Imagine you’re watching your favorite English-speaking TV show, and a character exclaims, “I don’t feel up to par today.” You wonder, are they talking about golf? But then, you notice they don’t look well. This is a classic example of an English idiom related to health, an intriguing aspect of the language that often carries hidden meanings. Now, wouldn’t it be great to understand these idioms and use them like a pro in conversations? Well, let’s explore them together!
Allow me to introduce you to 23 popular English idioms related to health:
1. As fit as a fiddle: In good health.
Example: Despite her age, my grandmother is as fit as a fiddle.
2. At death’s door: Extremely ill, possibly close to death.
Example: He was at death’s door after the accident, but thankfully he’s recovering now.
3. Bite the bullet: To face a painful situation bravely.
Example: It’s time to bite the bullet and visit the dentist for that root canal.
4. Burn the candle at both ends: To work or do too much and get little rest.
Example: If you keep burning the candle at both ends, you’ll get sick.
5. Under the weather: Not feeling well.
Example: I can’t go to work today, I’m feeling a bit under the weather.
6. Fit as a flea: In excellent physical condition.
Example: He runs every day, so he’s as fit as a flea.
7. Full of beans: To have a lot of energy.
Example: The children are full of beans this morning, running all around the house.
8. Get back on one’s feet: To recover after an illness or difficult time.
Example: It took him a while to get back on his feet after the surgery.
9. Hale and hearty: Very healthy.
Example: My grandfather is 90, but he’s still hale and hearty.
10. Have one foot in the grave: To be very ill or near death.
Example: He’s not as bad as you think. He doesn’t have one foot in the grave yet.
11. In the pink: In good health.
Example: After a week of rest and relaxation, she’s in the pink again.
12. Keep one’s chin up: To remain cheerful in a difficult situation.
Example: It’s hard to keep your chin up when you’re constantly feeling unwell.
13. On the mend: Improving in health or condition.
Example: Thankfully, after the treatment, he’s on the mend.
14. Out of sorts: In a state of discomfort, feeling slightly ill.
Example: He seemed out of sorts at the meeting, maybe he’s coming down with something.
15. Picture of health: A person who looks very healthy.
Example: You’re the picture of health after your vacation!
16. Run down: Very tired; not healthy.
Example: She’s been feeling run down from overwork.
17. Sick as a dog: Very sick.
Example: He ate something that made him sick as a dog.
18. Take a turn for the worse: To become sicker.
Example: Her condition took a turn for the worse overnight.
19. Up and about: Moving around normally after an illness or injury.
Example: I’m glad to see you’re up and about after your accident.
20. Black out: To lose consciousness. Example:
He blacked out from exhaustion after the marathon.
21. Feel like death warmed up: To feel very ill.
Example: I haven’t slept all night and I feel like death warmed up.
22. As pale as a ghost: To look very scared or ill.
Example: You’re as pale as a ghost, what happened?
23. Back on track: Return to good condition.
Example: After a few weeks of physical therapy, I’m finally back on track.
In conclusion, idioms related to health can add a creative touch to your English language usage, making it vibrant and expressive. These idioms give an engaging twist to everyday conversations and can help you understand the nuances of the English language better. Keep practicing them, and soon they’ll become a natural part of your conversation.