Nature is not only all around us but also richly embedded within our language. English idioms that draw from the natural world can illuminate human behavior, describe the ebbs and flows of life, and embellish our everyday conversations with vivid imagery. This blog post delves into 20 nature-inspired idioms, offering concise explanations and examples to help you understand and use them effectively in your communication.
Idioms About Nature
1. Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling sick or ill.
Example: I’m staying home today because I’m feeling under the weather.
2. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Very rarely.
Example: We only see them once in a blue moon.
3. A drop in the ocean
Meaning: A very small part of something much larger.
Example: My donation is just a drop in the ocean.
4. The calm before the storm
Meaning: A peaceful period before chaos or trouble starts.
Example: Everything was quiet, the calm before the storm.
5. Full of beans
Meaning: To have a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
Example: The kids are full of beans today.
6. Out of the woods
Meaning: No longer in danger or difficulty.
Example: We’re not out of the woods with this project yet.
7. Beat around the bush
Meaning: Avoiding the main topic.
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me the truth.
8. Nip it in the bud
Meaning: Stop a problem before it becomes bigger.
Example: We nipped the issue in the bud quickly.
9. Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: Looking in the wrong place or accusing the wrong person.
Example: If you think I took your book, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
10. A breath of fresh air
Meaning: Something that is pleasantly new and different.
Example: His innovative ideas were a breath of fresh air.
11. Let the grass grow under one’s feet
Meaning: To delay or be inactive.
Example: Don’t let the grass grow under your feet; get to work!
12. Make hay while the sun shines
Meaning: Take advantage of favorable conditions.
Example: We finished the project early to make hay while the sun shines.
13. A storm in a teacup
Meaning: A lot of fuss about something trivial.
Example: They argued over a minor mistake—it’s just a storm in a teacup.
14. Come rain or shine
Meaning: No matter what the circumstances.
Example: I’ll be there for you, come rain or shine.
15. Not the sharpest tool in the shed
Meaning: Not very intelligent or sharp-witted.
Example: He’s kind, but not the sharpest tool in the shed.
16. As right as rain
Meaning: Perfectly fine or correct.
Example: After the repairs, my bike was as right as rain.
17. A wild goose chase
Meaning: A hopeless pursuit or search.
Example: Looking for that old book in the attic was a wild goose chase.
18. Through thick and thin
Meaning: Under all circumstances, no matter how difficult.
Example: They’ve been friends through thick and thin.
19. Snowed under
Meaning: Overwhelmed with work or responsibilities.
Example: I’m snowed under at the office this week.
20. Grow on trees
Meaning: To be abundant or readily available.
Example: Money doesn’t grow on trees, you know.
