English is no exception to nature being a source of inspiration for language. Nature is the source of many common idioms in English, reflecting how people observe and interact with their surroundings. Conversations can become more colorful and interesting with the use of these idioms. The purpose of this blog post is to explore 58 popular nature-related idioms, explain their meanings, and demonstrate how they are used in daily conversations. These expressions are useful for improving your communication skills with native speakers, whether you’re learning English or just want to sound more natural.
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58 English Idioms About Nature
Let’s explore some English idioms that are colorful and insightful about nature. Here, you will find 58 nature-inspired idioms, each with its meaning and an example sentence to aid you in understanding how they can be used in everyday communication.
A bolt from the blue
Meaning: A sudden and unexpected event, usually a shocking or surprising one.
Example: The news of her resignation came as a bolt from the blue; no one saw it coming.
A breath of fresh air
Meaning: Something or someone new and refreshing, often providing relief or a change from the usual.
Example: The new manager is a breath of fresh air, bringing innovative ideas to the team.
A drop in the ocean
Meaning: A very small part of something much larger.
Example: The donation we made was just a drop in the ocean compared to the total amount needed.
A ray of sunshine
Meaning: Someone or something that brings happiness or positivity into a situation.
Example: Her kind words were a ray of sunshine during my tough day.
A rolling stone gathers no moss
Meaning: A person who doesn’t settle in one place or situation doesn’t accumulate responsibilities or problems.
Example: He’s moved to five different cities in the last two years—guess that’s the life of a rolling stone.
A snowball’s chance in hell
Meaning: No chance at all; something that is highly unlikely to happen.
Example: He has a snowball’s chance in hell of winning the race after that injury.
A walk in the park
Meaning: Something that is easy or enjoyable to do.
Example: The test was a walk in the park compared to the last one we had.
All at sea
Meaning: Completely confused or unsure about something.
Example: When the meeting started, I was all at sea, not knowing what was going on.
Answer the call of nature
Meaning: To go to the bathroom.
Example: I’ll be right back, I need to answer the call of nature.
As fresh as a daisy
Meaning: Feeling or looking very fresh, energetic, or healthy.
Example: After a good night’s sleep, she woke up as fresh as a daisy.
Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: To pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action.
Example: If you think I took the report, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
Bee in one’s bonnet
Meaning: To be preoccupied with a particular idea or concern, often to the point of obsession.
Example: He’s got a bee in his bonnet about getting a promotion, and he talks about it non-stop.
Bed of roses
Meaning: An easy, comfortable, or pleasant situation.
Example: Life in the city isn’t exactly a bed of roses, but I enjoy the excitement.
Birds of a feather flock together
Meaning: People with similar interests, values, or characteristics tend to associate with each other.
Example: I wasn’t surprised they got along so well—they’re both art lovers. Birds of a feather flock together.
Break the ice
Meaning: To initiate conversation or actions that ease tension or awkwardness.
Example: To break the ice at the party, she told a funny story about her childhood.
Break the mold
Meaning: To do something in a completely new or different way.
Example: Her approach to business really breaks the mold. She’s not like any other CEO.
Calm before the storm
Meaning: A period of quiet or peace before something chaotic or difficult happens.
Example: The office was quiet this morning—just the calm before the storm of deadlines hits.
Caught between a rock and a hard place
Meaning: To be in a difficult situation where there are two equally undesirable choices.
Example: I’m caught between a rock and a hard place—I can either take the job offer in another city or stay here with family.
Chase rainbows
Meaning: To pursue something unattainable or unrealistic.
Example: He’s been chasing rainbows for years, thinking he can get rich overnight with a new startup.
Clear as mud
Meaning: Something that is very unclear or confusing.
Example: Her explanation of the instructions was as clear as mud.
Cloud nine
Meaning: A state of extreme happiness or euphoria.
Example: When he heard he got the job, he was on cloud nine.
Cuts no ice
Meaning: Has no effect or influence; doesn’t make an impact.
Example: His argument about the budget cuts cuts no ice with me. We still need to make the changes.
Dead air
Meaning: A long, awkward pause in conversation or broadcast, where nothing is being said.
Example: During the interview, there was a moment of dead air, and everyone felt uncomfortable.
Death of winter
Meaning: The end of winter, often symbolizing a new beginning or hope.
Example: The first signs of spring felt like the death of winter, signaling warmer days ahead.
Down to earth
Meaning: Practical, sensible, and grounded; not arrogant or pretentious.
Example: She’s a down-to-earth person who doesn’t care for the spotlight.
Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: Even in bad situations, something good can come out of it.
Example: I lost my job, but every cloud has a silver lining—I’m finally pursuing my dream career.
Fair-weather friend
Meaning: A person who is only around in good times but not during difficulties.
Example: When things got tough, he disappeared. He’s just a fair-weather friend.
Feel under the weather
Meaning: To feel sick or unwell.
Example: I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I think I’ll stay home.
Get wind of something
Meaning: To hear about or discover something, usually through gossip or unofficial means.
Example: I got wind of the company’s plan to restructure before it was announced.
Go off the beaten path
Meaning: To do something unusual or different from the norm.
Example: On our vacation, we went off the beaten path and explored some remote villages.
Go with the flow
Meaning: To adapt to circumstances and not try to resist or control things.
