Idiom Examples

List of idioms by different topics with meaning and example sentences.

Health Idioms Examples

• My grandfather was as pale as a ghost (extremely pale) when he entered the hospital.

• The sales manager was at death’s door (very near death) after his heart attack.

• My mother is back on her feet (healthy again) after being sick for two weeks.

• I have been feeling on top of the world (feel very healthy) since I quit my job.

• I’m going under the knife (undergo surgery) next month to try to solve my knee problems. Hope it helps!

• My colleague was looking a little green around the gills (sick) when he came to work today.

• My uncle is very sick and has one foot in the grave (near death).

• Did you have a good vacation? – Not really. I was sick as a dog (extremely ill) the whole time.

• My boss has been under the weather (not feeling well) all week and has not come to work during that time.

Clothes Idioms Examples

• A few years ago Uggs were all the rage (very fashionable), but now you don’t see them so much.

• Jacob is unpredictable. He won’t leave the office for weeks, but then he’ll take off for New York at the drop of a hat (suddenly).

• Wait until you try the new Yamaha scooters. They’ll knock your socks off! (amaze you)

• The carmaker’s sales declined because many consumers found their designs old hat (old-fashioned).

Sports Idioms Examples

• A ballpark figure (a rough estimate) for the cost of the new stadium would be $150,000,000.

• Francesca hit it out of the park (succeed brilliantly) with her speech today. It was fabulous.

• Madrid won most of our matches during the season, but we kicked ass (defeat badly) in the playoffs.

• I’ll call you back in an hour. The speaker is almost finished, and I’m on deck (next).

• I thought I was totally exhausted after mile nine of the race. But then I got my second wind (renewed energy).

• I’ve helped him as much as I can in that class. Now he’s going to have to sink or swim (fail or succeed).

• Maybe you could take a hike (go away) while we discuss salaries.

• After losing his queen, the chess player threw in the towel (give up) and resigned.

• Our competitor’s model dominates the market, so ours is facing tough sledding (difficult progress).

Music Idioms Examples

• Can you guys please be quiet? Your chin music (meaningless talk) is distracting me from my work.

• News of the new president was music to my ears (good to hear) – she’s terrific.

• You may say you’re in love with your boyfriend, but you’ll be singing a different tune (change your opinion) when you find out what he’s been up to.

• If you think you can get a ticket for under $200 at Christmastime, you’re whistling Dixie (unrealistically optimistic).

Time Idioms Examples

• The restaurant is open around the clock (at all times).

• Blackberry phones used to be extremely popular, but now many people think they’re behind the times (old-fashioned).

• The boxer is ready to call time (end) on his long career.

• You all look tired. Let’s call it a day (stop working).

• Teamwork and training will carry the day (successful).

• Your days are numbered (will die soon) if you keep driving while drunk.

• I’d buy that car in a New York minute (very quickly) if I had the money.

• I had a beautiful family, a nice home, and lots of money. And then, in the blink of an eye (instantaneously), it was all gone.

• Kevin says he was completely in the dark (unaware) about the CEO’s plans to sell the company.

• We were going to leave without you, but you got here just in the nick of time (just in time).

• I’m glad you dropped by! It’s been a month of Sundays (a long time) since I saw you last.

• When I said I would move to New York, she offered me the job on the spot (immediately).

• Once in a blue moon (very rarely) you see the Aurora here, but it’s not like farther north.

• I don’t want to live in the city, but I enjoy visiting once in a while (occasionally).

• We should seize the day (take an opportunity) while prices are low. That won’t last forever.

• Take your time (don’t hurry) on the exam. You don’t get a bonus for finishing quickly.

• If you have problems, call me twenty-four seven (at any time); it doesn’t matter if I’m sleeping.

• Our holiday party is such a bore. Year in, year out (annually without change) the owner makes the same dumb jokes.

Number Idioms Examples

• I have a million and one (many) ideas.

• He got home from the party all in one piece (safely).

• The project failed, we’re back to square one (back to the start).

• I’ve been in seventh heaven (extremely happy) ever since I got engaged!

• You don’t have to do this totally by the book (follow instructions exactly).

• I can’t drive, I had one too many (drink too much alcohol).

• Never in a million years (absolutely never) did I think that I would actually win the lottery!

• Nine times out of ten (almost always) your first choice turns out to be the right one.

• I wouldn’t want a nine-to-five job (a routine job).

• When my mom bought me a computer, I was on cloud nine (very happy).

• I put in my two cents (say your opinion) at the meeting.

• Ten to one (very likely) I’m going to win.

