10 Funny English Expressions and What They Really Mean

One of the best (and sometimes strangest) parts of learning English is discovering all the funny expressions we use in everyday conversation. These phrases, also called idioms, don’t always make sense if you translate them word for word — but once you know the meaning, they’ll make you smile and help you sound more natural when you speak.

Here are 10 funny English expressions and what they really mean:

1. It’s raining cats and dogs

No, animals are not falling from the sky! This just means it’s raining very heavily.

2. Break a leg

It sounds painful, right? But in English, this is how we wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.

3. Spill the beans

This has nothing to do with dinner. If someone “spills the beans,” it means they reveal a secret.

4. Hit the sack

Don’t grab a hammer! To “hit the sack” simply means to go to bed or go to sleep.

5. Kick the bucket

This one is a little dark. If someone “kicks the bucket,” it means they have died.

6. Under the weather

You can’t really stand under the weather — but if you say you feel “under the weather,” it means you’re feeling sick.

7. Piece of cake

This expression makes studying a little sweeter. A “piece of cake” means something is very easy.

8. Costs an arm and a leg

Don’t worry, you won’t have to give up your body parts. It just means something is very expensive.

9. Bite the bullet

This means to finally do something difficult or unpleasant that you’ve been avoiding.

10. Hold your horses

No horses required! It means “wait a moment” or “be patient.”

Why learn funny expressions?

Expressions like these are part of what makes English fun and interesting. They also give you a peek into culture and humor. If you start using them, you’ll sound more natural, and maybe even make your English-speaking friends laugh!

Which one of these expressions is your favorite? Do you have a funny expression in your own language? Share it in the comments, I’d love to learn it!