Energy is something we all need every day. Whether it’s the energy to play, study, or work, we use it in many ways. There are also many sayings, or idioms, that talk about energy. These idioms help us explain how we feel or act when we have a lot of energy, or when we feel tired. They are a fun way to talk about energy without always saying the same thing.
In this article, we will explore some common idioms related to energy. You’ll learn what they mean and how to use them in conversation. Understanding these idioms can help you express yourself better and make your speech more interesting. So, let’s jump into these energetic phrases and see how they can add some spark to your vocabulary!
Idioms About Energy
1. Full of beans
Meaning: Energetic and lively.
Example Sentence:
- She was full of beans after her morning run.
- After eating breakfast, Timmy was full of beans and ready to play.
Other ways to say: Full of life, wide awake, bouncing off the walls.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea that beans, especially lima beans, were once thought to give people a lot of energy.
Usage: Use this when someone is very energetic.
2. Run on empty
Meaning: To be very tired, lacking energy.
Example Sentence:
- I’ve been running on empty all day and can’t wait to go to bed.
- After the long hike, we were running on empty and needed a break.
Other ways to say: Out of steam, drained, exhausted.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom compares a person to a car running out of fuel.
Usage: Use when someone feels very tired or has little energy left.
3. Spark plug
Meaning: A person who brings energy or excitement to a group.
Example Sentence:
- Sally is the spark plug of our team; she keeps everyone motivated.
- John always acts like a spark plug at parties, making everyone laugh.
Other ways to say: Energizer, go-getter, firecracker.
Fun Fact/Origin: A spark plug is a small part of a car that helps start the engine, making it a symbol for someone who gets things going.
Usage: Use to describe someone who brings energy to a situation.
4. In the zone
Meaning: Fully focused and full of energy.
Example Sentence:
- When I’m in the zone, I can finish my homework in no time.
- She was in the zone during the game and scored three goals.
Other ways to say: On fire, in the groove, locked in.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase is thought to come from athletes who perform at their best when focused.
Usage: Use when someone is performing at their best and full of energy.
5. Hit the ground running
Meaning: To start something with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
Example Sentence:
- After the long weekend, Sarah hit the ground running and finished all her work.
- Timmy hit the ground running when he joined the soccer team and scored in his first match.
Other ways to say: Start strong, jump right in, hit the road running.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom is often used in business or sports, where people begin a task with speed and efficiency.
Usage: Use when someone begins a task with energy or enthusiasm.
6. Burn the candle at both ends
Meaning: To work or be active from early in the morning until late at night, often causing fatigue.
Example Sentence:
- She’s been burning the candle at both ends with school and a part-time job.
- We were burning the candle at both ends preparing for the big event.
Other ways to say: Overwork, run ragged, stay up late.
Fun Fact/Origin: The saying comes from the idea of a candle burning at both ends, which would burn out quicker than just one.
Usage: Use when someone is working too hard and not getting enough rest.
7. Full throttle
Meaning: At full speed or with maximum effort.
Example Sentence:
- The car sped down the highway at full throttle.
- She tackled the project at full throttle and finished ahead of schedule.
Other ways to say: At full speed, all out, full blast.
Fun Fact/Origin: “Throttle” refers to controlling the speed of an engine, often used in racing.
Usage: Use when someone is going as fast or working as hard as possible.
8. Running on fumes
Meaning: To be exhausted and have almost no energy left.
Example Sentence:
- After a long day of traveling, I was running on fumes and could barely stay awake.
- The team played hard, but by the second half, they were running on fumes.
Other ways to say: Out of gas, drained, near empty.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase refers to a car running out of fuel and continuing on whatever is left.
Usage: Use when someone is very tired or low on energy.
9. Charged up
Meaning: Full of energy and excitement.
Example Sentence:
- I’m so charged up for the concert tonight!
- The kids were charged up after their big win.
Other ways to say: Excited, pumped up, amped up.
Fun Fact/Origin: “Charged” refers to electrical energy, symbolizing someone full of energy.
Usage: Use when someone is very excited or energized.
10. Pick me up
Meaning: Something that gives a boost of energy.