• I can try, but completing the whole ad campaign by the end of the month is a tall order (a difficult task).

• The runner was far ahead for most of the race, but at the end she won only by a whisker (a very short distance).

Travel & Transport Idioms Examples

• I’m not really part of your group. If I come to the party I’ll just be a fifth wheel (a superfluous person).

• We better hit the road (leave) before traffic get seven worse.

• New Year’s Eve is just around the corner (occurring soon). Have you made party plans yet?

• My brother just spent a lot of money on really questionable stocks. I think he’s off his trolley (insane).

• I’ll eat dinner on the fly (while traveling) and meet you at 8.

• It’s too late for you to ask her to marry you – she’s involved with someone else now. That ship has sailed (that opportunity has passed).

Car & Driving Idioms Examples

• Higher coal prices put the brakes on (slow down) industrial activities in the second quarter.

• I’m late for my best friend’s wedding. Put the pedal to the metal! (drive as fast as possible)

• After work I drove home hell for leather (very fast), but I still missed my daughter’s birthday party.

• It will take time to get the final cost, but a quick-and-dirty (approximate) estimate would be $45,000.

• I’ll have the order done quick as a flash (very fast) – probably by the time you get back to your office.

Technology Idioms Examples

• Sure, come into the office, and we can get the documents you need chop chop (Quickly).

• We’re going to pull the plug on (terminate) our operation in Taiwan. It’s just not succeeding.

• Passing this quiz will be like shooting fish in a barrel (very easy). I’ve studied a lot.

• Jim is a straight arrow (an honest, trustworthy person).

Home Idioms Examples

• I’ve locked the door. They’re as safe as houses (very safe).

• She said he’s out of the house of correction (prison).

• After struggling with my homework, I finally threw in the towel (give up) and went to bed.

• That’s a worthless investment. He’s throwing his money down the drain (waste money).

• When I found out Tom crashed my car, I hit the roof (become very angry).

• Jeff smokes like a chimney (smoke a lot). I worry about his health.

• His diet went out the window (disappear) during the holidays.

• Please come in and make yourself at home (make yourself comfortable).

• Cutting-edge (innovative) musical styles often originate in Britain.

• There are just a few difficulties to iron out (resolve), and then we’ll be ready to sign the contract.

Plant Idioms Examples

• You’re going to jump down from that ledge? Are you out of your gourd? (crazy)

• Life isn’t always going to be a bed of roses (comfortable situation). You have to learn to deal with adversity.

• There are a few problems with the new website, but they don’t amount to a hill of beans (unimportant). We did it!

• As anyone who has experienced a hurricane knows, Mother Nature (the natural world) can be a frightening force.

• I’ll be pushing up daisies (dead) before my daughter decides to get married.

• I heard through the grapevine (via gossip) that Ivan and Amber are going out. Is it true?

• Two years ago we had the field to ourselves with this project. Now there are too many competitors to shake a stick at (a large number).

Weather Idioms Examples

• It’ll be a cold day in July (never happen) when our team wins the championship. We’re terrible.

• If you think I’m going to climb that rickety ladder, you’re all wet! (completely mistaken!)

• I stayed up all night studying for that exam, and then it turned out to be a breeze! (very easy!)

• Come hell or high water (no matter what happens), we will be in New York for the meeting tomorrow morning.

• I listen to the music every day, come rain or shine (do regularly).

• Let’s come back soon before the heavens open! (start to rain heavily)

• I made a huge mistake. I stayed up all night studying, and I was in a fog (confused) when it came time to start the exam.

• Old Man Winter (Winter) is hanging around this year-it’s the middle of March, and we still have a lot of snow.

• Cindy was on cloud nine (extremely happy) after her boyfriend proposed to her.

• It’s been raining cats and dogs (rain heavily) all day. I’m afraid the roof is going to leak.

• Once again, John is right as rain (absolutely correct). We should sell the Chicago office building.

• I’m sorry to rain on your parade (spoil someone’s plans), but the park is closed tomorrow, so we can’t have our picnic there.

• Let’s go out and soak up some sun (enjoy the sun).

• If you keep asking him about his ex-girlfriend, you’ll be on thin ice (in a risky situation).

• Tom stole cameras when he worked here. I’ll hire him back when hell freezes over (never).

Appearance Idioms Examples

• She’s no spring chicken (young), but she’s still very good looking.

• She’s a dead ringer (similar in appearance) for her older sister.

• When Samantha was in her teens she looked ordinary, but in her early 20s she turned into a real knockout! (an extremely beautiful woman).

• Let me just put my face on (apply cosmetics), and I’ll meet you at the restaurant in 15 minutes.

