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An idiom is a commonly used phrase, expression or group of words whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of the words. The meaning that is conveyed has little to do with the actual words expressed. In other words, it a phrase or expression that is (usually) not taken literally.

Idioms give a language color, character, variety and flavor to both the listener and the speaker. It is a language familiar to a group of people (e.g. another country, from a specific region, culture etc.). Therefore it is a manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language which is not understood outside its culture. Every language would probably not understand English idioms. Therefore idioms can make a language very difficult to understand for new speakers. Thus understanding its meaning and its usage is important. The best way to learn and benefit from the study of idioms and their meanings, is through contextualization (assessing how and when the idomatic expressions are used).

Here are some examples and their meanings:
A
an egghead: a very intelligent person.
as easy as pie: very easy
at the eleventh hour: almost too late; at the last minute.
B
beat around the bush: evade an issue; avoid giving a direct answer.
by the skin of your teeth: barely succeed in doing something.
C
call it a day: stop work for the day.
G
grab a bite: get something to eat.
K
kick the bucket: die
M
make a mountain out of a molehill: To blow an issue or event out of proportion.
S
state of the art: The most advanced technique or method used; using the latest technology
U
under the weather: ill; sick; unwell.

For several more examples of idioms visit the headings below:
English Idioms: Water Idioms and their Meaning
English Idioms - English phrases and their meanings

Labels: English, Language