Idioms and colloquialisms are an essential part of every language, adding color and local flavor to everyday speech. In Greek, these expressions offer a window into the culture and mindset of the Greek people. Let’s dive into some commonly used Greek idioms and colloquialisms that can spice up your language skills.

Έχω άλλα καράγια να αλέσω
This idiom literally translates to “I have other mills to grind.” It is used to say that one has other things to do, more important tasks to attend to, or simply other priorities.
Δεν μπορώ να πάω στη συνάντηση αύριο, έχω άλλα καράγια να αλέσω.

Κάθομαι στα αυγά μου
Literally meaning “I sit on my eggs,” this idiom is akin to the English “walking on eggshells.” It describes a situation where someone is being very cautious or is waiting anxiously for something to happen.
Όταν ο διευθυντής είναι στο γραφείο, καθόμαστε όλοι στα αυγά μας.

Βγάζω τον σκασμό
When someone says “Βγάζω τον σκασμό,” they mean “I keep quiet” or “I hold my tongue.” It is used when someone decides not to say anything in order to avoid trouble or conflict.
Όταν άρχισαν να μαλώνουν, απλά έβγαλα τον σκασμό.

Φτιάχνω το κρεβάτι μου
The literal translation is “I make my bed,” but idiomatically, it means that one must deal with the consequences of their actions.
Δεν έκανες καλά στις εξετάσεις; Φτιάχνεις το κρεβάτι σου τώρα.

Πάω στον παπά
Translating directly to “I am going to the priest,” this colloquial expression is used to indicate that someone is getting married.
Τον Ιούνιο πάω στον παπά, και θέλω να είσαι ο κουμπάρος μου.

Χωρίς μαλλί, δεν πιάνεις γάιδαρο
This idiom translates to “Without hair, you cannot catch a donkey,” meaning without the necessary means or resources, you cannot accomplish a task.
Αν δεν σπουδάσεις, δύσκολα θα βρεις καλή δουλειά. Χωρίς μαλλί, δεν πιάνεις γάιδαρο.

Αλλάζω τα φώτα
In English, the equivalent would be “to pull the wool over someone’s eyes.” In Greek, “Αλλάζω τα φώτα” means to deceive or confuse someone.
Προσπάθησε να αλλάξει τα φώτα στον δάσκαλο, αλλά δεν τον πέτυχε.

Λέω περίεργα
To “Λέω περίεργα” means to talk nonsense or to say bizarre things – often used when someone is not making any sense.
Μην τον ακούς, λέει περίεργα και δεν ξέρει τι λέει.

Integrating these idioms and colloquialisms into your conversational Greek can give your language skills a more authentic feel and allow you to connect more deeply with native speakers. Understanding and using such phrases will not only enhance your communication but also enrich your appreciation of the Greek way of life. Καλή τύχη! (Good luck!)