Not everything requires a direct sense of tone. Sometimes, it is fun to have an indirect manner of expressing a point/feeling/opinion. Sayings do just that! But some English sayings are hilarious! A learner who wouldn’t know the meaning would wonder how that phrase makes any sense in that situation. Frankly, these English sayings are cool, refreshing to use, and make the sentence sound a lot more fun.

The English language contains such sayings in a number more than we can imagine. Although, we picked out the best 10 from the lot. We will not just focus on the giggles that these sayings cause, but also try and learn how to use them. Isn’t it the best when learning has some fun elements in them? Let’s cut to the chase, and begin our English language party!

Hilarious English Sayings

1. Fly off the handle

Did you just imagine someone flying off the handle? That is so relatable, since the saying projects this imagination. Although, flying off the handle has nothing to do with a superhero, or comedy for that matter. So, there is one thing when you feel angry. During such situations, you try and control your emotions, so that you don’t end up expressing your rage. But, sometimes, matters go out of hand, and someone may nudge you further into anger. That phase of extreme anger uses “fly off the handle” from among the English sayings. For example, “When my friend teased me the entire day, I tried to control my anger. But then, he followed me home to tease me in front of my neighbors. I flew off the handle and punched him to the ground.”

2. Keep your shirt on

It is not what you think it is! In fact, the saying has an absolutely different meaning than what it sounds. Let us understand this saying as a continuation of the previous one. The little boy has punched the bully down, and now the people around have to handle the situation. So, imagine the bully gets back up and wants to hit the guy back, but someone intervenes and says, “We saw what you did, big guy! Now, keep your shirt on, and leave before we have to call your parents.” It means asking someone to calm down.

3. Pardon my French

Didn’t we want to discuss English sayings? Then why does this phrase read French? Well, that is because it does refer to the French language. Pardon my French is something that people say after using some swear words or abusive language. Basically, it is like an apology for using a language that isn’t socially acceptable. “Hey coach, please pardon my French from the field yesterday. I was over-excited when I saw our winning scores!”

4. Where do you get off

No! It is not a question that people ask someone on a bus or train. Not in this reference, at least! Where do you get off is more like an angry statement that translates into “How dare you?” “Where do you get off asking me to pay double rent than the others in the building, young lady?” So you see, it is an excellent way to express your point sternly, and yet not sound mean. The reason this phrase finds a place on our hilarious English sayings list is, what if someone does not know what it means? What if someone takes it literally, and does actually answer which station or step the get off? Funny, right?

5. Chew the fat

You just laughed, didn’t you? I mean, so many people are obsessed with letting go of the fat, and here we are asking you to chew it? You should be relieved to know that this has nothing to do with the fat in the food or your body! (Phew, right?) The phrase “chew the fat means” to have a fun and friendly conversation with someone. It sounds more like, “Hey, why don’t you come over this weekend, and we’ll chew the fat! Shall we make it a sleepover with pizza and beer?”

6. Have a frog on one’s throat

Yuck! A frog in the throat does not sound like something anyone would want anywhere near their body! Leave alone inside the throat. But, it does not mean what it says. You know those crummy days when your throat is so dry or sore that you feel a lump in your throat? This expression from the hilarious English sayings comes in handy just then! “I am sorry, but I will not be able to deliver the presentation today. I seem to have a frog in my throat. It’s bad!”

7. Tear one’s hair out

No one literally does that. That’s like ouch! But much like the other funny, yet exciting sayings, this one too has a whole another meaning. To tear one’s hair out means to be really stressed out. “Trying to figure out a way to manage my ailing son and my three jobs was like tearing my hair out. Thankfully, my son is better now and is going to school every day.”

8. Be cheesed off

We all love cheese (mostly). If only this expression had anything to do with the food item. To be cheesed off means to be pissed or annoyed at someone or something. It is like a whole new upgrade than simply saying the old-fashioned phrases. “I am so cheesed off by my neighbors who do not dispose their garbage appropriately. It always comes flying till my front door. I am going to have to talk to them today.”

9. Stuffed to the gills

Who knew that humans have gills, or that fishes could speak (lol.) Although this expression is something that could come in use almost now and then. When you are full enough with food and can have no more, use this expression. Now just will cause some laughter, but also make the person who cooked the meal good about themselves. “Oh! Please, no dessert for me today. I am stuffed to the gills with all the delicious mac and cheese you made!”

10. Pick you brain

No one really picks someone’s brain, do they? So this last one from the English sayings on our list sure is going another way. When you know someone proficient in a particular field, you pick their brain to gain some knowledge. Suppose you want to start a new business, but do not know the first step. You will pick the brains of someone you know who set up their business. Here’s how you can ask them- “Hi. I know it might be too much to ask of your busy schedule, but can I pick your brain about some start-up issues that I am facing?”

Wow! This lesson was indeed one amongst the most fun ones that we have done so far. Start using the, and let us know if you found this lesson as enjoyable as we did.

Want another upgrade? Here are some substitute words for “very.”