Hello, dear readers! I'm back with another exciting and informative post about idioms in English. As you may already know, idioms are expressions that have a figurative meaning that is different from their literal meaning. For example, when we say "it's raining cats and dogs", we don't mean that there are actual animals falling from the sky. We mean that it's raining very heavily.
Idioms are very important for learning English because they make the language more colorful and interesting. They also help us express our thoughts and feelings in a more vivid and creative way. However, idioms can also be very tricky and confusing, especially for learners of English as a second language. That's why I'm here to help you master the art of using idioms in English.
In this post, I'm going to share with you 25 idioms with body parts that you might not have heard before. These are called anatomical idioms, which means idioms related to the structure of the human body. Anatomical idioms are very common and useful in English, and they can convey a variety of meanings and ideas. For example, when we say "to have a bee in one's bonnet", we mean to be obsessed or preoccupied with something. When we say "to have a bone to pick with someone", we mean to have a complaint or grievance against someone.
Are you curious to learn more? Then let's dive into the list of 25 anatomical idioms that I have prepared for you. For each idiom, I will provide you with its meaning, an example sentence, and some tips and cautions on how to use it appropriately and avoid misunderstandings. I hope you will enjoy and learn from this post. Let's get started!
1. To have a bee in one's bonnet
Example: She has a bee in her bonnet about saving the environment.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a negative or critical way, to imply that someone is too concerned or fanatical about something. It can also suggest that someone is acting irrationally or strangely because of their obsession.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to have a bug in one's ear", which means to have a persistent idea or suggestion that keeps nagging at someone.
2. To have a bone to pick with someone
Meaning: to have a complaint or grievance against someone
Example: I have a bone to pick with you. Why did you take my car without asking?
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a confrontational or angry way, to indicate that someone is unhappy or dissatisfied with someone else's behavior or actions. It can also imply that someone wants to have a serious discussion or argument with someone else.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to have a bone of contention", which means to have a subject or issue that causes disagreement or dispute between people.
3. To have a frog in one's throat
Meaning: to have difficulty speaking due to a sore or dry throat
Example: I can't sing today. I have a frog in my throat.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a humorous or sympathetic way, to explain or excuse someone's hoarse or croaky voice. It can also suggest that someone is nervous or embarrassed to speak.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to croak", which means to die or to make a low, harsh sound.
4. To have a nose for something
Meaning: to have a natural talent or instinct for something
Example: He has a nose for business. He always knows how to make a profit.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a positive or admiring way, to praise or compliment someone's ability or skill in a certain field or activity. It can also imply that someone is very interested or curious about something.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to poke one's nose into something", which means to interfere or meddle in something that is not one's concern.
5. To have ants in one's pants
Meaning: to be restless or impatient
Example: Sit still, will you? You have ants in your pants.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a playful or teasing way, to describe or mock someone's fidgety or agitated behavior. It can also suggest that someone is eager or excited to do something.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to have a bee in one's bonnet", which means to be obsessed or preoccupied with something.
6. To have butterflies in one's stomach
Meaning: to be nervous or anxious
Example: I have butterflies in my stomach before every exam.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a sympathetic or empathetic way, to express or share someone's feelings of apprehension or worry. It can also suggest that someone is in love or has a crush on someone.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to have a stomach for something", which means to have the courage or appetite for something.
7. To have eyes bigger than one's stomach
Example: Don't take so much cake. You have eyes bigger than your stomach.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a scolding or warning way, to criticize or caution someone's greediness or overindulgence. It can also imply that someone is wasteful or impractical.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to have a big mouth", which means to talk too much or reveal secrets.
8. To have one's back to the wall
Meaning: to be in a difficult or desperate situation
Example: He had his back to the wall when he lost his job and his house.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a serious or dramatic way, to describe or emphasize someone's plight or predicament. It can also suggest that someone has no choice but to fight or resist.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to stab someone in the back", which means to betray or harm someone who trusts one.
9. To have one's head screwed on
Meaning: to be sensible or practical
Example: She has her head screwed on. She always makes good decisions.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a positive or approving way, to acknowledge or commend someone's intelligence or wisdom. It can also imply that someone is reliable or trustworthy.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to screw up", which means to make a mistake or mess up.
10. To have skin in the game
Meaning: to have a personal stake or interest in something
Example: He has skin in the game. He invested a lot of money in the project.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a neutral or factual way, to indicate or explain someone's involvement or commitment in something. It can also suggest that someone is motivated or responsible for something.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to save one's skin", which means to protect oneself from danger or trouble.
11. To keep a stiff upper lip
Meaning: to remain calm and composed in the face of trouble
Example: She kept a stiff upper lip when she heard the bad news.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a respectful or admiring way, to praise or compliment someone's courage or dignity. It can also imply that someone is stoic or reserved.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to bite one's lip", which means to refrain from saying something that one wants to say.
12. To lend an ear
Meaning: to listen sympathetically or attentively
Example: Can you lend me an ear? I need to talk to someone.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a polite or grateful way, to request or appreciate someone's attention or support. It can also suggest that someone is friendly or helpful.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to turn a deaf ear", which means to ignore or disregard something.