People Idioms Examples

• He never made a will, to the best of my knowledge (as far as you know).

• Don’t lend her money. I trust her about as far as I can throw (only slightly) her.

• My grandmother is 92 years old, but she’s still sharp as a tack (mentally agile).

• I’d tell you if you were going around the bend (crazy).

Daily Routines Idioms Examples

• OK, I’ll come to the party Friday. But Saturday it’ll be time to hit the books (study).

• I have to get up at 5 tomorrow morning. It’s time to hit the hay (go to bed).

• I’ll be out of town this weekend, but I’ll be in touch (in contact) when I get back Sunday night.

• Social media are great for finding old friends with whom you’ve lost touch (fall out of contact).

• You’re playing with fire (very risky) if you keep driving that car-the floor under the seat is almost completely rusted out.

• The name Susan Thompson rings a bell (sound familiar). I think she worked here-let me look it up.

Social Life Idioms Examples

• I was just making a suggestion. Don’t get all bent out of shape (become angry) out it.

• I’d better work late at the office – my husband is on the warpath (very angry) because I put a big scratch in his new car.

• Sophia acted like she was my friend. But then she stabbed me in the back (betray) and went out with my boyfriend.

• Bob is a 110-proof (very strong) Conservative – I’ve never seen him vote for a Labor candidate.

• The beer market used to be controlled by large companies, but now many small firms are producing the amber nectar (beer).

• Don’t bother Joseph when he’s in his cups (drunk) – he’s very irritable.

• Give me a beer. I’m having one for the road (a final drink before leaving).

• I just finished my last exam. Let’s go out and paint the town red! (go out drinking and partying).

• You’ve been out in the sun for two hours. Come on in and wet your whistle! (drink something).

• The new engine design is our ace in the hole (a hidden advantage) – but we have to keep it secret from our competitors.

• I don’t think a recession is in the cards (likely) this year. Consumer confidence is very strong.

• I’m going to roll the dice on (take a risk) the plant renovation. If the market collapses we’ll be in trouble, but I think it’s needed.

• I like to go out to the bars with John-he’s a real babe magnet (a man to whom women are attracted), so I get to meet lots of women too.

Happy Idioms Examples

• I always have so much fun when Katie’s around—she’s a barrel of laughs! (funny).

• You look full of the joys of spring (very happy, full of energy) this morning.

• The kids really had a ball (have a very enjoyable time) at the birthday party—they won’t stop talking about it!

• We had a whale of a time (enjoy very much) on holiday.

• Come on, Jim, this is a party! Let your hair down (relax and enjoy) and go a little wild!

• The circus was more fun than a barrel of monkeys (a very good time).

• It’s nice to slow down at the week-end and take it easy (relax).

Crazy Idioms Examples

• I think he’ll blow his top (lose his temper) when you give him the news.

• When I saw the look on Sarah’s face, I just know she’d blow up (explode).

• July will go ape (wild excitement or anger) if she ever hears about it.

• Mom will freak out (a wildly irrational reaction) when she found out we broke her vase!

• My parents went totally ballistic (fly into a rage) when they found out I’d wrecked the car!

• She went berserk (go crazy) and strangled her cat.

• I’ll end up going bananas (irrational or crazy) if I have to work in this cubicle for one more day!

• My parents are going to go mental (extremely angry) if they find out we had a party here!

• The noise caused all the neighbors to go nuts (become crazy).

• My parents are going to hit the roof (very angry) if they find out we had a party here!

Love Idioms Examples

• I didn’t know Chris and Sue were an item (having a romantic relationship). They didn’t even look at each other at dinner.

• Have you heard? Sophia and Joseph have split up (end a relationship).

• I think I’m falling in love (start feeling love) with my best friend. What should I do?

• Don’t be angry! Yes, I was talking to that other girl, but you know you’re my main squeeze!( committed romantic partner).

• An old flame (a former boyfriend or girlfriend) has come back into my life. I’m seeing her tomorrow night.

• When are you and Jenny going to tie the knot (get married)? – This year, but we haven’t set a date yet.

Feeling Idioms Examples

• Yoga pants are all the rage (very much in fashion) in North America right now, but in two years probably nobody will be wearing them.

• Sure, you can invest a little money, but don’t get carried away (overly enthusiastic) – people lose lots of money on the stock market.

• John’s suggestions in the meeting were ridiculous. Sometimes I think he’s not playing with a full deck (stupid).

• Sorry I was so quiet during the meeting. I’ve been out of sorts (slightly ill ) all day.

