10 Classic British Idioms You Need to Know

Hi, I’m Rebecca — a TESOL-certified tutor with over four years of experience helping English learners from around the world sound more confident, more natural, and yes, a little more British too.

Today, I’m sharing 10 common British sayings — some you might know, and others that might be completely new. Either way, they’re all used in everyday conversations across the UK, and by the end of this lesson, you’ll not only understand them, you’ll be ready to use them like a true Brit.

Let’s jump in!

1. I’m on the mend

Let’s start with something positive!

If someone says,

“I was feeling rough last week, but I’m on the mend now.”

They mean: I’m recovering.

This is commonly used when getting over an illness, injury, or just a bad spell. It’s warm, casual, and very British.

2. Walking on eggshells

This idiom is all about being careful — very careful.

“It felt like I was walking on eggshells around him all day.”

You’d use this when trying not to upset someone who’s in a bad mood. It paints a great picture: delicate, cautious, and tense.

3. On your bike

This one’s cheeky. It means: Go away!

“You want me to do your shift again? On your bike, mate!”

It can sound rude, or just playful — it all depends on your tone. But either way, you won’t hear it used literally. No actual bike required!

4. Cup of tea

We do love tea in Britain, but this phrase is about more than your favourite brew.

“That film wasn’t really my cup of tea.”

If something is or isn’t your cup of tea, it just means you do or don’t enjoy it.

Simple, charming, and oh-so British.

5. Taking the mick

This one is all about British humour.

“Oi, are you taking the mick?”

It means: Are you teasing me? Are you joking?

Used when someone’s being cheeky — or saying something ridiculous. It’s playful, but can also be used to challenge someone who’s crossing the line.

6. Let’s play it by ear

Not about music!

“Should we book dinner now?”

“Let’s just play it by ear.”

It means: Let’s decide as we go. It’s all about being flexible and going with the flow — classic laid-back British style.

7. Pack it in

You’ll hear this one from tired parents, teachers, or anyone who’s had enough.

“Oi! You two at the back — pack it in!”

Translation? Stop it right now.

It’s a direct, informal way to tell someone to cut it out.

8. Pear shaped

Nope, not talking about fruit.

“We had a plan… then it all went pear shaped.”

This idiom means: Things went wrong.

It’s British understatement at its best — humorous, dry, and oddly comforting.

9. Bite the bullet

Sometimes you’ve just got to do the thing you’re dreading.

“I didn’t want to go to the dentist, but I had to bite the bullet.”

It means: Face something unpleasant and just get it over with. Brave, bold, and totally necessary sometimes.

10. Everything but the kitchen sink

Packing for a trip? You might hear:

“Looks like you brought everything but the kitchen sink!”

This means: You’ve brought way too much stuff.

It’s funny, visual, and commonly used when someone’s clearly overprepared.

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