Example Sentence:
- A cup of coffee is just the pick me up I need in the morning.
- A quick walk is a great pick me up when I feel tired.
Other ways to say: Energy boost, lift, burst of energy.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase refers to anything that helps someone feel more awake or lively.
Usage: Use when referring to anything that helps boost energy.
11. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
Meaning: Full of energy and eager.
Example Sentence:
- After a good night’s sleep, he woke up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
- The team showed up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for the morning meeting.
Other ways to say: Energetic, alert, wide awake.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom is thought to come from the image of a squirrel, which is always alert and active with its fluffy tail.
Usage: Use to describe someone who is full of energy and ready for the day.
12. Get a second wind
Meaning: To feel a burst of energy after being tired.
Example Sentence:
- After lunch, I got a second wind and finished all my homework.
- The runners got a second wind and pushed through to the finish line.
Other ways to say: Get a boost, find new energy, get back on track.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from athletes who find new energy during a race, usually after they were tired.
Usage: Use when someone gets more energy after feeling exhausted.
13. Wake up and smell the coffee
Meaning: To become aware of something important, usually in a wake-up call.
Example Sentence:
- If you don’t start studying, you’ll fail the test—wake up and smell the coffee!
- It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee; things aren’t going to change unless you try.
Other ways to say: Face reality, get real, wake up to the truth.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase refers to the idea of waking up in the morning and starting the day with a cup of coffee, which helps people feel alert.
Usage: Use when someone needs to realize the reality of a situation.
14. A burst of energy
Meaning: A sudden increase in energy.
Example Sentence:
- After the break, he had a burst of energy and finished his work quickly.
- She got a burst of energy during the game and made a great play.
Other ways to say: Surge of energy, jolt of energy, rush of energy.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase describes a short but powerful increase in energy.
Usage: Use when someone suddenly becomes very energetic.
15. Put a spark in someone’s step
Meaning: To make someone feel more energetic or excited.
Example Sentence:
- A good compliment really put a spark in her step.
- That movie really put a spark in his step, and he couldn’t stop talking about it.
Other ways to say: Lift someone’s spirits, make someone feel energized, inspire.
Fun Fact/Origin: A “spark” represents a small burst of energy, similar to how an energetic person might feel excited.
Usage: Use when someone is suddenly more energetic or enthusiastic.
16. On a roll
Meaning: To be performing well and full of energy, usually for a period of time.
Example Sentence:
- He’s been on a roll, scoring a goal in every game this season.
- After winning three matches, the team was on a roll.
Other ways to say: In the groove, on fire, in the zone.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of rolling downhill, where things keep moving easily and quickly.
Usage: Use when someone is doing something well and with lots of energy.
17. Be fired up
Meaning: To be excited or full of energy.
Example Sentence:
- She was fired up after her big win and couldn’t wait for the next challenge.
- The team was fired up for the game and gave it their best effort.
Other ways to say: Excited, amped up, hyped.
Fun Fact/Origin: The term “fired up” comes from the idea of starting a fire, symbolizing energy and passion.
Usage: Use when someone is full of excitement and energy.
18. Have a lot of energy to burn
Meaning: To have more energy than is needed.
Example Sentence:
- The kids had a lot of energy to burn after being stuck inside all day.
- He was bouncing around, with so much energy to burn, he couldn’t sit still.
Other ways to say: Full of energy, hyper, ready to go.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase suggests that energy needs an outlet, just like a fire that needs fuel.
Usage: Use when someone is full of energy and needs to do something with it.
19. A shot in the arm
Meaning: Something that gives a boost of energy or motivation.
Example Sentence:
- The good news gave him a shot in the arm and he finished his work faster.
- The team’s coach gave them a shot in the arm with a pep talk before the big game.
Other ways to say: Boost, pick-me-up, motivation.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase originally referred to a real shot (like a vaccine) that gives people a burst of energy.
Usage: Use when something motivates or re-energizes a person.
20. Keep the ball rolling
Meaning: To keep something moving forward with energy and effort.
Example Sentence:
- Let’s keep the ball rolling and finish this project before the deadline.
