Idioms for Kids

Idioms for Kids

Idioms for Kids

Idioms are a fun and creative way to improve your language skills. Here are 50 idioms that kids can learn and use in their everyday conversations.
  • A piece of cake

Meaning: Something very easy to do.
Explanation: If someone says that a task is “a piece of cake,” it means that it’s very simple and requires little effort.
Example: “I thought the math test was going to be hard, but it was a piece of cake!”

  • Actions speak louder than words

Meaning: It’s not what you say, it’s what you do that matters.
Explanation: This idiom means that instead of just talking about something, you should take action and show that you mean what you say.
Example: “Instead of just saying you’ll help, actions speak louder than words, so let’s get started!”

  • All ears

Meaning: Listening carefully.
Explanation: If someone is “all ears,” it means they’re paying close attention to what you’re saying.
Example: “I’m all ears! Tell me more about your day.”

  • An apple a day keeps the doctor away

Meaning: Eating healthy foods can keep you from getting sick.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that eating nutritious foods like apples can help you stay healthy and avoid visiting the doctor.
Example: “Remember, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, so let’s make sure to eat our fruits and veggies!”
  • Barking up the wrong tree

Meaning: Doing something that will not work or is mistaken.
Explanation: If someone is “barking up the wrong tree,” it means they’re pursuing a mistaken or misguided course of action.
Example: “I think you’re barking up the wrong tree if you think that’s going to work!”
  • Bite off more than you can chew

Meaning: Take on more responsibility than you can handle.
Explanation: This idiom warns against taking on too much at once and suggests that you should only commit to what you can realistically handle.
Example: “Be careful not to bite off more than you can chew with that new project – it looks like a lot of work!”
  • Blood is thicker than water

Meaning: Family ties are stronger than any other relationship.
Explanation: This idiom emphasizes the importance of family bonds and suggests that they are more significant than any other connection.
Example: “No matter what, blood is thicker than water, and I’ll always be there for my family.”
  • Break a leg

Meaning: Good luck!
Explanation: This idiom is a way of wishing someone success, especially in a performance or audition.
Example: “You’re going to do great! Break a leg!”
  • Burn the midnight oil

Meaning: Work late into the night, often to meet a deadline.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that someone is working hard and putting in extra hours to get something done.
Example: “I’ve been burning the midnight oil all week to finish this project on time.”
  • Cut to the chase

Meaning: Get to the point or the most important part of a conversation.
Explanation: This idiom is used to ask someone to skip the unnecessary details and get to the main point.
Example: “Can you cut to the chase and tell me what you really want to say?”
  • Cry over spilled milk

Meaning: Don’t waste time feeling sorry for something that’s already happened and can’t be changed.
Explanation: This idiom encourages kids to move on from their mistakes and focus on the present.
Example: “There’s no use crying over spilled milk – let’s just clean it up and move on!”

  • Bite your tongue

Meaning: Keep quiet and don’t say something you might regret.
Explanation: This idiom is used to remind kids to think before they speak and consider the consequences of their words.
Example: “Bite your tongue and don’t say anything you might regret – let’s just listen for now.”
  • Beat around the bush

Meaning: Avoid talking directly or clearly about something.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that someone is not being straightforward or honest in their communication.
Example: “Stop beating around the bush and tell me what’s really going on!”

  • Cost an arm and a leg

Meaning: Something is very expensive.
Explanation: This idiom is used to exaggerate the cost of something and emphasize its expansiveness.
Example: “I love that new video game, but it costs an arm and a leg – I’ll have to save up!”
  • Cut corners

Meaning: Take shortcuts or do something in a way that’s not thorough or of high quality.
Explanation: This idiom warns against taking shortcuts or being lazy in one’s work or efforts.
Example: “Don’t cut corners on this project – let’s make sure we do it right!”
  • Easy does it

Meaning: Take your time and be gentle or careful.
Explanation: This idiom is used to remind kids to be patient and cautious in their actions.
Example: “Easy does it – don’t rush and make a mistake!”
  • Get a kick out of something

