26 Body Idioms
Study Tips:
Try to make a sentence with each idiom using an experience from your own life.
Try to find an equivalent idiom in your language!
#1
Finally you’re here! You’re a sight for sore eyes. This party has been so boring without you.
After being away on a business trip for three weeks, Dan’s wife was a sight for sore eyes.
#2
I’m not usually a timid person, but I get so nervous in meetings at work. It’s really my Achilles’ heel.
You have got to stop taking things so personally Janet. It’s your Achilles’ heel.
#3
Paul has really started to act big-headed since his promotion.
Too much money too early in life can make a person really big-headed.
#4
-used on its own
-usually related to performances
Before a piano concert: You are going to be amazing tonight Jen! Break a leg!
A director to actors: Break a leg everyone! It’s show time!
#5
I passed the Cambridge B2 First by the skin of my teeth! I almost failed by a few points!
At 65 years old, Bill finished the marathon by the skin of his teeth.
#6
-often referring to the bride or groom before a wedding
-used with the verb ‘get’
David got cold feet a week before the wedding and cancelled it! Rachel was devastated obviously.
I’m starting to get cold feet about quitting my job. I’m thinking I should stay on a few more months at least.
#7
I really don’t know why Jessica has been giving me the cold shoulder all morning. Did I say something to offend her?
I can’t believe Bess gave me the cold shoulder at her wedding. I tried to speak to her, but she kept avoiding me!
#8
I finally found a flat in London, but the deposit cost me an arm and a leg. Over £3,000!
Of course you can take the train instead of the coach, but it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg.
#9
usually referring to an attractive man or woman
Have you seen Fiona’s new boyfriend? He’s really easy on the eyes.
Hanna is a great secretary. She’s easy on the eyes too.
#10
I really need to get something off my chest. A friend told me that you still speak to your ex. Is this true?
You know, I have a lot to get off my chest. I just don’t know how to approach Henry about all this.
#11
usually used in the negative
I can’t believe you went parachuting Carl. I don’t have the stomach for any of those adventure sports.
Ha! Nathan wants to leave Vivienne, but he doesn’t have the stomach to break up with her.
#12
A: Lara only dresses like that to get attention.
B: Yep, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
A:I don’t know why management decided to let Karen go. Is it because she had an interview somewhere else?
B: You know, I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. Why else would they sack her?
#13
used on its own
A: I have to tell you something really important.
B: I’m all ears.
A: So last night, I met this really handsome man..
B: I’m all ears.
#14
On the train: Excuse me, could you please keep an eye on my bag? I have to quickly run to the toilet.
It’s really difficult keeping an eye on my four year old son. He just runs everywhere!
#15
Come on, you have to learn your mobile number by heart. What happens if you lose your phone?
I can’t believe it. My sister has learnt all the words to ‘Despacito’ by heart. She doesn’t even speak Spanish!
#16
Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone. My lips are sealed.
A: Come on, tell me Linda!
B: Nope sorry, my lips are sealed!
#17
A: Hey Mark, do you remember who attended the staff meeting last week?
B: Um…off the top of my head I only remember Sue, Gloria, and Brian. But I’m sure someone else was there.
A: Can you think of any famous Russian writers?
B: Oh wow, off the top of my head I can only think of Tolstoy.
#18
I’m not sure what is going to happen at the open day tomorrow. I guess we’ll just play it by ear.
A: When did Jim say his train is arriving?
B: I think he said 6. I’m not sure though. We’ll have to play it by ear. I’m sure he’ll give us a call.
#19
- I went to see my therapist for the first time in weeks. I just poured my heart out for the entire hour.
- I didn’t think Olga liked me very much, but when we went out for a pint, she just poured her heart out. I was really surprised.
#20
A: Your daughter looks just like you Steve.
B: Oh she’s not really my daughter. My wife had an affair a few years ago.
A:….
B: Ha! Just pulling your leg Frank.
You’re not pulling my leg right? Is Linda really pregnant?
#21
I think Ellen was really embarrassed by Greg’s comment. She only laughed to save face.
Lying isn’t a good way to save face. Eventually the truth will come out.
#22
My husband and I have always seen eye to eye on how to raise children.
I’m afraid we just don’t see eye to eye on this matter. Let’s agree to disagree.
#23
My mum has always been a shoulder to cry on when I’m feeling down.
If you need a shoulder to cry on Maria, just call me okay.
#24
I’ve had a sweet tooth for as long as I remember. I could eat dessert three times a day if it weren’t bad for you!
A: Would you like a cupcake Don?
B: Oh, no thank you. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth.
#25
This can be the hand gesture or the words.
Frank gave me a big thumbs up after I sang ‘My Heart Will Go On’ on karaoke night.
A lot of people are giving this film a big thumbs up. We have to watch it.
#26
-used on its own
– normally said to someone younger or in a lower position than you
Child: I hate this food. It tastes like poo.
Father: Watch your mouth Kate! We don’t speak like that at the table!
One sister to another: Go away Jill. Why don’t you go and…
Mum: Watch your mouth young lady.