- If we keep the ball rolling, we’ll be done with this task in no time.
Other ways to say: Keep things going, stay on track, stay in motion.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase is thought to come from sports, where players keep the ball moving to continue the game.
Usage: Use when you want to keep progress going or maintain momentum.
21. Get the energy flowing
Meaning: To start feeling active or motivated.
Example Sentence:
- A few jumping jacks will get the energy flowing before the game.
- Let’s get the energy flowing and start brainstorming ideas for the event.
Other ways to say: Get moving, get pumped, get started.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea that movement helps get the body’s energy moving, just like a current.
Usage: Use when trying to encourage others to start something with energy.
22. Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To stay up late working or studying.
Example Sentence:
- She had to burn the midnight oil to finish her science project.
- I had to burn the midnight oil last night to get ready for the big test.
Other ways to say: Stay up late, work late into the night, pull an all-nighter.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase dates back to when people used oil lamps to work or read late at night.
Usage: Use when someone stays up late to get work done.
23. Make waves
Meaning: To create a lot of attention or excitement.
Example Sentence:
- Her new dance moves made waves at the school talent show.
- The new movie is making waves in the entertainment world.
Other ways to say: Stir things up, cause a stir, make an impact.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase refers to making ripples or waves in water, symbolizing a change or impact.
Usage: Use when someone is causing a lot of attention or excitement.
24. Run like the wind
Meaning: To run very fast.
Example Sentence:
- She ran like the wind to catch the bus.
- The athlete ran like the wind and broke the school record.
Other ways to say: Sprint, run at full speed, zoom.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom compares running fast to the speed of wind, which moves quickly.
Usage: Use when someone is running very fast.
25. Energizer bunny
Meaning: A person who keeps going without getting tired.
Example Sentence:
- He’s like the energizer bunny, always full of energy and never slowing down.
- She worked like an energizer bunny throughout the day, never taking a break.
Other ways to say: Tireless, unstoppable, go-getter.
Fun Fact/Origin: The Energizer Bunny is a famous mascot for an energizing battery, symbolizing someone who keeps going and going.
Usage: Use to describe someone who has endless energy.
26. Hit the reset button
Meaning: To take a break and recharge before continuing.
Example Sentence:
- After a long day, I like to hit the reset button and relax for a while.
- The team needed to hit the reset button after the tough game and regroup.
Other ways to say: Take a break, start fresh, recharge.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of pressing a reset button on machines to start over or refresh.
Usage: Use when someone needs a short break to regain energy.
27. Catch a second wind
Meaning: To feel renewed energy after being tired.
Example Sentence:
- After taking a short nap, I caught a second wind and finished my homework.
- After the halftime break, the team caught a second wind and played better.
Other ways to say: Get a boost, feel refreshed, get back on track.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is commonly used in sports when an athlete feels more energetic after feeling tired.
Usage: Use when someone gets more energy after a period of tiredness.
28. Take the wind out of someone’s sails
Meaning: To make someone feel less excited or energetic.
Example Sentence:
- When they canceled the concert, it really took the wind out of my sails.
- The news of the delay took the wind out of the whole team’s sails.
Other ways to say: Deflate someone, bring someone down, discourage.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase refers to the wind that helps sailboats move, and taking it away slows them down.
Usage: Use when something or someone discourages or reduces excitement.
29. Light a fire under someone
Meaning: To motivate or encourage someone to take action.
Example Sentence:
- The coach lit a fire under the players, and they started playing harder.
- His boss lit a fire under him to finish the project on time.
Other ways to say: Push someone, motivate, get someone moving.
Fun Fact/Origin: The idea of lighting a fire is meant to spark action or energy, much like how fire can spread quickly.
Usage: Use when someone is encouraged to get moving or do something faster.
30. Put some pep in your step
Meaning: To make someone feel more energetic or enthusiastic.
Example Sentence:
- You need to put some pep in your step if you want to catch the bus!
- Let’s put some pep in our step and finish this task before lunch.
Other ways to say: Pick up the pace, get moving, add some energy.
Fun Fact/Origin: “Pep” comes from a word meaning energy or liveliness.