Meaning: Enjoy or find pleasure in something.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe something that brings happiness or excitement.
Example: “I get a kick out of playing soccer with my friends – it’s so much fun!”
  • In a nutshell

Meaning: A brief and clear summary or explanation.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a concise and straightforward summary of something.
Example: “The movie was about friendship and love – in a nutshell!”
  • Let sleeping dogs lie

Meaning: Avoid talking about a controversial or sensitive topic that may cause trouble or conflict.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that some topics are best left alone to avoid stirring up trouble.
Example: “Let sleeping dogs lie – let’s not bring up that argument again.”
  • Make a mountain out of a molehill

Meaning: Exaggerate or make a big deal out of something small.
Explanation: This idiom warns against exaggerating or making too much of something that’s not that important.
Example: “Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill – it’s just a small problem!”
  • On the same page

Meaning: Have the same understanding or be in agreement.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that people are thinking alike and are on the same wavelength.
Example: “I’m glad we’re on the same page about the project goals – let’s move forward!”
  • Practice what you preach

Meaning: Act in accordance with your beliefs or values.
Explanation: This idiom encourages kids to put their words into action and be a good role model.
Example: “If you believe in being kind to others, practice what you preach and volunteer at the animal shelter!”
  • Rain on someone’s parade

Meaning: Spoil or ruin someone’s plans or event.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that someone’s actions or words have caused disappointment or frustration for someone else.
Example: “I didn’t mean to rain on your parade, but we need to reschedule the party.”
  • Take it with a grain of salt

Meaning: Be skeptical or cautious, and don’t take something at face value.
Explanation: This idiom encourages kids to question information and not believe everything they hear.
Example: “Take what he says with a grain of salt – he’s not always honest.”
  • The pot calling the kettle black

Meaning: Accusing someone of something you yourself are guilty of.
Explanation: This idiom highlights the hypocrisy of accusing someone else of something you do yourself.
Example: “You’re accusing me of being lazy? That’s like the pot calling the kettle black – you’re always sleeping in!”
  • Think outside the box

Meaning: Be creative and come up with unique ideas.
Explanation: This idiom encourages kids to think differently and not be limited by conventional thinking.
Example: “Let’s think outside the box and come up with a new solution to the problem.”
  • When in Rome, do as the Romans do

Meaning: Adapt to local customs and behavior when you’re in a different place.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that kids should respect and follow the norms of the place they’re in.
Example: “When we’re at grandma’s house, remember to take off your shoes – when in Rome, do as the Romans do!”
  • You can’t have your cake and eat it too

Meaning: You can’t have two things that are mutually exclusive.
Explanation: This idiom teaches kids that they can’t always have everything they want.
Example: “You can’t have your cake and eat it too – if you spend all your money on a new toy, you won’t have enough for the movie.”
  • You can’t judge a book by its cover

Meaning: Don’t judge someone or something based on appearance alone.
Explanation: This idiom encourages kids to look beyond the surface and not make judgments based on how something looks.
Example: “You can’t judge a book by its cover – that new student might seem shy, but they’re really friendly once you get to know them.”
  • You reap what you sow

Meaning: Your actions will have consequences, good or bad.
Explanation: This idiom teaches kids that their choices and actions will affect the outcome of a situation.
Example: “If you don’t study for the test, you’ll reap what you sow – a bad grade!”
  • A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

Meaning: It’s better to have something that is certain and real than to take a risk and possibly lose everything.
Explanation: This idiom encourages kids to appreciate what they have and not take unnecessary risks.
Example: “I know you want to try out for the soccer team, but remember, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush – you already have a spot on the volleyball team.”
  • A fish out of water

Meaning: Someone who is out of their comfort zone or in an unfamiliar situation.
Explanation: This idiom describes someone who feels uncomfortable or unsure in a new situation.
Example: “I felt like a fish out of water at the party – I didn’t know anyone!”
  • A penny for your thoughts

