Kindness, the sweet virtue that warms hearts and brings smiles, is a language that’s understood by all. But, expressing it with the same old phrases can sometimes feel mundane, right? That’s where idioms come in, adding color and charm to language. English idioms are not just expressions; they’re windows into culture, history, and human nature. Are you intrigued by phrases like ‘heart of gold’ or ‘go the extra mile’? If so, it’s time to dive into the fascinating world of kindness-related English idioms!
Here’s a collection of 15 English idioms that beautifully encapsulate different shades of kindness:
1. Heart of gold: Someone who is very kind and generous.
Example: Mother Teresa had a heart of gold.
2. Go the extra mile: To make more effort than is expected of you.
Example: She always goes the extra mile to help her friends.
3. Lend a helping hand: To provide assistance.
Example: He lent a helping hand to the new student in the class.
4. A good Samaritan: Someone who helps others selflessly.
Example: The man who helped the lost child was a good Samaritan.
5. Olive branch: A symbol of peace or reconciliation.
Example: After their argument, he extended an olive branch by inviting her to dinner.
6. Turn the other cheek: To respond to rudeness or harm without hostility.
Example: Even when insulted, she would always turn the other cheek.
7. Kill with kindness: To handle unkind people by being kind to them.
Example: When her coworker was rude, she decided to kill him with kindness.
8. A shoulder to cry on: Someone who provides emotional support in times of distress.
Example: During her tough times, her best friend was always a shoulder to cry on.
9. To wear your heart on your sleeve: To openly show your feelings or emotions.
Example: He wears his heart on his sleeve, always ready to care for others.
10. As right as rain: To feel fine or comfortable.
Example: After her kind words, I felt as right as rain.
11. To have a soft spot for: To have a particular fondness or sympathy for someone or something.
Example: She has a soft spot for stray animals and often feeds them.
12. To give the shirt off one’s back: To give anything that someone needs, especially when it is difficult for you.
Example: He’s so kind, he’d give you the shirt off his back.
13. Good egg: A genuinely nice person.
Example: My neighbor is a good egg; he always helps us when we need it.
14. To take under one’s wing: To help, guide, or protect someone.
Example: The coach took the young player under his wing.
15. To save someone’s bacon: To rescue someone from a difficult situation.
Example: My friend saved my bacon by lending me money when I was broke.
In conclusion, idioms related to kindness bring warmth and depth to our conversations. As these idioms become part of your vocabulary, your language will not only become more vibrant but also more empathetic. So go ahead, sprinkle these idioms in your conversations, and make the world a kinder place, one phrase at a time.
