Free Brain Games
Flip, remember, match. Sharper than you think. Free · No sign-up · No subscription · Just playThe old card game where every card starts face down and you have to remember where you saw its partner — now with a twist. Here you're not matching two pictures, you're matching an idiom to what it really means.
That makes it two workouts at once: memory, to remember where each card is hiding, and meaning, to work out which definition belongs to which expression. Native speakers find it trickier than they expect. English learners pick up phrases they'll actually hear.
Play alone on your phone like a game of patience, or put it on one screen and take turns head-to-head — most pairs wins.
The Games
Two to start with. More are on the way.- Memory match · 3 levels · 1–3 players Colour Idioms Feeling blue? Caught red-handed? Turn over two tiles at a time and pair each colour idiom with its meaning. Three levels, from easy to harder, with a bigger board each time. Play solo or with up to three players — most pairs at the end wins.
- Memory match · Idioms Money Idioms Costs an arm and a leg? Money doesn't grow on trees? Flip two cards and match each money idiom to what it means. Quick to play, and handy for anyone who talks about prices, work or shopping in English.
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Coming soon More brain games
More memory, matching, logic and word games are being made now. Is there a set of words you always forget? Tell us and it could become a game.
How to play
- Flip two All the cards start face down. Turn over any two: one might be an idiom, the other a meaning.
- Match or remember If the idiom and meaning belong together, they stay face up. If not, they flip back — so remember where they were.
- Clear the board Keep going until every pair is found. Playing alone? Try it again and beat your own number of turns.
- Play head-to-head Put it on one screen and take turns. Find a pair, go again. Most pairs at the end wins.
Great for
- Memory training
- ESL vocabulary
- IELTS & PTE idioms
- Class warmers
- Fast finishers
- Solo play on the bus
- Keeping a sharp mind sharp
- Friendly rivalry
Koalas that think outside the box
Original paintings by Justine Kelly — koalas in panda suits, pandas in koala suits, karate koalas — on tees, hoodies, onesies, bags and plush toys.
Shop the koalas →Questions players ask
Can I play the brain games on my own?
Yes. The matching games work solo on a phone, tablet or computer, like a game of patience. They also work head-to-head with friends on one screen.
What level of English do the idiom games need?
They suit intermediate and upper-intermediate learners, and native speakers who like a challenge. Colour Idioms has three levels, from easy to harder.
How do the idiom matching games work?
All the cards start face down. Turn over two at a time and try to pair each idiom with its meaning. Remember where you saw each card to clear the board.
Do I need to sign up or pay?
No. There are no accounts, no subscription and no in-app purchases. Just open a game and play.
Challenge a friend
Think you can clear the board in fewer turns? Send it to someone and find out.
Scan the code to open this page on another phone or tablet, or copy the link to paste into an email, a class page or a newsletter.
Get in touch
A brain game idea, a set of words you always forget, or a broken link — send an email and I'll reply.
✉ KoalaSpiesSydney@outlook.com Email is the only way to reach us. We don't use chat apps or social media messages.