
35 Idioms About Nationality
People use idioms to make language more colorful. Idioms are phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say. Instead, they have special meanings. When we talk about different people
Master the vivid, witty expressions that bring English to life. Our curated idioms help you speak more naturally, confidently, and creatively.
On this page, you’ll find a collection of list-style idiom posts, each centered around a unique topic, situation, or idea. Whether it’s love, time, nature, or emotion, every post highlights a focused set of idioms to help you understand and use English more naturally.
This is not a general list — each article zooms in on a specific subject and gives you idioms, meanings, examples, and tips all in one place. Use this hub to browse all idiom collections we’ve published.
Every idiom includes an easy-to-understand meaning and real-life example sentences so you can use them naturally in conversation or writing.
We include synonyms or alternative expressions to help you expand your vocabulary and communicate ideas in different ways.
Learn when, where, and how to use idioms properly — with notes about tone, region, and common mistakes to avoid.
People use idioms to make language more colorful. Idioms are phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say. Instead, they have special meanings. When we talk about different people
Sometimes, we hear short sayings that sound a little funny but have special meanings. These are called idioms. They make talking more fun and help us understand ideas in a
Sometimes, people feel lonely. This can happen when they are by themselves or when they feel different from others. Even in a crowd, someone might feel alone. These feelings are
The moon has always been something people love to watch. It shines bright in the night sky and changes its shape every few days. Because it is so special, people
Archery is the sport of using a bow to shoot arrows. Long ago, people used archery to hunt animals or fight in battles. Today, it is a sport that many
People use idioms to make language more fun and clear. An idiom is a group of words with a meaning that is different from the actual words. Idioms often come
Trying hard means not giving up, even when things get tough. People often use special phrases called idioms to talk about effort. These idioms make our words more fun and
Trying hard and not giving up is important in everything we do. Whether it’s school, sports, or helping at home, effort shows that we care and want to do our
The New Year is a time when people feel hopeful and excited. Many think about fresh starts, big goals, and good changes. Families and friends often gather to celebrate with
Life is full of tough moments. Sometimes, we have to keep going even when things feel hard. People have found special ways to talk about these moments using idioms. Idioms
Sometimes, we don’t know the answer, so we try to guess. Guessing happens when we aren’t sure but still want to give it a try. People guess when they take
Sometimes, things happen that make us stop and say, “Wow!” These moments can surprise us in big or small ways. Maybe you hear a loud crash, or someone tells you
Some words make things sound more exciting. One of those words is “amazing.” But people don’t always just say “amazing.” Instead, they use fun phrases called idioms. Idioms are special
Time is something we all use every day. We check the clock to know when to wake up, eat, or go to school. Time helps us plan and keep track
Traveling is something people do for fun, work, or learning. Some take long road trips, while others fly in airplanes to new places. When we travel, we experience new things,
History helps us understand how the world has changed. It teaches us about people, places, and important events from the past. When we talk about history, we sometimes use idioms.
Bulls are strong animals. People have watched them for many years. They are known for their power, speed, and bold behavior. Because of this, people use bulls in language to
Breathing is something we all do every day, without even thinking about it. But sometimes, we talk about breathing in ways that don’t mean just taking air in and out.
Chess is a game of thinking ahead. Players need to plan moves and watch what the other side is doing. Over time, people started using chess words to talk about
Some sayings help us understand things by comparing one thing to another. These are called idioms about comparison. They use simple ideas to describe how people act, how things feel,
Sweat is something that happens when we are hot, working hard, or feeling nervous. It helps cool our bodies, but people also use the word “sweat” in funny or smart
Have you ever made a guess too quickly and later found out you were wrong? That’s called jumping to conclusions. People do this when they don’t wait to get all
Respect is an important part of how we treat each other. It means being kind, listening well, and showing care for others’ feelings. When we respect someone, we show that
Being honest is one of the most important things we can learn. It means telling the truth, keeping promises, and not hiding things from others. People trust us more when
We make choices every day. Some are small, like picking what to eat. Others are big, like choosing a new school or deciding who to trust. When people talk about
Globalization is when people, countries, and businesses around the world become more connected. It happens through trade, travel, technology, and communication. This means that products, ideas, and even cultures can
Have you ever heard someone say they have “skeletons in the closet”? That doesn’t mean they’re hiding bones! It’s an idiom, which is a fun way to say something using
Shadows are part of our everyday lives. We see them when the sun shines or when light hits an object. But shadows can also mean more than just shapes on
Walls are not just parts of buildings. People also use the word “wall” to talk about feelings, problems, and situations. In everyday language, there are many idioms that use the
Being aware means noticing what’s happening around you. It also means understanding your own thoughts and feelings. People often use idioms to talk about awareness in a fun and creative
Have you ever met someone who makes everyone smile just by walking into a room? That person has charm. Charm is a way of being kind, funny, or interesting so
Telling the truth is an important part of being honest. People who speak the truth are often trusted and respected. But sometimes, the truth can be hard to say or
Sometimes people hurt each other. It can happen on purpose or by accident. When that happens, saying “I forgive you” can help fix the problem. Forgiveness means letting go of
Helping others is a kind and generous thing to do. Many people choose to give their time and effort without expecting anything in return. This is called volunteering. It can
Sometimes people say things that hurt others or act in ways that are not kind. These people may seem rude or mean. In English, there are many idioms that describe
Sometimes, people make silly mistakes or say things that don’t make much sense. Over time, different sayings have been created to describe such behavior in a funny way. These are
Furniture is more than just chairs, tables, and sofas. It’s part of our daily lives and can even show up in the way we talk. People use furniture to help
Smells are all around us. Some smells make us smile, like fresh cookies or a clean shirt. Other smells, like garbage or stinky socks, can make us wrinkle our noses.
