What are idioms for kids?
Have you ever heard someone say they’re “over the moon” when they’re really happy? Or maybe your mom told you to “break a leg” before your school play? Don’t worry – she wasn’t actually wishing you’d hurt yourself! These funny phrases are called idioms.
An idiom is a group of words that means something completely different from what the individual words actually say. Think of idioms like secret codes in the English language. When someone says “it’s raining cats and dogs,” they don’t mean furry animals are falling from the sky. They simply mean it’s raining really hard!
Idioms are everywhere in our daily conversations. Your teacher might say an assignment is “a piece of cake,” your dad could mention he’s “under the weather,” or your friend might tell you to “spill the beans” about a secret. These colorful expressions make our language more interesting and fun.
Why kids should learn idioms
Learning idioms isn’t just about memorizing weird phrases – it’s like unlocking a treasure chest of language skills! Here’s why idioms are so important for young learners:
Makes language colorful and fun Instead of saying “I’m very happy,” you can say “I’m over the moon!” It sounds much more exciting, doesn’t it? Idioms add personality to your words and make you sound more natural when you speak English.
Helps with storytelling, reading, and conversations When you read books or watch movies, characters use idioms all the time. Understanding these phrases helps you follow the story better. Plus, when you use idioms in your own stories, they become more engaging and entertaining for your listeners.
Builds confidence and creativity in communication Knowing idioms gives you more ways to express yourself. Instead of using the same boring words over and over, you can choose from dozens of colorful expressions. This makes you feel more confident when talking with friends, family, and teachers.
Think about it this way: learning idioms is like adding new colors to your crayon box. The more colors you have, the more beautiful pictures you can create!
What this guide covers
Ready to dive into the wonderful world of idioms? This guide is packed with everything you need to become an idiom expert. We’ve organized idioms into easy-to-understand categories so you can learn them step by step.
You’ll discover positive idioms that express happiness and encouragement, negative idioms that describe problems or fears, and descriptive idioms that paint vivid pictures with words. We’ve also included special sections for animal idioms and food idioms – because let’s face it, kids love talking about animals and food!
For each idiom, you’ll get three important things: the meaning explained in simple terms, an example sentence to show how it’s used, and alternative ways to say the same thing. This way, you’ll have plenty of options when you want to express yourself.
At the end, we’ve prepared a fun quiz to test your new knowledge. Don’t worry – by the time you reach the quiz, you’ll know these idioms like the back of your hand!
Learning idioms should feel like solving puzzles or collecting trading cards. Each new idiom you master is another tool in your communication toolbox, ready to help you express yourself in creative and interesting ways.
Positive Idioms for Kids
Happiness & Excitement
Nothing beats the feeling of pure joy, and these idioms capture that wonderful emotion perfectly! Let’s explore some expressions that describe happiness and excitement in the most colorful ways.
1. Over the moon
Meaning: Extremely happy or delighted about something.
Example: Sarah was over the moon when she found out her family was getting a puppy.
Alternative ways to say it: Thrilled, ecstatic, jumping for joy, on top of the world.
Imagine being so happy that you could float all the way up to the moon! That’s exactly how this idiom makes you feel – like you’re soaring with happiness.
2. On cloud nine
Meaning: In a state of perfect happiness or bliss.
Example: Tommy was on cloud nine after scoring the winning goal in soccer practice.
Alternative ways to say it: In seventh heaven, walking on air, feeling fantastic, super happy.
Why cloud nine and not cloud five or cloud ten? Nobody knows for sure, but cloud nine must be the fluffiest, most comfortable cloud in the sky!
3. Go bananas
Meaning: To become very excited, enthusiastic, or even a little crazy with joy.
Example: The kids went bananas when the teacher announced they were having a pizza party.
Alternative ways to say it: Go wild, get excited, lose your mind with joy, go crazy.
Picture a monkey discovering a whole tree full of bananas – that’s the kind of wild excitement this idiom describes!
4. Easy as pie
Meaning: Something that is very simple or effortless to do.
Example: “Don’t worry about the math test,” said Mom. “For someone as smart as you, it’ll be easy as pie!”
Alternative ways to say it: Simple as can be, no sweat, a breeze, child’s play.
Have you ever wondered why pie is considered easy? Maybe it’s because eating pie is definitely the easiest (and most delicious) part!
5. Piece of cake
Meaning: A task that is very easy to accomplish.
Example: “Building this LEGO castle will be a piece of cake,” bragged Jake, though he soon discovered it was trickier than expected.
Alternative ways to say it: No problem, simple, effortless, a walk in the park.
Just like “easy as pie,” this idiom uses food to describe something simple. Apparently, our ancestors thought food made everything seem easier!
6. Hit the jackpot
Meaning: To have great success or good luck, especially when you get something valuable.
Example: Maya felt like she hit the jackpot when she found a twenty-dollar bill on the playground.
Alternative ways to say it: Strike it rich, get lucky, win big, score big time.
This phrase comes from slot machines in casinos, where hitting the jackpot means winning lots of money. For kids, the jackpot might be finding extra recess time or getting your favorite lunch!
7. Like a kid in a candy store
Meaning: Extremely excited and having trouble choosing from many appealing options.
Example: At the book fair, Emma was like a kid in a candy store, wanting to buy every single book she saw.
Alternative ways to say it: Overwhelmed with choices, excited by options, spoiled for choice.
This one’s perfect for kids because you probably know exactly how it feels to walk into a candy store with your allowance money!
8. The bee’s knees
Meaning: Something or someone that is excellent, outstanding, or the best.
Example: “This new video game is the bee’s knees!” shouted Alex to his friends.
Alternative ways to say it: Awesome, fantastic, the best thing ever, amazing.
Why bee’s knees? In the 1920s, people loved making up silly phrases with animal body parts. Bee’s knees stuck around because it sounds fun to say!
9. The cat’s pajamas
Meaning: Something wonderful, excellent, or really special.
Example: Grandma’s homemade cookies are the cat’s pajamas – nobody makes them better!
Alternative ways to say it: The greatest, super special, absolutely wonderful, top-notch.