• Have you heard Dmitri is going to try to climb Mt. Rinjani in the rainy season? He must be off his rocker (crazy, insane).

• John is on the ball (competent, alert). I think we can leave the office under his supervision for a few days.

• Gerald used to be one of the most logical people I know. Now he’s mad as a hatter (mentally ill).

• You’ve been down in the dumps (depressed) all week. Let’s go to the football game – that’ll cheer you up.

• Fans are cock-a-hoop (excited) about the team’s acquisition of the new striker.

Food Idioms Examples

• The problem of how to motivate employees can be a tough nut to crack (a difficult problem) sometimes.

• Fred had egg on his face (embarrassed) after claiming he could climb the tree but then having to give up.

• James will tell you all about his adventures in Africa, but take it with a grain of salt (be skeptical).

• My new girlfriend is very intelligent. That she’s beautiful is just icing on the cake! (a bonus).

• I can’t help you with your presentation right now. I have bigger fish to fry (have more important things to do).

• I just have a lot on my plate (a lot to do) right now while I’m finishing up my degree and doing this huge project for work.

• I wouldn’t go out with him for all the tea in China! (great wealth).

• James is a bad egg (not to be trusted). Don’t trust him.

• Have you tried the new iPhone? It’s the greatest thing since sliced bread (an innovative development).

• My husband may not be the world’s most glamorous guy, but he brings home the bacon (earn money for the family).

• Amazon started out as a bookseller, but now they offer everything from soup to nuts (everything).

• We went to Mark’s Midtown for lunch. I had a grilled chicken sandwich, and it really hit the spot (very satisfying).

• You should apply to the university now. There are lots of reasons, but in a nutshell, it will end up costing

• I’m really in a pickle (in need of help). I spent all the money I had saved, and I have no way to pay next semester’s tuition bill.

• The kids are always nutty as fruitcakes (crazy) when they’ve had something sugary to eat.

• I’ve already done the difficult parts – finishing the presentation tonight will be a piece of cake (easily done).

• Nothing tastes better than fresh cinnamon rolls, served piping hot (very hot).

• Sam is rotten to the core (entirely evil). He steals, he lies, he’s violent. I’m glad he’s in prison.

• The new Honda is expected to sell like hotcakes (sold very quickly) after it’s released.

• We’re wasting our time on small potatoes (unimportant). Let’s get to the big news that made us have this meeting.

• We had planned this to be a surprise party for you, but Jason spilled the beans (reveal a secret).

• Our principal was a little lady, but she was one tough cookie! (a very determined person).

Fruit Idioms Examples

• You only get a bite at the cherry (good opportunity) in life.

• Her cheeks were as red as a cherry (very red).

• Baseball is as American as apple pie (typically American).

• Tom is really a bad apple (a trouble making or dishonest person).

• Only the top banana (boss, leader) can make a decision of that magnitude.

• Sarah’s surprise party went pear-shaped (fail) once she accidentally found out about it.

• Do whatever you want, I do not give a fig (not care).

Dog Idioms Examples

• Every man and his dog (many people) wanted to interview me after I on the race.

• Those two fight like cat and dog (continually arguing with each other), so please don’t put them together on the project.

• I’ll be right back-I’ve got to go see a man about a dog (go to the bathroom).

• This has always been a nice hotel, but it’s going to the dogs (become disordered).

• At first my marriage was all puppies and rainbows (perfect), but then reality set in.

• I try to be strict with my daughter, but when she looks at me with those puppy dog eyes (a begging look), I buy her candy.

Cat Idioms Examples

• I’m going to try to squeeze in a cat nap (short sleep during the day) before my next shift starts, or else I’ll be feeling sluggish for the entire evening.

• Who will bell the cat (a difficult or impossible task) and take on the job of reducing corruption in this country?

• She’s waiting for the doctor to call with her test results, so she’s been like a cat on a hot tin roof all day (extremely nervous).

• Inside, there is no room to swing a cat (very small), and everything you see is the most basic junk.

Animal Idioms Examples

• Talk to Jon. He’s the big fish (important person) in the organization. He can help you get things done.

• Picking out this item or that for criticism seems unsportsmanlike, like shooting fish in a barrel (very easy).

• That’s just a fish story (a big lie). Don’t try to fool me.

• This game will be the quarterback’s swan song (a final appearance) – he’s retiring after this season.

• I was sick as a parrot (very disappointed) after Man United lost last night.

• I almost didn’t go on stage and perform tonight because I had butterflies in my stomach (nervous).

• I think this is a wild goose chase (an impossible task). This library doesn’t have the books we need.

• Glen is a lone wolf (not social) and seldom joins in the activities of the neightbourhood.

