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In this lesson I will share 10 idioms related to parts of the body.
A word of advice. English idioms are fun but challenging to use. So I suggest you first just try to understand them. Second start to notice them in the English you listen to. Finally, when you start practicing, only use the simple ones you feel comfortable with.
Foot
To put your foot in it = To say or do something embarrassing (unintentionally)
I forgot Jenny’s party was a surprise, and I’ve just told her about it. Oh dear, I’ve really put my foot in it!
Leg
To leg it (U.K.) = To run (often away from something, to escape)
Look the bus is coming, quickly, leg it or we are going to miss it.
That dog is starting to chase us – leg it!
Arse
To be a pain in the arse = To be very annoying or irritating
My little brother never stops talking, he’s a real pain in the arse.
This idiom is quite vulgar and not one you would use in IELTS speaking or any kind of interview. However, you can soften it by just saying ‘to be a pain’.
My boss never stops talking, he’s a real pain.
Chest
To get [something] off your chest = To say something that is annoying or worrying you
Thanks for listening to me tell you about this problem, I really needed to get it off my chest.
Hand
To know something like the back of my hand = To know something, someone, somewhere very well
I know this city like the back of my hand.
Jack wouldn’t do that – I know him like the back of my hand.
Fingers
To have green fingers = To be good at gardening
All my plants seem to die, I don’t have green fingers.
Thumb
To be under someone’s thumb = To be under someone’s control
Jack can’t come out with us tonight, his wife won’t let him. He’s really under her thumb.
Tooth
To have a sweet tooth = To like sweet things
I always have a dessert after dinner – I have a real sweet tooth.
Eye
To see eye to eye = To agree
My wife and I don’t always see eye to eye, but we can usually work out a compromise.
Head
To be in over your head = To be in too difficult a situation
This new job is too difficult, I think I am in over my head.
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