Cats don’t actually wear pajamas, but wouldn’t they look adorable if they did? This old-fashioned phrase is making a comeback because it’s just so fun to say!
Encouragement & Motivation
Sometimes we all need a little boost to keep going. These idioms are like verbal hugs – they encourage us and remind us that we can do amazing things!
10. Hang in there
Meaning: Don’t give up; keep trying even when things are difficult.
Example: “I know learning to ride a bike is hard,” said Dad, “but hang in there – you’ll get it soon!”
Alternative ways to say it: Don’t quit, keep going, stay strong, stick with it.
Picture a kitten hanging from a tree branch in those motivational posters. That’s the spirit of this idiom – holding on even when things get tough!
11. Go the extra mile
Meaning: To make an additional effort; to do more than what is expected.
Example: Lisa went the extra mile on her science project by creating a working volcano that actually erupted.
Alternative ways to say it: Do your best, put in extra effort, go above and beyond.
If you were supposed to walk one mile but decided to walk two, you’d be going the extra mile. It’s all about doing a little bit more than required!
12. Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: There’s something good in every bad situation; look for the positive side.
Example: When Tim broke his leg and couldn’t play outside, he discovered every cloud has a silver lining – he had time to read all his favorite books.
Alternative ways to say it: Look on the bright side, find the good in bad situations, there’s hope in everything.
Have you ever noticed how clouds sometimes have bright, shiny edges when the sun shines behind them? That’s the silver lining this idiom talks about!
13. The world is your oyster
Meaning: You have many opportunities available to you; you can achieve anything you want.
Example: “You’re smart, talented, and hardworking,” the teacher told Maria. “The world is your oyster!”
Alternative ways to say it: You can do anything, endless possibilities, the sky’s the limit.
Oysters hide beautiful pearls inside their shells. This idiom suggests that the world is like a giant oyster, and you can find your own special pearl – your dreams and goals!
14. Pass with flying colors
Meaning: To succeed at something easily and impressively.
Example: After studying hard all week, Jenny passed her spelling test with flying colors.
Alternative ways to say it: Ace it, do really well, succeed brilliantly, nail it.
This phrase comes from ships returning to port with colorful flags flying high to show they’d completed a successful voyage. Flying colors meant victory!
15. Get a kick out of it
Meaning: To really enjoy something or find it very amusing.
Example: Grandpa gets a kick out of telling jokes at family dinner, even the silly ones that make everyone groan.
Alternative ways to say it: Really enjoy, find it fun, love doing it, get pleasure from it.
When something gives you a “kick,” it energizes you like a gentle, happy boost. It’s that feeling when something makes you smile or laugh without fail!
Friendship & Support
Friends make everything better, and these idioms celebrate the wonderful ways we help and support each other. True friendship is one of life’s greatest treasures!
16. Cross your fingers
Meaning: Hope for good luck or that something good will happen.
Example: “Cross your fingers that it doesn’t rain during our field trip tomorrow!” said the teacher.
Alternative ways to say it: Hope for the best, wish for good luck, keep your fingers crossed.
People have been crossing their fingers for good luck for hundreds of years. Some say it started as a way to make a secret cross shape for protection!
17. I’ve got your number
Meaning: I understand what kind of person you are, especially if you’re trying to trick someone.
Example: “I’ve got your number, little brother,” said Emma when she caught him sneaking cookies before dinner.
Alternative ways to say it: I know what you’re up to, I see through you, I understand your tricks.
This doesn’t mean you actually have someone’s phone number! It means you understand their personality and can predict what they might do.
18. In the same boat
Meaning: In the same situation, usually facing the same problem or challenge.
Example: “Don’t worry about being nervous for the school play,” Anna told her friend. “We’re all in the same boat!”
Alternative ways to say it: In the same situation, facing the same thing, dealing with the same problem.
Imagine you and your friends are all sitting in the same boat on a lake. Whatever happens to the boat happens to everyone – you’re sharing the same experience!
19. Give someone a hand
Meaning: To help someone with something they’re doing.
Example: “Can you give me a hand with carrying these heavy books to the library?” asked the teacher.
Alternative ways to say it: Help out, lend a hand, assist, pitch in.
This idiom is pretty straightforward – you’re literally offering your hand to help someone! It’s one of the most practical ways to show you care.
20. See eye to eye
Meaning: To agree with someone or have the same opinion about something.
Example: Maya and her mom didn’t always see eye to eye about bedtime, but they agreed that reading before sleep was important.
Alternative ways to say it: Agree completely, think alike, be on the same page, share the same view.
When two people are the same height, they can look directly into each other’s eyes. This idiom suggests that when people agree, they’re looking at things from the same level!
These positive idioms are like sunshine for your conversations – they brighten everything up and help you express joy, encouragement, and friendship in the most delightful ways!
Negative Idioms for Kids
Fear & Avoidance
Sometimes we all feel scared or want to avoid doing something difficult. These idioms help us talk about those uncomfortable feelings in a way that everyone can understand. Remember, it’s perfectly normal to feel afraid sometimes!
21. Chicken out
Meaning: To decide not to do something because you’re too scared or nervous.
Example: Billy planned to ask his teacher for extra credit, but he chickened out at the last minute and walked right past her desk.
Alternative ways to say it: Get cold feet, back down, lose your nerve, wimp out.
Why do we compare scared people to chickens? Chickens are known for running away when they’re frightened, flapping their wings and making lots of noise. Sometimes that’s exactly how we feel when we’re nervous!
22. Cry wolf
Meaning: To ask for help when you don’t really need it, so people stop believing you when you actually do need help.
Example: Tommy cried wolf so many times about feeling sick to avoid math tests that nobody believed him when he really had a stomachache.
Alternative ways to say it: False alarm, lie about emergencies, trick people too often.
This comes from an old story about a shepherd boy who kept shouting “Wolf!” when there was no wolf. When a real wolf finally came, nobody believed him! It’s a reminder to always tell the truth.
23. Curiosity killed the cat
Meaning: Being too curious or nosy can sometimes get you into trouble.
