There are four seasons throughout the year, including spring, summer, autumn (or fall), and winter. Every season has its own weather, feeling, and activities. Due to the importance of seasons in our lives, they are frequently reflected in our language, particularly in idioms. Phrases that have special meanings that are different from the words themselves are referred to as idioms.Understanding seasonal idioms can improve your ability to understand English and sound more natural while speaking. We will be sharing some common idioms about the seasons in this blog post. We will explain the meaning of each and show you how to use it in a sentence.
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20 English Idioms About Seasons
Nature and the changing seasons are the inspiration for many colorful idioms in the English language. People can use these expressions to describe feelings, situations, and changes in life by using images that are commonly associated with spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Whether you’re discussing a new beginning, a difficult time, or a moment of change, there’s often a seasonal saying that fits. Here are 20 commonly used English idioms about seasons, with their meanings and examples of usage in everyday conversations.
No spring chicken
Meaning: Not young anymore.
Example: He can’t skate like he used to — he’s no spring chicken.
Spring fever
Meaning: A feeling of restlessness or excitement at the beginning of spring.
Example: Spring fever hit me like a ton of bricks when the weather warmed up, and I couldn’t stay inside.
A spring in one’s step
Meaning: A lively, energetic walk due to good mood or excitement.
Example: She had a real spring in her step after receiving the job offer.
To spring into action
Meaning: To suddenly begin working or doing something quickly and energetically.
Example: When the fire alarm rang, the staff sprang into action.
Like the heat of summer
Meaning: Intense or passionate (can be about emotions, love, etc.)
Example: They had a sudden and intense argument like the heat of summer.
One swallow doesn’t make a summer
Meaning: One good sign doesn’t mean a trend or long-term change.
Example: We’re not out of trouble just because sales improved this month, just like one swallow doesn’t make a summer.
The dog days of summer
Meaning: The hottest, most sluggish part of summer.
Example: The dog days of summer can lead to a drop in productivity.
Autumn years
Meaning: The later years of a person’s life.
Example: He spent his autumn years writing poetry by the lake.
To turn over a new leaf
Meaning: To start fresh or change one’s behavior for the better.
Example: After the new year she quit smoking and turned over a new leaf.
In the dead of winter
Meaning: The coldest, darkest part of winter.
Example: It was brutal to move to Canada during the dead of winter.
Winter is long in the tooth
Meaning: Getting old (a poetic way to describe someone aging).
Example: Though winter is long in the tooth, he still skates like a pro.
Walking on thin ice
Meaning: Being in a risky or dangerous situation.
Example: His probation is already in place. If he skips work again, he’s walking on thin ice.
A frosty/icy reception
Meaning: A cold or unwelcoming greeting.
Example: Upon her return from vacation, her colleagues treated her with an icy reception.
Cold feet
Meaning: A sudden loss of confidence or nerve.
Example: He got cold feet and called off the wedding the night before.
Winter blues
Meaning: A mild depression or sadness caused by the cold, dark winter.
Example: I always get the winter blues around December.
Snowball effect
Meaning: A process that starts small and gains momentum, often becoming more serious or significant.
Example: The snowball effect of debt was caused by missing a payment.
Snowed under
Meaning: Overwhelmed with too much work or responsibilities.
Example: I’m completely snowed under with assignments this week.
As snug as a bug in a rug
Meaning: Very warm and cozy.
Example: The fire quickly made us as snug as bugs in a rug.
A woman/man for all seasons
Meaning: A versatile, dependable person in any situation.
Example: At work, she’s capable of handling anything, she’s a woman for all seasons.
Four seasons in one day
Meaning: Very changeable weather.
Example: Melbourne’s weather is wild, you can experience four seasons in one day.
Frequently Asked Questions About English Idioms About Seasons
Why do people use seasonal idioms in English?
Seasonal idioms are used by people to express ideas and emotions in a colorful and relatable way. These idioms are easy to understand and remember because seasons reflect common human experiences.
How can I learn seasonal idioms more effectively?
Practice using them in your own words and seek them out in books, movies, or conversations. It’s possible to improve your memory by grouping idioms based on their season or theme.
Are these idioms used literally or figuratively?
The use of seasonal idioms is mostly figurative, not literal. To illustrate,’snowed under’ implies being very busy, but not actually covered in snow.
Are seasonal idioms still commonly used?
In everyday English, there are still many seasonal idioms that are popular. Casual conversations, writing, and even the media are all places where they can be used.
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