20 Common Idioms for TOEFL & TOEIC Exams

Quick Answer

The fastest way to understand TOEFL & TOEIC idioms.

An idiom is a phrase whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal definitions of the words themselves. For example, when someone says they will "burn the midnight oil," they mean they will study or work late into the night, not that they are literally burning oil.

The TOEFL and TOEIC exams frequently test your ability to understand conversational and academic idioms. Below, you will find a grid of 20 common idioms categorized by theme, followed by deep dives into their meanings, origins, and usage tips to help you ace your exam.

What is a Test Idiom?

A linguistic breakdown of figurative language for exams.

Concept	Figurative Phrase
Key Trait	The meaning is not obvious from the individual words, testing contextual understanding.
Usage	Used in campus conversations (TOEFL) and business settings (TOEIC) to demonstrate fluency.
Example	"Drop the ball" (To make a mistake) vs. "Drop a physical ball" (Literal).
Translation	Rarely literal when translated

The 20 Test Idioms Grid

A complete visual directory of English idioms commonly found on the TOEFL and TOEIC. Click any phrase to explore its definition.

Academic & Study Idioms

Business & Finance Idioms

Communication & Agreement Idioms

Mistakes & Challenges Idioms

Awareness & Attention Idioms

Surprise & Control Idioms

Health & Impact Idioms

Accuracy & Principles Idioms

Academic & Study Idioms

Burn the Midnight Oil Wrap One's Head Around

Business & Finance Idioms

Ballpark Figure In the Red Cut Corners

Communication & Agreement Idioms

On the Same Page See Eye to Eye Let the Cat Out of the Bag

Mistakes & Challenges Idioms

Drop the Ball Get Out of Hand Bite the Bullet

Awareness & Attention Idioms

Keep an Eye On Elephant in the Room

Surprise & Control Idioms

Out of the Blue Pull Strings

Health & Impact Idioms

Under the Weather Take a Toll

Accuracy & Principles Idioms

Hit the Nail on the Head Rule of Thumb Achilles' Heel

20 Idiom Deep Dives

Meanings, origins, and examples of the 20 most tested idioms.

Achilles' Heel

A fatal weakness or vulnerable point in an otherwise strong entity.

Origin: Greek mythology; the hero Achilles was dipped in the River Styx to become invincible, but his heel, which was not touched by the water, remained vulnerable.

Math is his Achilles' heel on the exam.
Procrastination is the Achilles' heel of many students.
The company's Achilles' heel is its poor customer service.

Ballpark Figure

A rough numerical estimate or guess.

Origin: Baseball stadiums; being 'in the ballpark' meant being roughly close to the correct answer or location.

Can you give me a ballpark figure for the project cost?
The estimate is just a ballpark figure, not exact.
He threw out a ballpark figure of 500 attendees.

Bite the Bullet

To force yourself to do something unpleasant or difficult.

Origin: Before anesthesia, soldiers were given a lead bullet to bite down on during surgery to endure the pain.

I hate math, but I need to bite the bullet and study.
We have to bite the bullet and raise prices.
She bit the bullet and took the difficult TOEFL test.

Burn the Midnight Oil

To work, study, or read late into the night.

Origin: Before electricity, people used oil lamps to see in the dark; burning it at midnight meant working late.

She burned the midnight oil to finish her thesis.
We'll be burning the midnight oil to prepare for the exam.
He's burning the midnight oil studying for the TOEIC.

Cut Corners

To do something poorly or cheaply to save time or money.

Origin: Racing metaphor; cutting a corner off a track shortens the distance but is against the rules.

The builder cut corners on the foundation.
Don't cut corners on your test prep.
They cut corners to finish the project early.

Drop the Ball

To make a mistake, fail to complete a task, or miss an opportunity.

Origin: Sports metaphor, particularly football or baseball, where dropping the ball ruins the play.

He dropped the ball on the group project.
Don't drop the ball on this important assignment.
The vendor dropped the ball, causing a delay.

Elephant in the Room

A major problem or issue that is obvious but ignored because it is uncomfortable.

Origin: 20th-century idiom; an elephant is too big to ignore, yet people pretend it isn't there.

Let's address the elephant in the room: budget cuts.
The failing grade was the elephant in the room.
No one mentioned the elephant in the room about the policy.

Get Out of Hand

To become uncontrollable or chaotic.

Origin: Riders losing control of their horses' reins (hands).

The party got out of hand quickly.
The debate is getting out of hand.
Don't let your study schedule get out of hand.

Hit the Nail on the Head

To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem; to be exactly right.

Origin: Carpentry; striking a nail precisely on its head drives it in perfectly.

You hit the nail on the head with that analysis.
Her comment hit the nail on the head.
The professor hit the nail on the head about the topic.

