We use idioms on a daily basis. Sometimes the meanings are relatively easy to figure out through context. However, more often than not, these words and expressions are cultural expressions that are easily understood by native speakers but totally confusing to non-native speakers .

Idiom: an expression whose literal meaning differs from the actual defined meaning.

Jargon: special words or expressions that are used by a particular group or profession difficult for others to understand.

Other challenges for non-native speakers include cliches, proverbs, doublespeak.

TIME

Time is money
Around the clock
Kill time
Ahead of time
Better late than never
Call it a day
Early bird gets the worm
In the long run
On time
Eleventh hour
Time flies
Like clockwork
Mile a minute
Face Time
Piece of cake

GAMES & SPORTS

Across the board
Ballpark figure; be in the ballpark
Bounce something off someone
Break even
Get the ball rolling
Get to first base
Lay one’s cards on the table
Long shot
Skate on thin ice
Have two strikes against you
Take a rain check
Time out
Drop the ball
Press one’s luck
Break a leg

MISCELLANEOUS

At fault
Boils down to
By chance
Free hand/free rein
Keep one's fingers crossed
Knock on wood
Make the best of
Nothing succeeds like success
Put all your eggs in one basket
Stand a chance
Take charge
Under the circumstances
Long shot
Tighten one's belt
My hands are tied