Free English phrase library
Find the right words — and learn how to use them.
Grammar Wisdom explains English idioms, similes, metaphors and everyday phrases in plain language, with real example sentences and practice exercises in every guide.
Popular: Idioms for Happiness Similes for Love Other Ways to Say “Good Luck” Metaphors for Life
- 985 guides
- 104,000+ examples
- 14,000+ practice questions
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Where would you like to start?
Pick the goal that sounds most like you.
Say something a better way
Tired of repeating “thank you”, “sorry” or “good luck”? Find alternatives sorted by tone — casual, warm or formal.
Other ways to sayUnderstand an expression
Heard “once in a blue moon” and not sure what it means? Each idiom guide gives the meaning and shows it in real sentences.
Browse idiomsMake your writing vivid
Turn plain statements into pictures a reader remembers, with similes and metaphors for hundreds of subjects.
Browse similesBrowse by topic
Five libraries, each organised by subject.
Idioms
229 guides
Phrases whose meaning isn’t in the words — break the ice
All idiomsSimiles
171 guides
Comparisons made with like or as — as busy as a bee
All similesOther Ways to Say
317 guides
Fresh alternatives to overused phrases — much appreciated
- Other Ways to Say “Good Luck”
- Other Ways to Say “I Hope This Email Finds You Well”
- Other Ways to Say “I Miss You”
Words & Writing
31 guides
Synonyms, antonyms and precise wording — meticulous
- Words for Feeling Happy and Sad at the Same Time
- Synonyms for "Attention to Detail" on Your Resume
- Words for Someone Who Never Gives Up
Idiom, simile or metaphor?
All three mean more than their words say. Here is how to tell them apart.
Idiom
A fixed phrase whose meaning you can’t work out from the words.
“It’s raining cats and dogs.”
It’s raining very heavily. No animals involved.
Learn idiomsSimile
Compares two different things using like or as.
“She was as busy as a bee.”
She was very busy. The comparison is spelled out.
Learn similesMetaphor
Says one thing is another, with no like or as.
“The classroom was a zoo.”
It was loud and chaotic. The comparison is implied.
Learn metaphorsQuick test: see like or as doing the comparing? It’s a simile. A fixed phrase that makes no sense word by word? An idiom. Anything else that calls one thing another is a metaphor.
Good places to start
A few guides worth opening first, one from every topic.
Similes for Love
Metaphors for Life
Life's Reflections: Mastering the Art of Metaphorical Language
Other Ways to Say “Good Luck”
Beyond 'Good Luck': Diverse Ways to Wish Someone Well
Other Ways to Say “I Hope This Email Finds You Well”
Beyond "I Hope This Email Finds You Well": Alternatives
Idioms for Weather
Weather Idioms: Mastering English Figurative Language
Metaphors for Time
Time Flies: Mastering Metaphors for Time in English
Words for Feeling Happy and Sad at the Same Time
What’s inside every guide
Guides follow the same path from meaning to mastery, so you always know where to look — and can jump straight to the part you need.
See an example guide- MeaningA plain-English definition of the phrase or figure of speech.
- ExamplesTables of real sentences, each with what it means.
- How to use itTone, context, and the rules that keep it natural.
- Common mistakesWrong and right side by side, with the reason.
- PracticeExercises with answers hidden until you’re ready.
- FAQShort answers to the questions learners ask most.
Recently updated
All 985 guidesSimiles for Relationships
Idioms about Ears
Ear-resistible Idioms: Mastering English Expressions About Ears
Funny Ways to Say “Good Luck”
Idioms for Cake
Other Ways to Say “Thank You”
Beyond 'Thank You': Creative Ways to Acknowledge Payments
Metaphors for America
America Through the Looking Glass: Exploring Metaphors
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