Example: When Jake kept peeking at his birthday presents, Mom said, “Remember, curiosity killed the cat – maybe it’s better to wait and be surprised!”
Alternative ways to say it: Don’t be too nosy, some things are better left alone, mind your own business.
Don’t worry – this doesn’t mean curiosity is always bad! Cats are naturally very curious creatures, but sometimes their curiosity gets them stuck in tight spaces. The message is to be curious, but also be smart about it.
24. Cat got your tongue?
Meaning: Why aren’t you talking? Usually asked when someone is being unusually quiet.
Example: When the principal asked who broke the window, everyone was silent. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “Cat got your tongue?”
Alternative ways to say it: Why so quiet? Speak up! What’s the matter? Lost for words?
Imagine a cat literally holding your tongue so you can’t speak! Of course, that would never happen, but this funny image helps describe those moments when we’re too nervous or surprised to say anything.
25. On thin ice
Meaning: In a dangerous situation where you might get in trouble; being very close to causing problems.
Example: After forgetting his homework three days in a row, Marcus knew he was on thin ice with his teacher.
Alternative ways to say it: In hot water, walking a tightrope, in danger of trouble, skating on thin ice.
Picture trying to walk across a frozen pond where the ice is so thin it might crack at any moment. That’s the kind of careful, nervous feeling this idiom describes!
Annoyance & Problems
Life isn’t always smooth sailing, and sometimes people or situations can really get on our nerves. These idioms help us express frustration in colorful, sometimes funny ways that make problems seem a little less serious.
26. Drive someone up the wall
Meaning: To really annoy or frustrate someone to the point where they feel crazy.
Example: The sound of his little sister practicing violin was driving Kevin up the wall, so he put on headphones to study.
Alternative ways to say it: Really annoy, get on someone’s nerves, irritate, make someone crazy.
Imagine being so frustrated that you could actually climb up a wall like a spider! That’s the kind of overwhelming annoyance this idiom captures perfectly.
27. Make a mountain out of a molehill
Meaning: To treat a small problem like it’s a huge disaster; to overreact to something minor.
Example: When Lucy lost her pencil, she started crying and saying her whole day was ruined. Her friend said, “Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill – we can find another pencil!”
Alternative ways to say it: Overreact, blow things out of proportion, make a big deal out of nothing.
Molehills are tiny bumps of dirt that moles push up from underground. Mountains are enormous! This idiom reminds us not to turn tiny problems into huge ones in our minds.
28. Stir up a hornet’s nest
Meaning: To create trouble or make people very angry by doing or saying something controversial.
Example: When Jake suggested changing the class rules, he really stirred up a hornet’s nest – everyone started arguing loudly.
Alternative ways to say it: Cause trouble, start a fight, create chaos, make people angry.
Have you ever seen what happens when someone disturbs a hornet’s nest? All the hornets come buzzing out, very angry and ready to sting! That’s exactly the kind of angry reaction this idiom describes.
29. Throw someone under the bus
Meaning: To blame someone else for something you did wrong, or to betray a friend to save yourself.
Example: When the teacher asked who broke the classroom globe, Sam threw his best friend under the bus by pointing at him, even though they both did it together.
Alternative ways to say it: Betray someone, blame someone else, sell someone out, sacrifice a friend.
This is a modern idiom that describes one of the worst things you can do to a friend – betray them when they’re counting on you. True friends never throw each other under the bus!
30. Monkey business
Meaning: Silly behavior, mischief, or dishonest activity that causes trouble.
Example: “There will be no monkey business during the field trip,” warned the teacher. “Everyone needs to stay with the group and follow directions.”
Alternative ways to say it: Fooling around, mischief, silly behavior, goofing off.
Monkeys are playful animals that love to swing around, make noise, and cause harmless chaos. When humans act like playful monkeys, that’s monkey business!
31. Give someone the cold shoulder
Meaning: To ignore someone on purpose because you’re angry or upset with them.
Example: After their argument about the group project, Maria gave her teammate the cold shoulder and wouldn’t talk to him all week.
Alternative ways to say it: Ignore someone, give someone the silent treatment, snub someone, turn your back on someone.
This phrase might come from the old practice of serving cold shoulder of meat (instead of a hot meal) to unwanted guests. It was a way of showing they weren’t really welcome!
32. For the birds
Meaning: Something that’s worthless, stupid, or not worth your time.
Example: “This rainy weather is for the birds,” complained Sarah. “I wanted to play outside all afternoon!”
Alternative ways to say it: Worthless, stupid, pointless, not worth it.
This idiom suggests that something is only good enough for birds – not for people! It’s a way of saying something is pretty much useless or annoying.
33. Rain on someone’s parade
Meaning: To spoil someone’s fun or excitement by being negative or bringing up problems.
Example: Tim was excited about his good grade, but his older brother rained on his parade by saying the test was probably too easy.
Alternative ways to say it: Spoil the fun, burst someone’s bubble, dampen someone’s spirits, be a party pooper.
Picture a beautiful parade with colorful floats and happy people, then imagine dark rain clouds opening up and soaking everyone. That’s exactly how it feels when someone ruins your good mood!
These negative idioms might describe unpleasant situations, but knowing them helps you express frustration in creative ways and understand when others are having a tough time too!
Descriptive Idioms for Kids
Health & Well-being
These idioms paint vivid pictures of how we feel physically and mentally. They’re like word-snapshots that capture our health and energy levels in colorful, memorable ways!
34. Fit as a fiddle
Meaning: In excellent health and physical condition.
Example: Even though Grandpa is seventy years old, he walks five miles every day and is fit as a fiddle.
Alternative ways to say it: In great shape, healthy as a horse, strong and healthy, in tip-top condition.
Why a fiddle? Musical instruments need to be perfectly tuned and in excellent condition to sound beautiful. When you’re fit as a fiddle, your body is working like a perfectly tuned instrument!
35. Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling sick or not very well.
Example: Jenny stayed home from school because she was feeling under the weather with a stuffy nose and sore throat.
Alternative ways to say it: Feeling sick, not feeling well, a bit ill, out of sorts.