Meaning: An expression used to ask someone what they’re thinking or daydreaming about.
Explanation: This idiom is a friendly way to ask someone to share their thoughts or feelings.
Example: “A penny for your thoughts – what’s on your mind?”
  • Bite off more than you can chew

Meaning: Take on more responsibility than you can handle.
Explanation: This idiom warns against overcommitting and encourages kids to prioritize their tasks.
Example: “Be careful not to bite off more than you can chew with that new project – it looks like a lot of work!”
  • Blood, sweat, and tears

Meaning: A lot of hard work and effort.
Explanation: This idiom emphasizes the importance of dedication and perseverance.
Example: “Building that treehouse took blood, sweat, and tears – but it was worth it!”
  • Burn bridges

Meaning: Sever relationships or connections, often in a way that makes it hard to go back.
Explanation: This idiom warns against actions that might damage relationships or opportunities.
Example: “Be careful not to burn bridges with your friend – you never know when you might need their help again.”
  • Cut to the quick

Meaning: Get to the point or the most important part of a conversation.
Explanation: This idiom is used to ask someone to skip the unnecessary details and get to the main point.
Example: “Can you cut to the quick and tell me what you really want to say?”
  • Easy as pie

Meaning: Very simple or effortless.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a task that requires little skill or effort.
Example: “The math problem was easy as pie – I solved it in no time!”
  • Get down to business

Meaning: Start discussing the important or serious aspects of a topic.
Explanation: This idiom is used to shift the focus to the main issue at hand.
Example: “Let’s get down to business and talk about the project deadline.”
  • In a jiffy

Meaning: Very quickly or in a short amount of time.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe something that happens rapidly or in an instant.
Example: “I’ll be there in a jiffy – just give me a minute!”
  • Let the cat out of the bag

Meaning: Reveal a secret or surprise prematurely.
Explanation: This idiom warns against sharing confidential information too soon.
Example: “I accidentally let the cat out of the bag and told my sister about the surprise party.”
  • Make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear

Meaning: Try to make something valuable or beautiful out of something of little worth.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that it’s difficult to transform something of poor quality into something exceptional.
Example: “You’re trying to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear with that old bike – it’s beyond repair!”
  • On the horns of a dilemma

Meaning: Faced with two difficult choices, neither of which is desirable.
Explanation: This idiom describes a situation where someone is torn between two unpleasant options.
Example: “I’m on the horns of a dilemma – do I take the job offer or stay in school?”
  • Practice makes perfect

Meaning: The more you practice something, the better you’ll become at it.
Explanation: This idiom encourages kids to keep practicing and persevering to achieve mastery.
Example: “Keep practicing your piano skills – practice makes perfect!”
  • Rain on someone’s parade

Meaning: Spoil or ruin someone’s plans or events.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that someone’s actions or words have caused disappointment or frustration for someone else.
Example: “I didn’t mean to rain on your parade, but we need to reschedule the party.”
  • Take it with a grain of salt

Meaning: Be skeptical or cautious, and don’t take something at face value.
Explanation: This idiom encourages kids to question information and not believe everything they hear.
Example: “Take what he says with a grain of salt –
he’s not always honest.”

  • The grass is always greener on the other side

Meaning: People often think someone else’s situation is better than their own.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that people tend to compare themselves unfavorably to others.
Example: “You think your friend’s life is easier, but remember, the grass is always greener on the other side – everyone has their own struggles.”
  • The pot calling the kettle black

Meaning: Accusing someone of something you yourself are guilty of.
Explanation: This idiom highlights the hypocrisy of accusing someone else of something you do yourself.
Example: “You’re accusing me of being lazy? That’s like the pot calling the kettle black – you’re always sleeping in!”
  • Think on your feet

Meaning: Be able to think quickly and make decisions in a fast-paced or unexpected situation.
Explanation: This idiom encourages kids to be adaptable and responsive in changing circumstances.
Example: “You need to think on your feet in a crisis – stay calm and make a plan!”
  • When the going gets tough, the tough get going

