Tomorrow is a word full of hope and mystery. It’s the day after today, a time we think about when making plans, dreams, or promises. In the United States, people often use special phrases to talk about tomorrow. These phrases are called idioms. Idioms help make talking about the future more fun and easier to understand.
In this article, we will learn some common idioms about tomorrow. These idioms are used by people in everyday conversations, stories, and even songs. You might hear them at school, at home, or on TV. Learning these will help you understand others better and even use them in your own speech. Let’s take a look at some popular American idioms that describe what tomorrow might bring.
Idioms About Tomorrow
1. Tomorrow is another day
Meaning: There’s always a new chance to try again.
Example Sentence:
- Don’t worry about today’s mistake. Tomorrow is another day.
- I was sad after the game, but I remembered that tomorrow is another day.
Other ways to say: A fresh start, a new beginning
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom became popular from the movie Gone with the Wind in 1939.
Usage: When giving hope or comfort after a bad day.
2. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today
Meaning: Do things now instead of waiting.
Example Sentence:
- I almost skipped homework, but Mom said, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”
- He cleaned his room right away because he didn’t want to wait.
Other ways to say: Don’t delay, get it done
Fun Fact/Origin: This saying has been used since the 1700s to teach responsibility.
Usage: Often said by parents or teachers to avoid procrastination.
3. Live for tomorrow
Meaning: Think about your future.
Example Sentence:
- She studies hard because she lives for tomorrow.
- He saves money to live for tomorrow, not just today.
Other ways to say: Think ahead, plan for the future
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in goal-setting advice in the USA.
Usage: Used to encourage smart decisions.
4. Tomorrow never comes
Meaning: People keep saying they’ll do something, but they don’t.
Example Sentence:
- He always says he’ll start tomorrow, but tomorrow never comes.
- She promised to clean her room tomorrow… again.
Other ways to say: Always delaying, never acting
Fun Fact/Origin: A common warning about procrastination.
Usage: Used to call out empty promises.
5. Jam tomorrow
Meaning: A promise of something nice in the future that never happens.
Example Sentence:
- The coach promised prizes next week, but it feels like a jam tomorrow.
- They keep saying the park will be fixed “soon”—it’s just jam tomorrow.
Other ways to say: False hope, all talk
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from a funny old story by Lewis Carroll in Through the Looking-Glass.
Usage: Used when promises feel fake.
6. Hope for tomorrow
Meaning: Look forward to a better future.
Example Sentence:
- Even though things are hard, we always hope for tomorrow.
- She believes tomorrow will be better.
Other ways to say: Stay positive, keep believing
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in speeches or during tough times in America.
Usage: Gives comfort or encouragement.
7. Gone tomorrow
Meaning: Something doesn’t last long.
Example Sentence:
- The sale was today, but it’s gone tomorrow.
- He had fun in summer, but it was gone tomorrow.
Other ways to say: Here and gone, short-lived
Fun Fact/Origin: Part of the full phrase “Here today, gone tomorrow.”
Usage: Used to talk about quick changes.
8. Tomorrow’s not promised
Meaning: Life is uncertain, so enjoy today.
Example Sentence:
- She hugged her grandma and said, “Tomorrow’s not promised.”
- He said sorry because tomorrow’s not promised.
Other ways to say: Life is short, make today count
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in American inspirational quotes.
Usage: Said when reminding someone to care or act now.
9. Until tomorrow
Meaning: See you the next day.
Example Sentence:
- “I’ll tell you more—until tomorrow!” she said with a smile.
- We waved goodbye, saying, “Until tomorrow!”
Other ways to say: See you later, catch you next time
Fun Fact/Origin: Became a trend on social media, especially during 2020.
Usage: Used when ending a talk or visit.
10. Tomorrow will tell
Meaning: We’ll find out what happens soon.
Example Sentence:
- Will it snow? Tomorrow will tell.
- He wasn’t sure how the test went. Tomorrow will tell.
Other ways to say: We’ll see, time will show
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in American news and sports talk.
Usage: When waiting for results or answers.
11. Look to tomorrow
Meaning: Focus on the future instead of the past.
Example Sentence:
- Don’t be sad. Let’s look to tomorrow.
- She stopped worrying and looked to tomorrow.
Other ways to say: Move forward, look ahead
Fun Fact/Origin: Used often in speeches and graduations in the USA.
Usage: Said to encourage someone to move past a mistake or loss.
12. Save it for tomorrow
Meaning: Postpone something until the next day.
Example Sentence:
- I’m tired. Let’s save the cleaning for tomorrow.
- She saved the rest of her story for tomorrow.
Other ways to say: Do it later, hold off
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in daily talk when people run out of time or energy.
Usage: Used when pausing a task or activity.
13. Tomorrow’s news
Meaning: Something that will be important in the future.
Example Sentence:
- That player is tomorrow’s news—watch him!
- These new shoes might be tomorrow’s news in fashion.
Other ways to say: Up and coming, next big thing
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in American sports and entertainment.
