“Full of beans” and 14 other awesome British expressions

As most popular movies and TV shows are produced in the States, we non-native English speakers are usually more familiar with American expressions and idioms than with British ones.

In my opinion, it is a bit of a pity because the British have many funny expressions and idioms that would spice up and bring more humour into our conversations.

To fix this state of affairs, we have gathered 15 awesome British expressions with example sentences and their meanings in this post.

It pays off to at least understand these expressions, and if you are a more advanced English speaker, you can even try to work them into your conversations. When uttered by a non-native English speaker, they are sure to provoke astonishment, smiles and a warm atmosphere.

full of beans = to have a lot of energy and enthusiasm

I got a good night’s sleep and woke up full of beans today.

chuffed to bits = to be very pleased or thrilled by something

Ron was chuffed to bits when his team won.

gobsmacked = speechless, shocked, surprised beyond belief

Georgia’s colleagues were left gobsmacked by her speech.

the bee’s knees = lovely, wonderful

Our holiday to Sicily is going to be the bee’s knees!

Fancy a cuppa? = Would you like a cup of tea?

Fancy a cuppa, sweetheart?

Bob’s your uncle = there you go, that should do it

Just peel the potatoes, fry them in olive oil and Bob’s your uncle!