13. To lose one's head
Meaning: to lose one's temper or self-control
Example: Don't lose your head. It's not a big deal.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a negative or critical way, to reproach or warn someone's irrational or impulsive behavior. It can also suggest that someone is scared or panicked.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to be head over heels", which means to be very much in love or very excited.
14. To make one's blood run cold
Example: The scream in the night made my blood run cold.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a hyperbolic or dramatic way, to describe or emphasize someone's fear or shock. It can also suggest that someone is disgusted or repulsed.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to have cold feet", which means to be nervous or hesitant about doing something.
15. To make one's hair stand on end
Meaning: to frighten or shock someone
Example: The horror movie made my hair stand on end.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a figurative or exaggerated way, to express or illustrate someone's reaction to something scary or surprising. It can also suggest that someone is disgusted or repulsed.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with to make someone’s blood run cold, which means to make someone feel very frightened or horrified.
16. To pay through the nose
Meaning: to pay an excessive amount of money
Example: I paid through the nose for this ticket. It was very expensive.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a negative or complaining way, to express or indicate someone's dissatisfaction or regret about the price or cost of something. It can also suggest that someone was cheated or exploited.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to cut off one's nose to spite one's face", which means to do something harmful or foolish out of anger or pride.
17. To pull someone's leg
Meaning: to tease or joke with someone
Example: I'm just pulling your leg. I didn't really win the lottery.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a playful or friendly way, to explain or excuse someone's humorous or harmless lie. It can also suggest that someone is trying to make someone laugh or smile.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to have a leg to stand on", which means to have a valid or convincing argument or justification.
18. To put one's foot in one's mouth
Meaning: to say something embarrassing or inappropriate
Example: I put my foot in my mouth when I asked her about her husband. I didn't know they were divorced.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a regretful or apologetic way, to admit or acknowledge someone's mistake or blunder. It can also suggest that someone is clumsy or tactless.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to put one's foot down", which means to assert one's authority or decision.
19. To see eye to eye
Meaning: to agree or concur
Example: We don't see eye to eye on politics. We have different opinions.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a neutral or factual way, to state or describe someone's level of agreement or disagreement with someone else. It can also imply that someone is compatible or harmonious with someone else.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to eye someone up", which means to look at someone with interest or attraction.
20. To turn a blind eye
Meaning: to ignore or overlook something
Example: He turned a blind eye to the corruption in his company. He didn't want to get involved.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a negative or critical way, to accuse or condemn someone's indifference or negligence. It can also suggest that someone is dishonest or cowardly.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to be in the eye of the storm", which means to be in the center of a difficult or controversial situation.
21. To twist someone's arm
Meaning: to persuade or coerce someone
Example: She twisted my arm and made me go to the party with her.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a figurative or exaggerated way, to indicate or emphasize someone's influence or pressure on someone else. It can also imply that someone is reluctant or unwilling to do something.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to arm-twist someone", which means to use force or threats to make someone do something.
22. To wash one's hands of something
Meaning: to disclaim responsibility or involvement in something
Example: I washed my hands of the whole affair. It was none of my business.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a defensive or dismissive way, to deny or reject someone's association or connection with something. It can also suggest that someone is indifferent or unsympathetic to something.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to have blood on one's hands", which means to be guilty or responsible for someone's death or suffering.
23. To wet one's whistle
Meaning: to have a drink, especially an alcoholic one
Example: Let's go to the pub and wet our whistles.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a casual or cheerful way, to suggest or invite someone to drink something. It can also imply that someone is thirsty or parched.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to blow the whistle", which means to expose or report something illegal or wrong.
24. To work one's fingers to the bone
Meaning: to work very hard or tirelessly
Example: She worked her fingers to the bone to provide for her family.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a sympathetic or admiring way, to acknowledge or commend someone's effort or dedication. It can also imply that someone is exhausted or overworked.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to have a bone to pick with someone", which means to have a complaint or grievance against someone.
25. To bite one's tongue
Meaning: to refrain from saying something that one wants to say
Example: I bit my tongue when he insulted me. I didn't want to start a fight.
Tip: This idiom is usually used in a self-restrained or prudent way, to express or explain someone's silence or discretion. It can also suggest that someone is annoyed or offended by something.
Caution: Don't confuse this idiom with "to hold one's tongue", which means to keep silent or not speak one's mind.
Conclusion
Well, that's it for today's post. I hope you enjoyed and learned from this list of 25 anatomical idioms that you might not have heard before. These idioms are very useful and fun to use in English, and they can help you express yourself more clearly and creatively. However, remember to use them appropriately and avoid misunderstandings. Idioms are not always literal or logical, so you need to be careful and mindful of the context and the tone.
Now, I have a question for you. Which of these idioms did you like the most? Do you have any other anatomical idioms that you want to share with me and the other readers? If so, please leave a comment below and let me know. I would love to hear from you and learn more idioms with you.
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Until next time, keep learning and keep smiling!
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