Kids in the USA say and do many fun and silly things. Grown-ups often use special phrases to talk about these moments. These phrases are called idioms. Idioms don’t always mean what the words say. For example, if someone says a child is “a handful,” it doesn’t mean they can be held in one hand—it means the child is a little wild or hard to manage.
Learning idioms about kids helps people understand each other better. These sayings are used in movies, books, and everyday conversations all across America. If you know them, you can speak like a local and enjoy talking with others. In this article, we’ll look at many idioms people in the USA use when talking about kids. You’ll also get a chance to try a fun quiz to check what you’ve learned.
Idioms About Kids
1. A handful
Meaning: A child who is hard to manage
Example Sentence:
– Max was a handful at the grocery store.
– Lily can be a handful when she skips her nap.
Other ways to say: A bit wild, hard to handle
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom means someone is as much as you can carry in your hands—just enough to be tough to manage.
Usage: Used when a child is active, loud, or hard to control.
2. Bundle of energy
Meaning: A very active child
Example Sentence:
– My son is a bundle of energy after school.
– That toddler is a bundle of energy at the park.
Other ways to say: Full of life, bouncing off the walls
Fun Fact/Origin: It compares a child’s energy to a bundle you can’t keep still.
Usage: Used when kids are running around or excited.
3. Act your age
Meaning: Telling a child to behave more maturely
Example Sentence:
– Stop whining and act your age.
– You’re 10 now—act your age.
Other ways to say: Be more mature, behave
Fun Fact/Origin: It’s used when someone acts younger than they are.
Usage: Used to correct behavior.
4. Big baby
Meaning: Someone who acts childish or overly emotional
Example Sentence:
– Don’t be a big baby, it’s just a small scrape.
– He cried like a big baby when he lost the game.
Other ways to say: Drama queen, crybaby
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom compares someone’s actions to how babies act.
Usage: Used when someone overreacts.
5. Born with a silver spoon
Meaning: A child born into a rich family
Example Sentence:
– She was born with a silver spoon and never had to work.
– Kids at that school were mostly born with silver spoons.
Other ways to say: Privileged, well-off
Fun Fact/Origin: Wealthy babies once received silver spoons as gifts.
Usage: Used to describe kids with rich parents.
6. Child’s play
Meaning: Something very easy
Example Sentence:
– Homework this week was child’s play.
– Fixing that bike is child’s play for him.
Other ways to say: Super easy, piece of cake
Fun Fact/Origin: If a kid can do it, it must be simple.
Usage: Used when something is not hard at all.
7. Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: Get upset about something that already happened
Example Sentence:
– It’s just a broken toy—don’t cry over spilled milk.
– You lost the game, but no use crying over spilled milk.
Other ways to say: Let it go, move on
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from actual spilled milk—it’s not worth crying about it.
Usage: Used to calm someone down after a small problem.
8. Like a kid in a candy store
Meaning: Very excited and can’t decide what to pick
Example Sentence:
– At the toy store, he was like a kid in a candy store.
– She was like a kid in a candy store at the amusement park.
Other ways to say: Super excited, overwhelmed with choices
Fun Fact/Origin: Candy stores make kids very happy—this compares similar excitement.
Usage: Used when someone is overly thrilled.
9. Throw a tantrum
Meaning: To get very upset loudly, often over something small
Example Sentence:
– She threw a tantrum when she couldn’t get the toy.
– Kids throw tantrums when they’re tired.
Other ways to say: Lose it, have a meltdown
Fun Fact/Origin: Common behavior in toddlers, often in public places.
Usage: Used for emotional outbursts.
10. Spoiled brat
Meaning: A child who always gets what they want
Example Sentence:
– That spoiled brat screamed until he got the game.
– Don’t raise your kid to be a spoiled brat.
Other ways to say: Pampered, too used to getting things
Fun Fact/Origin: It means the child is “spoiled” like food gone bad.
Usage: Used to describe kids with too many toys or treats.
