Picture yourself in a bustling city, skyscrapers touching the sky, the hum of traffic ever-present. But amid all this, you hear a native English speaker say, “It’s a jungle out there.” A jungle in the city? Yes, you’ve just encountered an English idiom related to nature! Nature-related idioms are widely used in English, enriching the language with imagery from the world around us. Mastering these idioms can make your English more colorful and expressive. And who knows? You might even start seeing the city – and the language – through new eyes. So, are you ready to step into the natural world of English idioms?
Let’s dive right in with 17 vivid and expressive nature-related English idioms:
1. It’s a jungle out there: This phrase means that a place or situation is wild, confusing, or filled with competition.
Example: Be careful in the world of business; it’s a jungle out there.
2. Barking up the wrong tree: This idiom means accusing or asking the wrong person, based on a mistaken or misguided premise.
Example: If you think I took your notebook, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
3. Break the ice: This phrase refers to the act of initiating a conversation or activity, or making a start on something.
Example: To break the ice at the party, she suggested playing a game.
4. Come rain or shine: This idiom means no matter what happens or how difficult circumstances may become.
Example: He jogs every morning, come rain or shine.
5. Don’t beat around the bush: This phrase means to avoid getting to the point of an issue or topic; it urges directness.
Example: Don’t beat around the bush, just tell me the news.
6. Every cloud has a silver lining: This is used to convey that every difficult or sad situation has a comforting or more hopeful aspect, even though this may not be immediately apparent.
Example: I was disappointed to miss the trip, but every cloud has a silver lining – I managed to get a lot of work done instead.
7. Go with the flow: This means to accept a situation without trying to change it.
Example: I didn’t have any specific plans for the weekend, so I decided to go with the flow.
8. Head in the clouds: This idiom describes someone who is not paying attention to what is happening around them because they are absorbed in their own thoughts, often in a dreamy or unrealistic way.
Example: He’s got his head in the clouds if he thinks he’s going to pass his exams without studying.
9. In full bloom: This phrase describes something at its peak or best stage.
Example: The artist’s creativity was in full bloom when he painted this masterpiece.
10. Let the cat out of the bag: This means to reveal a secret or surprise by accident.
Example: I let the cat out of the bag about their wedding plans.
11. Make a mountain out of a molehill: This idiom means to exaggerate a minor problem or issue.
Example: I only asked you to wash the dishes, there’s no need to make a mountain out of a molehill.
12. No spring chicken: This phrase means not young anymore.
Example: I’m no spring chicken, but I still enjoy learning new things.
13. Put down roots: This idiom means to settle down in a place and make it your home.
Example: After years of travelling, she decided to put down roots in Italy.
14. Take a leaf out of someone’s book: This means to copy or mimic someone else’s behavior or tactics, often because they have been successful.
Example: You could take a leaf out of Lisa’s book and start coming to meetings on time.
15. The calm before the storm: This refers to a quiet or peaceful period before a period of activity or trouble.
Example: The city was eerily quiet – it felt like the calm before the storm.
16. Throw caution to the wind: This means to do something without worrying about the risk or negative results.
Example: I knew it was risky investing in the start-up, but I decided to throw caution to the wind.
17. Turn over a new leaf: This means to start behaving in a better way.
Example: After a period of bad behavior, he promised to turn over a new leaf.
And there you have it! Seventeen nature-inspired idioms to make your English come alive with color and imagery. Remember, understanding idioms isn’t about translating them literally, but about capturing their essence and context. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be using them naturally. Until then, don’t forget to go with the flow!
