Here you will learn English idioms about decisions – to be in two minds, to sit on the fence, to stick to your guns, up in arms, and more. englishclass101
Continue learning important vocabulary related to decisions and decision making with 7 phrasal verbs related to decisions.
List of English idioms
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10 English Idioms about Decisions
Do you have an important decision to make but can’t decide between two good options? There are many interesting English expressions you can use in spoken English and written English. Today, we’re going to learn English idioms about decisions and priorities.
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INSANITY: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
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the bottom line
There are three possible meanings of the idiom:
- The financial position of a company as seen in the companies accounts.
- The final result or outcome.
- The main point.
Example:
The company signed a very important contract with its main customer. This would improve the financial position of the company and add profit to the bottom line.
Michael resigned from the company after only 6 months in the job. The bottom line is that he did not enjoy the work and felt he made a mistake.
The politicians argued about the new budget for several hours. The bottom line is that severe cuts had to be made to reduce the countries deficit.
the icing on the cake
Meaning: to top something off, to make something even better
Example:
Mary got a promotion because she worked very hard. She also received an increase in her salary and a bonus which was the icing on the cake.
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in two minds
Meaning: where you are not able to make up your mind and are unsure as to what you should do or choose
Example:
John received an invitation to attend a party. It was on the same day as the football game he really did not want to miss. He was in two minds whether to accept the invitation or not.
split hairs
Meaning: to argue over issues that are not important
Example:
David and Kate were arguing about the temperature that day it was very hot. Kate said it was 32 °C and David thought it was 33 °C. John told them not to split hairs, it was still very hot!
to stick to your guns
Meaning: to be firm and stick to your decision about something despite criticism from other people
Example:
If you’ve thought things through and are comfortable with your decision, just stick to your guns.
10 English Idioms about Decisions

to sit on the fence
Meaning: to stay neutral and not take sides (in an argument), be undecided
Example:
No decision has been taken about where to build the new school; the city council is still sitting on the fence.
to take a back seat
Meaning: not to participate in issue or situation, allow other people to have a leading position
Example:
I took a back seat and allowed my daughter to decorate the cake.
up in arms
Meaning: strongly protesting
Example:
The teachers were up in arms again over the new Junior Certificate reform.
English idioms about decisions

up in the air
Meaning: no decision has been made yet
Example:
It was up in the air whether or not I would be going on this trip.
to make a mountain out of a molehill
Meaning: to exaggerate unimportant problems
Example:
I’ve been thinking far too much about this and made a mountain out of a molehill.
Now you can practice idioms about decisions in everyday situations. Share them with friends who might be stuck deciding what option to take or are unsure how to use English idioms about decisions correctly
More Information
For more information in English Expressions, Phrasal Verbs and English Idioms, check out the following links:
English Expressions with the Word ROCK
How to use English Food Adjectives
English Idioms related to Sickness
You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC.
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