Usage: Talking about people or things that may become popular.
14. Bet on tomorrow
Meaning: Trust that the future will be good.
Example Sentence:
- We can’t give up. Let’s bet on tomorrow.
- He invested in school because he bet on tomorrow.
Other ways to say: Count on the future, have faith
Fun Fact/Origin: From gambling language—“betting” on something means believing in it.
Usage: Used to inspire hope or belief in what’s coming.
15. Tomorrow is in your hands
Meaning: You have control over your future.
Example Sentence:
- Work hard—tomorrow is in your hands.
- She told her son that tomorrow is in his hands.
Other ways to say: You decide your future, take charge
Fun Fact/Origin: A popular message in American graduation speeches.
Usage: Used to teach responsibility and planning.
16. Plan for tomorrow, live for today
Meaning: Enjoy life now, but think ahead too.
Example Sentence:
- He has fun but also saves money. He plans for tomorrow and lives for today.
- She plays now, but she studies too.
Other ways to say: Balance fun and responsibility
Fun Fact/Origin: Often seen on posters and classroom walls.
Usage: Said to teach balance between fun and future.
17. See you tomorrow
Meaning: Goodbye until the next day.
Example Sentence:
- “Bye, class!” said the teacher. “See you tomorrow!”
- She waved to her friend and said, “See you tomorrow!”
Other ways to say: Until next time, talk soon
Fun Fact/Origin: Simple phrase used daily in schools and homes.
Usage: Used when parting with someone.
18. Tomorrow’s another chance
Meaning: You can always try again the next day.
Example Sentence:
- He missed the shot, but tomorrow’s another chance.
- She didn’t win, but there’s always tomorrow.
Other ways to say: Try again, keep going
Fun Fact/Origin: Encouraging phrases used in sports and teaching.
Usage: Used to support someone who failed or made a mistake.
19. Worry about it tomorrow
Meaning: Don’t stress about it now.
Example Sentence:
- The test is hard, but I’ll worry about it tomorrow.
- She was tired, so she decided to worry about it tomorrow.
Other ways to say: Let it go for now, don’t stress
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in movies and casual talks.
Usage: When someone needs rest or peace.
20. Tomorrow’s dream
Meaning: A big hope for the future.
Example Sentence:
- Becoming a vet is her tomorrow’s dream.
- They moved to a new city chasing tomorrow’s dream.
Other ways to say: Future goal, big wish
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in American books, songs, and speeches.
Usage: To talk about something hopeful or inspiring.
21. Tomorrow waits for no one
Meaning: Time keeps moving, so act now.
Example Sentence:
- Start your project today. Tomorrow waits for no one.
- Don’t waste time—tomorrow waits for no one.
Other ways to say: Time flies, don’t delay
Fun Fact/Origin: Often said in schools to motivate students.
Usage: A warning to act now, not later.
22. No tomorrow
Meaning: Doing something as if there’s no future.
Example Sentence:
- He danced like there was no tomorrow.
- They played video games like there was no tomorrow.
Other ways to say: All out, go big
Fun Fact/Origin: A fun phrase often used in parties and sports.
Usage: Describes wild or intense behavior.
23. The sun will rise tomorrow
Meaning: Things will get better.
Example Sentence:
- You’re sad now, but the sun will rise tomorrow.
- He believes the sun will rise tomorrow, even after bad days.
Other ways to say: Keep hope, new day ahead
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on nature—every morning brings light.
Usage: Used to give comfort during sad times.
24. Tomorrow’s troubles
Meaning: Worries that haven’t happened yet.
Example Sentence:
- Don’t think too much about tomorrow’s troubles.
- She focused on today and ignored tomorrow’s troubles.
Other ways to say: Future worries, what’s next
Fun Fact/Origin: Connected to a Bible verse used often in the USA.
Usage: Said to stop overthinking.
25. Tomorrow’s task
Meaning: A job saved for later.
Example Sentence:
- I’ll fold the laundry. That’s tomorrow’s task.
- Painting the fence is tomorrow’s task.
Other ways to say: Something to do later, put it off
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in home and school checklists.
Usage: Used when planning to do something soon.
26. Count the days to tomorrow
Meaning: Wait excitedly for something.
Example Sentence:
- He’s counting the days to tomorrow’s field trip.
- I’m counting the days to summer break!
Other ways to say: Can’t wait, looking forward
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular among American kids for birthdays or vacations.
Usage: Shows excitement about what’s next.
27. Prepare for tomorrow
Meaning: Get ready for what’s coming.
Example Sentence:
- She packs her bag to prepare for tomorrow.
- He studies tonight to prepare for tomorrow’s quiz.
Other ways to say: Get ready, be set
Fun Fact/Origin: Taught in American schools to build good habits.
Usage: For planning and success.
28. Tomorrow is a gift
Meaning: The future is special and valuable.
Example Sentence:
- Don’t waste time. Tomorrow is a gift.
- She said, “Be kind, because tomorrow is a gift.”
Other ways to say: A blessing, a chance
Fun Fact/Origin: From quotes and posters often found in schools.
