English idioms list

This English idioms lists includes expressions which have a main word that begins with the letters "X, Y or Z." If you want to learn idioms that start with other letters of the alphabet: click here to go to the main idioms page.

An idiom is a group of words whose meaning is different from the individual words if you looked them up separately in the dictionary. Here are the most common idioms beginning with these letters - and you'll immediately notice that there are very few idioms that have a main word beginning with "X." This is not surprising since there aren't many words that start with the letter "X."

X Idioms

x marks the spot: an “x” is used to show the exact location (spot) of something.

Example: As you can see on the diagram, x marks the spot where the murder occurred.

Y Idioms

YEAR(S)

year after year: every year for many years.

Example: Year after year, my kids give me ugly ties as Christmas gifts.

year in, year out: every year for many years.

Example: He worked at the company year in, year out for decades before he was laid off.

(all) year round: during the whole year, happening all year.

Example: Most people only eat roast turkey and stuffing on Thanksgiving and Christmas but we keep it on the menu all year round at our restaurant.

in years: in a long time.

Example: I hadn’t seen my high school English teacher in years but she looks exactly the same.

getting on in years: becoming old.

Example: My mom is getting on in years so we’re building an extra room in our house for her.

YELL

yell bloody murder: to scream really loudly.

Example: When the thief tried to grab my bag, I yelled bloody murder and he let go and ran away.

YES

yes man: someone who always agrees with authority (always says “yes”).

Example: My boss is a total yes man so now we have an impossible sales target from upper management.

YOU, YOU’RE, YOURSELF

you can say that again: you strongly agree with something someone said.

Example: A: "This pie is delicious." B: "You can say that again."

you can’t take it with you: enjoy life today because you can’t take your money or possessions with you when you die.

Example: Why don’t you ever drive your sports car? You can’t take it with you, ya know.

you can’t teach an old dog new tricks: An idea that older people can't learn new skills or learn how to do new things.

Example: My grandfather has 5,000 followers on Twitter and Instagram—who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks!

you get what to pay for: the price of something usually equals its quality (especially cheap things are of low quality).

Example: It’s true you get what you pay for—this $239 laptop is unbelievably slow.

you’re toast: you’re in trouble.

Example: You’re toast when your mom finds out you ruined her blouse.

by yourself: all alone.

Example: If you just want to be by yourself, why don’t you say so?

keep something to yourself: Keeping or having something only for you.

Example: If that’s what you really believe, I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself.

yours truly: me, myself.

Example: "Wow, who cooked all this good food?" "Yours truly."

Z Idioms

ZERO

zero in on something: to focus or pay attention to one particular thing.

Example: I think you should zero in on chapter two because it’s the most relevant for your situation.

ZIP

zip one's lips: to be silent; to not tell a secret (as if the lips were zipped with a zipper so the person cannot talk).

Example: I’m going to resign in two weeks but zip your lips please!

ZONE

zone out: to not pay attention to things happening around you.

Example: As soon as my boyfriend talks about sports, I automatically zone out.

ZOOM

zoom in on something: to examine or look at something more closely.

Example: Zoom in on that part of the map; I think I recognize that area.

Download your free illustrated idioms eBook!

Want to expand your idiom knowledge even further? Download our free eBook, '25 Illustrated Idioms,' to learn more useful expressions with fun visuals that make understanding idioms a breeze. Sign up now to get your free copy!

Signup to learn more idioms

Have you signed-up for my free newsletter? It's a great way to learn new vocabulary and idioms.

You can also find many idiom definitions with the different online learner's dictionaries.

Home Page
Idioms List
"X, Y & Z" Idioms