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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Time

in the blink of an eye

Meaning
Extremely quickly.
Example
The cat snatched the toy in the blink of an eye.

42 phrases match your filters · Press Space for the next one

Phrases and idioms 42

  1. Time

    once in a blue moon

    Meaning
    Very rarely.
    Example
    My brother cleans his room once in a blue moon.
  2. Time

    in the nick of time

    Meaning
    Just before it was too late.
    Example
    We reached the platform in the nick of time.
  3. Time

    around the clock

    Meaning
    All day and all night without stopping.
    Example
    The hospital has nurses working around the clock.
  4. Time

    call it a day

    Meaning
    To stop working on something for now.
    Example
    We've painted two walls, so let's call it a day.
  5. Time

    time flies when you're having fun

    Meaning
    Time seems to pass quickly when you enjoy yourself.
    Example
    Is it midnight already? Time flies when you're having fun.
  6. Time

    kill time

    Meaning
    To do something to fill time while you wait.
    Example
    We played cards to kill time at the airport.
  7. Time

    at the eleventh hour

    Meaning
    At the last possible moment.
    Example
    The agreement was signed at the eleventh hour.
  8. Time

    the time is ripe

    Meaning
    It is the right moment to do something.
    Example
    The time is ripe to start planting tomatoes.
  9. Time

    in the long run

    Meaning
    Over a long period of time; eventually.
    Example
    Saving a little each week will pay off in the long run.
  10. Time

    a race against time

    Meaning
    A situation where you must hurry to finish before a deadline.
    Example
    Fixing the stage before the show was a race against time.
  11. Time

    ahead of its time

    Meaning
    Too modern or new for the period when it was made.
    Example
    The old flying-machine design was far ahead of its time.
  12. Time

    behind the times

    Meaning
    Old-fashioned; not up to date.
    Example
    My grandfather admits his phone is a bit behind the times.
  13. Time

    from time to time

    Meaning
    Sometimes, but not often.
    Example
    We visit the lake from time to time.
  14. Time

    in no time

    Meaning
    Very quickly.
    Example
    With everyone helping, the dishes were done in no time.
  15. Time

    time is money

    Meaning
    Wasting time is like wasting money, so use it well.
    Example
    Let's not stand around chatting; time is money.
  16. Time

    turn back the clock

    Meaning
    To return to how things were in the past.
    Example
    I wish I could turn back the clock and redo that test.
  17. Time

    beat the clock

    Meaning
    To finish something before a time limit runs out.
    Example
    We raced to beat the clock and finished the puzzle with seconds to spare.
  18. Time

    on the dot

    Meaning
    At exactly the stated time.
    Example
    The train leaves at nine on the dot.
  19. Time

    a blast from the past

    Meaning
    Something that reminds you of an earlier time.
    Example
    Finding my old class photo was a blast from the past.
  20. Time

    third time's a charm

    Meaning
    The third try is often the one that succeeds.
    Example
    I missed the jump twice, but third time's a charm.
  21. Time

    at the drop of a hat

    Meaning
    Immediately, without needing a reason or time to prepare.
    Example
    She'll start singing at the drop of a hat.
  22. Time

    in the blink of an eye

    Meaning
    Extremely quickly.
    Example
    The cat snatched the toy in the blink of an eye.
  23. Time

    for the time being

    Meaning
    For now, until something changes.
    Example
    For the time being, we're sharing a bedroom.
  24. Time

    there's no time like the present

    Meaning
    The best time to do something is right now.
    Example
    Want to start running? There's no time like the present.
  25. Time

    day in, day out

    Meaning
    Every day, again and again, for a long time.
    Example
    He walks the dog day in, day out, whatever the weather.
  26. Time

    make up for lost time

    Meaning
    To do a lot of something because you missed the chance earlier.
    Example
    After months apart, the cousins talked all night to make up for lost time.
  27. Time

    time will tell

    Meaning
    The truth will become clear in the future.
    Example
    Will the new plant survive the winter? Time will tell.
  28. Time

    on borrowed time

    Meaning
    Lasting longer than expected, but likely to end soon.
    Example
    Our old washing machine is living on borrowed time.
  29. Time

    pressed for time

    Meaning
    Having very little time.
    Example
    I'm pressed for time, so let's talk tomorrow.
  30. Time

    all in good time

    Meaning
    It will happen when the time is right, so be patient.
    Example
    "When can we open the presents?" "All in good time."
All generators

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

  1. Pick a category with the chips if you want to narrow the bank down.
  2. Choose how many to show. One phrase at a time, or several together.
  3. Press Next (or the Space bar) for a new phrase.
  4. Read the meaning and the example under each phrase.
  5. 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