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 way. These idioms are often used in everyday conversations, making them a cool part of the language. They can describe cleaning up problems, washing away bad memories, or even just something being messy. You might hear people use these idioms without even thinking about it.
In this article, we will explore some common idioms about laundry. We will learn what they mean and how they are used in sentences. By the end, you will understand these idioms and maybe start using them yourself. So, let’s dive into the world of laundry idioms and see how they help us tell stories in a more colorful way.
Idioms About Laundry
1. Clean as a whistle
Meaning: Very clean or neat.
Example Sentence:
- After the big clean-up, the kitchen was as clean as a whistle.
- Her room is always as clean as a whistle, no mess anywhere.
Other ways to say: Spotless, sparkling clean.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase may come from the idea that a whistle is clear and bright, just like something that is perfectly clean.
Usage: Used to describe something very clean or tidy.
2. Air your dirty laundry
Meaning: To talk about personal or embarrassing things in public.
Example Sentence:
- She was upset when her friend aired their dirty laundry at school.
- Stop airing your dirty laundry in front of everyone!
Other ways to say: Share your secrets, spill the beans.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from the idea of washing dirty clothes in private, not in front of others.
Usage: Used when someone reveals personal or embarrassing details in public.
3. Spin your wheels
Meaning: To waste time on something without making progress.
Example Sentence:
- I felt like I was spinning my wheels trying to solve that puzzle.
- He was just spinning his wheels, trying to fix the washing machine.
Other ways to say: Going nowhere, getting nowhere.
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of a washing machine spinning clothes around without actually cleaning them.
Usage: Used when someone is putting effort into something but not moving forward.
4. Throw in the towel
Meaning: To give up or admit defeat.
Example Sentence:
- After hours of trying to fix the machine, I had to throw in the towel.
- He threw in the towel when he couldn’t figure out the math problem.
Other ways to say: Give up, surrender.
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from boxing. When a trainer throws a towel into the ring, it means their fighter is done.
Usage: Used when someone gives up on something.
5. In hot water
Meaning: To be in trouble.
Example Sentence:
- I was in hot water when I forgot to do my laundry.
- You’ll be in hot water if you don’t finish your chores.
Other ways to say: In trouble, in a jam.
Fun Fact/Origin: The idea is that being in hot water is uncomfortable, just like being in trouble.
Usage: Used when someone is in trouble or facing a problem.
6. A rough wash
Meaning: A difficult or tough situation.
Example Sentence:
- It was a rough wash getting through all that homework.
- That was a rough wash at the soccer game, but we won!
Other ways to say: A tough time, a hard situation.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to how clothes get roughed up during a tough wash cycle.
Usage: Used to describe a tough situation.
7. Hung out to dry
Meaning: To be left alone or abandoned.
Example Sentence:
- I felt like I was hung out to dry when my friends didn’t help me with the project.
- She was hung out to dry after her team gave up on the group work.
Other ways to say: Left behind, abandoned.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to clothes being left on the line to dry, sometimes forgotten or abandoned.
Usage: Used when someone is left to handle something alone.
8. Get your hands dirty
Meaning: To do hard work or messy tasks.
Example Sentence:
- I had to get my hands dirty when I helped with the laundry.
- She got her hands dirty while cleaning out the garage.
Other ways to say: Do the work, get involved.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to physical work that makes your hands dirty.
Usage: Used when someone takes part in hard work or chores.
9. Keep your nose clean
Meaning: To stay out of trouble.
Example Sentence:
- If you keep your nose clean, you won’t get in trouble at school.
- He always keeps his nose clean by doing his chores on time.
Other ways to say: Stay out of trouble, be good.
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from the idea that a clean nose shows good health and avoiding trouble.
Usage: Used when advising someone to behave well and avoid problems.
10. Pressed for time
Meaning: To be in a hurry or short on time.
Example Sentence:
- I was pressed for time, so I didn’t finish folding the laundry.
- She was so pressed for time that she forgot to do her chores.
Other ways to say: In a rush, running out of time.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the process of pressing clothes with an iron to make them smooth and wrinkle-free.
Usage: Used when someone has very little time to do something.