Meaning: Strong people take action and persevere when faced with challenges.
Explanation: This idiom encourages kids to be resilient and determined in the face of obstacles.
Example: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going – let’s keep working on this project!”
  • Bend over backwards

Meaning: Go out of one’s way to help or accommodate someone.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that someone is willing to make an extra effort to assist or support another person.
Example: “My teacher bent over backward to help me understand the difficult concept.”
  • Cost a pretty penny

Meaning: Something is expensive.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe something that has a high price or requires a significant amount of money.
Example: “That new smartphone costs a pretty penny – it’s really expensive!”
  • Cry crocodile tears

Meaning: Show fake or insincere emotions, usually sadness or grief.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that someone is pretending to be upset or distressed, but their emotions are not genuine.
Example: “She’s crying crocodile tears – she’s not really sad, she’s just trying to get attention.”
  • Give someone the cold shoulder

Meaning: Purposely ignore or show indifference to someone.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that someone is deliberately avoiding or dismissing another person.
Example: “I tried to talk to my brother, but he gave me the cold shoulder – he’s still mad at me.”
  • In the same boat

Meaning: People are in a similar situation or have a shared experience.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that individuals are facing the same challenges or circumstances.
Example: “We’re all in the same boat – we’re all struggling with this math homework!”

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Learning Idioms for Kids is a fun way to add new colors to your child’s communication toolbox. With a little practice, they’ll be using these expressions like pro, adding flair and nuance to their conversations. Remember, the key is to keep it light and engaging. Make learning Idioms for Kids a fun activity, and your child will be a master communicator in no time!

For even more learning fun, you can:

  • Come up with your silly idioms together.
  • Try using idioms in everyday conversations and see if your child can spot them.
  • Read books and stories that use idioms to see how they’re used in context.

Idiomatic expressions are a window into the richness and creativity of language. By helping your child learn idioms, you’re giving them a valuable tool for understanding and expressing themselves in the world.

enjoy

About The Author

15 Comments

  1. X22emilt

    Hey people!!!!!
    Good mood and good luck to everyone!!!!!

    Reply
  2. Internet_wrma

    Выбери камин для комфорта и тепла в доме, которые покорят сердца.
    В магазине печей и дымоходов можно приобрести все необходимое для обустройства дома: [url=http://www.magazin-pechej-kaminov-i-dymohodov.ru]http://www.magazin-pechej-kaminov-i-dymohodov.ru[/url] .

    Reply
  3. LeslieHiz

    помощь в получении водительских прав

    Купить права на автомобиль: путь к новым возможностям.

    Source:

    https://prava-online.vip

    Reply
  4. seo_teol

    The best SEO company for your business, professional help in the field of SEO.
    How to make the right choice of an SEO agency, tips from experts.
    Advantages of working with experienced SEO specialists, what to expect from cooperation.
    An article about the best SEO companies, real reviews.

    Reply
  5. Pitroda Satyan G

    Greetings,

    Am glad to connect with you, My name is Pitroda Satyan G, am an investment consultant with Shrooq AlQamar Project Management Services Co LLC, I have been mandated by the company to source for investment opportunities and companies seeking for funding, business loans, for its project(s). Do you have any investment or project that is seeking for capital to fund it?

    Reply
  6. X22emilt

    Hey people!!!!!
    Good mood and good luck to everyone!!!!!

    Reply
  7. XRumer23emilt

    Hey people!!!!!
    Good mood and good luck to everyone!!!!!

    Reply
  8. rent_xhel

    Travel comfortably and without worries, at any time convenient for you with favorable rates for a long period of time.

    Reply
  9. tlover tonet

    An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!

    Reply
  10. rent_uxsa

    How to rent a car in advance, the advantages and disadvantages of renting a car in advance, and how it will help you on your trip to avoid inconveniences on the spot to plan a carefree vacation .

    Reply
  11. tlovertonet

    Its like you learn my mind! You seem to know a lot approximately this, like you wrote the ebook in it or something. I believe that you simply can do with a few percent to drive the message home a bit, however other than that, that is magnificent blog. An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.

    Reply

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *