In the USA, people often use colorful expressions to talk about drinking. These sayings, called idioms, make conversations more fun and help share ideas in a creative way. You might hear them at a backyard barbecue, during a ballgame, or while chatting at a café. Some idioms are about enjoying a drink with friends, while others might warn about drinking too much.
Idioms about drinking can tell stories from history, music, and everyday American life. They make it easier to express feelings or describe situations without using plain words. Learning these phrases can help you understand jokes, movies, and casual conversations. In this article, we will explore 35 common idioms about drinking, their meanings, and how they are used in the USA.
Idioms About Drinking
1. Drink like a fish
Meaning: To drink a lot of alcohol.
Example Sentence:
• He drank like a fish at the holiday party.
• My uncle drinks like a fish when watching football.
Other ways to say: Drink heavily, overindulge
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea that fish are always in water, so they are “always drinking.”
Usage: Used when someone drinks a large amount of alcohol.
2. On the rocks
Meaning: A drink served over ice.
Example Sentence:
• I’ll have my whiskey on the rocks.
• She likes her juice on the rocks in summer.
Other ways to say: Over ice, chilled
Fun Fact/Origin: “On the rocks” refers to ice cubes looking like small rocks in a glass.
Usage: Common in bars when ordering drinks.
3. Bottoms up
Meaning: A toast before drinking.
Example Sentence:
• “Bottoms up!” shouted the group before taking a sip.
• He raised his glass and said, “Bottoms up!”
Other ways to say: Cheers, raise your glass
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from lifting the bottom of your glass up when drinking.
Usage: Used before everyone drinks together.
4. Wet your whistle
Meaning: To have a drink, usually alcohol.
Example Sentence:
• Let’s stop by the pub and wet our whistles.
• He ordered a soda to wet his whistle after the game.
Other ways to say: Have a drink, take a sip
Fun Fact/Origin: From medieval times, when whistles were put in mugs to signal they needed refilling.
Usage: Used for quenching thirst, often with alcohol.
5. Three sheets to the wind
Meaning: Very drunk.
Example Sentence:
• He was three sheets to the wind after the wedding.
• You could tell she was three sheets to the wind at the party.
Other ways to say: Wasted, tipsy
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from sailing—loose sails make a ship unsteady, like a drunk person.
Usage: Used to describe someone who is clearly drunk.
6. Happy hour
Meaning: A set time when drinks are sold at lower prices.
Example Sentence:
• Let’s meet for happy hour after work.
• The bar has happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m.
Other ways to say: Drink specials, discount time
Fun Fact/Origin: Started in the U.S. Navy to describe scheduled fun activities.
Usage: Common in restaurants and bars to attract customers.
7. Liquid courage
Meaning: Confidence gained after drinking alcohol.
Example Sentence:
• He needed some liquid courage before asking her out.
• A little liquid courage helped him sing at karaoke.
Other ways to say: Alcohol-fueled bravery, booze bravery
Fun Fact/Origin: The idea is that alcohol makes people feel braver.
Usage: Used when alcohol helps someone do something bold.
8. Raise a glass
Meaning: To toast or celebrate with a drink.
Example Sentence:
• Let’s raise a glass to the newlyweds.
• They raised a glass in honor of their friend’s promotion.
Other ways to say: Make a toast, salute
Fun Fact/Origin: Raising a glass shows respect and celebration before drinking.
Usage: Common at parties, weddings, and celebrations.
9. Drink someone under the table
Meaning: To be able to drink more than another person without getting drunk.
Example Sentence:
• He can drink anyone under the table.
• She drank him under the table at the college reunion.
Other ways to say: Outdrink, outlast
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the image of a drunk person falling under the table.
Usage: Used in friendly drinking competitions.
10. One too many
Meaning: Having too much alcohol.
Example Sentence:
• I think he’s had one too many tonight.
• She knew she’d had one too many when she started singing loudly.
Other ways to say: Overdid it, drank too much
Fun Fact/Origin: A gentle way to say someone is drunk without being rude.
Usage: Used in casual conversations.
11. Hit the bottle
Meaning: To drink alcohol heavily.
Example Sentence:
• After losing his job, he started hitting the bottle.
• He hit the bottle during the holidays.
Other ways to say: Start drinking, overindulge
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to going straight to the bottle of alcohol.
Usage: Used when someone begins drinking a lot.
12. Booze it up
Meaning: To drink a lot of alcohol for fun.
Example Sentence:
• They boozed it up at the tailgate party.
• We plan to booze it up this weekend.
Other ways to say: Party with drinks, drink heavily
Fun Fact/Origin: “Booze” is an old slang word for alcohol in America.
Usage: Informal; often used in party contexts.
13. In high spirits
Meaning: Happy and cheerful, often after drinking.
Example Sentence:
• Everyone was in high spirits at the barbecue.
• She’s in high spirits after the wine tasting.
