Idioms are fascinating expressions in English where the meaning isn’t obvious from the individual words. They add color and depth to our language. Understanding them is key to truly mastering English communication.
This post is dedicated to idioms that begin with the letter ‘B’. You’ll find a comprehensive list of common “B” idioms, their meanings, and how they’re used in everyday conversation.
An idiom is a phrase or expression where the meaning cannot be deduced from the literal definition of its words. For example, “kick the bucket” doesn’t literally mean to kick a bucket; it means to die. Idioms are a crucial part of native-like fluency.
They are used constantly in both spoken and written English, making conversations more vibrant and engaging. Mastering idioms can significantly improve your comprehension and expression.
Back to the beginning/back at square one
To start over again; to be forced to repeat the same process from the start.
Bad blood
Resentment or hostility between people or groups, usually from past disagreements.
A bad apple
A single person who has a bad influence on a group.
[to be a] Back-seat driver
A passenger who constantly gives unsolicited advice or criticism to the driver; metaphorically, someone who interferes with another's work without having responsibility.
Bring home the bacon
To earn money, especially to support one's family.
Back room boys
People who do important work but who have no contact with the public.
Badger someone into doing something
To pester or annoy someone until they do what you want.
Bare bones
For something to be the most basic, stripped down, or rudimentary version.
Bare necessities
To have only what is needed or necessary; just enough or sufficient.
Bare naked
Meaning nude or exposed; naked.
[to get the best] Bang for your buck
To get the most value or advantage for your money or effort.
Bare minimum
To do the smallest or least amount possible.
To bark up the wrong tree
To pursue a mistaken course of action; to make a wrong choice in an attempt to achieve something.
To bare one’s breasts
To leave yourself open or vulnerable to something/someone.
To bare one’s teeth
To display anger or a threatening reaction to something/someone.
Bear with me
To be patient with me; to wait.
Beck and call
To be entirely at someone's service; ready to obey any command.
Bet your dollars to doughnuts
To be so certain something will happen that you'd wager something more valuable to something less valuable.
Bet a huckleberry to a persimmon
To wager a small amount; implying something is highly likely.
Brain-burned
Displaying the adverse effects of drug use, especially cognitive impairment.
[you can] Bet on it or that!
To be sure of something.
To be burnt [or burned] out
To be tired/worn out from overwork.
To bet on the wrong horse
To support the wrong thing or something that didn't prove successful.
To burn (something or someone) to a cinder
For something to be burned badly or completely.
To bet your farm on it
You can be sure of something; to be extremely confident.
To burn a hole in one’s pocket
Suggesting that the person with the money feels the need to spend it quickly.
A burn notice
Said of something that's being disavowed; or “A dismissal of an agent or source an intelligence agency considers to have become unreliable.”
To burn one’s boats/bridges
To squander one’s relationships/business connections.
Burn some clock
To use up some amount of time.
To burn both ends of the candle
To overwork yourself.
Burn not your house to fright the mouse away
Don’t overreact to minor problems.
To burn the midnight oil
To stay up late working on a task or project.
What is an idiom?
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An idiom is a phrase or expression where the meaning cannot be understood from the literal definition of its individual words. It’s a common phrase unique to a language.
Why are idioms important in English?
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Idioms add color and depth to language, making communication more vibrant and engaging. Understanding them is crucial for native-like fluency and comprehending everyday conversation.
How do you learn idioms?
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The best way to learn idioms is through exposure and practice. Reading, listening to native speakers, and actively trying to use them in context can help you master them.
Can idioms be translated directly?
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No, idioms generally cannot be translated directly word-for-word into another language, as their meaning is figurative and specific to their original language.
What is the meaning of “bring home the bacon”?
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“Bring home the bacon” means to earn money, especially to support one’s family or household.
