British English idioms that might confuse you (but natives use all the time)

Have you ever heard a British person say something like “It’s not my cup of tea” or “Bob’s your uncle” and had no idea what they meant? You’re not alone.

British English idioms are full of colourful, quirky phrases that often don’t make literal sense — but they’re used all the time by native speakers. Understanding these idioms will help you feel more confident in conversations and connect more easily with British colleagues, friends, or locals when travelling.

Let’s explore some of the most common expressions and how to use them naturally.

Why British idioms can be confusing (even for advanced learners)

Idioms are tricky for all language learners because their meanings can’t be guessed from the individual words. In British English, many idioms come from historical, cultural, or regional references — which makes them even more confusing if you haven’t lived in the UK.

You might understand every word in a sentence and still not know what the speaker means. That’s normal! The good news is: you only need to learn the most common ones to feel comfortable in everyday situations.

Idioms are especially common in casual conversations, workplace banter, British TV shows, and travel situations. If you’re planning to visit or work in the UK, knowing a few of these expressions will definitely help. Our list of essential English travel phrases is also a good place to start.

10 British idioms you’ll definitely hear in the UK

Here are some classic British English idioms and what they mean:

1. “It’s not my cup of tea” – I don’t like it / it’s not my preference.
2. “I’m absolutely knackered” – I’m very tired.
3. “Throw a spanner in the works” – Cause a problem that delays or ruins a plan.
4. “Bob’s your uncle” – And that’s it! / It’s done easily.
5. “To faff about” – To waste time or be inefficient.
6. “A bit of a pickle” – In a difficult or tricky situation.
7. “Take the mickey” – Make fun of someone (not always kindly).
8. “I haven’t seen you in donkey’s years” – I haven’t seen you in a long time.
9. “Chuffed to bits” – Really pleased or happy.
10. “To be skint” – To have no money.

You’ll hear these at work, at the pub, in the news, and especially in British comedy. Learning them can make English feel more fun and a lot more familiar.

How to understand (and use) these idioms naturally

Here are some tips to learn British idioms the right way:

• Learn them in context — watch British shows, listen to podcasts, and read dialogue in UK-based books.
• Start small — focus on 5–10 idioms that are common and relevant to your life.
• Use them in conversation — try one or two in your next English class or chat.
• Don’t overuse them — too many idioms at once can sound forced.
• Ask your tutor to explain tone — some idioms are polite, others are cheeky or even rude depending on context.

If you want to practise real conversation, working with a native tutor can make a big difference. Check out our tips on how to find the right English tutor online for you.

Practice them with native tutors from Big Brain Languages

The best way to feel confident using British idioms is to practise them with someone who uses them naturally. Our tutors at Big Brain Languages are all native speakers who:

• Help you learn idioms in real context
• Correct pronunciation and explain cultural background
• Role-play conversations where idioms appear naturally
• Make learning fun and personalised

Want to use idioms at work? Our guide on how to improve business English for work includes expressions that sound professional — but still natural.