Other ways to say: Joyful, merry
Fun Fact/Origin: “Spirits” can mean both mood and alcoholic drinks.
Usage: Can mean happy with or without alcohol.
14. Hair of the dog
Meaning: Drinking alcohol to cure a hangover.
Example Sentence:
• He swears by the hair of the dog after a night out.
• A Bloody Mary is her favorite hair of the dog.
Other ways to say: Morning drink, hangover cure
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from an old belief that a bit of what hurt you will heal you.
Usage: Common in morning-after drinking talk.
15. Tipple
Meaning: To drink alcohol regularly.
Example Sentence:
• He likes to tipple in the evenings.
• She tipples wine with dinner.
Other ways to say: Sip, have a drink
Fun Fact/Origin: An older British term still used in some U.S. circles.
Usage: Lighthearted way to say someone drinks often.
16. Knock one back
Meaning: To quickly drink an alcoholic drink.
Example Sentence:
• He knocked back a beer before heading out.
• They knocked one back at the bar.
Other ways to say: Gulp, down a drink
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests tipping the drink back quickly.
Usage: Used for casual or fast drinking.
17. Half in the bag
Meaning: Already partly drunk.
Example Sentence:
• He was half in the bag before dinner was served.
• She’s half in the bag after two margaritas.
Other ways to say: Tipsy, buzzed
Fun Fact/Origin: Possibly from sailors who stored goods in bags — half in meant not steady.
Usage: Informal; often humorous.
18. Call it a night
Meaning: To stop drinking and go home.
Example Sentence:
• It’s late, let’s call it a night.
• He called it a night after his third drink.
Other ways to say: Wrap it up, end the night
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in all U.S. social settings, not just drinking.
Usage: Used when ending socializing.
19. Dutch courage
Meaning: Bravery gained from drinking alcohol.
Example Sentence:
• He needed Dutch courage to speak in public.
• Dutch courage helped her join the dance floor.
Other ways to say: Liquid courage, booze bravery
Fun Fact/Origin: Likely from British soldiers drinking before battle against the Dutch.
Usage: Describes alcohol boosting confidence.
20. Paint the town red
Meaning: To go out and celebrate wildly.
Example Sentence:
• They painted the town red after winning the game.
• She wants to paint the town red on her birthday.
Other ways to say: Party hard, celebrate big
Fun Fact/Origin: Said to come from a night of drunken partying in 1830s England.
Usage: Fun way to describe a big night out.
21. Have a nightcap
Meaning: To have one last drink before bed.
Example Sentence:
• We had a nightcap before heading upstairs.
• He poured himself a nightcap after the movie.
Other ways to say: Last drink, final sip
Fun Fact/Origin: “Cap” referred to a drink that ended the night like a hat ends an outfit.
Usage: Common in both casual and formal settings.
22. Party animal
Meaning: Someone who loves to party and drink.
Example Sentence:
• She’s a real party animal on weekends.
• He became a party animal in college.
Other ways to say: Social butterfly, big partier
Fun Fact/Origin: Used widely in the U.S. since the 1970s.
Usage: Often playful or teasing.
23. Knocked out cold
Meaning: Passed out from drinking.
Example Sentence:
• He was knocked out cold on the couch.
• After the wedding, she was knocked out cold in bed.
Other ways to say: Out like a light, passed out
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in boxing and later for extreme drunkenness.
Usage: Describes complete unconsciousness.
24. Slam it
Meaning: To drink something quickly in one go.
Example Sentence:
• He slammed his beer and ordered another.
• They slammed shots before leaving.
Other ways to say: Chug, down it
Fun Fact/Origin: From the motion of slamming a glass down after drinking.
Usage: Common in college parties and bars.
25. Drink up
Meaning: A command to finish your drink.
Example Sentence:
• Drink up, we’re leaving in five minutes.
• The bartender told everyone to drink up before closing.
Other ways to say: Finish your drink, bottoms up
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in military and bar language.
Usage: Often used in groups before moving on.
26. Spill the wine
Meaning: To waste or carelessly handle alcohol.
Example Sentence:
• Don’t spill the wine on the carpet.
• He spilled the wine while talking.
Other ways to say: Waste the drink, pour carelessly
Fun Fact/Origin: Also the title of a popular 1970s song.
Usage: Literal and sometimes playful.
27. Over the limit
Meaning: Having more alcohol than the legal driving limit.
Example Sentence:
• He was over the limit and called a cab.
• She knew she was over the limit after three cocktails.
Other ways to say: Too drunk to drive, unsafe to drive
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to U.S. laws on blood alcohol content.
Usage: Common in police reports and safety ads.
28. Dry as a bone
Meaning: Very thirsty or not drinking alcohol for a while.
Example Sentence:
• I’m dry as a bone after mowing the lawn.
• He stayed dry as a bone all summer.