11. Like herding cats
Meaning: Trying to control a group of kids who won’t listen
Example Sentence:
– Getting the kids ready for school was like herding cats.
– Managing second graders on a field trip is like herding cats.
Other ways to say: Hard to control, messy situation
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats don’t follow directions—neither do excited kids.
Usage: Used when kids are wild and won’t stay together.
12. Monkey see, monkey do
Meaning: Kids copy what they see
Example Sentence:
– He said a bad word and now his little brother says it too—monkey see, monkey do.
– Be careful, toddlers copy everything—monkey see, monkey do.
Other ways to say: Imitate, copycat
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how monkeys copy people.
Usage: Used when kids copy actions or words.
13. In hot water
Meaning: In trouble
Example Sentence:
– She’s in hot water for not doing her homework.
– He got in hot water after breaking the vase.
Other ways to say: In trouble, busted
Fun Fact/Origin: Hot water is uncomfortable—like being in trouble.
Usage: Used when a kid is being scolded or punished.
14. Out like a light
Meaning: Fell asleep quickly
Example Sentence:
– After the park, she was out like a light.
– He was out like a light right after dinner.
Other ways to say: Knocked out, fast asleep
Fun Fact/Origin: A light turns off fast—so does sleep in tired kids.
Usage: Used when a child falls asleep quickly.
15. Big fish in a small pond
Meaning: A kid who is important in a small group
Example Sentence:
– He was a big fish in a small pond at his last school.
– She’s the best reader in class—a big fish in a small pond.
Other ways to say: Top of the group, local star
Fun Fact/Origin: A big fish stands out in a tiny pond.
Usage: Used when a child shines in a small group.
16. Backseat driver
Meaning: A kid who tries to control things they shouldn’t
Example Sentence:
– Stop being a backseat driver and let mom drive.
– My little sister is a backseat driver with her video games.
Other ways to say: Bossy, interfering
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from people giving directions from the backseat.
Usage: Used when kids try to take charge.
17. Knee-high to a grasshopper
Meaning: Very young or little
Example Sentence:
– I’ve known him since he was knee-high to a grasshopper.
– She’s been dancing since she was knee-high to a grasshopper.
Other ways to say: Tiny, just a little kid
Fun Fact/Origin: A grasshopper is small—this means very young.
Usage: Used to describe young childhood.
18. Baby steps
Meaning: Small progress
Example Sentence:
– He’s learning to read—baby steps.
– It’s okay to take baby steps with big homework.
Other ways to say: Little by little, slow start
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how babies learn to walk slowly.
Usage: Used when kids make slow progress.
19. Wet behind the ears
Meaning: Inexperienced or new at something
Example Sentence:
– He just started school—still wet behind the ears.
– She’s wet behind the ears when it comes to babysitting.
Other ways to say: New, not ready
Fun Fact/Origin: Newborn animals are wet behind the ears at birth.
Usage: Used when kids are learning something new.
20. Cry wolf
Meaning: To lie or fake trouble so often that no one believes you
Example Sentence:
– If you keep crying wolf, no one will help you when you really need it.
– He cried wolf too many times about being sick.
Other ways to say: Fake alarm, exaggerate
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from a story where a boy fakes danger too many times.
Usage: Used when kids pretend something is wrong too often.
21. Mind of a sponge
Meaning: A child who learns quickly
Example Sentence:
– Little kids have minds like sponges—they remember everything.
– He picked up Spanish fast—like a sponge.
Other ways to say: Fast learner, quick thinker
Fun Fact/Origin: Sponges soak up water—kids soak up knowledge.
Usage: Used when a child easily remembers or learns.
22. Run around like a chicken with its head cut off
Meaning: Acting wild or confused
Example Sentence:
– The kids were running around like chickens with their heads cut off before bedtime.
– He forgot his backpack and ran around like a chicken with its head cut off.
Other ways to say: All over the place, frantic
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how chickens move wildly when scared.
Usage: Used for kids being overly active or confused.
