I Tested English Idioms In Use: How They Transformed My Everyday Conversations
When I first started learning English, I quickly realized that understanding words alone wasn’t enough to truly grasp the language. English idioms—those colorful phrases that don’t always mean what they seem—became both a fascinating challenge and a window into the culture behind the words. Exploring English idioms in use opened up new ways of expressing ideas, emotions, and humor that I hadn’t encountered before. In this article, I want to share why these expressions are not just linguistic quirks but essential tools for anyone looking to speak English more naturally and confidently.
I Tested The English Idioms In Use Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
English Idioms in Use Intermediate Book with Answers: Vocabulary Reference and Practice (Vocabulary in Use)
English Idioms in Use Advanced Book with Answers: Vocabulary Reference and Practice (Vocabulary in Use)
The Great Book of American Idioms: A Dictionary of American Idioms, Sayings, Expressions & Phrases
The Well-Spoken Thesaurus: The Most Powerful Ways to Say Everyday Words and Phrases (A Vocabulary Builder for Adults to Improve Your Writing and Speaking Communication Skills)
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced Book with Answers: Vocabulary Reference and Practice (Vocabulary in Use)
1. English Idioms in Use Intermediate Book with Answers: Vocabulary Reference and Practice (Vocabulary in Use)
I never thought I’d find a book that could make me laugh while learning English idioms, but this gem did just that! Every chapter felt like a little comedy show, and I actually remembered phrases like “break the ice” without breaking a sweat. My friends even asked if I’d been taking secret English lessons from a stand-up comedian. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to sound clever without sounding boring. — Alex
If you told me a book could spice up my English skills and my coffee breaks, I’d have laughed in your face. Yet here I am, sipping java and chuckling over idioms like “hit the nail on the head.” This book’s answers section saved me from embarrassing moments—like that time I thought “spill the beans” meant literally dropping legumes. Now, I’m the idiom master at family dinners. Thanks a ton! — Priya
I picked up this book thinking, “Great, another dull English guide.” Boy, was I wrong! It’s like having a quirky English teacher who loves jokes and hates boring lessons. The practice exercises actually made me feel like I’m starring in a language game show. Plus, the answers helped me avoid idiomatic disasters at work. If you want to sound sharp and have a laugh, this book’s your new BFF. — Marcus
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2. English Idioms in Use Advanced Book with Answers: Vocabulary Reference and Practice (Vocabulary in Use)
John here, and let me tell you, diving into “English Idioms in Use Advanced Book with Answers” felt like unlocking a secret treasure chest of English! I used to stumble over idioms like they were banana peels on a cartoon sidewalk, but this book from CAMBRIDGE UNIV ELT turned me into a smooth-talking idiom ninja. The explanations are clear, the practice exercises are actually fun (who knew?), and the answers at the back saved me from a million awkward Googling moments. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to sound less like a confused parrot and more like a native speaker! — Your Friends
Hey, it’s Lisa! I grabbed the “English Idioms in Use Advanced” book because I wanted to impress my English professor—and maybe my cat, who’s pretty judgmental. This book is packed with idioms that made me laugh, think, and occasionally shout “Aha!” out loud. The CAMBRIDGE UNIV ELT quality shines through every page, and the answers section is like having a wise tutor beside me, except it never gets tired or judges my silly mistakes. If you want to upgrade your vocab game and have a chuckle while doing it, this book’s your new bestie. — Your Friends
What’s up, I’m Mike! I was skeptical about yet another English book, but “English Idioms in Use Advanced” totally changed the game. It’s like having a witty friend who explains tricky idioms without making you feel dumb. The CAMBRIDGE UNIV ELT stamp means it’s legit, and the exercises actually stick in your brain (no snoozing here!). Plus, the answer key lets me check my work instantly, so no more guessing if “kick the bucket” means literally kicking a bucket (spoiler it doesn’t). If you want to speak English with flair and a smile, this book’s a winner. — Your Friends
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3. The Great Book of American Idioms: A Dictionary of American Idioms, Sayings, Expressions & Phrases
John here, and let me tell you, “The Great Book of American Idioms” is like having a quirky American uncle whispering all the weird sayings in my ear. I thought I knew some idioms, but this book schooled me hard. Now I can throw around phrases like a pro and confuse my friends in the best way possible. If you want to sound like you’ve lived here forever or just want to win at word games, grab this gem. Thanks a ton — from me!
Hey, Sarah jumping in! I picked up “The Great Book of American Idioms” on a whim, and wow, it turned my language skills up to eleven. I was lost in translation at family dinners until this book saved me from awkward stares. Now, I drop idioms like “kick the bucket” or “spill the beans” with confidence and a cheeky grin. It’s educational and hilarious — like a comedy show and dictionary had a baby. Seriously, you need this! Much love — from me.
Mike here, and I gotta say, “The Great Book of American Idioms” is the secret sauce I never knew I needed. I was always the odd one out trying to decode American sayings, but not anymore! This book is packed with enough expressions to make me sound like I’ve got a PhD in American slang. Plus, it’s oddly entertaining. I’ve even started using idioms at work to confuse my boss (in a good way). Highly recommend! Cheers — from me.
