Top English Idioms Books for All Learner Levels

Learning idioms is essential for speaking and writing naturally in English. This article introduces the best English idioms books for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Discover their key features, learning benefits, and study methods to use idioms effectively in real contexts.

I. Top Recommended English Idioms Books

Learning English idioms is a powerful way to sound more fluent, understand native speakers better, and express yourself in a more natural and culturally authentic way. Whether you're preparing for exams like IELTS, improving your English for work, or simply aiming for everyday fluency, mastering idiomatic expressions can make a real difference.

But with so many idioms books available today, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The key is to find a book that matches your English level, fits your learning style, and supports your specific communication goals.

In the sections below, we’ve curated a list of the most recommended idioms books for English learners — organized by language level and intended use. 

• To practice a common subset, check useful idioms about time.

1. Phrasal Verbs & Idioms – Check Your English Vocabulary

This compact workbook is an excellent entry point for learners who want to build basic familiarity with common English phrasal verbs and idioms. Designed as part of the popular Check Your English Vocabulary series, it offers bite-sized activities, quizzes, and matching exercises to help students practice meaning and usage in context.

• Publisher: A & C Black

• Publication Date: October 1, 2006

• Language: English

• Pages: 80

• Level: Beginner to Pre-intermediate

Each unit focuses on useful chunks of language encountered in daily conversation, exams, and work-related situations. Definitions are clear, and exercises are ideal for self-study, classroom use, or exam preparation (such as TOEIC or IELTS at lower bands).

Best suited for:

• Beginners and lower-intermediate English learners

• Learners who struggle with remembering idioms and phrasal verbs in use

• Anyone looking for a quick vocabulary boost before exams or interviews

While not a comprehensive textbook, this workbook serves as a practical supplement to strengthen your idiom-based English vocabulary in an accessible way.

• For compact review sets tailored to IELTS, see IELTS Vocabulary Booster.

2. Work on Your Idioms (Collins)

Part of the popular Collins Work On Your series, this book is a practical and user-friendly resource for improving your command of English idioms through real-life contexts. The idioms are organized into 25 thematic units, covering common topics such as emotions, relationships, work, and everyday life. Each unit includes clear explanations, example sentences, and targeted exercises to practice using idioms naturally.

• Publisher: Collins

• Publication Date: December 1, 2021

• Edition: Second Edition

• Language: English

• Pages: 128

• Level: Pre-intermediate to Intermediate

The book is designed for independent learners as well as classroom use. It supports learners in developing both recognition and production of idioms through focused practice and review. Throughout, idioms are presented in accessible and meaningful ways, with tips to avoid common mistakes.

Best suited for:

• Intermediate learners aiming to sound more natural and fluent

• Students studying for exams like IELTS or B1/B2-level English tests

• Working professionals or job-seekers looking to enhance communication skills

Whether you're hoping to spice up your spoken English or write with more flair, this book provides the structure and vocabulary to help you do just that. Clear layout, concise content, and a strong focus on practical use make it a standout choice at this level.

• See alternatives in other words for amazing in English.

3. Oxford Word Skills Intermediate: Idioms & Phrasal Verbs

This book is part of the well-known Oxford Word Skills series, designed to expand learners’ vocabulary through context-based learning and interactive practice. The Idioms & Phrasal Verbs (Intermediate) volume focuses specifically on informal language used in everyday communication, helping learners move toward more natural and fluent English expression.

The idioms and phrasal verbs are grouped by topic and function, allowing learners to build vocabulary logically and meaningfully. Each unit provides clear explanations, thought-provoking exercises, and opportunities to practice the items in speaking and writing tasks.

• Publisher: Oxford University Press España, S.A.

• Publication Date: January 13, 2011

• Edition: UK edition

• Language: English

• Pages: 192

• Level: Intermediate to Upper-intermediate

The book also includes review sections for self-assessment and tips on how to remember and use idiomatic language effectively in real-life situations.

Best suited for:

• Intermediate learners looking to strengthen everyday spoken English

• Students preparing for English exams where idiomatic knowledge is a plus (e.g. IELTS, B2 First)

• Independent learners who want a self-contained idiom learning system with exercises

This volume is a practical bridge between basic idiom recognition and confident active usage, ideal for learners who want to progress steadily and systematically.

• Learners who prefer visuals may use the English vocabulary mind map.

4. Oxford Learner’s Pocket Phrasal Verbs & Idioms

This compact reference book from Oxford University Press is designed for learners who want a quick and reliable way to look up English phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions. With over 3,500 entries, it functions as a portable dictionary that explains idioms and phrasal verbs in clear, student-friendly language, with examples to show real-life usage.