• When we got married, we were both poor as a church mouse (very poor) and we had to live with my husband’s parents.

• What happened when I asked for comments? Crickets (silence). So I assume you’re all satisfied with the proposal.

• My eagle-eyed (sharp vision) sister spotted the car in the parking lot before anyone else did.

• You’d better pay him more, or one day you’ll come to the office and find that he flew the coop (left).

• I’m afraid that if we don’t reduce staff, we’ll go belly up (go bankrupt) within a year.

• If you want to reach the island with the treasure, you’ve got to swim with sharks (take a major risk) for a while.

• You’re only 22-the world is your oyster (have many opportunities). Don’t feel you have to get married now.

• It may be very crowded in there. I’ll go and take a gander (take a look), and then I’ll send you a text message.

• If you wait for Jeb to finish his part of the project, you’ll be waiting till the cows come home (a long time).

• Sure, I’ll go out with Cynthia again. When pigs fly (never).

Family Idioms Examples

• I have a bun in the oven (pregnant) again! Sophia will have a baby sister.

• Children will be admitted to the concert, but sorry, no babes in arms (a baby being carried).

• After learning to drive a stick shift, driving with an automatic transmission is child’s play (a very easy task).

• The poor baby has a face only a mother could love (a very ugly face).

• Big Brother (Government) seems to grow more and more powerful as data about individuals is accumulated on social networks.

• Just enter the update code, register the new software, and Bob’s your uncle (you’re almost finished).

• When you go on a trip, it’s important to buy souvenirs for your kith and kin (family) back home.

• Just watch. Getting her to go out with me will be like taking candy from a baby (very easy).

• I bought a ring, and I’m ready to pop the question (propose marriage) to Sophia.

• They hadn’t planned to get married, but Sophia found out she was up the duff (pregnant).

Body Idioms Examples

• You shouldn’t buy a new car until you’ve paid off the debt from your student loan. Use your head! (think).

• It’s too bad you didn’t get the job, but keep your chin up (cheer up) – another one will come along.

• OK, I’ll tell you the secret about Cynthia, but zip your lip about it! (be quiet).

• The presentation will begin at 8 on the nose (precisely). Don’t miss it.

• The team was all eyes and ears (attentive) as the coach explained the challenges ahead.

• I don’t see eye to eye (agree) with Frances on the workflow, but she’s the boss.

• I know John is bad for me, but when I get a look at his baby blues (blue eyes) I can’t resist him.

• Why did you delete the file I was working on? I’m all ears (Listening willingly).

• Lend an ear (Listen), and I’ll tell you what people said at the meeting yesterday.

• This is especially used in hypothetical situations. If Joe asked me, I’d marry him in a heart beat! ( immediately).

• I like to keep my vocabulary at hand (nearby).

• Are there enough people on hand (available) to hold a meeting?

• Employee absenteeism has gotten out of hand (out of control).

• She’ll give you the name of a place to stay – she knows the area like the back of her hand (very well).

• Could you lend me a hand (help) with this piano?

• Tom was hands-down (obviously) the best student at the university.

• Shareholders pointed the finger at (blame) the board of directors for the losses, and voted most of them out.

• The exam’s at two. Will you keep your fingers crossed (wish for good luck) for me?

• We agreed we’d meet at the mall at 3. But you left me cooling my heels (wait) for two whole hours.

• Don’t trust Jack around your expensive glassware – he’s all thumbs (clumsy).

• It really pleased me that the boss gave me a thumbs-up (approval) on my presentation.

• I worry about my son. He’s smart enough to succeed, but he doesn’t have the fire in the belly (strong ambition).

• There I was, in my birthday suit (nakedness), when the doorbell rang.

• Three months ago Jack seemed to be at death’s door, but now he’s fit as a fiddle (in very good health) What happened?

• If you’re on a long drive, it’s helpful to stop and take forty winks (a short nap) every few hours if you can.

Business Idioms Examples

• At first I wasn’t ready to accept your offer for the house. But you drive a hard bargain (negotiate effectively).

• Jennifer’s presentation was on point (well done) – concise, relevant, and accurate.

• The election is up for grabs (available). Everything is still very chancy.

• The salary increase is still up in the air (not yet decided) – the boss favors it, but she hasn’t gotten approval from her superiors.

• Sophia is in hot water (in trouble) with her department manager after she blew that sales presentation.

• I’ll be burning the midnight oil (working late ) tonight, but I guarantee I’ll finish the paper before class tomorrow at 9.

• I’ve been out of work (unemployed) since December. Hope I find a new job soon!