Example: At the party, I decided to go with the flow and just enjoy myself without worrying too much.
Good nature
Meaning: A pleasant, friendly, and calm temperament.
Example: She has such a good nature that everyone loves working with her.
Grass is always greener on the other side
Meaning: People often think others’ situations are better, but this isn’t always the case.
Example: He left his job thinking it would be better, but the grass is always greener on the other side.
Green thumb
Meaning: A natural talent for growing plants or gardening.
Example: She has a green thumb—her garden is always flourishing.
Have butterflies in one’s stomach
Meaning: To feel nervous or anxious, especially before an important event.
Example: Before the interview, I had butterflies in my stomach.
Heaven on earth
Meaning: A perfect or blissful place or experience.
Example: That beach resort was heaven on earth, with its beautiful views and peaceful atmosphere.
Hit the hay
Meaning: To go to bed or go to sleep.
Example: I’m really tired, I think I’ll hit the hay early tonight.
In deep water
Meaning: To be in a difficult or dangerous situation.
Example: After making that risky investment, he found himself in deep water.
In full swing
Meaning: Something is in progress and at its most active or intense phase.
Example: The concert was in full swing by the time we arrived.
In the eye of the storm
Meaning: In the middle of a difficult or chaotic situation.
Example: During the debate, she was in the eye of the storm with everyone criticizing her.
It’s raining cats and dogs
Meaning: It’s raining heavily.
Example: We had to cancel our picnic—it was raining cats and dogs all day
Knock on wood
Meaning: A superstitious phrase used to prevent bad luck after stating something positive.
Example: I’ve been feeling great lately—knock on wood!
Late bloomer
Meaning: Someone who develops skills, talents, or success later than others.
Example: She didn’t start painting seriously until she was in her 40s, but she’s a late bloomer.
Like a fish out of water
Meaning: To feel uncomfortable or out of place in a certain situation.
Example: He felt like a fish out of water at the fancy dinner party.
Like a lamb to the slaughter
Meaning: To be unaware or unsuspecting of an impending danger or difficulty.
Example: He walked into the interview like a lamb to the slaughter, not knowing what was coming.
Like looking for a needle in a haystack
Meaning: Something that is extremely difficult to find or accomplish.
Example: Trying to find my missing earring in this room is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Like a moth to a flame
Meaning: To be drawn to something or someone irresistibly, often to one’s detriment.
Example: She was like a moth to a flame when it came to those dangerous situations.
Make hay while the sun shines
Meaning: To take advantage of a good situation while it lasts.
Example: The market is great for sellers right now—make hay while the sun shines!
Olive branch
Meaning: A symbol of peace or reconciliation.
Example: After their argument, she extended the olive branch by inviting him for coffee.
Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Something that happens very rarely.
Example: We only see each other once in a blue moon, so it’s always special when we do.
Pushing up daisies
Meaning: A euphemism for being dead and buried.
Example: After all these years, I’m still surprised he’s pushing up daisies.
Save for a rainy day
Meaning: To save money or resources for an emergency or difficult time.
Example: It’s smart to save for a rainy day in case of unexpected expenses.
Steal your thunder
Meaning: To take credit for someone else’s idea or success.
Example: He stole my thunder when he presented my idea as his own.
Storm in a teacup
Meaning: A small problem made into a big fuss.
Example: The argument over the seating arrangement was just a storm in a teacup.
Test the waters
Meaning: To try something on a small scale to see if it works.
Example: Before launching the new product, they decided to test the waters with a small sample group.
The best of both worlds
Meaning: A situation where you get the benefits of two different things at the same time.
Example: Working remotely allows me to enjoy the best of both worlds: flexibility and a stable job.
Turn over a new leaf
Meaning: To make a fresh start or change one’s behavior for the better.
Example: He decided to turn over a new leaf and focus on his health this year.
Walking on thin ice
Meaning: To be in a risky or dangerous situation.
Example: If you keep ignoring your deadlines, you’ll be walking on thin ice with your boss.
Frequently Asked Questions About English Idioms About Nature
Are these idioms used in formal writing?
Formal writing, such as academic papers, legal documents, or professional reports, is generally not the place to use idioms about nature because they can sound informal or excessively casual. Creative writing or literary works with a more conversational tone may include them, however. When writing formally, it’s crucial to use language that is clear and straightforward.
How do I learn and use idioms correctly?
The key to learning nature-related idioms lies in exposure. Reading books, watching movies, or listening to native speakers using them in context is the way to go. After becoming acquainted with their meanings, attempt to use them in everyday conversations or writing when appropriate, but avoid overuse as it can seem unnatural. By practicing in context, you will become more comfortable with them.
Are there idioms for every situation?
Although there are many idioms about nature that can be used in many different situations, they do not cover every possible scenario. For example, idioms like “make hay while the sun shines” or “the calm before the storm” work well in moments of opportunity or impending change, but other more niche situations might require creative or literal language.
How do idioms reflect culture?
The use of nature-related idioms is a reflection of cultural attitudes towards nature, such as emphasizing the peacefulness of a forest or the unpredictable nature of a storm. For instance, “a storm in a teacup” reflects a tendency to downplay exaggerated conflicts, while “the grass is always greener on the other side” hints at human dissatisfaction and the belief that other circumstances might be better.These idioms are often used to provide insight into human nature and cultural views on life and the environment.
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