Other ways to say: Parched, alcohol-free
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in English for centuries to describe dryness.
Usage: Can mean physically thirsty or avoiding alcohol.
29. Tipsy
Meaning: Slightly drunk.
Example Sentence:
• She was tipsy after one glass of champagne.
• He gets tipsy easily.
Other ways to say: Lightly buzzed, slightly drunk
Fun Fact/Origin: Dates back to the 16th century, meaning unsteady.
Usage: Often used as a softer term than drunk.
30. Put away
Meaning: To drink a lot quickly.
Example Sentence:
• He put away six beers during the game.
• She can put away more than you’d think.
Other ways to say: Consume, finish
Fun Fact/Origin: Implies storing drinks “away” in your stomach.
Usage: Common in casual talk about drinking.
31. Go on a bender
Meaning: To drink heavily for several days.
Example Sentence:
• He went on a bender after the breakup.
• They went on a bender during vacation.
Other ways to say: Drinking spree, alcohol binge
Fun Fact/Origin: “Bender” means bending rules and limits.
Usage: Used for long, heavy drinking sessions.
32. Toast
Meaning: To raise glasses and drink in honor of someone.
Example Sentence:
• We toasted to her new job.
• He made a toast at the wedding.
Other ways to say: Salute, cheers
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the tradition of placing toast in wine for flavor.
Usage: Formal or informal celebrations.
33. Buzzed
Meaning: Lightly drunk, feeling the effects.
Example Sentence:
• He’s buzzed after two beers.
• She was buzzed but still dancing.
Other ways to say: Tipsy, feeling it
Fun Fact/Origin: Describes the light, warm feeling of alcohol.
Usage: Often used as a casual description.
34. Stone cold sober
Meaning: Completely not drunk.
Example Sentence:
• She was stone cold sober at the party.
• He’s stone cold sober and driving us home.
Other ways to say: Totally sober, clear-headed
Fun Fact/Origin: “Stone cold” is an intensifier for absolute states.
Usage: Common in safety and recovery contexts.
35. Throw back
Meaning: To drink something quickly.
Example Sentence:
• He threw back a shot of tequila.
• She threw back her drink and laughed.
Other ways to say: Knock back, slam
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the quick motion of tilting your head back.
Usage: Used in casual and bar settings.
Quiz: Idioms About Drinking
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each question. Only one answer is correct.
Question Key
1. If someone says “Bottoms up!” What are they telling you?
A) To finish your drink
B) To put your glass down
C) To order another drink
2. What does “three sheets to the wind” mean?
A) Sailing very fast
B) Being very drunk
C) Drinking slowly
3. If a drink is served “on the rocks,” what does that mean?
A) It comes with a slice of lemon
B) It is served over ice
C) It has no ice at all
4. What is “liquid courage”?
A) A drink that makes you sleepy
B) Alcohol that makes you feel braver
C) A drink that keeps you hydrated
5. If someone can “drink you under the table,” what can they do?
A) Serve drinks faster than you
B) Drink more than you without getting drunk
C) Hide drinks under the table
6. What does “happy hour” mean in the USA?
A) A time when drinks are cheaper
B) A time when the bar is closed
C) A game played at a bar
7. If you “knock one back,” what are you doing?
A) Throwing away a drink
B) Drinking it quickly
C) Refusing a drink
8. What does “half in the bag” mean?
A) Carrying drinks in a bag
B) Being partly drunk
C) Mixing two drinks together
9. If someone says “hair of the dog,” what are they talking about?
A) A pet-friendly drink
B) Drinking alcohol to help a hangover
C) A strong coffee after drinking
10. What does “paint the town red” mean?
A) Drink only red wine
B) Go out and celebrate wildly
C) Visit a fancy bar
11. If you’re “stone cold sober,” how much have you had to drink?
A) A little
B) None
C) Too much
12. What does “go on a bender” mean?
A) Drink heavily for several days
B) Bend a straw into a funny shape
C) Drink only cocktails
13. If someone is “buzzed,” how are they feeling?
A) Slightly drunk
B) Completely sober
C) Very full from eating
Answer Key
- A) To finish your drink
- B) Being very drunk
- B) It is served over ice
- B) Alcohol that makes you feel braver
- B) Drink more than you without getting drunk
- A) A time when drinks are cheaper
- B) Drinking it quickly
- B) Being partly drunk
- B) Drinking alcohol to help a hangover
- B) Go out and celebrate wildly
- B) None
- A) Drink heavily for several days
- A) Slightly drunk
Wrapping Up
Idioms about drinking are common in American speech, from casual bar talk to TV shows and movies. Some describe the act of drinking, while others talk about how it makes people feel. Knowing these phrases helps you follow conversations and adds color to your own speech. Whether you hear “bottoms up” at a barbecue or “liquid courage” before karaoke, you’ll understand the meaning right away. These sayings are part of everyday USA culture, connecting social moments with creative language.
