15 American Phrases That Confuse Foreigners
Cultural quirks are not the only things that might surprise you while visiting the U.S. Americans also use many strange phrases in their everyday conversations. Though English is spoken worldwide, there are certain American expressions foreigners don’t understand.
According to a study by the University of Minnesota, most non-native English speakers reportedly have trouble with American slang and idioms. If you’ve always been confused by what Americans say, don’t worry—you are not the only one. Below are 15 American phrases that regularly leave foreigners puzzled.
“Break a leg”
Breaking a leg is an insult if you’re new to the U.S., yet that’s a good-luck wish! In the theater world, this phrase is a standard ‘best’ of luck for performers before they go on stage.
It all began with a superstition in which saying “good luck” was supposed to bring bad luck. If someone tells you to “break a leg,” take it as a compliment — because they’re rooting for you!
“Under the weather”
When Americans say they are ‘under the weather,’ they aren’t talking about a rainfall cloud hovering over them. It’s a way of saying they’re not feeling well.
This phrase is possibly an old nautical phrase that refers to sailors being sent below deck to get over their seasickness. If someone says they’re under the weather, chances are they won’t want to come to that party you invited them to.
“Spill the beans”
In America, if someone spills the beans, the beans don’t need to be spilled. This refers to revealing a secret, usually accidentally.
It may have been an ancient Greek way of secret voting using beans. However, if you’re in on a secret, don’t be the type of person who talks about it at the wrong time!
“Piece of cake”
‘Piece of cake’ has nothing to do with dessert—though it sounds delicious. Americans use this phrase when something is straightforward to do.
The term may have come from the 1930s cakewalk competitions, in which the prize was a cake; simple dances won the cake. That said, it is way too easy when someone says that a task is a piece of cake.
“Cost an arm and a leg”
If someone tells you something took an arm and a leg, you might be alarmed — but they’re not giving away body parts! It means that something is expensive.
The origin of its name is thought to have descended from the practice in the 18th century when artists charged more for full-body paintings (i.e., paintings that included arms and legs). That means the next time you hear it, you know it’s just a fancy way to describe something expensive.
“Hit the books”
If an American tells you they ‘have to hit the books,’ they won’t do it with a mallet. To study hard is the same as this phrase.
This is more popular in schools during exam time. If your classmates tell you they will hit the books tonight, they plan to study hard.
“The ball is in your court”
Although it may sound like a tennis reference, it’s entirely used to mean that it’s other people’s turn to decide. It’s the other person’s responsibility or the other person’s move. When someone says the ball is in your court, you have a say so, and you can decide to do something.
“Bite the bullet”
It’s not that if you are told to ‘bite the bullet,’ you should start chewing on ammunition. It means to bear something difficult or unpleasant. It dates back to something soldiers would do before anesthetics—bite bullets before surgeries. If you have to do something hard, like going to the dentist, you may hear someone say, ‘Just bite the bullet.’
“Kick the bucket”
“Kick the bucket” is a simple term that is, in fact, a euphemism for death. The origin of this phrase is subject to hot debate, yet it is casually tossed about in conversation. And let’s say someone says, ‘A celebrity kicked the bucket. ‘ They’re saying the person’s dead.
“Burning the midnight oil”
If you’re ‘burning the midnight oil,’ you’re working or studying late. This phrase used to be used from the old days when people used to light the oil lamps so they could work after dark. Tell your friends you’re burning the midnight oil when you’re studying or working late at night.
“Cold turkey”
Going “cold turkey” doesn’t involve any food at all. This phrase means quitting something abruptly, without any gradual steps. It’s often used when someone quits smoking or another addiction. The origin is unclear, but it might refer to the goosebumps (like a cold turkey’s skin) people get when they withdraw.
“Let the cat out of the bag”
This phrase, which sounds like an escape gone wrong, actually means to reveal a secret, often by accident. The phrase may come from old marketplace scams where buyers were sold cats instead of pigs. Today, if you let the cat out of the bag, you accidentally share confidential information.
“Put your foot in your mouth”
No, Americans aren’t practicing strange yoga poses when they use this phrase. “Putting your foot in your mouth” means saying something embarrassing or inappropriate. It’s a standard way to describe those moments when you say the wrong thing and immediately regret it.
“Raining cats and dogs”
This colorful expression does not mean that pets are raining from the sky—it literally means it’s raining heavily. The phrase dates back to the 17th century and still leaves people confused. But if an American says, “It’s raining cats and dogs,” grab your umbrella!
“Hit the sack”
When Americans say they’re going to “hit the sack,” they’re not off to fight a punching bag. It simply means they’re heading to bed. This phrase likely comes from when mattresses were sacks filled with hay or straw, and hitting the sack was a way to fluff it up before sleeping.
American phrases can surprise you, sometimes confusing, sometimes amusing. These idioms enrich conversation whether you are a traveler, curiosity seeker, etc.… As a result, the next time someone chats about breaking legs, kicking buckets, or spilling beans, you will know! Who knew that speaking American English could be such a “piece of cake!”
Disclaimer- This is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information
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