11. Dirty work
Meaning: Hard, unpleasant tasks.
Example Sentence:
- I had to do the dirty work and clean the garage.
- He was stuck with the dirty work of folding all the towels.
Other ways to say: Tough task, unpleasant chore.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to tasks that are not fun and can be messy.
Usage: Used for tasks that are difficult or unpleasant.
12. Run around in circles
Meaning: To keep doing something without making any progress.
Example Sentence:
- I was running around in circles trying to find my socks.
- She kept running around in circles, looking for her missing shirt.
Other ways to say: Going in circles, wasting time.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to how running in circles gets you nowhere.
Usage: Used when someone is putting in effort but not moving forward.
13. Wash your hands of something
Meaning: To stop being involved in something.
Example Sentence:
- He washed his hands of the project once he saw how hard it was.
- She washed her hands of the situation and let the others handle it.
Other ways to say: Give up on, stop dealing with.
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the Bible, where washing hands symbolized getting rid of responsibility.
Usage: Used when someone decides to stop being part of something.
14. White as snow
Meaning: Very clean or pure.
Example Sentence:
- Her shirt was white as snow after she washed it.
- The sheets looked white as snow after the wash.
Other ways to say: Pure white, spotless.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the perfect, clean color of fresh snow.
Usage: Used to describe something very clean or white.
15. Spin the yarn
Meaning: To tell a story, often a long one.
Example Sentence:
- Grandpa likes to spin the yarn about his days at sea.
- She loves to spin the yarn about the time she went camping.
Other ways to say: Tell a tale, tell a story.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the idea of spinning yarn, where a long thread becomes a long story.
Usage: Used when someone tells a story, usually long and detailed.
16. Clean the slate
Meaning: To start fresh or with a clear record.
Example Sentence:
- After the argument, they decided to clean the slate and start over.
- I cleaned the slate after my last test and studied harder.
Other ways to say: Start fresh, wipe the slate clean.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the idea of wiping a slate board clean to start over.
Usage: Used when someone wants to forget past mistakes and begin again.
17. Wring out
Meaning: To squeeze or force something out.
Example Sentence:
- He had to wring out his wet socks after the rain.
- She wrung out the towel and hung it to dry.
Other ways to say: Squeeze out, press out.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to twisting clothes to remove excess water after washing.
Usage: Used when someone removes something by squeezing or pressing.
18. A washout
Meaning: A complete failure.
Example Sentence:
- The picnic was a washout because of the rain.
- The plan turned out to be a washout when no one showed up.
Other ways to say: A failure, a disaster.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to something ruined by water, just like clothes that get soaked.
Usage: Used when something is a complete failure.
19. A clean break
Meaning: To end something completely and clearly.
Example Sentence:
- After the argument, they decided to make a clean break and not talk again.
- He wanted a clean break from his old habits and started a new routine.
Other ways to say: Fresh start, clean cut.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to making a break without leaving anything behind, like starting fresh.
Usage: Used when someone ends something abruptly and completely.
20. Sweep it under the rug
Meaning: To hide a problem instead of solving it.
Example Sentence:
- Don’t just sweep it under the rug; we need to talk about the problem.
- He tried to sweep his mistakes under the rug, but they kept coming up.
Other ways to say: Ignore the issue, cover up.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to hiding dirt or problems under a rug to keep them out of sight.
Usage: Used when someone avoids dealing with an issue.
21. Run a tight ship
Meaning: To manage something efficiently.
Example Sentence:
- She runs a tight ship in her laundry room, everything is always neat.
- The teacher runs a tight ship in the classroom with no disruptions.
Other ways to say: Be organized, be in control.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to managing a ship where everything needs to be in order to work properly.
Usage: Used when someone manages something efficiently.
22. Tidy up
Meaning: To clean or organize something.
Example Sentence:
- It’s time to tidy up the kitchen before dinner.
- I’ll tidy up my room before guests arrive.
Other ways to say: Clean up, organize.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to making a space neat and organized.
Usage: Used when someone is cleaning or organizing.
23. Laundry list
Meaning: A long list of things to do or mention.
Example Sentence:
- I have a laundry list of chores to finish this weekend.