Usage: To teach thankfulness and hope.
29. Wait until tomorrow
Meaning: Delay action or a decision.
Example Sentence:
- They wanted ice cream, but had to wait until tomorrow.
- I’ll wait until tomorrow to ask my question.
Other ways to say: Hold off, pause
Fun Fact/Origin: A common line in TV shows and bedtime talks.
Usage: Used when time or rules cause delays.
30. All for tomorrow
Meaning: Doing something for a better future.
Example Sentence:
- They saved money all for tomorrow.
- He worked late all for tomorrow’s dream.
Other ways to say: For a better day, for what’s next
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in speeches and ads in the USA.
Usage: To explain planning or sacrifice.
31. Bright as tomorrow
Meaning: Very hopeful or full of promise.
Example Sentence:
- Her smile was as bright as tomorrow.
- He had eyes as bright as tomorrow.
Other ways to say: Full of hope, shining
Fun Fact/Origin: Inspired by sunrises and happy endings in American books.
Usage: For describing cheerful or hopeful people.
32. Tomorrow calls
Meaning: The future is waiting for you.
Example Sentence:
- He’s leaving home because tomorrow calls.
- She answered tomorrow’s call by joining the team.
Other ways to say: Time to move on, future awaits
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in graduation speeches.
Usage: When starting a new chapter in life.
33. Tomorrow starts today
Meaning: What you do now affects your future.
Example Sentence:
- She studies hard because tomorrow starts today.
- He eats healthy—tomorrow starts today.
Other ways to say: Your actions matter, begin now
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in health and school campaigns in the US.
Usage: To show how today shapes the future.
34. Tomorrow’s face
Meaning: A person who represents the future.
Example Sentence:
- That student is tomorrow’s face in science.
- She’s tomorrow’s face of leadership.
Other ways to say: Future star, rising talent
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in news and talent shows.
Usage: To praise someone young with great potential.
35. Tomorrow in mind
Meaning: Making choices while thinking about the future.
Example Sentence:
- She picked healthy food with tomorrow in mind.
- They build homes with tomorrow in mind.
Other ways to say: Think ahead, plan smart
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in eco-friendly ads and advice in the USA.
Usage: To talk about smart or kind decisions.
Quiz: Idioms About Tomorrow
Instructions: Choose the best meaning for each idiom. Each question has only one correct answer. These questions are designed to help you understand the meaning of idioms related to tomorrow. Good luck!
Question Key
1. What does “Tomorrow is another day” mean?
a) You should go to sleep early
b) You’ll get a fresh chance tomorrow
c) Tomorrow will be hard
2. If someone says, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today,” what are they saying?
a) You should do it now
b) You should do it tomorrow
c) You should forget about it
3. What does “Gone tomorrow” mean?
a) Someone will move away
b) Something won’t last long
c) A person will come tomorrow
4. What does “Live for tomorrow” mean?
a) Always think about the past
b) Enjoy today without caring
c) Make choices that help your future
5. What does “Jam tomorrow” describe?
a) A sweet treat
b) A promise that may never happen
c) Something you ate yesterday
6. If someone says, “Tomorrow never comes,” what do they mean?
a) Tomorrow is canceled
b) People never keep their future promises
c) Every day feels like tomorrow
7. What does “Tomorrow’s not promised” mean?
a) Tomorrow is always boring
b) We don’t know if we’ll be here tomorrow
c) Tomorrow will be great
8. What does “The sun will rise tomorrow” mean?
a) The sun never sets
b) Tomorrow will be hot
c) Things will get better soon
9. What does “Wait until tomorrow” mean?
a) Don’t do it now
b) Do it today
c) Do it next week
10. If someone is “Counting the days to tomorrow,” what are they feeling?
a) Nervous
b) Excited
c) Bored
11. What does “Tomorrow in mind” mean?
a) You keep forgetting tomorrow
b) You’re only thinking of today
c) You’re making smart choices for the future
12. What does “No tomorrow” mean when someone is doing something like there’s no tomorrow?
a) They are being very careful
b) They are doing it with lots of energy
c) They are waiting for tomorrow
Answer Key
- b) You’ll get a fresh chance tomorrow
- a) You should do it now
- b) Something won’t last long
- c) Make choices that help your future
- b) A promise that may never happen
- b) People never keep their future promises
- b) We don’t know if we’ll be here tomorrow
- c) Things will get better soon
- a) Don’t do it now
- b) Excited
- c) You’re making smart choices for the future
- b) They are doing it with lots of energy
Wrapping Up
Idioms about tomorrow help us talk about the future in fun and simple ways. Whether it’s giving hope, sharing advice, or reminding someone not to wait too long, these phrases are part of everyday conversations in the USA. They show how people feel about time, plans, and what’s ahead.
Learning these idioms can help you sound more natural and understand others better. Next time someone says “Tomorrow is another day” or “Don’t put off until tomorrow,” you’ll know just what they mean. Keep listening for these phrases—they’re all around you.