This phrase comes from sailors who would go below deck (literally under the weather) when storms made them feel seasick. Now we use it for any time we don’t feel our best!
36. Sleep like a log
Meaning: To sleep very deeply and peacefully without waking up.
Example: After the long hiking trip, Mike slept like a log and didn’t hear his alarm clock in the morning.
Alternative ways to say it: Sleep soundly, sleep deeply, sleep like a baby, out like a light.
Logs are heavy pieces of wood that don’t move at all once they’re cut down. When you sleep like a log, you’re so still and peaceful that nothing can wake you up!
37. Have a sweet tooth
Meaning: To love eating sugary foods like candy, cookies, and desserts.
Example: Amy definitely has a sweet tooth – she always chooses chocolate cake over any other dessert at birthday parties.
Alternative ways to say it: Love sweets, crave sugar, love desserts, enjoy sugary treats.
Have you ever noticed that one of your teeth seems to especially enjoy sweet things? Of course, all your teeth taste the same way, but this idiom makes it sound like one special tooth is responsible for your love of candy!
38. Work like a dog
Meaning: To work very hard for a long time, often without much rest.
Example: Dad worked like a dog all weekend painting the garage, and now it looks brand new.
Alternative ways to say it: Work very hard, put in lots of effort, work tirelessly, bust your hump.
Dogs are known for being loyal and hardworking, especially working dogs like those that help farmers or police officers. When you work like a dog, you’re showing that same dedication and energy!
Time & Rarity
Time can feel fast or slow, and some things happen often while others are super rare. These idioms help us describe the funny ways time works and how often (or rarely) things occur.
39. At the drop of a hat
Meaning: Immediately, without hesitation or delay.
Example: Katie loves ice cream so much that she would go to the ice cream shop at the drop of a hat, even on a cold winter day.
Alternative ways to say it: Right away, immediately, in a heartbeat, without thinking twice.
Long ago, people used to drop their hats as signals to start races or fights. The moment the hat hit the ground, action began instantly! Now we use this phrase for anything that happens super quickly.
40. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Something that happens very rarely, almost never.
Example: My little brother cleans his room once in a blue moon, usually only when Mom threatens to take away his video games.
Alternative ways to say it: Very rarely, hardly ever, almost never, seldom.
A blue moon is when there are two full moons in one month, which only happens about every two and a half years. So when something happens “once in a blue moon,” it’s really, really rare!
41. In a pickle
Meaning: In a difficult or troublesome situation that’s hard to get out of.
Example: When Sarah realized she had two birthday parties to attend on the same day, she found herself in quite a pickle.
Alternative ways to say it: In trouble, in a jam, in a tough spot, stuck.
Why pickles? When vegetables are made into pickles, they’re stuck in jars with no way to become regular vegetables again. That’s the same feeling of being stuck that this idiom describes!
42. Night owl
Meaning: Someone who likes to stay up late at night and is more active in the evening.
Example: My teenage sister is such a night owl – she does her best homework after 10 PM when the house is quiet.
Alternative ways to say it: Late-night person, evening person, someone who stays up late.
Owls are nocturnal birds, which means they’re awake and active at night when most other animals are sleeping. Some people are just like owls – they come alive when the sun goes down!
43. At a snail’s pace
Meaning: Moving very slowly, taking a long time to do something.
Example: The line at the cafeteria was moving at a snail’s pace, and Tom worried he’d be late for his next class.
Alternative ways to say it: Very slowly, extremely slow, taking forever, moving like molasses.
Snails are among the slowest creatures on Earth, carrying their heavy shells and leaving slimy trails as they inch along. When something moves at a snail’s pace, it’s almost painfully slow!
Behavior & Attitude
How we act and think makes us who we are. These idioms capture different personality traits and behaviors in ways that are easy to remember and fun to use!
44. Head in the clouds
Meaning: Not paying attention to what’s happening around you; daydreaming or being unrealistic.
Example: During math class, Emma had her head in the clouds, thinking about her upcoming vacation instead of listening to the lesson.
Alternative ways to say it: Daydreaming, not paying attention, absent-minded, lost in thought.
Imagine your head floating up among the fluffy white clouds where everything is peaceful and dreamy. That’s exactly how it feels when you’re not focused on the real world around you!
45. All ears
Meaning: Listening very carefully and giving someone your complete attention.
Example: When the teacher said she had exciting news about the field trip, all the students were all ears.
Alternative ways to say it: Listening intently, paying close attention, focused on hearing, ready to listen.
Picture yourself as being made entirely of ears – that’s how much attention you’re giving to what someone is saying! It’s like your whole body has turned into one giant listening device.
46. Let your hair down
Meaning: To relax and have fun; to stop being formal or serious.
Example: After finishing all her homework, Maria decided to let her hair down and play video games with her friends.
Alternative ways to say it: Relax, unwind, have fun, loosen up.
Long ago, women wore their hair up in fancy, formal styles during the day. When they got home, they would literally let their hair down to relax. Now this phrase means relaxing in any way!
47. Get your act together
Meaning: To organize yourself and start behaving more responsibly.
Example: “You need to get your act together,” Mom told Jake after he forgot his lunch, lost his homework, and missed the school bus all in one week.
Alternative ways to say it: Shape up, get organized, pull yourself together, straighten up.
Think of actors in a play who need to know their lines, hit their marks, and work together perfectly. When you get your act together, you’re organizing your life like a well-rehearsed performance!
48. Play it by ear
Meaning: To decide what to do as situations happen, without making detailed plans ahead of time.
Example: “I’m not sure what time the movie ends,” said Dad. “We’ll just have to play it by ear and see if we have time for ice cream afterward.”
Alternative ways to say it: Go with the flow, improvise, see what happens, make it up as you go.
Musicians who “play by ear” don’t read sheet music – they listen to songs and figure out how to play them just by hearing the melody. It’s all about adapting as you go!
49. Put on your thinking cap
Meaning: To start thinking seriously about a problem or challenge.
Example: “This math problem is really tricky,” said the teacher. “Everyone put on your thinking caps and work together to solve it.”