Unlike a traditional textbook, this is not meant to be studied unit-by-unit, but used as a quick reference tool—ideal for reviewing new phrases, writing, or understanding native English in films, TV shows, and informal conversations.

• Publisher: Oxford University Press España, S.A.

• Publication Date: January 1, 2013

• Edition: UK edition

• Language: English

• Pages: 288

• Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Entries are organized alphabetically and include notes on usage, grammar, and register (formal/informal), helping learners understand both meaning and appropriate context.

Best suited for:

• Learners who want a portable idioms and phrasal verbs resource

• Intermediate and advanced students who need to expand vocabulary for everyday use

• Test-takers or professionals looking for a quick-reference guide

While it's not designed for guided learning with exercises, it makes an excellent companion book to other idioms coursebooks or vocabulary study routines.

5. Oxford Dictionary of Idioms

The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms is a comprehensive reference book that provides clear explanations of over 6,000 idiomatic expressions found in British and American English. Unlike a traditional learning workbook, this dictionary-style resource is designed for quick lookup and in-depth understanding of the figurative language used in everyday speech, literature, and media.

Idioms are listed alphabetically and supported by definitions, example sentences drawn from real usage, notes on grammar and style, and — in many cases — brief explanations of the idiom's origin or historical background.

• Publisher: OUP Oxford

• Publication Date: September 23, 2004

• Edition: 2nd

• Language: English

• Pages: 352

• Level: Upper-intermediate to Advanced

This book is ideal for both academic and professional use, whether you’re interested in language study, translation, or expanding your vocabulary for writing and reading comprehension.

Best suited for:

• Advanced learners and near-native speakers seeking deeper idiomatic understanding

• Teachers, translators, and writers needing a reliable idioms reference

• Anyone curious about the cultural and historical roots of English idiomatic expressions

While it does not include exercises, its depth and accuracy make it a top-tier reference tool for serious language learners and users.

6. Oxford Word Skills Advanced: Idioms & Phrasal Verbs

This advanced-level volume from the Oxford Word Skills series is designed to help high-level English learners achieve natural fluency through confident use of idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs. The book offers in-depth coverage of informal and figurative language, essential for sounding natural in spoken and written English.

Lessons are grouped by theme and function, giving learners structured exposure to idioms and phrasal verbs in useful, real-world contexts. Language is presented through clear definitions, authentic example sentences, and practice tasks that reinforce both understanding and accurate usage.

• Publisher: Oxford University Press

• Publication Date: January 1, 2012

• Language: English

• Pages: 208

• Level: Upper-intermediate to Advanced

It’s ideal for learners preparing for advanced English exams (IELTS Band 7+, C1 Advanced) or for professionals aiming to refine their expression in academic or business settings.

Best suited for:

• Advanced learners looking to level up spoken and written fluency

• Students aiming for high scores in academic English exams (e.g., CAE, IELTS)

• Learners who already understand basic idioms and want to master nuanced usage

This book serves as a highly practical and structured tool for mastering idiomatic expressions in a systematic, level-appropriate way — making it a top choice for serious English learners.

II. How to Study English Idioms Effectively

Choosing the right idioms book is only the first step. To make real progress, effective study techniques are essential. Idioms can be tricky because their meanings aren't always obvious, and they often don’t follow typical grammar patterns — which makes how you study as important as what you study.

• Learn idioms by topic and context: Instead of memorizing random expressions, study idioms in groups related to themes like feelings, business, relationships, or time. This helps your brain form connections, making idioms easier to remember and use naturally in specific situations.

• Practice speaking and writing with idioms: Reading about idioms is helpful — but to truly master them, you need to use them actively. Incorporate idioms into your writing (e.g., emails, essays, journal entries) and speaking (in class, in conversation, or during practice exams) to build confidence and fluency.

• Review regularly with flashcards or apps: Repetition is essential. Use flashcards, apps like Anki or Quizlet, or even paper notes to review idioms you’ve learned. Add example sentences or images to help you recall the idioms faster and avoid mixing them up.

By combining high-quality books with smart learning techniques, you'll be able to understand and use English idioms accurately, confidently, and with greater cultural awareness.

• Try inserting new idioms into short english conversation dialogues for fluency practice.

III. Start Your IELTS Journey

This article has provided a detailed review of four popular English idiom books that are highly sought after by English language learners. These books are valuable resources for those preparing for exams such as IELTS, TOEIC, and the national high school English exam. Combined with our expertly designed IELTS courses, you’ll gain access to proven strategies, interactive lessons, and personalized feedback to help you master every section of the exam and achieve your dream band score.

• IELTS online course: Unlock Your IELTS Success Story.