The color blue isn’t just a visual treat; it permeates our language through various idioms, each adding color to our expressions and conversations. This post explores 20 popular idioms that use the word “blue,” offering you a peek into their meanings and uses. These idioms enrich our language, often describing emotions, unexpected events, or rare occurrences, all with a touch of blue.
Idioms Using the Word Blue
1. Out of the blue
Meaning: Something happening unexpectedly.
Example: He called me out of the blue after years.
2. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: An event that happens very rarely.
Example: I only see him once in a blue moon.
3. Blue blood
Meaning: Someone of noble or royal birth.
Example: She is considered blue blood in society.
4. True blue
Meaning: Extremely loyal.
Example: He’s a true blue supporter of the team.
5. Blue-collar
Meaning: Related to manual work or workers.
Example: He works a blue-collar job.
6. Feeling blue
Meaning: Feeling sad or depressed.
Example: She’s been feeling blue lately.
7. Blue ribbon
Meaning: First place; top prize.
Example: He won the blue ribbon in the contest.
8. Blue in the face
Meaning: Exhausted from effort, often futile.
Example: You can argue till you’re blue in the face.
9. Blue skies
Meaning: A situation where future prospects are positive.
Example: It’s all blue skies from here.
10. Into the blue
Meaning: Entering into the unknown.
Example: He set off into the blue with just a backpack.
11. Baby blues
Meaning: Blue eyes, often used endearingly.
Example: Her daughter has her baby blues.
12. Bolt from the blue
Meaning: A sudden and unexpected event.
Example: The news was a bolt from the blue.
13. Blue law
Meaning: Laws restricting certain activities, usually on Sundays.
Example: The state’s blue laws limit shopping hours.
14. Blue note
Meaning: A minor interval used in jazz and blues.
Example: He hit a blue note that stirred the audience.
15. Blue wall of silence
Meaning: The informal code among police officers not to report a colleague’s errors or misconduct.
Example: The case was complicated by the blue wall of silence.
16. Blue pencil
Meaning: To censor or edit text.
Example: The editor will blue pencil the manuscript heavily.
17. Blue plate special
Meaning: A daily meal at a reduced price.
Example: The diner is famous for its blue plate special.
18. Talk a blue streak
Meaning: To talk very rapidly and endlessly.
Example: She can talk a blue streak when excited.
19. Blue chip
Meaning: Denotes companies known for quality and reliability.
Example: He invests mainly in blue chip stocks.
20. Blue comedy
Meaning: Comedy that is risqué or uses off-color humor.
Example: The stand-up show featured blue comedy.
