There are hundreds of idioms that begin with prepositions in English. Idioms are phrases that, taken literally, would either make no sense at all or have an entirely different meaning from the idiomatic definition. “On the other hand,” for example, could literally mean that there is something sitting on your hand, but as an idiom, it refers to an alternative. “At a loss,” on the other hand, doesn’t make much sense at all if you try to explain it using the literal meaning of each word; it only makes sense taken as a whole––as an idiom.
The following list is by no means an exhaustive list of idioms that begin with prepositions. It is, however, a litany of very commonly used idiomatic phrases.
Idioms that Begin with Prepositions
At
- at any rate: whatever happens or is happening
- at one's disposal: available for one’s use
- at fault: causing a problem or accident
- at first: in the beginning
- at last: finally, after some delay (connotes a feeling of exhaustion after a long period of waiting)
- at a loss: unsure of what to do or say; speechless
Behind
- behind the scenes: influencing events secretly; unseen
Beside
- beside the point: irrelevant
By
- by accident: not on purpose
- by all means: by any possible method
- by hand: without the use of machinery
- by heart: from memory
- by mistake: accidentally
- by oneself: alone
- by the way: incidentally (used to introduce a new, unrelated topic)
For
- for good: permanently
- for a living: as a profession
- for one thing: because of one reason (out of several)
- for sale: intended to be sold
- for sure: definitely
- for now/ for the time being: until some other arrangement/decision is made
- for a while: for a period of time
From
- from scratch: from raw ingredients/materials; without anything pre-made
- from time to time: occasionally
In
- in advance: before something begins; early
- in any case: whatever happens
- in charge: in command; responsible for
- in common: shared by two or more people
- in danger: likely to be harmed (opposite: out of danger/out of harm’s way)
- in a daze: unable to think clearly; confused
- in debt: owing money (opposite: out of debt)
- in demand: wanted by many people
- in the end: after everything is finished (describes a final outcome)
- in fact: in reality; really
- in a hurry: doing something quickly
- in itself: without anything else
- in the long run: in the end; eventually
- in mint condition: perfect; as though brand-new
- in a minute/moment/second: soon; quickly (used to tell how much longer it will be until something happens)
- in no time: very soon; very quickly (used to tell how quickly something happened)
- in season: (fruit or vegetables) ripe and available for sale at that time of year (opposite: out of season)
- in trouble: blamed or punished for doing something wrong; in a difficult situation (opposite: out of trouble)
- in vain: without success
- in the wrong: responsible for an error; guilty
Inside
- inside out: with the inner side out
Of
- of course: certainly; as one would expect; as everyone knows
Off
- off and on: (describes a situation that exists at some times, but not others, over a period of time)
On
- on account of: because of
- on the air: in the process of broadcasting (on radio or television)
- on all fours: (people) on hands and knees; (animals) on all four feet
- on demand: when requested or demanded
- on fire: burning; in flames (not burning as in turning black from staying in the oven too long)
- on hand: available; in stock
- on the lookout: watchful
- on the one hand: (used to introduce the first side of an argument)
- on one's own: alone; without assistance
- on the other hand: alternatively (used with “on the one hand” to introduce a contrasting side of an argument)
- on purpose: deliberately
- on sale: being sold at a reduced price
- on second thought: after thinking further
- on a shoestring: with very little money
- on the spur of the moment: spontaneously; on a sudden impulse
- on time: at the correct time
- on the verge of: very close to (an achievement)
Out
- out of the blue: unexpectedly
- out of breath: panting from a shortage of oxygen (usually due to physical exertion)
- out of character: different from a person's known character
- out of order: not functioning
- out of the ordinary: unusual
- out of practice: unable to do something as well as one once could because of lack of recent practice
- out of the question: not to be considered; not an option
- out of shape: not in top physical condition because of lack of exercise (opposite: in shape)
- out of sight: not able to be seen; hidden (opposite: in sight)
- out of town: not in the city/town where one normally resides (opposite: in town)
- out of tune: (of music/musical instruments) not at the correct pitch (opposite: in tune)
- out of work: unemployed
To
- to a certain extent: partly
Under
- under one's breath: in a whisper; not intending to be heard
- under the circumstances: because of the current situation/circumstance
- under control: able to be controlled or influenced (opposites: out of control/out of hand)
- under fire: being shot at; being criticized
- under the impression that: having the idea/belief that
- under the influence of: affected by (usually alcohol or drugs)
Up
- up in the air: uncertain (with regard to the outcome of a situation)
With
- with the naked eye: without the use of a lens
- with regard/respect to: concerning; about
- with a vengeance: more than usual; angrily
Within
- within reason: that is reasonable
English is full of figurative language––phrasal verbs and idioms that begin with prepositions, phrasal verbs and idioms that end with prepositions, and idioms that do not include prepositions at all. The vast number of idioms in English make it one of the most difficult languages to learn, but now that you know these, you are on your way!