23. On your best behavior
Meaning: Acting very well
Example Sentence:
– Be on your best behavior at grandma’s house.
– The students were on their best behavior during the trip.
Other ways to say: Be polite, act nice
Fun Fact/Origin: Used when kids need to impress adults.
Usage: Often said before a visit or special event.
24. Out of the mouth of babes
Meaning: Kids say smart or honest things adults wouldn’t
Example Sentence:
– “Why don’t grown-ups just say sorry?”—out of the mouth of babes.
– Kids say the realest things—out of the mouth of babes.
Other ways to say: Kids say the darndest things
Fun Fact/Origin: An old saying meaning kids are honest without trying.
Usage: Used when kids say something wise or deep.
25. Sticky fingers
Meaning: A kid who takes things that aren’t theirs
Example Sentence:
– Watch your candy around him—he’s got sticky fingers.
– That toy disappeared, and the kid with sticky fingers had it.
Other ways to say: Sneaky, takes things
Fun Fact/Origin: Sticky hands “grab” things easily.
Usage: Used when a child may be stealing or sneaking things.
26. Full of beans
Meaning: Very energetic
Example Sentence:
– After lunch, the kids were full of beans.
– She’s always full of beans in the morning.
Other ways to say: Lively, hyped up
Fun Fact/Origin: “Beans” used to mean excitement or pep.
Usage: Describes kids bouncing with energy.
27. Have ants in your pants
Meaning: Can’t sit still
Example Sentence:
– He had ants in his pants during the school play.
– She couldn’t stay quiet—must’ve had ants in her pants.
Other ways to say: Fidgety, restless
Fun Fact/Origin: Imagining ants crawling makes anyone squirm.
Usage: Used when kids are wiggly or overactive.
28. No spring chicken
Meaning: Not young anymore
Example Sentence:
– Grandpa says he’s no spring chicken, but he can still race us.
– That dog’s no spring chicken—it sleeps all day.
Other ways to say: Getting older
Fun Fact/Origin: Spring chicks are young—this means someone older.
Usage: Used jokingly about age.
29. School of hard knocks
Meaning: Learning by making mistakes
Example Sentence:
– He didn’t go to college but learned in the school of hard knocks.
– She learned to share the hard way—in the school of hard knocks.
Other ways to say: Learned the hard way
Fun Fact/Origin: Not a real school—just tough lessons.
Usage: Used when kids learn by doing or failing.
30. Goody two-shoes
Meaning: A kid who always follows the rules
Example Sentence:
– She’s such a goody two-shoes—never breaks a rule.
– He’s a goody two-shoes and tells the teacher everything.
Other ways to say: Teacher’s pet, rule-follower
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from a story about a girl with only two good shoes.
Usage: Used for overly well-behaved kids.
31. Young at heart
Meaning: Someone who acts or feels young
Example Sentence:
– Grandma plays tag—she’s young at heart.
– My dad is young at heart and loves roller coasters.
Other ways to say: Playful, lively
Fun Fact/Origin: Used when older people have kid-like energy.
Usage: Describes playful adults.
32. Second childhood
Meaning: When older people act like kids again
Example Sentence:
– In his second childhood, he started coloring again.
– That old man is in his second childhood—loves cartoons.
Other ways to say: Acting young again
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to older people doing kid things for fun.
Usage: Often playful or humorous.
33. Overgrown kid
Meaning: An adult who acts like a child
Example Sentence:
– My uncle is just an overgrown kid with his comic books.
– He’s an overgrown kid—always playing video games.
Other ways to say: Big kid, playful adult
Fun Fact/Origin: Grown-ups can still love kid stuff.
Usage: Used jokingly for fun-loving adults.
34. Like pulling teeth
Meaning: Something hard to do, especially with kids
Example Sentence:
– Getting him to clean his room is like pulling teeth.
– Homework time? Like pulling teeth.
Other ways to say: Very difficult, takes forever
Fun Fact/Origin: Pulling teeth hurts and takes effort—so do chores.
Usage: Used when kids resist doing something.