Alternative ways to say it: Think hard, focus your mind, concentrate, use your brain power.
Imagine a magical hat that makes you smarter the moment you put it on! Of course, the real magic comes from your own brain, but this idiom makes thinking sound like putting on a special piece of clothing.
50. Zip your lip
Meaning: Be quiet; stop talking, usually because you might say something you shouldn’t.
Example: When Tommy started to tell everyone about the surprise party, his sister quickly told him to zip his lip.
Alternative ways to say it: Be quiet, keep quiet, don’t say anything, button your lip.
Picture your lips having a tiny zipper that you can close to keep words from coming out. It’s a funny way to remind someone (or yourself) to stay quiet!
51. Sit tight
Meaning: Wait patiently; stay where you are and don’t do anything until you get more information.
Example: “The pizza should be here in twenty minutes,” Mom said. “Just sit tight and I’ll call you when it arrives.”
Alternative ways to say it: Wait patiently, hold on, stay put, wait it out.
When you sit tight, you’re gripping your seat firmly and staying exactly where you are. It’s like making yourself a statue until it’s time to move!
52. Shake a leg
Meaning: Hurry up; move faster or start doing something quickly.
Example: “We’re going to be late for the movie!” Dad called upstairs. “Shake a leg and get in the car!”
Alternative ways to say it: Hurry up, get moving, step on it, get a move on.
This funny phrase makes it sound like you should literally shake one of your legs to go faster. While that might look silly, the message is clear – it’s time to pick up the pace!
These descriptive idioms are like a painter’s palette filled with different colors – each one helps you paint a more vivid picture with your words, making your conversations more interesting and expressive!
Animal & Food Idioms for Kids
Animal Idioms
Animals have always fascinated humans, and we’ve created tons of idioms based on how different creatures behave. These animal expressions are some of the most fun idioms to learn because they paint such clear pictures in our minds!
53. Raining cats and dogs
Meaning: Raining very heavily; a downpour or storm with lots of rain.
Example: The picnic was cancelled because it was raining cats and dogs, and everyone would have gotten completely soaked.
Alternative ways to say it: Pouring rain, heavy downpour, raining buckets, coming down hard.
Nobody knows exactly why we say cats and dogs instead of elephants and whales, but this idiom has been around for hundreds of years! Some people think it comes from old times when heavy rains would wash stray animals through the streets. Whatever the reason, it’s a wonderfully silly way to describe nasty weather.
54. Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To reveal a secret, usually by accident; to tell something that was supposed to stay hidden.
Example: Jenny accidentally let the cat out of the bag about Mom’s surprise birthday party when she asked if the decorations had arrived yet.
Alternative ways to say it: Spill the beans, reveal the secret, tell what wasn’t supposed to be told, give it away.
Long ago, dishonest merchants would put cats in bags and try to sell them as pigs at markets. When honest buyers opened the bag, the cat would jump out, revealing the trick! Now we use this phrase whenever someone accidentally reveals something secret.
55. Monkey see, monkey do
Meaning: People copy what others do, especially without thinking about whether it’s a good idea.
Example: When Jake started wearing his baseball cap backwards, all his friends did the same thing – it was pure monkey see, monkey do.
Alternative ways to say it: Copy what others do, follow the crowd, imitate others, do what everyone else does.
Monkeys are great imitators – they watch other monkeys and copy their actions. Sometimes this is how young monkeys learn important skills, but sometimes people copy others without thinking if it’s smart or not!
56. Doggie bag
Meaning: A container from a restaurant to take home leftover food.
Example: The portions at the restaurant were huge, so Mom asked for a doggie bag to take home the rest of our pasta.
Alternative ways to say it: Take-home container, leftovers box, to-go container.
This idiom started when people were too embarrassed to admit they wanted to take food home for themselves, so they claimed it was “for the dog.” Now everyone knows the food is really for the people, but we still call it a doggie bag!
57. Ants in your pants
Meaning: Unable to sit still; fidgety and restless, usually because you’re excited or nervous.
Example: Bobby had ants in his pants during the long car ride to the amusement park because he was so excited to get there.
Alternative ways to say it: Can’t sit still, fidgety, restless, antsy.
Imagine how you’d feel if you actually had ants crawling around in your pants – you definitely wouldn’t be able to sit still! That uncomfortable, squirmy feeling is exactly what this idiom describes.
58. Teacher’s pet
Meaning: A student who is clearly the teacher’s favorite, often because they’re well-behaved or helpful.
Example: Sarah was considered the teacher’s pet because she always volunteered to help clean the classroom and never forgot her homework.
Alternative ways to say it: Teacher’s favorite, the favored student, apple of the teacher’s eye.
Just like how people have favorite pets that get extra attention and treats, some students seem to get special attention from teachers. Sometimes it’s earned through good behavior, and sometimes other students just think someone is getting special treatment!
59. Lion’s share
Meaning: The biggest portion or the largest amount of something.
Example: Since Tom did most of the work on the group project, he deserved the lion’s share of the credit when they got an A+.
Alternative ways to say it: The biggest part, most of it, the largest portion, the majority.
This comes from one of Aesop’s fables where a lion, fox, and donkey went hunting together. When it was time to divide the food, the lion took almost everything for himself because he was the strongest. The lion’s share means taking the biggest piece!
Food Idioms
Food brings people together, and it’s also given us some deliciously fun idioms! These expressions use tasty ingredients to describe all sorts of situations that have nothing to do with actual eating.
60. Butter someone up
Meaning: To say nice things to someone, often because you want them to do something for you; to flatter someone.
Example: Kevin tried to butter up his mom by complimenting her cooking before asking if he could stay up past his bedtime.
Alternative ways to say it: Sweet-talk someone, flatter them, say nice things to get what you want, charm someone.
When you spread butter on bread, you make it smooth and appealing. When you butter someone up with compliments, you’re trying to make them feel good so they’ll be more likely to help you out. Just remember – people can usually tell when compliments aren’t completely genuine!
61. The proof is in the pudding
Meaning: You can only judge if something is good by trying it or seeing the results; the real test is in the outcome.