Some things happen very quickly. A race car zooms by. A squirrel darts across the yard. People use special phrases to talk about things that move fast. These phrases are
Historical places tell stories from long ago. They help us learn about people, events, and ways of life that shaped the world we live in today. When people talk about
People have gathered in groups for a long time. Friends meet to talk, families come together for meals, and teams join forces to work. Over time, people have created special
Learning is an important part of our lives. It helps us grow, understand the world, and solve problems. Sometimes, we use idioms or sayings to describe learning. These idioms can
Power is an important part of life. It shapes how people lead, make decisions, and solve problems. Throughout history, people have used language to describe power in different ways. Idioms
In everyday life, we often hear phrases that describe something slow or taking time. These idioms help us express how something moves or happens at a slow pace. Whether it’s
Fingers are small but important. We use them to grab, point, and touch. They also show emotions, like when we cross them for luck or snap them in frustration. Because
An apology is an important way to show we care when we hurt someone’s feelings or make a mistake. People use idioms, or common phrases, to apologize in different ways.
Magic is a big part of many stories and traditions. People have always been fascinated by the idea of things happening that can’t be explained. From wizards casting spells to
Ambition is the drive that pushes us to achieve our goals and dreams. It’s what makes us work hard, even when things get tough. Everyone has different dreams, but ambition
Idioms are expressions that have a meaning different from their literal words. People use idioms in everyday conversation, and they can make language more interesting. Some idioms are about nature,
Wolves have long been symbols of strength, freedom, and mystery. Many idioms about wolves have appeared throughout history, often describing qualities such as bravery or danger. These phrases help to
Old age is a stage of life that many people talk about but often don’t fully understand. In different cultures, people use idioms to describe the challenges and experiences that
Night is a special time. The world gets quiet, and people rest after a long day. But night is also full of mystery. It can bring excitement, fear, or even
Laundry is something everyone does, but did you know it can also be part of some interesting sayings? Idioms about laundry help us explain things in a fun and creative
Eyes are important to how we understand the world. They help us see and connect with everything around us. In language, we use many idioms that mention eyes. These idioms
Bees are busy little insects that work hard every day. They fly from flower to flower, collect nectar, and help plants grow. Because they are so active and helpful, people
Idioms help us talk about feelings and ideas in fun ways. Some idioms use the idea of “blindness” to describe how people might not see the truth or are unaware
Racism is a serious issue that affects many people in different ways. It happens when someone is treated unfairly just because of their skin color, where they come from, or
Giving gifts is a special way to show you care. People give gifts on birthdays, holidays, and other important days. Gifts can be big or small. Sometimes the best ones
Eagles are large birds known for their sharp eyes and strong wings. They fly high in the sky and are often seen as symbols of freedom, strength, and pride. People
Music is something we hear every day. It can make us happy, help us relax, or get us excited. Because music is so common, people have made fun and interesting
Weather is something we see and feel every day. It can be sunny, rainy, windy, or stormy. People have watched the weather for many years and used it to describe
Pets are a big part of many families. People in the U.S. often treat their pets like family members. Dogs, cats, birds, and even fish bring joy and comfort to
Tigers are strong, fast, and powerful animals. They are known for their bravery and sharp senses. Because of this, people often use tigers in idioms. Idioms are special phrases that
Sometimes, words alone aren’t enough to show how strong someone feels inside. That’s why people use idioms. Idioms are short phrases that mean something different from the words you see.
