Our planet is not just our home; it’s also a source of rich expressions and idioms that permeate various languages and cultures. In this blog post, we explore 20 earth-related idioms that are as diverse as the planet itself. These expressions provide colorful ways to describe situations, emotions, and behaviors, offering a glimpse into how deeply nature influences our communication. Whether you’re looking to spice up your vocabulary or gain insight into common English expressions, these earthy idioms will certainly add a layer of depth to your conversations.
Idioms about Earth
1. Down to Earth
Meaning: Practical and realistic.
Example: Despite his fame, he’s very down to earth.
2. Move Heaven and Earth
Meaning: Do everything possible to achieve a goal.
Example: She moved heaven and earth to finish her degree.
3. Cost the Earth
Meaning: Very expensive.
Example: That luxury car costs the earth!
4. Salt of the Earth
Meaning: A person who is humble and very good.
Example: My grandmother is the salt of the earth.
5. Earth-shattering
Meaning: Extremely surprising and important.
Example: They announced some earth-shattering news.
6. On Earth
Meaning: Used for emphasis in questions, expressing surprise or confusion.
Example: Why on earth did you do that?
7. Scorched Earth
Meaning: A policy of complete destruction to prevent use by an enemy.
Example: The retreating army adopted a scorched earth policy.
8. The Ends of the Earth
Meaning: The most remote places in the world.
Example: I would travel to the ends of the earth for you.
9. Earthly
Meaning: Possible or likely in any way.
Example: There’s no earthly reason to refuse.
10. Run to Earth
Meaning: Find someone or something after a long search.
Example: The detective finally ran the fugitive to earth.
11. Earth Mother
Meaning: A woman who appears nurturing and nature-loving.
Example: She’s a real earth mother, always gardening and cooking.
12. Promise the Earth
Meaning: Make extravagant promises.
Example: Politicians often promise the earth during campaigns.
13. What on Earth
Meaning: Used to express shock or surprise.
Example: What on earth were you thinking?
14. Come Back Down to Earth
Meaning: Return to reality from fantasy or excitement.
Example: After the party, we all had to come back down to earth.
15. Like Nothing on Earth
Meaning: Very unusual or strange.
Example: His new invention looks like nothing on earth.
16. Go to Earth
Meaning: Hide to avoid a problem.
Example: He went to earth after the scandal broke.
17. Heaven on Earth
Meaning: A very beautiful or peaceful place.
Example: This secluded beach is like heaven on earth.
18. To Be Dead and Buried
Meaning: Completely forgotten.
Example: Those old rumors are now dead and buried.
19. Keep Your Ear to the Ground
Meaning: Stay informed about what is happening around.
Example: To stay ahead in business, keep your ear to the ground.
20. Not Know the First Thing About
Meaning: Have no knowledge or information about something.
Example: He doesn’t know the first thing about gardening.