Example: “I know you’re nervous about your speech,” said the teacher, “but remember – the proof is in the pudding. You won’t know how well you did until you actually give it.”
Alternative ways to say it: The test is in trying it, you’ll know by the results, seeing is believing, the outcome will tell.
The original phrase was “the proof of the pudding is in the eating,” which makes more sense – you can’t tell if a pudding tastes good just by looking at it. You have to actually take a bite! Over time, the phrase got shortened, but the meaning stayed the same.
62. Make a long story short
Meaning: To summarize something quickly; to give just the main points without all the details.
Example: “So I got lost, missed the bus, walked ten blocks in the rain, and had to call Dad for help,” said Maya. “To make a long story short, that’s why I’m late for our sleepover.”
Alternative ways to say it: In summary, to sum it up, the bottom line is, long story short.
Sometimes we have really long, complicated stories to tell, but our listeners don’t need every single detail. This idiom is like taking a thick sandwich and squishing it down to bite-size – you keep the important parts and leave out the extras. It’s a polite way to speed up a story that might be getting too long!
Food and animal idioms are some of the most universal expressions because everyone can relate to eating and watching animals behave. These idioms have been passed down through generations, and they help us connect with others through shared experiences of the natural world around us. Whether you’re talking about raining cats and dogs or buttering someone up, these colorful expressions make our language much more flavorful and fun!
Life Situation Idioms for Kids
Decision & Responsibility
Life is full of choices and responsibilities, and these idioms help us talk about the important decisions we make and the consequences that follow. They’re like wise sayings that guide us through tricky situations!
63. The ball is in your court
Meaning: It’s your turn to make a decision or take action; the responsibility is now yours.
Example: “I’ve given you all the information about joining the chess club,” said the teacher. “Now the ball is in your court – you decide if you want to sign up.”
Alternative ways to say it: It’s your turn, it’s up to you now, your decision, your move.
This idiom comes from tennis, where players hit the ball back and forth across a net. When the ball lands in your side of the court, it’s your responsibility to hit it back. In life, when the ball is in your court, it means you’re the one who needs to make the next move!
64. Hold your tongue
Meaning: Stop talking or don’t say something, especially when you want to say something that might cause trouble.
Example: When his little sister broke his favorite toy, Marcus had to hold his tongue instead of yelling, because he knew it was an accident.
Alternative ways to say it: Keep quiet, bite your tongue, don’t say anything, control what you say.
Imagine literally grabbing your tongue with your fingers to keep words from coming out! Sometimes the smartest thing we can do is not say the first thing that pops into our heads, especially when we’re angry or upset.
65. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning: Don’t assume something good will happen until it actually does; don’t get too excited about plans that might not work out.
Example: Even though Lisa felt confident about making the soccer team, her dad reminded her not to count her chickens before they hatched – tryouts were still two weeks away.
Alternative ways to say it: Don’t get ahead of yourself, wait and see what happens, don’t assume the outcome.
Farmers know that not every egg will successfully hatch into a baby chicken. Some eggs might be empty, or the chicks inside might not develop properly. This wise old saying reminds us that it’s better to wait for good things to actually happen before we start celebrating!
66. Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning: Don’t bring up old problems or arguments that have been forgotten; leave things alone that might cause trouble.
Example: Even though Jenny was still a little hurt about the argument with her friend last month, she decided to let sleeping dogs lie since they were getting along well now.
Alternative ways to say it: Leave well enough alone, don’t stir up old trouble, let the past stay in the past.
When a dog is sleeping peacefully, it’s usually best to let it rest. If you wake up a sleeping dog, especially one you don’t know well, it might be grumpy or even aggressive. Sometimes old problems are like sleeping dogs – it’s better to leave them alone than to wake them up!
67. Water under the bridge
Meaning: Something that happened in the past that you don’t worry about anymore; old problems that have been forgiven or forgotten.
Example: “I know we had that big fight last year,” said Alex to his cousin, “but that’s all water under the bridge now. Let’s focus on having fun this summer.”
Alternative ways to say it: Ancient history, in the past, forgotten about, over and done with.
Picture a river flowing under a bridge. The water that passed under yesterday is long gone – it’s flowing far downstream and will never come back to that spot. That’s how we should think about old problems that we’ve resolved or forgiven.
68. There’s no place like home
Meaning: Home is the most comfortable and special place; nowhere else feels as good as being home.
Example: After a week at summer camp, Emma was happy to be back in her own bed. “There’s no place like home,” she sighed contentedly.
Alternative ways to say it: Home sweet home, home is where the heart is, nothing beats being home.
This famous phrase comes from “The Wizard of Oz,” where Dorothy clicks her ruby slippers and repeats these words to return home to Kansas. It captures that warm, safe feeling we get when we’re surrounded by the people and things we love most.
69. Turn over a new leaf
Meaning: To start behaving better; to make a fresh start and change your ways for the better.
Example: After getting in trouble for not doing his chores, Michael decided to turn over a new leaf and help around the house without being asked.
Alternative ways to say it: Start fresh, make a new beginning, change for the better, start over.
In the old days, books were made of leaves (pages) made from thin sheets of paper or parchment. When you turned over a new leaf, you were starting a fresh, blank page. Today, it means giving yourself a chance to start over and do better!
70. Tie the knot
Meaning: To get married.
Example: After dating for five years, Uncle Mike and Aunt Sarah finally decided to tie the knot next spring.
Alternative ways to say it: Get married, walk down the aisle, say “I do,” get hitched.
In many wedding ceremonies throughout history, couples would literally tie knots in rope or fabric as a symbol of joining their lives together. The knot represented how their two separate lives were now permanently connected as one!
71. It’s not rocket science
Meaning: Something is not very complicated; it should be easy to understand or do.
Example: “Learning to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich isn’t rocket science,” laughed Mom when her son asked for detailed instructions.
Alternative ways to say it: It’s not that hard, it’s pretty simple, it’s not complicated, anyone can do it.
Rocket science involves incredibly complex mathematics, physics, and engineering – it’s one of the hardest fields of study in the world! So when we say something “isn’t rocket science,” we’re pointing out that it’s much, much simpler than launching people into space.
