Here you will learn English idioms related to food with meanings and examples. To cut the mustard, a hot potato, a piece of cake meaning and more.
Scroll down to watch a short video lessons and check your knowledge by completing a short quiz.
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English Idioms Related to Food
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Letβs talk idioms today! English idioms are indeed very popular among English Learners. I was feeling a little hungry and I began to think about idioms I knew on the theme of food. So I came up with some English idioms related to food.
First of all, letβs revise what an idiom is.
An idiom is a word or phrase where there generally two meanings.
First meaning (and usually the one that doesnβt make sense!) is directly associated with the words used in an idiom and the second is Β not so easily understood.
Intermediate to Advanced English Marathon
INSANITY: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
a hot potato
We usually use this idiom when we refer to something difficult that nobody is comfortable about holding or dealing with.
Example:
The player was a really good footballer but he was always complaining and moaning to the referee. After only 6 games he had been shown the red card twice and the manager dropped him like a hot potato and replaced him with a more easy-going character.
to upset the applecart
to upset people by ruining their plans or arrangements
Example:
I don t want to upset the applecart now by asking you to change the date for the party.
to bite the bullet
This idiom is used normally when we accept that no matter how difficult or unpleasant something is we just have to deal with it.
Example:
The new employee was a nice guy but completely unsuited to the job. I liked him but knew he had to leave. Finally, I just bit the bulletΒ and told him. He was actually glad as he did not like the work too much.
to bite the bullet meaning - video lesson
cheap as chips
Chips are very tasty and a very traditional English food made from potato. They are not expensive. However,Β when we refer to something as cheap as chips we are comparing the price of that βthingβ with the price of a bag of chipsΒ (in some parts of England we refer to a single of chips a single portion is what we want).
Example:
While walking through Ikea Mary notice that they had reduced the price of the dinner plates. They cost less than Β£1 each. She bought 6 as she reckonedΒ they were as cheap as chips!
cut the mustard
It’s hard to cut the mustard as it usually comes in a jar and is liquid in form. It is easier to spread it with a knife or a spoon on whatever you are eating. We use this idiom when we’re referring to a person who perhaps is not up to the job, is not able to do the task and is not good enough.
Example:
The new manager of the team had not previously managed a team at this level. It was a bit of a risk but he had a good reputation. However, after 5 games and 5 defeatsΒ all 5 games it was quite clear he was not the man for the job and just didnβt cut the mustard. He was fired immediately.
piece of cake
All cakes taste nice and itβs a pleasure to sit down with a cup of tea and a sliceΒ or piece of cake in the afternoon when taking a break from your work. The idiom piece of cakeΒ refers to how easy we find some task or job. One of the most popular English idioms related to food.
Example:
John asked Michael how the exam had gone. Was it difficult or challenging? ‘No’, he replied. ‘In fact, it was a piece of cake. Everybody thought so.β’
takes the biscuit
A little old fashioned but we use it to express our surprise or annoyance at something that has happened.
Example:
Martin was waiting patiently for a reply to his letter. He had offered the new client a really good deal and a price he thought they could not turn down. So he was hopeful the letter would be positive. However,Β when the reply arrived he was a little shocked.Β They had decided to go with his competitors even though Martin was offering a better price. ‘Doesnβt that just take the biscuit?’, he said to his secretary. ‘I worked so hard on that deal and our competitors got the business. How frustrating.’
English Idioms Related to Food
no use crying over spilt (spilled) milk
it’s pointless to get upset about something that can’t be changed or undone
Example:
It’s no use crying over spilt milk, we just have to master our skills for the next season.
all the tea in China
if someone wonβt do something for all the tea in China, they wonβt do it no matter how much money they are offered
Example:
My brother Tony left for Australia 3 years ago and he wouldn’t go back to the UK for all the tea in China.
no spring chicken
we use this idiom to describe someone who is not very young
Example:
Uncle Tom is no spring chicken but he still plays tennis every Friday.
good egg
a person who can be relied on
(bad egg is the opposite)
Example:
He is a good egg; I’m sure you will like him once you get to know him.
English Idioms Related to Food - Vocabulary Words
English Idioms related to Food
interactive quiz
More Information
For more information on English Idioms, Phrasal Verbs and English Grammar Rules, check out the following links:
6 More Idioms related to Weather
How to make Suggestions in English
Intermediate English learners!Β Here is your chance to master English Grammar Tenses so you can speak English fluently and with confidence, sign up for 3 hour English Grammar Rules Refresher Course. Click on the link to read more.
You can also find interactive games to practice English idioms related to food here
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