Sayings
knowledge is power
- Meaning
- Knowing things gives you the ability to make good choices.
- Example
- Read the rules before the game starts, because knowledge is power.
Random Phrase Generator
This random phrase generator shows you a common English idiom or saying, what it means and how to use it. Press Next for another one, or switch to a list and browse.
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70 phrases match your filters · Press Space for the next one
Phrases and idioms 70
- Sayings
the more, the merrier
- Meaning
- The more people who join, the more fun it will be.
- Example
- Bring your friends to the picnic; the more, the merrier.
- Sayings
knowledge is power
- Meaning
- Knowing things gives you the ability to make good choices.
- Example
- Read the rules before the game starts, because knowledge is power.
- Sayings
hope for the best, prepare for the worst
- Meaning
- Stay positive, but be ready in case things go wrong.
- Example
- We packed extra water for the hike: hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
- Sayings
good things come to those who wait
- Meaning
- Being patient often brings good results.
- Example
- The bread took hours to rise, but good things come to those who wait.
- Sayings
patience is a virtue
- Meaning
- Being able to wait calmly is a good quality.
- Example
- The bus is late again, but patience is a virtue.
- Sayings
first come, first served
- Meaning
- The people who arrive first get served or chosen first.
- Example
- There are only twenty free tickets, so it's first come, first served.
- Sayings
no news is good news
- Meaning
- If you haven't heard anything, things are probably fine.
- Example
- The vet hasn't called yet, and no news is good news.
- Sayings
fortune favors the bold
- Meaning
- Brave people who take chances are more likely to succeed.
- Example
- She asked for the lead role, and fortune favors the bold.
- Sayings
it's the thought that counts
- Meaning
- The kindness behind a gift matters more than the gift itself.
- Example
- The drawing was a bit messy, but it's the thought that counts.
- Sayings
once bitten, twice shy
- Meaning
- After a bad experience, people are more careful the next time.
- Example
- He won't eat at that café again; once bitten, twice shy.
What the random phrase generator does
English is full of phrases that don't mean what their words say. Spill the beans has nothing to do with cooking, and nobody actually breaks the ice at a party. Each card shows a phrase from our own bank, a plain explanation of what it means, and an example sentence that shows it in use.
We wrote every meaning and example ourselves, in simple words, so the explanation is easier to follow than the phrase.
How to use it
- Pick a category with the chips if you want to narrow the bank down.
- Choose how many to show. One phrase at a time, or several together.
- Press Next (or the Space bar) for a new phrase.
- Read the meaning and the example under each phrase.
- Copy it with the copy button, or switch to list view to browse lots of phrases at once.
Ways to use random phrases
Learning English idioms
Idioms are one of the hardest parts of English, because you can't work them out from the words. Learn one a day: read the meaning, say the example out loud, then make up your own sentence.
Writing natural dialogue
Real people talk in idioms. Dropping the right saying into a character's speech makes dialogue sound natural – just don't let every line lean on one.
Classroom idiom lessons
Ask students to draw the literal meaning of a phrase – an actual cat being let out of an actual bag – and then explain what it really means. The drawings are always a hit.
Guess-the-meaning game
Read a phrase aloud and let everyone guess what it means before you read the answer. It works for family game night, a language class or a long car ride.
Act it out
Common phrases make great charades: act out the literal meaning and let the others guess the saying. Our charades generator has plenty more to act.
Story titles and prompts
Many sayings make perfect story titles. Pick one and write a short story that ends with the phrase as the last line.
Tips for better results
- Learn the example, not just the meaning. Seeing a phrase in a sentence shows you when and how people really use it.
- Use it within a day. Try a new idiom in conversation or in a message soon after you learn it.
- Draw it. Sketching the literal meaning of an idiom is a memorable way to learn the real one.
- Keep it casual. Most idioms are informal, so save them for stories, chats and speeches rather than formal essays.
- Pair with sentences. The random sentence generator gives you whole sentences to practice with, from simple to silly.
Questions
What is an idiom?
An idiom is a phrase whose meaning is different from the meaning of its words. Break the ice means to help people relax and start talking, not to smash anything.
What is the difference between a phrase, an idiom and a saying?
A phrase is any small group of words. An idiom is a phrase with a figurative meaning, and a saying is a short, well-known piece of advice or wisdom, like better late than never.
Are these common phrases people really use?
Yes. The bank focuses on common phrases and idioms you are likely to hear in everyday English, each explained in plain words.
Why are idioms hard to learn?
Because their meaning is not the sum of their words. You have to learn each one as a whole, which is why seeing the meaning and an example together helps.
Can I use this to learn English idioms?
Yes. Every phrase comes with its meaning and an example sentence, which makes it a handy daily study tool for English learners.
Who wrote the meanings and examples?
We did. All meanings and example sentences are original and written for this site.
Can I see a list of idioms?
Yes. Switch to list view to browse many phrases at once, or choose how many to show on the page.
Is the random phrase generator free?
Yes, free with no sign-up. The site sets no cookies and doesn't track you.
Last updated October 2, 2026