In the Red

Operating at a financial loss or being in debt.

Origin: Traditional accounting ledgers used red ink to indicate negative balances.

The company was in the red for three quarters.
If we don't cut costs, we'll be in the red.
The startup operated in the red for years.

Keep an Eye On

To monitor or watch someone or something closely.

Origin: Surveillance; keeping a target within one's field of vision.

Keep an eye on the time during the exam.
Can you keep an eye on my laptop?
The manager kept an eye on the new intern.

Let the Cat Out of the Bag

To carelessly reveal a secret.

Origin: Medieval market scams swapped pigs for stray cats in tied bags; revealing the cat exposed the scam.

Don't let the cat out of the bag about the party!
He let the cat out of the bag regarding the test answers.
The cat's out of the bag now; everyone knows the deadline.

On the Same Page

To have a shared understanding of a situation or plan.

Origin: 20th-century business jargon; reading from the same page of a manual to ensure alignment.

Let's make sure we're on the same page before the test.
Are we on the same page about the project?
The team needs to be on the same page.

Out of the Blue

Happening suddenly and without any warning.

Origin: 19th-century phrase; a thunderbolt appearing from a clear blue sky.

The cancellation came out of the blue.
He called me completely out of the blue.
The quiz appeared out of the blue.

Pull Strings

To use hidden influence or connections to get something done.

Origin: Puppetry; a puppeteer pulls strings to control a puppet's movements from above.

He pulled strings to get into the program.
She pulled strings to get the interview.
I can't pull strings; you have to apply normally.

Rule of Thumb

A general principle or practical guideline, rather than a strict rule.

Origin: Debated origin, often attributed to using one's thumb as a rough measurement tool.

As a rule of thumb, study two hours per credit.
A good rule of thumb is to arrive early.
By rule of thumb, save 20% of your income.

See Eye to Eye

To be in full agreement with someone.

Origin: Standing face-to-face, looking directly into each other's eyes.

We don't see eye to eye on politics.
They finally see eye to eye on the contract.
I hope we can see eye to eye on the study plan.

Take a Toll

To cause damage, wear, or a negative impact over time.

Origin: 16th-century phrase; 'toll' referring to the cost or damage extracted over time.

Stress will take a toll on your health.
All-nighters take a toll on your focus.
The long commute takes a toll on the workers.

Under the Weather

Feeling sick or unwell.

Origin: A maritime term for seasick sailors going below deck to get out of the harsh weather.

I'm feeling under the weather today.
She looked under the weather at the lecture.
He can't come in; he's under the weather.

Wrap One's Head Around

To find a way to understand or accept a complex or challenging concept.

Origin: Late 20th-century phrase; visualizing the mind physically wrapping around an idea to contain it.

I can't wrap my head around this math problem.
She tried to wrap her head around the theory.
It's a tough concept to wrap your head around.

20 Example Sentences

See how idioms function in original sentences across 5 contexts. The idiom is highlighted for easy learning.

Academic & Campus Life

I had to burn the midnight oil to finish my term paper before the deadline.
The professor's explanation was so confusing that I couldn't wrap my head around it.
Failing the midterm was the elephant in the room no one wanted to discuss.
As a rule of thumb, you should always review your notes within 24 hours of class.

Business & Finance

The manager asked for a ballpark figure for the upcoming marketing campaign.
If the company continues to cut corners on safety, there will be an accident.
Due to poor sales, the business has been in the red for two consecutive quarters.
The CEO's decision to bite the bullet and restructure the team saved the company.

Communication & Teamwork

Before we start the group project, we need to make sure everyone is on the same page.
After a long debate, the committee members finally managed to see eye to eye on the budget.
Don't let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party for the professor.
You hit the nail on the head when you said the main issue was a lack of communication.

Challenges & Surprises

The pop quiz in history class came completely out of the blue, catching everyone off guard.
The argument between the students quickly got out of hand and the teacher had to intervene.
He was the best student, but test anxiety was his Achilles' heel on the final exam.
Don't drop the ball on your part of the presentation; the whole team is relying on you.

Health & Impact

I was feeling under the weather and decided to skip the lecture to rest.
Studying for 48 hours straight will definitely take a toll on your mental health.
Can you keep an eye on my bags while I go to the restroom?
She didn't have the grades to get in, but her father pulled strings with the dean.

Everyday Usage

How native speakers use test idioms in daily life.

In daily conversation on campus or in the office, idioms are used to add color and express ideas efficiently. Native speakers use phrases like 'under the weather' or 'out of the blue' constantly, making them essential for natural communication.

"I'm feeling a bit under the weather today."
"The news came completely out of the blue!"
"Let's make sure we're on the same page."
"I can't wrap my head around this homework."
"We don't see eye to eye on this issue."

