This beginner list collects high-frequency English words you’re likely to meet in lessons, apps, and everyday situations — not obscure dictionary filler.
Ready to collect a few idioms that make English sound extra lively? Keep going and scroll to the bottom of the article for your free printable english vocabulary list list PDF and free downloadable printable english list flashcards.
Lists are useful, but real English happens in phrases. Our free English lessons teach speakable chunks with audio — jump into Lesson 1 — First Greetings when you want conversation practice.
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| Expression | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| grab the bull by the horns | grab thuh bool by thuh HORNZ | face a problem directly | We need to grab the bull by the horns. |
| green light | green LYT | permission to start | The project got the green light yesterday. |
| half the battle | haf thuh BAT-əl | the most difficult or important part | Starting is half the battle. |
| hang in there | hang in thair | keep going; don’t give up | Hang in there. The week is almost over. |
| have a bone to pick | hav uh bohn too pik | have a complaint or problem with someone | I have a bone to pick with you. |
| have bigger fish to fry | hav BIG-er fish too fry | have more important things to do | I can’t argue now. I have bigger fish to fry. |
| have mixed feelings | hav mikst FEE-lingz | feel both positive and negative | I have mixed feelings about moving. |
| head over heels | hed OH-ver heelz | deeply in love | They’re head over heels for each other. |
| hit a wall | hit uh WAWL | reach a point where progress stops | After three hours, I hit a wall. |
| hit the ground running | hit thuh grownd RUN-ing | start something with strong energy and speed | She hit the ground running in her new job. |
| hit the nail on the head | hit thuh NAYL on thuh HED | say exactly the right thing | You hit the nail on the head. |
| hit the sack | hit thuh SAK | go to bed | I’m tired. I’m going to hit the sack. |
| ignorance is bliss | /ˈɪɡnərəns ɪz blɪs/ | not knowing something can be more comfortable than knowing the truth | I didn't check the news; ignorance is bliss. |
| in a nutshell | in uh NUT-shel | in a very short summary | In a nutshell, the plan is delayed. |
| in hot water | in hot WAW-ter | in trouble | He’s in hot water with his boss. |
| in the loop | in thuh LOOP | informed; included in updates | Keep me in the loop. |
| it takes two to tango | /ɪt teɪks tuː tuː ˈtæŋɡoʊ/ | both parties are responsible for a situation | Don't blame him entirely; it takes two to tango. |
| it's not rocket science | /ɪts nɑːt ˈrɑːkɪt ˈsaɪəns/ | it's not very difficult to understand | Just follow the instructions. It's not rocket science. |
| it’s not rocket science | its not RAH-kit SY-ens | it is not very difficult | Relax. It’s not rocket science. |
| jump on the bandwagon | jump on thuh BAND-wag-ən | join something popular | Everyone is jumping on the bandwagon. |
| jump the gun | jump thuh GUN | act too early | We may be jumping the gun with this announcement. |
| keep an eye on | keep an EYE on | watch carefully | Can you keep an eye on my bag? |
| keep tabs on | keep TABZ on | monitor or watch | I keep tabs on my expenses. |
| keep your chin up | keep yor CHIN up | stay positive | Keep your chin up. Things will improve. |
| kick the bucket | kik thuh BUH-kit | die | That old machine finally kicked the bucket. |
Free English Vocabulary List and Flashcard PDFs to Download
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