7 Baffling English Phrases for Every English Learner

I never thought learning a language was too difficult, until I started tutoring foreigners in my native language. I can’t describe how much time I’ve spent on explaining some slangs and idioms that are virtually un-translatable. And, after I put myself in my students’ shoes (when I first started learning German), I understood the challenges learners face with English phrases and words.

English vocabulary is a goldmine of weird, confusing, and extraordinary words and idioms. Some of them are difficult to translate, and some just don’t make sense until you learn how to use them.

If you tilt your head in confusion when you hear a native speaker shout “shotgun” when getting into someone else’s car, you understand exactly what I’m talking about. But don’t worry! Even though, English vocabulary is full of weird and wacky words and phrases, I’m here to decode some of them and explain how you can use them in every day conversations.

4 Confusing English Phrases and Words

Okay, it’s time to dive into the English vocabulary and dig up some confusing words and phrases you’ll find insightful.

"Spill the beans"

I’m starting with one of my favorite phrases “spill the beans.” It means to reveal a secret or disclose confidential information. Some experts say that this phrase comes from ancient greek or roman voting system, where voters would use beans or pebbles to cast their votes in elections.

Another theory states that the phrase comes from the early 20th century America from the slang use of “beans” to mean gossip. So "spilling the beans" meant letting that inside scoop or rumor out of the bag accidentally.

Where does it come from? I don’t know. But it sure stuck with us. It stuck with us so much that today we have other variations of the phrase, like “spill the tea.” Tea, in this case, means a secret or a juicy gossip, borrowed from the idea of spilling hot tea while dishing out rumors.

How to use:

-“There’s going to be a surprise party for Stacey tomorrow - don’t spill the beans!”
-“I shouldn’t spill the tea, but I saw Margaret and David on a date the other day”

"Reinvent the wheel"

Of all the English phrases and words that are confusing, this one feels a bit more straightforward. We usually say “reinvent the wheel,” when we’re talking about wasting time and effort on something that has already been invented or made. This principle states that the simplest explanation or solution is preferable to a more complex one.

How to use:

-“Hey man, I've been spending hours trying to make this new complicated recipe for tacos from scratch. Gotta make the tortillas, the salsa, the guacamole, everything!"
-"Why are you reinventing the wheel, man? Just buy some tortillas and salsas premade from the store.”

"Cut to the chase"

I wish I had the courage to use this phrase a lot, but I’m trying to be more patient. Yes, this phrase means to get to the point quickly without unnecessary details. And we usually say “cut to the chase,” when someone’s dragging a story without an end in sight.

English vocabulary is full of phrases that come from movies and theater, and “cut to the chase” is one of them.

In old films and stage plays, there would often be filler scenes of people chasing one another that could be trimmed out. So editors/writers would provide notes to "cut to the chase" - meaning to skip over the unnecessary chase scenes and get to the critical action and dialogue.

How to use:

-“Hey Amanda, I wanted to talk to you about the proposal for the new marketing campaign. We were thinking of incorporating user survey data, building brand narratives, exploring new channels…”
-“David, I'm sorry but could you just cut to the chase? We're short on time for this meeting.”

"Butter someone up"

Have you met a person who compliments someone else excessively and insincerely?! Especially with the intention of getting something from them? Then, this expression describes them perfectly.

Linguistic experts say that this phrase comes from the late 18th century. It's traced to the Dutch word "buteren," which means to butter or flatter someone up.

How to use:

-"Hey, did you see how Jake was complimenting Marie's presentation?"
-"Yeah, he was really buttering her up."

3 (More) English Phrases and Words With Historical Origin

"Kick the bucket"

This might not be the nicest example of confusing English phrases and words, but it’s commonly used in casual English. This phrase doesn't actually involve kicking anything. It's a euphemism for dying or passing away.

Where did it come from? Some say it originated from the practice of standing on a bucket when being hanged, and the bucket being kicked away. Yikes! The origins of this phrase are a bit gruesome, but it’s a way to refer to death in a seemingly lighter way.

Have you heard about the phrase “bucket list?” (A list of things to do/experience before one metaphorically "kicks the bucket.") Yep, it’s in direct correlation with this phrase.

How to use:

-"Hey, did you hear what happened to old Mr. Jenkins down the street?"
-"No, what's up with him?"
-"He kicked the bucket last night. Massive heart attack from what I heard."
-"Oh man, that's too bad. He was such a nice guy. I'll have to send flowers to his family."

"Bite the bullet"

This idiom refers to enduring or pushing through an unpleasant or unavoidable experience. This English phrase has a rich history. It comes from the 18th/19th centuries when wounded soldiers were given a literal bullet to bite down on during the surgery without anesthesia.

From these experiences, "biting the bullet" became a metaphor for bracing yourself.

How to use:

-"I'm really dreading having to let some of the team go during these company layoffs."
-"I know, but we have to bite the bullet on it. Downsizing is unavoidable with the current budget shortfalls."

"Born with a silver spoon in mouth"

People aren't really born with silver spoons in their mouths, as this idiom describes. However, it refers to someone who was born into a wealthy, privileged family and never had to struggle or work for anything in their life.

It's a common phrase that might seem to come from an advanced English vocabulary, but it's often used in daily conversations.

This English phrase also has a historical meaning, coming from times when wealthy families would quite literally pass down silver spoons and valuables to their children.

How to use:

-"Can you believe Jason just bought another luxury sports car? That's his third this year!"
-"I guess when you're born with a silver spoon in your mouth like he was, you never have to worry about money."

Embrace the Confusion and Use It as an Opportunity to Learn

Whew, that's a lot of confusing English phrases and words. Still, they're wonderful, and they make learning English vocabulary even more fun. I recommend embracing the confusion whenever you encounter such words and using it as a learning opportunity.

Find a comfortable and easy-to-use English dictionary and look up the phrases that make you scratch your head in confusion. Use the words you learned in conversations, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.