Idioms for Experience You Should Know!

Idioms are expressions or clauses that go beyond the straightforward dictionary definitions of the words they include. If you try to take them word for word, you could have problems comprehending them because they often have cultural or historical importance. Instead, their meanings are determined by context and everyday usage. Following are idioms that can be used to express “experience” along with their definitions and examples:

Idioms for Experience

Baptism by Fire

Meaning: The first time someone experiences something challenging or complex.

Example: She had never managed a team before, but her first project was a complex one. It was a real baptism by fire.

Trial by fire

Meaning: A test of someone’s abilities or knowledge gained through firsthand experience

Example: The new employee was put through a trial by fire when she was assigned to handle a major client’s account on her second day.

Also Read: 150 Common: Difficult Idioms with Example

Been Around the Block

Meaning: Having a lot of experience or knowledge due to having lived or worked through many situations.

Example: You can trust his advice; he’s been around the block a few times and knows how things work in this industry.

Learn the Ropes

Meaning: To learn the basic skills and knowledge necessary for a particular task or job.

Example: It took a few weeks, but he finally learned the ropes of operating the complicated machinery.

Also Read: Idioms for Beginners

Old Hand

Meaning: Someone who is experienced and skilled at a particular activity or task.

Example: Whenever there’s a problem with the computer systems, we always ask Tom for help. He’s the old hand in the IT department.

In the Trenches

Meaning: Engaged in the most complex and challenging aspects of a job or situation.

Example: The project manager wasn’t just giving orders; she was in the trenches with the rest of the team, working late nights to meet the deadline.

Also Read: Idioms for Teachers

Break New Ground

Meaning: To do something innovative or pioneering that hasn’t been done before.

Example: Their research in renewable energy sources is breaking new ground in the field of sustainable technology.

Through Thick and Thin

Meaning: Experiencing both good times and bad times together; enduring all kinds of situations.

Example: Sarah and Jack have been best friends for years; they’ve been through thick and thin together.

Also Read: Idioms for Learning

Cut your Teeth

Meaning: To gain initial experience or develop skills in a particular field or activity.

Example: Before becoming a successful architect, she cut her teeth working on smaller residential projects.

Idioms for Experience Quiz

Here are 10 multiple-choice questions based on idioms related to experience:

1. Which idiom means “to gain experience over time by learning from mistakes”?
A) A dime a dozen
B) Learn the ropes
C) Bite off more than you can chew
D) Jump the gun

Answer: B) Learn the ropes

2. What does the idiom “Been around the block” mean?
A) To be very new at something
B) To have a lot of experience
C) To take a walk around the neighborhood
D) To make the same mistake twice

Answer: B) To have a lot of experience

3. “Cut one’s teeth on something” means:
A) To start learning something as a beginner
B) To avoid a challenging situation
C) To break a habit
D) To make a careless mistake

Answer: A) To start learning something as a beginner

4. If someone is “wet behind the ears,” they are:
A) Very experienced
B) Too emotional
C) Inexperienced and new
D) Acting suspiciously

Answer: C) Inexperienced and new

5. What does the idiom “Old hand” mean?
A) Someone who is skilled and experienced
B) Someone who is too tired to work
C) Someone who has lost motivation
D) Someone who is trying something new

Answer: A) Someone who is skilled and experienced

6. “Through thick and thin” refers to:
A) Gaining experience despite difficulties
B) Changing one’s mind frequently
C) Having an easy journey
D) Avoiding tough situations

Answer: A) Gaining experience despite difficulties

7. If someone “Knows the ropes,” it means they:
A) Are physically strong
B) Are familiar with how something works
C) Are trying something for the first time
D) Are struggling to learn

Answer: B) Are familiar with how something works

8. The idiom “By trial and error” suggests learning by:
A) Making mistakes and improving
B) Taking formal education
C) Following strict rules
D) Never making mistakes

Answer: A) Making mistakes and improving

9. “An old head on young shoulders” refers to:
A) A young person with wisdom and experience
B) A person who behaves foolishly
C) A person who refuses to learn
D) An experienced person ignoring advice

Answer: A) A young person with wisdom and experience

10. What does “Live and learn” mean?
A) Life is full of predictable situations
B) Experience teaches valuable lessons
C) You should never take risks
D) Knowledge is only for experts

Answer: B) Experience teaches valuable lessons

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