the other. Review them regularly.
Engage in Conversations
Engaging in conversations with native speakers can be particularly beneficial. You’ll get a sense of how these expressions are used naturally and can receive immediate feedback.
Conclusion
Idiomatic expressions with prepositions add richness and depth to the English language. While they can be challenging to learn, they are essential for achieving fluency and sounding more natural in your speech. By focusing on context, practicing regularly, and engaging with native speakers, you can master these expressions and take your English to the next level. So, dive in, explore these idiomatic expressions, and start using them in your daily conversations. You’ll be amazed at how much more expressive and nuanced your language can become.