Academic Usage

How to use idioms in university essays and lectures.

In academic writing, most idioms are discouraged in favor of literal language. However, the TOEFL listening section includes campus conversations where professors and students use idioms naturally. Understanding them is crucial for context.

"The professor hit the nail on the head regarding the theory."
"Procrastination is the Achilles' heel of many undergraduates."
"The budget deficit is the elephant in the room."
"As a rule of thumb, cite at least three sources."
"The student burned the midnight oil before finals."

Professional Usage

How to use idioms in business and corporate settings.

The TOEIC exam heavily features business and corporate contexts. Idioms like 'ballpark figure,' 'in the red,' and 'drop the ball' are standard vocabulary in meetings and emails, making them vital for a high score.

"Can you give me a ballpark figure for the costs?"
"He dropped the ball on the client account."
"The company has been in the red all year."
"We need to make sure we are on the same page."
"The contractor cut corners to save money."

Real-Life Conversations

How native speakers use these idioms in common scenarios.

🏫 Campus

Student 1: I can't [wrap my head around] this physics chapter.

Student 2: Don't worry, I'll [burn the midnight oil] with you tonight.

📚 Library

Student 1: Can you [keep an eye on] my laptop while I get coffee?

Student 2: Sure. You look [under the weather], by the way.

🏢 Office

Colleague 1: Did Mark [drop the ball] on the Q3 report?

Colleague 2: Yeah, he didn't [see eye to eye] with the manager.

📊 Meeting

Manager: Let's make sure we're [on the same page] before the client arrives.

Employee: Agreed. Can someone give me a [ballpark figure] for the revenue?

📧 Email

Worker 1: The cancellation email came [out of the blue].

Worker 2: I know. It will definitely [take a toll] on our schedule.

☕ Breakroom

Colleague 1: The company's [Achilles' heel] is poor communication.

Colleague 2: You [hit the nail on the the head] with that observation.

📈 Review

Director: If we [cut corners] now, we'll pay for it later.

Analyst: Exactly. We can't afford to be [in the red] again.

🤝 Office

Worker 1: Don't [let the cat out of the bag] about the promotion.

Worker 2: I won't. The boss doesn't want it to [get out of hand].

📞 Call

Customer: I had to [bite the bullet] and accept the late fees.

Agent: I'm sorry. As a [rule of thumb], always pay on time.

🛠️ IT Support

Employee: The server crash was the [elephant in the room] today.

IT Tech: I know. I had to [pull strings] to get it fixed fast.

📝 Planning

Lead: This project is starting to [get out of hand].

Team Member: We need to [keep an eye on] the deadline.

💰 Budget

Manager: We are [in the red] for this quarter.

Partner: Let's [bite the bullet] and cut the marketing budget.

🎯 Strategy

Marketer 1: Your estimate was way off, you need a [ballpark figure].

Marketer 2: Sorry, I couldn't [wrap my head around] the new data.

🤔 Brainstorming

Facilitator: Let's try to [see eye to eye] on the timeline.

Participant: I think we are finally [on the same page].

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent idiom pitfalls on your exam.

Saying "burn the midnight oil lamp" instead of "burn the midnight oil."

✓ Say "burn the midnight oil."

Explanation: The idiom is simply 'burn the midnight oil.' Adding 'lamp' is redundant and non-standard.

Tip: Keep it short: 'burn the midnight oil.'

Saying "wrap my mind around" instead of "wrap my head around."

✓ Use "wrap my head around."

Explanation: The standard idiom uses 'head,' not 'mind.' It visualizes the head physically encompassing an idea.

Tip: Remember: it's your 'head' that wraps around the idea.

Saying "out of the blue sky" instead of "out of the blue."

✓ Say "out of the blue."

Explanation: The idiom ends at 'blue.' Adding 'sky' is redundant and incorrect.

Tip: Drop the 'sky'; just say 'out of the blue.'

Saying "bite the bullets" instead of "bite the bullet."

✓ Use "bite the bullet."

Explanation: The idiom uses the singular 'bullet' because it refers to a single act of endurance.

Tip: Keep it singular: 'bite the bullet.'

Mixing up "in the red" with "in the black."

✓ Use "in the red" for loss, "in the black" for profit.

Explanation: On the TOEIC, 'in the red' means losing money, while 'in the black' means being profitable. Confusing them is a costly mistake.

Tip: Red = Loss/Stop. Black = Profit/Go.

Saying "cut the corner" instead of "cut corners."

✓ Use "cut corners."

Explanation: The idiom uses the plural 'corners' to represent multiple instances of saving time or money.

Tip: Always use the plural 'corners.'

Saying "hit the nail in the head" instead of "hit the nail on the head."