- She gave me a laundry list of things to bring to the party.
Other ways to say: Long list, list of tasks.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to a long list of laundry items, usually written down for organization.
Usage: Used when referring to a long list of things to do.
24. Scrub up well
Meaning: To clean oneself or look good after cleaning.
Example Sentence:
- He scrubbed up well for the wedding.
- She scrubbed up well after a long day at work.
Other ways to say: Clean up, look sharp.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to cleaning oneself thoroughly to look presentable.
Usage: Used when someone cleans up and looks good afterward.
25. Throw a load in the wash
Meaning: To start washing clothes.
Example Sentence:
- I’ll throw a load in the wash while I cook dinner.
- He threw a load in the wash before heading out for the day.
Other ways to say: Do laundry, start washing clothes.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to placing clothes in a washing machine to clean them.
Usage: Used when someone begins doing laundry.
26. Wash your dirty linen in public
Meaning: To discuss private or embarrassing matters in public.
Example Sentence:
- He shouldn’t wash his dirty linen in public; keep the argument private.
- They were arguing in front of everyone, washing their dirty linen in public.
Other ways to say: Air your grievances, share personal issues.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea that laundry, especially dirty laundry, should be cleaned privately, not in public.
Usage: Used when someone discusses private issues in front of others.
27. Clean as a new pin
Meaning: Very clean, neat, or tidy.
Example Sentence:
- After the cleaning, the house was as clean as a new pin.
- Her desk was always as clean as a new pin, with everything neatly organized.
Other ways to say: Neat and tidy, spotless.
Fun Fact/Origin: A pin is a small, sharp object that is clean and new, which is used to describe something that’s perfectly clean.
Usage: Used to describe something very clean.
28. Take a load off
Meaning: To relax or sit down after working hard.
Example Sentence:
- After all that laundry, I needed to take a load off and rest for a while.
- She finally took a load off after finishing her chores.
Other ways to say: Relax, sit down.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of taking off a heavy load or burden, like the weight of laundry or tasks.
Usage: Used when someone needs to rest after working hard.
29. A stitch in time saves nine
Meaning: Solving a small problem right away can prevent it from getting worse.
Example Sentence:
- Fix the washing machine now, a stitch in time saves nine.
- If you fold your laundry as soon as it’s done, a stitch in time saves nine.
Other ways to say: Fix it early, deal with it now.
Fun Fact/Origin: This old saying emphasizes that fixing things early prevents more work later.
Usage: Used when advising someone to handle a problem before it grows larger.
30. Fold like a shirt
Meaning: To fold something neatly or handle something in an organized manner.
Example Sentence:
- She folded the laundry like a shirt, perfectly neat and tidy.
- He folded the towels like a shirt after the wash.
Other ways to say: Neatly fold, arrange neatly.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the careful way shirts are folded so they stay neat and tidy.
Usage: Used when referring to folding things neatly.
31. Get something out of the wash
Meaning: To remove something from the laundry or to finish something.
Example Sentence:
- I need to get the clothes out of the wash before they get too wrinkled.
- After the meeting, he got all his tasks out of the wash and ready to go.
Other ways to say: Finish something, complete a task.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to taking clothes out of the washing machine, symbolizing the completion of something.
Usage: Used when finishing something or completing a task.
32. Scrub down
Meaning: To clean something thoroughly.
Example Sentence:
- We need to scrub down the walls after the painting project.
- She scrubbed down the counters after the spill.
Other ways to say: Clean thoroughly, wash up.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the action of scrubbing surfaces to clean them thoroughly.
Usage: Used when someone cleans something completely.
33. Hang out to dry
Meaning: To be left alone or abandoned to handle something.
Example Sentence:
- He was left to hang out to dry when his friends didn’t help with the chores.
- She was hung out to dry after everyone else quit the project.
Other ways to say: Left to handle alone, abandoned.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to hanging laundry out to dry, often implying the clothes are left alone and unattended.
Usage: Used when someone is left to handle something on their own.
34. Wash over
Meaning: To overwhelm or affect someone strongly.
Example Sentence:
- A wave of exhaustion washed over me after doing the laundry.