72. The grey area
Meaning: A situation where it’s not clear what’s right or wrong; something that’s not definitely one way or another.
Example: The school’s dress code said “no distracting clothing,” but whether Jake’s funny t-shirt was too distracting was a grey area that different teachers might see differently.
Alternative ways to say it: Unclear situation, not black and white, uncertain territory, open to interpretation.
Most things in life aren’t completely black or completely white – they’re somewhere in between, like the color grey. Grey areas are those tricky situations where there isn’t one obviously right answer, and different people might have different opinions about what to do.
Communication & Listening
Good communication is one of the most important skills in life. These idioms help us talk about how we share ideas and listen to others – or sometimes, how we fail to communicate well!
73. Fell on deaf ears
Meaning: Someone ignored what you said or didn’t pay attention to your advice or requests.
Example: Maria’s warnings about studying for the test fell on deaf ears – her friends were too busy playing video games to listen.
Alternative ways to say it: Was ignored, didn’t listen, paid no attention to, disregarded.
Imagine trying to talk to someone who literally can’t hear you – no matter how loudly you speak or how important your message is, they simply can’t receive it. That’s the frustrating feeling when your words fall on deaf ears!
74. Put a bug in someone’s ear
Meaning: To give someone a hint or suggestion about something, usually something they should think about or consider.
Example: Jenny’s mom put a bug in her ear about cleaning her room by mentioning how nice her sister’s room looked after being organized.
Alternative ways to say it: Drop a hint, plant an idea, make a suggestion, give someone something to think about.
This funny idiom makes it sound like you’re literally placing a tiny insect in someone’s ear! Of course, that would be gross and uncomfortable. But the idea is that you’re putting a small thought into their mind that will keep “buzzing around” until they pay attention to it, just like a bug might buzz around and get their attention!
These life situation idioms are like a toolkit for navigating the complex world of growing up. They help us understand that everyone faces similar challenges with decisions, responsibilities, and communication. Whether you’re learning to hold your tongue when you’re frustrated or realizing that some mistakes are just water under the bridge, these expressions connect you to the shared human experience of figuring out how to live wisely and treat others well.
Remember, the best part about learning these idioms is that they give you more colorful ways to express the important moments and decisions in your life. Instead of just saying “I need to decide,” you can say “the ball is in my court.” Instead of “let’s forget about our fight,” you can say “that’s water under the bridge.” These expressions add personality and warmth to your conversations while helping you connect with others who understand these shared meanings!
Fun Quiz: Idioms for Kid Challenge
Time to test your new idiom knowledge! This quiz will help you see how well you’ve learned all those colorful expressions. Don’t worry if you don’t get them all right the first time – learning idioms takes practice, and even getting a few wrong helps you remember better next time!
Read each question carefully and think about what the idiom really means, not what the individual words might suggest. Remember, idioms are like secret codes – “it’s raining cats and dogs” doesn’t mean animals are falling from the sky!
Quiz Questions
Question 1: What does “piece of cake” mean?
- a) A dessert at a birthday party
- b) Something very easy to do
- c) Something you need to bake
- d) A reward for good behavior
Question 2: If someone is “over the moon,” how do they feel?
- a) Confused and lost
- b) Extremely happy
- c) Very sleepy
- d) Scared of heights
Question 3: When you “let the cat out of the bag,” what have you done?
- a) Released a pet from a container
- b) Revealed a secret accidentally
- c) Gone shopping for groceries
- d) Cleaned up a mess
Question 4: What does it mean to be “under the weather”?
- a) Standing outside in the rain
- b) Feeling sick or unwell
- c) Hiding under an umbrella
- d) Studying meteorology
Question 5: If something happens “once in a blue moon,” how often does it occur?
- a) Every night when the moon is full
- b) Very rarely, almost never
- c) Once every month
- d) Only during winter
Question 6: When someone says “hold your tongue,” they want you to:
- a) Stick your tongue out
- b) Stop talking
- c) Taste something carefully
- d) Visit the doctor
Question 7: What does “the ball is in your court” mean?
- a) You’re playing tennis
- b) It’s your turn to make a decision
- c) You lost something important
- d) You need to clean up
Question 8: If you’re told to “break a leg,” the person is:
- a) Wishing you would get hurt
- b) Telling you to be careful
- c) Wishing you good luck
- d) Asking you to dance
Question 9: When it’s “raining cats and dogs,” the weather is:
- a) Snowing lightly
- b) Sunny and warm
- c) Raining very heavily
- d) Windy but dry
Question 10: What does “don’t count your chickens before they hatch” mean?
- a) Avoid working on farms
- b) Don’t assume good things will happen until they actually do
- c) Learn to count properly
- d) Take care of baby animals
Question 11: If someone “chickens out,” they:
- a) Buy poultry at the store
- b) Decide not to do something because they’re scared
- c) Win a contest
- d) Cook dinner for their family
Question 12: When you’re “in the same boat” as someone, you are:
- a) Taking a sailing trip together
- b) Both afraid of water
- c) In the same situation as them
- d) Learning to swim
Question 13: What does it mean to “drive someone up the wall”?
- a) Give them a ride in your car
- b) Help them climb high places
- c) Really annoy or frustrate them
- d) Teach them to drive
Question 14: If you “sleep like a log,” you:
- a) Sleep outdoors in the forest
- b) Sleep very deeply and peacefully
- c) Have trouble falling asleep
- d) Dream about trees
Question 15: When someone has “ants in their pants,” they:
- a) Need to call an exterminator
- b) Are unable to sit still
- c) Are wearing the wrong clothes
- d) Have been gardening
Question 16: What does “water under the bridge” refer to?
- a) A flooding problem
- b) Past problems that are forgotten
- c) A engineering project
- d) Swimming lessons
Question 17: If you “hit the jackpot,” you:
- a) Win big or have great success
- b) Break something valuable
- c) Play music loudly
- d) Get into trouble
Question 18: When someone tells you to “zip your lip,” they want you to:
- a) Fix your jacket
- b) Be quiet and stop talking
- c) Eat more slowly
- d) Smile more often
Question 19: What does “the proof is in the pudding” mean?