Writing can be a fun way to share your thoughts. It can also be a challenge when you don’t know what to say. People often use special phrases, called idioms,
Arrows have been used for thousands of years. In the past, they were important tools for hunting and battle. Today, we see arrows in signs, drawings, and even in words.
Snails are small creatures known for their slow and steady movement. Because of this, people often use snails to talk about things that are slow or take time. Over the
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is becoming a big part of our lives. From asking smart speakers for the weather to using apps that suggest songs or movies, AI is all
Temptation is when we really want something, even if we know it might not be good for us. It could be a cookie before dinner, playing games instead of doing
Light is all around us. It helps us see, feel safe, and understand our world better. People have used light in their language for a long time. They have created
Working in an office can be busy and full of teamwork. People often use special phrases, called idioms, to talk about what happens at work. These idioms help us explain
Everyone has ideas about things they see or hear. These ideas are called opinions. We use opinions to say what we think or feel. People share their opinions all the
Guns have been a part of human history for many years. People have used them for hunting, protection, and in battles. Because of this, guns show up in many parts
People often use special phrases to describe others. These phrases are called idioms. Idioms can be funny, smart, or even a little tricky. But they help us say something in
Everyone has scars. Some are from falling off a bike, while others come from hard times in life. These marks remind us of pain, but they also show strength. Scars
Black cats have been part of stories and beliefs for hundreds of years. Some people think they bring bad luck, while others believe they bring good luck. These different ideas
Ireland is a country known for its rich culture, green fields, and love for storytelling. The people of Ireland have used colorful sayings, called idioms, to express feelings and ideas
People have always had words and sayings to talk about the army. These sayings are called idioms. Idioms help make language more fun and clear. Army idioms often come from
Have you ever heard someone say, “He’s a tough nut to crack”? Or maybe, “She’s gone nuts!” These are idioms, and they don’t really mean someone is made of nuts
Have you ever watched an eclipse in the sky? It’s when the sun or moon gets covered for a little while. People have always been amazed by eclipses. They are
Have you ever felt so hungry that your stomach started growling? That feeling is called hunger. When people feel very hungry, they sometimes use funny or creative expressions to talk
Grief is a deep feeling of sadness that people feel when they lose someone or something important. It can happen when a loved one passes away, when a pet dies,
Pregnancy is a special time in many people’s lives. It brings changes, excitement, and sometimes a few worries too. People have created fun and interesting ways to talk about pregnancy
Airports are busy places where people travel from one city or country to another. They are full of energy, movement, and different emotions. Some people feel excited to go on
Sometimes, it’s hard to say how important something really is. People have found fun and clever ways to talk about importance through idioms. Idioms are phrases that don’t mean exactly
Camping is a fun way to spend time in nature. You can sleep in a tent, roast marshmallows, and listen to the sounds of the forest. Some people go camping
Sometimes, people don’t treat everyone the same. They may have one set of rules for themselves and a different set for others. This is called having a “double standard.” It’s
Have you ever heard someone say “bring home the bacon” or “meaty problem”? These are idioms — fun phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say. Idioms about meat
Sometimes life feels unfair. Maybe your friend got more dessert, or someone blamed you for something you didn’t do. People often talk about these moments using special phrases. These are
Falling in love can feel exciting, confusing, and even funny. People have tried to explain these feelings in many ways. One way is by using idioms. Idioms are phrases that
Hands are important in everything we do. We use them to write, eat, wave, and build things. Because hands are such a big part of our lives, people have made
Have you ever thought about how many sayings use roads to explain life? Roads can be straight or curvy, smooth or bumpy. That’s why people often use road idioms to
Dating is when two people spend time together to see if they like each other. It can be fun, exciting, and sometimes a little confusing. People often use special phrases
Sometimes, people say things that don’t mean exactly what the words sound like. These are called idioms. Idioms make talking and writing more fun. They also help us understand ideas
Sewing is a way people fix clothes, make new things, or join pieces of fabric together. It takes careful hands and a steady focus. Long ago, before machines, sewing was
Talking is how we share ideas and feelings. But we don’t always use plain words to say what we mean. People use idioms to make their speech more fun or
Sometimes in life, it’s important to make good choices and do what is right. People often talk about being fair, honest, or doing the correct thing. But instead of using
Sometimes, people feel upset when they see others have things they want. This feeling is called jealousy. It can happen when someone gets a new toy, wins a game, or
People use idioms to describe different situations in life. Some idioms help us talk about money problems or when someone doesn’t have much. These are called idioms for being poor.
People have different ways to talk about smoking. Sometimes, instead of saying something directly, they use special phrases. These phrases are called idioms. Idioms make language more fun and colorful.