- The feeling of happiness washed over her when she saw the clean house.
Other ways to say: Overcome, flood with emotion.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to how water can wash over something, just like strong feelings can overwhelm a person.
Usage: Used when someone is overwhelmed by emotions or feelings.
35. Put something through the wringer
Meaning: To subject something to a lot of stress or difficulty.
Example Sentence:
- The car went through the wringer with all the repairs it needed.
- She really put the clothes through the wringer with all the tough stains.
Other ways to say: Go through a tough time, stress something out.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to an old-fashioned laundry wringer used to squeeze out water from clothes.
Usage: Used when something is put under a lot of stress or pressure.
36. Wash your hands of
Meaning: To stop being involved in something.
Example Sentence:
- After the argument, he washed his hands of the situation.
- She washed her hands of the messy project and left it for others to finish.
Other ways to say: Walk away from, give up on.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase originates from the Bible, where washing hands symbolized getting rid of guilt or responsibility.
Usage: Used when someone wants to stop being involved in something.
37. Throw a fit
Meaning: To become very upset or angry.
Example Sentence:
- She threw a fit when her brother mixed up the laundry.
- He threw a fit when he couldn’t find his favorite shirt after the wash.
Other ways to say: Lose your temper, get angry.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to a dramatic outburst or temper tantrum, often caused by frustration.
Usage: Used when someone gets very upset or angry about something.
38. Roll up your sleeves
Meaning: To prepare to work hard or get ready for a challenge.
Example Sentence:
- It’s time to roll up your sleeves and start doing the laundry.
- She rolled up her sleeves and cleaned the entire house.
Other ways to say: Get to work, get busy.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to rolling up your sleeves to avoid getting them dirty while doing hard work.
Usage: Used when someone gets ready to work hard or take on a challenge.
Quiz: Idioms About Laundry
Test your knowledge of laundry idioms with this fun quiz! Choose the correct answer for each question.
Question Key
1. What does “sweep it under the rug” mean?
A) To clean a rug carefully
B) To hide a problem instead of solving it
C) To organize clothes
2. If someone says, “take a load off,” what are they asking you to do?
A) Relax and sit down
B) Start washing clothes
C) Fold laundry
3. When someone says “wash your dirty linen in public,” what are they referring to?
A) Showing off your laundry
B) Discussing private matters in public
C) Washing clothes in public
4. If a room is “clean as a new pin,” how does it look?
A) Messy
B) Clean and neat
C) Cluttered
5. “Put something through the wringer” means:
A) To fold clothes neatly
B) To make something much harder than it should be
C) To wash clothes carefully
6. What does it mean when you “hang out to dry”?
A) To leave someone alone to handle a situation
B) To wash your clothes
C) To fold your clothes
7. If someone “gets something out of the wash,” what are they doing?
A) Putting clothes in the wash
B) Finishing a task
C) Hanging clothes to dry
8. When someone says “scrub down,” they mean:
A) Clean something thoroughly
B) Fold clothes neatly
C) Start washing clothes
9. What does “a stitch in time saves nine” mean?
A) Fixing a small problem now can prevent bigger problems later
B) Doing laundry helps with problems
C) It’s better to relax and do nothing
10. “Roll up your sleeves” means:
A) Start working hard or prepare for a challenge
B) Clean your sleeves
C) Take a break
Answer Key
- B – To hide a problem instead of solving it
- A – Relax and sit down
- B – Discussing private matters in public
- B – Clean and neat
- B – To make something much harder than it should be
- A – To leave someone alone to handle a situation
- B – Finishing a task
- A – Clean something thoroughly
- A – Fixing a small problem now can prevent bigger problems later
- A – Start working hard or prepare for a challenge
Wrapping Up
Learning idioms about laundry can be fun and useful. These expressions help us talk about everyday tasks in a more creative way. Whether you’re folding clothes or washing dishes, idioms like “take a load off” or “put something through the wringer” add flavor to our language.
Now that you’ve explored some common laundry idioms, you can use them to sound more natural in conversation. Keep practicing and remember, idioms make communication more interesting and lively. So, the next time you do laundry, you might think of a new way to describe it!
