Why Idioms Trip Up English Learners
If someone tells you to "break a leg," they are not suggesting you injure yourself. English idioms are phrases where the literal meaning makes no sense — you have to know the figurative meaning. For Japanese speakers, this can be especially confusing because these expressions often have no direct equivalent in Japanese.
Here are 10 very common idioms that use body parts, explained clearly with real examples.
1. "Break a leg"
Meaning: Good luck! (Used before a performance, presentation, or important event.)
Example: "You have your big interview today, right? Break a leg!"
⚠️ Never say "break a leg" in a hospital or in a genuinely dangerous situation!
2. "Keep an eye on something"
Meaning: To watch something carefully or make sure it's safe.
Example: "Can you keep an eye on my bag while I get some water?"
3. "Cost an arm and a leg"
Meaning: To be very expensive.
Example: "I wanted to buy those concert tickets, but they cost an arm and a leg."
4. "Get cold feet"
Meaning: To suddenly feel nervous or uncertain about something you planned to do.
Example: "She was going to go skydiving, but she got cold feet at the last minute."
5. "Keep your chin up"
Meaning: Stay positive during a difficult time.
Example: "I know things are hard right now, but keep your chin up. It'll get better."
6. "Pull someone's leg"
Meaning: To joke with someone or tease them in a playful way.
Example: "Wait, is that true? Are you pulling my leg?"
7. "Have a heart"
Meaning: To be kind, compassionate, or show some sympathy.
Example: "Come on, have a heart — he's trying his best!"
8. "Bite off more than you can chew"
Meaning: To take on more responsibility or work than you can handle.
Example: "I signed up for three extra projects this month. I think I bit off more than I can chew."
9. "Face the music"
Meaning: To accept the consequences of your actions, even when it's unpleasant.
Example: "He made a mistake, and now he has to face the music."
10. "Keep your fingers crossed"
Meaning: To hope that something good will happen. (People literally cross their fingers as a gesture of hope.)
Example: "I applied for the job yesterday. Keep your fingers crossed for me!"
A Quick Reference Table
| Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Break a leg | Good luck |
| Keep an eye on | Watch carefully |
| Cost an arm and a leg | Very expensive |
| Get cold feet | Become nervous / back out |
| Keep your chin up | Stay positive |
| Pull someone's leg | Joke / tease |
| Have a heart | Be kind / show compassion |
| Bite off more than you can chew | Take on too much |
| Face the music | Accept consequences |
| Keep your fingers crossed | Hope for good luck |
How to Learn Idioms Effectively
Don't try to memorize all idioms at once. Instead, pick two or three that you find useful and focus on using them in real situations. When you hear a native speaker use an idiom you don't know, look it up right away — that's the fastest way to build your idiom vocabulary naturally.