“Music exists in every corner of life, and it has also found a special place in idioms. To show how many idioms we use unconsciously are related to music, today we will talk about idioms that have carved out a special place in music.”
Learn English with EnglishCentral
Building your vocabulary is key to mastering a language, and learning new and generational words along with common words can make a big difference in how fluently and expressively you speak. EnglishCentral gives you the perfect tools and environment to expand your vocabulary, practice new words, and use them with confidence.
With 25-minute one-on-one lessons for all ages and levels, EnglishCentral offers personalized and effective learning. These online live sessions are led by expert English teachers who guide you step by step, helping you improve at your own pace. You can also join 40-minute group lessons, where you’ll take part in fun, interactive conversations with your teacher and classmates.
However, EnglishCentral is more than just lessons! You’ll have access to thousands of interactive videos tailored to different interests. With our Watch, Learn, Speak, and Discuss steps, you can reinforce vocabulary and plan private lessons based on your needs. Quizzes, word exercises, and our AI-powered teacher MiMi make practicing English even easier. MiMi is always available to help you navigate different scenarios, from business meetings to ordering food, so you’re prepared for real-life conversations.
After each lesson, MiMi provides personalized reports, tracking your progress and highlighting areas for improvement. This instant feedback helps you stay focused on your goals and gain the confidence to use English in everyday life.
25 English Idioms About Music
“Habits we repeat like the chorus of a song, our complex emotions like a symphony, or moments full of uncertainty like an improvised jazz solo… In this article, we will explore 25 English idioms used to describe different scenes of life. These idioms are not just made of words; each one is a little composition that expresses the rhythm and harmony of life. So, let’s ‘tune’ your English a little with these unique expressions!”
A Drum (Beat) For Something
Meaning: To consistently and enthusiastically support and promote an idea, cause, or purpose.
Example: “She’s been beating the drum for environmental awareness in our community for years.”
As Fit As A Fiddle
Meaning: To be very healthy, fit, and in good shape.
Example: “My grandfather is 80 years old, but he’s as fit as a fiddle and still goes for a run every morning.”
Clear As A Bell
Meaning: Very clear, understandable, and precise (usually referring to a sound or an explanation).
Example: “Even though we were on a long-distance call, her voice came through as clear as a bell.”
Elevator Music
Meaning: Soft, calm, and usually boring background music, typically played in public places like stores or waiting rooms.
Example: “The waiting room was silent, except for the faint sound of elevator music playing in the background.”
For A Song
Meaning: For a very low, almost worthless price.
Example: “They bought a beautiful antique table for a song at the flea market.”
It Takes Two To Tango
Meaning: A situation where, in a dispute or problem, both parties are usually at fault and cooperation is required.
Example: “He blames her for the argument, but it takes two to tango.”
Jam Session
Meaning: An informal gathering or performance where music is improvised.
Example: “After the concert, the musicians had an incredible jam session backstage.”
Jazz Something Up
Meaning: To make something more interesting, lively, or appealing.
Example: “Let’s jazz up the living room with some new cushions and a fresh coat of paint.”
March To The Beat Of Your Own Drum
Meaning: To live independently, by your own rules, rather than conforming to society’s expectations.
Example: “She’s never cared what people think; she’s always marched to the beat of her own drum.”
Music To My Ears
Meaning: News or information that you are very happy to hear and that sounds very pleasant.
Example: “Hearing that the project was approved was music to my ears.”
Pull Out All The Stops
Meaning: To do everything possible to make something as impressive or successful as possible.
Example: “They pulled out all the stops for the wedding, with an amazing band and a fantastic menu.”
Sing From The Same Hymn Sheet/Songsheet
Meaning: To say the same thing, agree, and convey it consistently.
Example: “It’s important that the management team sings from the same hymn sheet during the negotiations.”
To Be Tone-Deaf
Meaning: To be unable to distinguish musical notes; to be insensitive to a situation or to others’ feelings.
Example: “Telling jokes at a funeral is completely tone-deaf.”
To Blow Your Own Trumpet (UK)
Meaning: To boast about one’s own achievements or abilities.
Example: “I don’t mean to blow my own horn, but I did manage to finish the project a week early.”
To Call The Tune
Meaning: To set the rules, decide how things are done, and maintain control.
Example: “He’s the CEO, so ultimately, he’s the one calling the tune.”
To Change Your Tune
Meaning: To change your mind, attitude, or statement.
Example: “He used to criticize our methods, but he quickly changed his tune when he saw how successful they were.”
To Dance To Someone’s Tune
Meaning: To do everything someone says, act according to their wishes, and be under their control.
Example: “The assistant was tired of having to dance to her boss’s tune all the time.”
To Face The Music
Meaning: To face the consequences of something you have done and deal with the reality.
Example: “He was caught cheating on the exam, and now he has to face the music.”
To Fine-Tune Something
Meaning: To perfect something by making small adjustments; to fine-tune.
Example: “We just need to fine-tune the design before we launch the product.”
To Play It By Ear
Meaning: To decide what to do as a situation develops, without making a plan.
Example: “I’m not sure what we’ll do this evening. Let’s just play it by ear.“
To Ring A Bell
Meaning: For something to seem familiar; to remember something.
Example: “Does the name ‘Emma Watson’ ring a bell?”
To Sound Like A Broken Record
Meaning: To say the same thing over and over again.
Example: “I know I sound like a broken record, but please remember to submit your reports on time.”
To Strike A Chord (With Someone)
Meaning: To evoke a strong emotional response in someone; to create an emotional connection with them.
Example: “The speaker’s story about overcoming adversity struck a chord with the entire audience.”
Whistle-Stop Tour
Meaning: To visit a place quickly, covering many spots in a short amount of time.
Example: “The band went on a whistle-stop tour of Europe, playing in ten cities in just two weeks.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Idioms Related to Music
Now that we learned about the idioms, let’s look at some questions about them.
How can learning music idioms improve your conversation skills?
Using music idioms can make your English sound more natural and fluent. Phrases like “blow your own trumpet” or “strike the right chord” can help you express yourself creatively and connect better with native speakers.
How do idioms like “face the music” or “change your tune” make English more expressive?
These idioms add color and emotion to language. They allow speakers to convey ideas more vividly than literal words, often connecting to feelings, situations, or cultural references.
What are music types?
Music genres are pop, rock, hip-Hop / Rap, R&B (Rhythm and Blues), jazz, classical, country, blues, reggae, electronic / EDM.
What is the difference between Sing From The Same Hymn Sheet and Sing From The Same Song Sheet?
There is no difference in meaning between the two idioms. The first idiom is commonly used in American English, while the other is more frequently used in British English.
Would you like to put what you have learned into practice? You can access everything you need to learn English on a single platform! With 25-minute one-on-one live English lessons, 40-minute group lessons, more than 30,000 interactive videos, vocabulary learning tools, AI-supported tutor MiMi, quizzes, and interactive activities, EnglishCentral offers its users a personalized and quality education plan at an affordable price. How about registering for EnglishCentral now and starting to learn English?