- a) Dessert recipes are hard to follow
- b) You can only judge something by trying it or seeing results
- c) Cooking requires careful measurement
- d) Sweet foods are the best
Question 20: If you’re “fit as a fiddle,” you are:
- a) Musical and talented
- b) In excellent health
- c) Very small in size
- d) Good at fixing things
Answer Key
Here are all the correct answers to check how well you did! Don’t peek until you’ve answered all the questions yourself.
Q1 → b (Something very easy to do)
Q2 → b (Extremely happy)
Q3 → b (Revealed a secret accidentally)
Q4 → b (Feeling sick or unwell)
Q5 → b (Very rarely, almost never)
Q6 → b (Stop talking)
Q7 → b (It’s your turn to make a decision)
Q8 → c (Wishing you good luck)
Q9 → c (Raining very heavily)
Q10 → b (Don’t assume good things will happen until they actually do)
Q11 → b (Decide not to do something because they’re scared)
Q12 → c (In the same situation as them)
Q13 → c (Really annoy or frustrate them)
Q14 → b (Sleep very deeply and peacefully)
Q15 → b (Are unable to sit still)
Q16 → b (Past problems that are forgotten)
Q17 → a (Win big or have great success)
Q18 → b (Be quiet and stop talking)
Q19 → b (You can only judge something by trying it or seeing results)
Q20 → b (In excellent health)
How Did You Do?
18-20 correct: You’re an idiom superstar! You’ve got these expressions down pat and you’re ready to use them in your everyday conversations. Your friends will be impressed by your colorful language skills.
15-17 correct: Great job! You understand most of these idioms really well. With just a little more practice, you’ll be using these expressions like a pro. Keep it up!
12-14 correct: You’re well on your way to mastering idioms! You’ve got a solid foundation, and reviewing the ones you missed will help cement them in your memory. Don’t give up – you’re doing great!
9-11 correct: Not bad for your first try! Idioms can be tricky because they don’t mean what the words literally say. Go back and reread the explanations for the ones you missed, and you’ll improve quickly.
8 or fewer correct: Hey, everyone starts somewhere! Learning idioms takes time and practice. The good news is that now you know exactly which ones to focus on. Keep reading and listening for these expressions in books, movies, and conversations, and they’ll start to make more sense.
Remember, the most important thing about learning idioms isn’t getting perfect quiz scores – it’s understanding how these colorful expressions can make your communication more interesting and help you connect with others. Every idiom you learn is like adding a new color to your language palette, giving you more ways to paint pictures with words!
Conclusion
What a journey we’ve taken together through the wonderful world of idioms! From being “over the moon” about learning new expressions to discovering that understanding idioms really isn’t “rocket science,” you’ve explored dozens of colorful phrases that make English such a rich and exciting language.
Think about how much your vocabulary has grown. You started this guide knowing that words could have different meanings, but now you understand that entire phrases can mean something completely different from their individual parts. When someone says they’re “under the weather,” you know they’re not literally standing outside in a storm – they’re just feeling a bit sick. When your friend says they “slept like a log,” you picture them sleeping deeply and peacefully, not turning into a piece of wood!
Learning idioms opens doors to better communication in so many ways. You can now understand jokes and stories that use these expressions. When you read books or watch movies where characters use idioms, you won’t be confused – you’ll be part of the conversation. You can express your own thoughts and feelings in more creative, interesting ways too. Instead of saying “I’m happy,” you can say “I’m on cloud nine” or “I’m over the moon.” Instead of “that’s easy,” you can say “that’s a piece of cake” or “easy as pie.”
The beauty of idioms is that they connect us to other people and to the history of our language. Many of these expressions have been passed down for generations. When you use them, you’re participating in a tradition that connects you to millions of other English speakers around the world. You’re also connecting to the creativity and imagination of people who came up with these clever ways to express common experiences.
But here’s the most important part: learning idioms shouldn’t stop here! Language is alive and growing all the time. New idioms are being created while old ones sometimes fade away. The expressions you’ve learned in this guide are just the beginning of your idiom adventure. Keep your ears open for new ones you hear in conversations, on TV, in books, or online. When you hear an expression that doesn’t make literal sense, it might be an idiom waiting for you to discover its real meaning!
Start using these idioms in your daily conversations, schoolwork, and storytelling. Don’t be afraid to try them out – that’s how you’ll really make them part of your vocabulary. Your family and friends will notice how much more colorful and expressive your language has become. Teachers love when students use varied, interesting language in their writing and speaking. And you’ll find that using idioms makes communication more fun and engaging.
Remember, nobody expects you to memorize all 74 idioms from this guide overnight. Language learning is a gradual process, like building a house brick by brick. Each idiom you truly understand and start using is another brick in your growing language foundation. Some idioms will stick with you immediately because they’re funny or particularly useful. Others might take longer to feel natural when you use them. That’s perfectly normal!
Here are some practical ways to keep improving your idiom skills: Listen for idioms when you’re talking with family members, watching movies, or reading books. Try to use one new idiom each day in conversation. Create silly sentences or short stories using multiple idioms – this helps your brain remember them better. Explain idioms to younger siblings or friends who might not know them yet. Teaching others is one of the best ways to strengthen your own understanding.
Most importantly, have fun with idioms! These expressions exist because they make communication more enjoyable and colorful. They add personality to our words and help us connect with others through shared understanding of these creative phrases. When you master idioms, you’re not just learning vocabulary – you’re learning to paint pictures with words, to add music to your speech, and to participate in the joyful creativity of human language.
So go ahead and let your hair down, put on your thinking cap, and remember that the world is your oyster when it comes to using these fantastic expressions. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch, but do give yourself credit for all the hard work you’ve put into learning these idioms. The ball is in your court now – it’s time to start using these colorful phrases in your everyday conversations!
Learning idioms truly is a piece of cake when you approach it with curiosity and enthusiasm. Now get out there and start using these expressions. Before you know it, people will be saying that your communication skills are the bee’s knees!