✓ Use "hit the nail on the head."

Explanation: The correct preposition is 'on,' as a hammer strikes the top (head) of the nail.

Tip: Think of the hammer striking 'on' the nail.

Saying "pull the strings" instead of "pull strings."

✓ Use "pull strings."

Explanation: While 'pulling strings' is correct, 'pull the strings' implies manipulation. 'Pull strings' means using influence.

Tip: Drop 'the' to use influence properly.

Saying "elephant in the room" to describe a small issue.

✓ Use it for a major, obvious problem.

Explanation: An 'elephant in the room' is a massive, uncomfortable issue everyone ignores. It cannot be a minor detail.

Tip: Think of the size of an elephant to gauge the problem's severity.

Saying "see eye to eye" to mean looking at someone.

✓ Use "see eye to eye" to mean agreement.

Explanation: The idiom is metaphorical for agreement, not literal staring. It means to share the same opinion.

Tip: Think of 'seeing things the same way.'

Correct vs. Incorrect Examples

Contextual usage comparisons.

Incorrect

I will burn the midnight oil lamp tonight.

Correct

I will burn the midnight oil tonight.

Why: The idiom is simply 'burn the midnight oil.' Adding 'lamp' is redundant.

Incorrect

I can't wrap my mind around this math problem.

Correct

I can't wrap my head around this math problem.

Why: The standard idiom uses 'head,' not 'mind.'

Incorrect

The news came out of the blue sky.

Correct

The news came out of the blue.

Why: The idiom ends at 'blue.' Adding 'sky' is incorrect.

Incorrect

The company is in the black, so it is losing money.

Correct

The company is in the red, so it is losing money.

Why: 'In the red' means losing money. 'In the black' means being profitable.

Incorrect

Don't cut the corner on your homework.

Correct

Don't cut corners on your homework.

Why: The idiom uses the plural 'corners.'

Incorrect

You hit the nail in the head.

Correct

You hit the nail on the head.

Why: The correct preposition is 'on,' as the hammer hits the top (head) of the nail.

Incorrect

He pulled the strings to get the job.

Correct

He pulled strings to get the job.

Why: The idiom for using influence is 'pull strings,' without the definite article 'the.'

Incorrect

The typo was the elephant in the room.

Correct

The budget deficit was the elephant in the room.

Why: An 'elephant in the room' must be a major, obvious problem, not a small typo.

Incorrect

We don't see eye to eye, so we agree on everything.

Correct

We see eye to eye, so we agree on everything.

Why: To 'see eye to eye' means to agree. If you don't, you disagree.

Incorrect

I am feeling under the weather, so I am very happy.

Correct

I am feeling under the weather, so I am staying in bed.

Why: To be 'under the weather' means to feel sick, not happy.

🎮 Mini Quiz

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions.

Why are idioms tested on the TOEFL and TOEIC?

Idioms test your ability to understand conversational and contextual English, which is crucial for academic and professional success. The exams want to know you can understand native speakers in real-world campus or office settings.

What does 'in the red' mean on the TOEIC?

On the TOEIC, being 'in the red' means operating at a financial loss or being in debt. It comes from traditional accounting ledgers where negative balances were written in red ink.

What is an 'Achilles' heel'?

An 'Achilles' heel' is a fatal weakness or vulnerable point in an otherwise strong person or entity. It comes from Greek mythology, where the hero Achilles was invulnerable except for his heel.

Are idioms appropriate in TOEFL writing essays?

Use them sparingly. While idioms like 'a rule of thumb' or 'take a toll' can enhance an essay, overly casual idioms like 'cut corners' might lower your score in formal academic writing tasks.

What does 'ballpark figure' mean?

A 'ballpark figure' is a rough numerical estimate or guess. It is frequently used in TOEIC business conversations when discussing budgets or costs without exact numbers.

Where does 'burn the midnight oil' come from?

Before electricity, people used oil lamps to see in the dark. If you were still 'burning the midnight oil,' it meant you were working or studying late into the night.

What does it mean to 'drop the ball'?

To 'drop the ball' means to make a mistake, fail to complete a task, or miss an important opportunity. It is a sports metaphor heavily used in TOEIC teamwork contexts.

What does 'out of the blue' mean?

If something happens 'out of the blue,' it happens suddenly and without any warning, like a thunderbolt appearing from a clear blue sky.

What does it mean to 'see eye to eye'?

To 'see eye to eye' means to be in full agreement with someone. It is a common TOEFL idiom used in conversations about resolving conflicts or agreeing on a plan.

How can I learn TOEFL/TOEIC idioms faster?

Grouping them by context helps. Separate the idioms into academic (TOEFL) and business (TOEIC) categories. Creating original sentences for each context also aids memory and recall during the exam.