Netflix has become one of the most popular platforms for watching TV shows and movies around the world. For English learners, it’s not just entertainment—it’s an amazing tool to improve your language skills.
One of the best ways to boost your English is by learning idioms—natural expressions that native speakers use in everyday conversation. Netflix Originals are full of idioms, making them a perfect resource for beginners who want to sound more fluent and confident.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explain why Netflix Originals are a great way to learn idioms, highlight some popular shows with useful expressions, and give you tips on how to study effectively.
Why Learn Idioms with Netflix Originals?
Idioms are tricky because their meanings aren’t always clear from the individual words. For example, if someone says, “It’s a piece of cake,” they don’t mean actual cake—they mean something is very easy. Learning idioms in context—by seeing and hearing them used in real situations—helps you understand and remember them better.
Netflix Originals like Stranger Things, The Crown, and Bridgerton use authentic, modern English. These shows offer:
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Natural conversation: Hear idioms as they are really spoken.
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Different accents and styles: Learn from British, American, and other varieties of English.
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Subtitles: Follow along and catch new expressions easily.
Top Netflix Originals for Learning Idioms
Here are a few Netflix Originals that are excellent for picking up useful idioms:
1. Stranger Things
This popular sci-fi series is packed with American slang and idioms from the 1980s. You’ll hear phrases like:
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“Blow off steam” – to release stress or anger.
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“Shoot the breeze” – to have a casual chat.
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“In over your head” – to be involved in something too difficult.
2. The Crown
This British drama offers a more formal style of English, but idioms are still present. Watch for:
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“Behind closed doors” – in secret.
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“Come to a head” – to reach a critical point.
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“The powers that be” – people in authority.
3. Emily in Paris
This fun show mixes American and European English, and it’s full of idiomatic expressions like:
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“By the book” – following rules exactly.
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“Hit the ground running” – start something quickly and effectively.
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“A blessing in disguise” – something good that seemed bad at first.
How to Learn Idioms Effectively with Netflix
To get the most out of Netflix Originals while learning idioms, try these simple steps:
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Use Subtitles: Turn on English subtitles to catch every word and identify idioms more easily.
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Pause and Rewind: When you hear an idiom, pause the show and write it down. Rewind and listen again to understand how it’s used.
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Look Up Meanings: Don’t guess—check the meaning of each idiom online or in a dictionary. Idioms often don’t mean what the words suggest!
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Make Example Sentences: Use the idiom in your own sentence. For example, if you learn “spill the beans” (to reveal a secret), write: “I accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise party.”
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Practice Speaking: Try using new idioms in conversation. If you’re learning alone, practice out loud to build confidence.
Benefits of Learning Idioms with Netflix
Learning idioms with Netflix Originals has many advantages:
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Real-world usage: You hear how idioms fit naturally into conversation.
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Fun and engaging: It’s easier to learn when you enjoy the material.
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Cultural context: You understand not just the language but also the culture behind the idioms.
Plus, Netflix Originals cover many genres—comedy, drama, thriller, and more—so you can choose what interests you most.
Final Thoughts
Netflix isn’t just for entertainment; it’s also a powerful tool for improving your English. By watching Netflix Originals and paying attention to idioms, you can expand your vocabulary, understand native speakers better, and sound more natural yourself.
Start with a show like Stranger Things or The Crown, and keep a notebook of idioms you learn. With regular practice, you’ll soon find these expressions becoming a natural part of your English.
So grab some popcorn, press play, and get ready to learn idioms the fun way with Netflix!