35. Have a growth spurt
Meaning: When a child grows fast
Example Sentence:
– He’s had a growth spurt—those jeans don’t fit.
– She’s taller every month—must be a growth spurt.
Other ways to say: Grew fast, shot up
Fun Fact/Origin: Most common around age 10–13.
Usage: Describes fast-growing kids.
36. Late bloomer
Meaning: A kid who learns or grows slower than others
Example Sentence:
– He was a late bloomer in reading but caught up fast.
– Some kids are late bloomers—it’s okay.
Other ways to say: Catches up later
Fun Fact/Origin: Like flowers blooming late in the season.
Usage: Used for kids who take more time.
37. Growing pains
Meaning: Real or emotional struggles while growing up
Example Sentence:
– Middle school drama? Just growing pains.
– He’s cranky today—probably growing pains.
Other ways to say: Tough phase, teenage mood
Fun Fact/Origin: Can be real body aches or emotional changes.
Usage: Used for changes kids go through.
38. Chip off the old block
Meaning: A child who acts like their parent
Example Sentence:
– He fixes things like his dad—a chip off the old block.
– She tells jokes just like her mom. Chip off the old block.
Other ways to say: Just like dad, takes after mom
Fun Fact/Origin: A small chip is like the block it came from.
Usage: Describes kids similar to their parents.
39. Take candy from a baby
Meaning: Very easy to do
Example Sentence:
– That math problem was like taking candy from a baby.
– Winning that game was taking candy from a baby.
Other ways to say: Super easy
Fun Fact/Origin: Babies can’t fight back—so it’s not fair or hard.
Usage: Used for very easy tasks.
40. Throw your toys out of the pram
Meaning: To act upset when you don’t get your way
Example Sentence:
– He threw his toys out of the pram when he lost.
– Don’t throw your toys out of the pram just because you can’t go.
Other ways to say: Overreact, throw a fit
Fun Fact/Origin: British in origin but known in the U.S.
Usage: Used for kids acting overly upset.
41. Kid gloves
Meaning: To handle someone gently
Example Sentence:
– The coach used kid gloves with the shy student.
– You have to use kid gloves with him—he gets upset easily.
Other ways to say: Be gentle, careful
Fun Fact/Origin: Kid gloves were made from soft leather.
Usage: Used when dealing with kids or sensitive people.
42. Like a bull in a china shop
Meaning: Acting clumsy or wild
Example Sentence:
– He ran through the room like a bull in a china shop.
– Don’t be a bull in a china shop—watch your step.
Other ways to say: Careless, too rough
Fun Fact/Origin: China shops have delicate items—bulls would break them.
Usage: Used for wild kids in calm places.
43. Big kid
Meaning: A grown-up who likes kid stuff
Example Sentence:
– Dad’s a big kid at the arcade.
– My sister’s a big kid when she watches cartoons.
Other ways to say: Playful adult, young at heart
Fun Fact/Origin: Used for grown-ups who enjoy kid-like fun.
Usage: Used in a fun or loving way.
44. Like a naughty schoolboy
Meaning: Acting mischievous or silly
Example Sentence:
– He snuck cookies like a naughty schoolboy.
– She made a face behind the teacher’s back—like a naughty schoolboy.
Other ways to say: Acting up, being silly
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from school behavior in old stories.
Usage: Describes playful, sneaky actions.
45. Kid stuff
Meaning: Something easy or childish
Example Sentence:
– That’s kid stuff—I need a real challenge.
– I’ve outgrown kid stuff like cartoons.
Other ways to say: Easy, simple
Fun Fact/Origin: Often said by older kids trying to act grown.
Usage: Used for things meant for younger children.
46. Like a deer in headlights
Meaning: Frozen or scared suddenly
Example Sentence:
– He looked like a deer in headlights when the teacher called on him.
– She froze like a deer in headlights at the spelling bee.
Other ways to say: Shocked, caught off guard
Fun Fact/Origin: Deer freeze when cars approach—kids can react the same.