Usage: Use when someone needs to be more energetic or hurry up.
31. Lighten up
Meaning: To relax and be more energetic or positive.
Example Sentence:
- You need to lighten up and enjoy the party!
- After a stressful week, it’s time to lighten up and have some fun.
Other ways to say: Relax, cheer up, take it easy.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase suggests lightening one’s mood or actions, much like making something less heavy.
Usage: Use when someone needs to become more relaxed or positive.
32. Pumped up
Meaning: To feel excited and full of energy.
Example Sentence:
- I’m pumped up for the game tonight!
- She was so pumped up about the concert, she couldn’t stop talking about it.
Other ways to say: Excited, hyped, amped.
Fun Fact/Origin: “Pumped” refers to the idea of a pump adding air or pressure, symbolizing energy.
Usage: Use when someone is excited and ready to take action.
33. Going full speed ahead
Meaning: To move forward with maximum energy or effort.
Example Sentence:
- The team is going full speed ahead with their project and will finish ahead of schedule.
- Let’s go full speed ahead and make sure everything is ready for the event.
Other ways to say: Full throttle, at full blast, all in.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of moving quickly, as if there were no obstacles.
Usage: Use when someone is working at maximum speed and energy.
34. Buzzing with energy
Meaning: To feel full of excitement and energy.
Example Sentence:
- She was buzzing with energy after winning the competition.
- The kids were buzzing with energy after eating candy at the party.
Other ways to say: Excited, full of life, hyper.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase compares someone’s energetic feeling to the constant buzzing sound of bees or other small insects.
Usage: Use when someone is very excited or full of energy.
35. Get a move on
Meaning: To start moving or get to work quickly.
Example Sentence:
- We need to get a move on if we want to finish before the deadline.
- Come on, get a move on! The bus will leave soon.
Other ways to say: Hurry up, get going, get started.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase refers to the idea of moving quickly, encouraging someone to begin without wasting time.
Usage: Use when you want someone to start moving or working faster.
Quiz: Idioms About Energy
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed” mean?
A) Very tired and sleepy
B) Full of energy and excitement
C) Sad and slow
2. If someone is “on a roll,” what does that mean?
A) They are performing really well and full of energy
B) They are stuck and cannot move forward
C) They are eating a lot
3. What does “get a second wind” mean?
A) Feel more tired after working
B) Get a burst of energy after being tired
C) Start to sleep
4. If someone tells you to “wake up and smell the coffee,” what are they really saying?
A) Enjoy your coffee
B) Realize the reality of the situation
C) Take a nap
5. What does “burn the midnight oil” mean?
A) Stay up late working or studying
B) Sleep during the night
C) Have a snack late at night
6. If someone is “fired up,” they are:
A) Very calm and relaxed
B) Excited or full of energy
C) Tired and wanting to sleep
7. If you “put a spark in someone’s step,” you are:
A) Making them feel more energetic or excited
B) Giving them a reason to relax
C) Making them feel tired
8. “Run like the wind” means to:
A) Walk slowly
B) Run very fast
C) Sit down and rest
9. If you say “keep the ball rolling,” you mean:
A) Keep something moving forward with effort
B) Stop and take a break
C) Eat a snack while working
10. “Get the energy flowing” means:
A) Start to feel active or motivated
B) Take a nap
C) Be lazy and do nothing
Answer Key
- B) Full of energy and excitement
- A) They are performing really well and full of energy
- B) Get a burst of energy after being tired
- B) Realize the reality of the situation
- A) Stay up late working or studying
- B) Excited or full of energy
- A) Making them feel more energetic or excited
- B) Run very fast
- A) Keep something moving forward with effort
- A) Start to feel active or motivated
Wrapping Up
We’ve learned a lot about energy idioms today. These phrases help us talk about feeling energized or motivated in fun and creative ways. Whether you’re “burning the midnight oil” to finish homework or “getting a second wind” during a long day, these idioms can make your conversations more lively.
Using idioms is a great way to express yourself and make your speech more interesting. Now that you know some common energy idioms, try using them the next time you talk to your friends or family. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be an expert at using idioms in everyday life!
