25 Very Common Expressions in American English

Hello! I’m here to help you learn the most useful language to help your English journey. We use expressions all the time in American English. Understanding common expressions will greatly help your listening and speaking. Here  are 25 common American English expressions to get you started:

1. “How’s it going?” – This is a casual way to ask someone how they’re doing.
2. “What’s up?” – It means “what’s happening?” or “what’s new?”
3. “I’m all ears” – It means you’re listening attentively and are ready to hear what someone has to say.
4. “Hang in there” – It’s a way to encourage someone to keep going or stay strong during a challenging time.
5. “Piece of cake” – This expression means something is very easy or simple.
6. “Break a leg!” – It’s a way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance or presentation.
7. “A penny for your thoughts” – It’s a polite way to ask someone what they’re thinking about.
8. “Bite the bullet” – This means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.
9. “Get the ball rolling” – It means to start a process or an activity.
10. “Hit the nail on the head” – It means to express something accurately or to be correct about something.
11. “Keep your chin up” – It’s a way to encourage someone to stay positive during tough times.
12. “Let the cat out of the bag” – This means to reveal a secret or disclose information that was meant to be kept hidden.
13. “Costs an arm and a leg” – It’s an expression used to describe something that is very expensive.
14. “Cut to the chase” – It means to get to the point or skip unnecessary details.
15. “The ball is in your court” – It means it’s someone else’s turn to take action or make a decision.
16. “Give it a shot” – This means to try something, even if you’re unsure of the outcome.
17. “On the same page” – It means to have a shared understanding or agreement on something.
18. “Spill the beans” – It means to reveal a secret or share information that was supposed to remain confidential.
19. “Take it easy” – It’s a way to tell someone to relax or take things slowly.
20. “By the book” – This means to follow the rules or guidelines precisely.
21. “In the nick of time” – It means to arrive or do something just in time, usually to prevent something negative from happening.
22. “Under the weather” – It’s a polite way to say that you’re feeling unwell or sick.
23. “You’re pulling my leg” – This means someone is joking or teasing you.
24. “A picture is worth a thousand words” – It means that visuals can convey complex ideas more effectively than words alone.
25. “Actions speak louder than words” – This means that what someone does is more important than what they say.

I hope this guide helps you become familiar with some common American English expressions! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Contact me here on the website. I am happy to make a video to explain further anything you don’t understand!

To your English success,

Allison