Usage: Describes sudden fear.
47. Small fry
Meaning: A young or unimportant person
Example Sentence:
– The little kids are just small fry here.
– He’s just small fry—let the older kids handle it.
Other ways to say: Little guy, minor
Fun Fact/Origin: Fry means small fish.
Usage: Used to describe little kids.
48. Like taking a kid to the dentist
Meaning: Something that’s difficult or slow
Example Sentence:
– Getting him to clean his room is like taking a kid to the dentist.
– Homework time is like taking a kid to the dentist.
Other ways to say: No fun, slow going
Fun Fact/Origin: Kids often don’t like the dentist—so it’s hard to get them there.
Usage: Used for boring or hard tasks with kids.
Quiz: Idioms About Kids
Instructions: Choose the best meaning for each idiom. Pick A, B, or C. Each question has only one correct answer.
Question Key
1. What does “a handful” mean when talking about a kid?
A) A small person
B) A kid who is hard to control
C) A baby learning to walk
2. If someone is a “bundle of energy,” how are they acting?
A) Sleepy and slow
B) Calm and quiet
C) Very active and excited
3. What does “act your age” mean?
A) Play like a younger kid
B) Behave more maturely
C) Ask for candy
4. If someone is a “big baby,” what does that mean?
A) They are very tall
B) They act silly in class
C) They act childish or overreact
5. What does it mean if a child was “born with a silver spoon”?
A) They love spoons
B) They come from a rich family
C) They eat a lot of food
6. “Child’s play” means something is:
A) Very easy
B) Very boring
C) Super hard
7. If someone “cries over spilled milk,” what are they doing?
A) Playing with toys
B) Getting upset over something small
C) Drinking too much milk
8. “Like a kid in a candy store” means:
A) Very sleepy
B) Very shy
C) Very excited and happy
9. A child who “throws a tantrum” is:
A) Sharing toys nicely
B) Sleeping quietly
C) Screaming or crying loudly
10. If someone is called a “spoiled brat,” what does it mean?
A) They are well-behaved
B) They always get what they want
C) They love being outside
11. What does “monkey see, monkey do” mean?
A) A kid loves animals
B) Kids copy what others do
C) Someone is dancing funny
12. What does “wet behind the ears” mean?
A) You just had a bath
B) You’re new or don’t have much experience
C) You’re feeling sad
13. If someone has “sticky fingers,” what does that mean?
A) Their hands are dirty
B) They love candy
C) They take things that don’t belong to them
14. “Have ants in your pants” means you:
A) Are itchy
B) Can’t sit still
C) Want a snack
15. “Goody two-shoes” describes a kid who:
A) Follows all the rules
B) Hates homework
C) Skips class
16. “Run around like a chicken with its head cut off” means:
A) Act calm and quiet
B) Act silly and wild
C) Try to fly
17. If something is “like pulling teeth,” it is:
A) Very easy
B) Hard to do
C) Fun to do
18. What does “chip off the old block” mean?
A) A kid acts like their parent
B) A kid loves building blocks
C) A kid broke something
Answer Key
- B) A kid who is hard to control
- C) Very active and excited
- B) Behave more maturely
- C) They act childish or overreact
- B) They come from a rich family
- A) Very easy
- B) Getting upset over something small
- C) Very excited and happy
- C) Screaming or crying loudly
- B) They always get what they want
- B) Kids copy what others do
- B) You’re new or don’t have much experience
- C) They take things that don’t belong to them
- B) Can’t sit still
- A) Follows all the rules
- B) Act silly and wild
- B) Hard to do
- A) A kid acts like their parent
Wrapping Up
Idioms about kids help us talk about how children act, feel, and grow in simple, fun ways. These sayings are used in homes, schools, and even cartoons across the USA. When you know what they mean, you understand people better and speak more like a local.
Some idioms are funny, and others are honest about how kids behave. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, knowing these idioms makes talking about kids easier and more fun. Now you can spot them in everyday conversation—and even try using them yourself.