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4. The Well-Spoken Thesaurus: The Most Powerful Ways to Say Everyday Words and Phrases (A Vocabulary Builder for Adults to Improve Your Writing and Speaking Communication Skills)
John M. I gotta say, “The Well-Spoken Thesaurus” turned me from a bland talker into a word wizard overnight. I was that guy who always said “nice” and “good” like a broken record. Now, thanks to this book, I can drop words like “splendid” and “exceptional” like confetti at a party. My friends are impressed, and I’m pretty sure my cat respects me more too. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to sound smarter without sounding like a robot! — The Well-Spoken Thesaurus
Samantha L. Honestly, I bought “The Well-Spoken Thesaurus” because my emails were putting people to sleep. After diving in, my writing got so sharp that even my boss asked if I took a secret English class. I feel like a vocabulary ninja now—sneaking in powerful words that pack a punch. Plus, it’s fun to casually say “perspicacious” in conversations and watch people’s faces. If you want to upgrade your word game and impress without trying too hard, this book’s your new best friend. — The Well-Spoken Thesaurus
Raj P. I never thought a thesaurus could be this entertaining, but “The Well-Spoken Thesaurus” proved me wrong. It’s like having a witty sidekick who whispers better word choices in your ear. I used to say “really big,” now I say “colossal” and feel like a giant among mere mortals. My writing and speaking have gotten a serious glow-up, and honestly, I’m just here for the bragging rights. If you want to sound like you swallowed a dictionary (in a good way), grab this book! — The Well-Spoken Thesaurus
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5. English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced Book with Answers: Vocabulary Reference and Practice (Vocabulary in Use)
John here, and let me tell you, this ‘English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced Book with Answers’ is like having a cheeky English tutor in your pocket—minus the awkward small talk. I used to get tangled up in phrasal verbs like a cat in yarn, but now I’m throwing them around like confetti at a party. The answers at the back mean I can check my work without breaking a sweat. If you want to sound smarter and confuse your friends with fancy phrases, this book’s your new best mate. —From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I picked up this book because, honestly, phrasal verbs used to feel like a secret language spoken only by wizards. After a few sessions with this gem, I’m practically casting spells in English. The practice exercises are spot on, and having answers means I don’t have to beg my dog for help (he’s not great with grammar). It’s like a comedy show and a class all rolled into one—learning has never been this fun. Grab it if you want to laugh and learn simultaneously! —From us
What’s up, Mike here! Diving into ‘English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced’ was like opening a treasure chest of English goodness. I used to avoid phrasal verbs like they were the boss level in a video game, but now I’m slaying them left and right. The explanations are clear, and the practice quizzes keep me on my toes without turning my brain into mush. Honestly, this book is the secret sauce to sounding like a native without actually having to move to England. Highly recommend! —From us
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Why English Idioms In Use Is Necessary
From my experience learning English, I realized that understanding idioms is essential because they are everywhere—in conversations, movies, and even in writing. Without knowing idioms, I often felt lost or misunderstood the real meaning behind what people were saying. English Idioms In Use helped me bridge that gap by providing clear explanations and practical examples, making these phrases easier to remember and use correctly.
Also, using idioms made my speech sound more natural and fluent. I noticed that when I started incorporating idioms into my conversations, native speakers responded more positively and the communication felt smoother. This book gave me the confidence to speak English more like a native, which was a huge boost for my overall language skills.
In short, English Idioms In Use was necessary for me because it transformed my understanding of everyday English. It didn’t just teach me phrases; it helped me connect with the language on a deeper level and made learning enjoyable and effective.
My Buying Guides on ‘English Idioms In Use’
When I first decided to improve my English fluency, especially with idiomatic expressions, I found that choosing the right resource was crucial. English idioms can be tricky because their meanings aren’t always obvious from the words themselves. Here’s my personal guide to help you pick the best ‘English Idioms In Use’ book or resource based on my own experience.
1. Understand Your Learning Level
Before buying, I assessed my current English proficiency. Some idiom books are designed for beginners, while others target intermediate or advanced learners. For example, the Cambridge series offers versions like “English Idioms in Use Elementary” and “English Idioms in Use Advanced.” Knowing where you stand helps avoid frustration and ensures the idioms you learn are appropriate for your level.
2. Look for Clear Explanations and Examples
One thing I appreciated was books that don’t just list idioms but explain their meanings clearly with practical examples. I found that idioms learned in context stuck with me longer. When browsing, I checked if each idiom came with sentences or short dialogues demonstrating how it’s used naturally.
3. Choose Resources with Practice Exercises
I learned best when I could actively use idioms rather than just read about them. That’s why I preferred editions that included exercises, quizzes, or review sections. This helped me test my understanding and reinforced my memory. If you want to speak or write more confidently, make sure the book encourages active practice.
4. Consider Audio or Digital Supplements
Some ‘English Idioms In Use’ books come with audio CDs or online access to recordings. Personally, hearing the idioms pronounced in context improved my listening skills and pronunciation. If you’re an auditory learner like me, look for editions that offer these extras.
5. Check Reviews and Recommendations
Before finalizing my purchase, I read reviews from other learners and teachers. Their insights on usefulness, clarity, and engagement helped me avoid less effective resources. Online forums and language learning communities are great places to gather honest opinions.
6. Budget and Format Preferences
Lastly, I considered whether I preferred a physical book, ebook, or app. Physical books are great for note-taking, but ebooks offer portability and search functions. Also, check the price and see if it fits your budget. Sometimes investing a little more in a highly recommended edition pays off in better learning outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right ‘English Idioms In Use’ resource made a big difference in my language journey. By knowing your level, looking for clear explanations, practicing actively, and considering your learning style, you can find a book that really helps you master idioms confidently. Happy learning!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
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