Nature is all around us. We see trees, feel the wind, and hear birds sing. People have always noticed how nature works. Over time, they started using nature to explain feelings and ideas. These special sayings are called idioms. Idioms are phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say. They help us talk in fun and creative ways.
This article will share idioms about nature. You’ll learn what each one means and how to use it. These idioms are common in everyday talk, especially in the USA. You might even hear them in movies or books. Let’s take a walk through the world of nature idioms and see how they make language more colorful.
Idioms About Nature
1. Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling sick or not at your best
Example Sentence:
– I stayed home because I was feeling under the weather.
– She didn’t go to school because she was under the weather.
Other ways to say: Feeling ill, not feeling well
Fun Fact/Origin: Sailors used to say this when they felt sick during storms at sea.
Usage: Used when someone is feeling sick or tired
2. Break the ice
Meaning: To do or say something to make people feel comfortable
Example Sentence:
– We played a game to break the ice at the party.
– The teacher told a funny story to break the ice.
Other ways to say: Start talking, begin
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from ships breaking ice to make a path in frozen waters.
Usage: Used when starting a conversation or meeting new people
3. A storm is brewing
Meaning: Something bad is going to happen soon
Example Sentence:
– The kids were yelling, and I knew a storm was brewing.
– When the teacher looked upset, I felt a storm was brewing.
Other ways to say: Trouble coming, something bad is near
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how dark clouds show a storm is near.
Usage: Used when people sense problems are coming
4. In hot water
Meaning: In trouble or a difficult situation
Example Sentence:
– He forgot his homework and got in hot water with his teacher.
– I was in hot water after spilling juice on the couch.
Other ways to say: In trouble, in a mess
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom compares a tough spot to being in boiling water.
Usage: Used when someone gets into trouble
5. Make a mountain out of a molehill
Meaning: To make a big deal out of something small
Example Sentence:
– She made a mountain out of a molehill when she lost her pencil.
– Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill. It’s just a small mistake.
Other ways to say: Overreact, blow things up
Fun Fact/Origin: A molehill is tiny, and a mountain is huge—this shows how people overreact.
Usage: Used when someone makes a small issue seem very big
6. Come rain or shine
Meaning: No matter what happens
Example Sentence:
– We will go hiking, come rain or shine.
– He walks his dog every day, come rain or shine.
Other ways to say: No matter what, always
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from outdoor plans going on, even in bad weather.
Usage: Used when someone does something regularly, no matter the condition
7. Get wind of
Meaning: To hear about something secret
Example Sentence:
– I got wind of the surprise party for mom.
– She got wind of the new rule before it was announced.
Other ways to say: Hear about, learn
Fun Fact/Origin: Wind spreads things, just like news spreads
Usage: Used when someone finds out something quietly or early
8. Chase rainbows
Meaning: To try to do something that’s impossible
Example Sentence:
– He’s chasing rainbows thinking he’ll win every game.
– Don’t chase rainbows—some things just won’t happen.
Other ways to say: Aim too high, dream too big
Fun Fact/Origin: Rainbows are beautiful but can’t be caught or touched
Usage: Used when someone is trying for something that can’t be done
9. Calm before the storm
Meaning: A quiet time before something bad happens
Example Sentence:
– The classroom was quiet—it felt calm before the storm.
– Everything seemed fine, but it was just the calm before the storm.
Other ways to say: Quiet moment, peaceful time
Fun Fact/Origin: Weather is often calm just before a big storm hits
Usage: Used when things feel too quiet before something busy or bad happens
10. Head in the clouds
Meaning: Not paying attention
Example Sentence:
– He didn’t hear the bell—his head was in the clouds.
– She forgot her book again. Her head is always in the clouds.
Other ways to say: Daydreaming, not focused
Fun Fact/Origin: Being high in the clouds means you’re far from what’s happening around you
Usage: Used when someone is not paying attention or lost in thought
11. Lightning fast
Meaning: Very quick or speedy
Example Sentence:
– He ran across the field lightning fast.
– Her answer was lightning fast during the game.
Other ways to say: Super quick, fast as a flash
Fun Fact/Origin: Lightning is one of the fastest things in nature
Usage: Used when someone or something moves or reacts very fast
12. Go with the flow
Meaning: To accept things as they happen
Example Sentence:
– We didn’t have a plan, so we just went with the flow.
– He doesn’t worry—he always goes with the flow.
Other ways to say: Take it easy, follow along
Fun Fact/Origin: It comes from how rivers and water flow naturally
Usage: Used when someone lets things happen without trying to change them
13. Like a fish out of water
Meaning: Feeling out of place
Example Sentence:
– He felt like a fish out of water at his new school.
– I felt like a fish out of water at the dance party.
Other ways to say: Not fitting in, uncomfortable
Fun Fact/Origin: Fish need water—without it, they don’t belong
Usage: Used when someone feels out of place or different
14. Blow off steam
Meaning: To release stress or anger
Example Sentence:
– He went for a run to blow off steam.
– After school, she played basketball to blow off steam.
Other ways to say: Let out anger, cool down
Fun Fact/Origin: Steam builds up in machines and must be released
Usage: Used when someone needs to calm down or relax
15. It’s raining cats and dogs
Meaning: Raining very hard
Example Sentence:
– We had to cancel the picnic because it was raining cats and dogs.
– It’s raining cats and dogs, so take an umbrella.
Other ways to say: Pouring rain, heavy rain
Fun Fact/Origin: This funny phrase means very strong rainstorms
Usage: Used during strong or wild rain
16. Full of hot air
Meaning: Saying things that are not true or useful
Example Sentence:
– He keeps talking, but he’s full of hot air.
– Don’t believe him—he’s full of hot air.
Other ways to say: Not honest, all talk
Fun Fact/Origin: Hot air rises but doesn’t do much—like useless talk
Usage: Used when someone says silly or false things
17. In deep water
Meaning: In serious trouble
Example Sentence:
– He was in deep water after breaking the vase.
– If we don’t study, we’ll be in deep water on the test.
Other ways to say: Big trouble, serious problem
Fun Fact/Origin: Deep water is harder to swim in, so it means danger
Usage: Used when someone is in big trouble
18. Out of the woods
Meaning: Out of trouble or danger
Example Sentence:
– I was sick last week, but I’m out of the woods now.
– We had car trouble, but we’re out of the woods.
Other ways to say: Safe now, not in danger
Fun Fact/Origin: In old stories, getting out of a dark forest meant safety
Usage: Used when problems are over or things are getting better
19. The grass is always greener
Meaning: Other places or things seem better than your own
Example Sentence:
– She thinks another school is better, but the grass is always greener.
– He wanted a new toy, but his was just fine. The grass is always greener.
Other ways to say: Jealous of others, think others have it better
Fun Fact/Origin: Green grass looks better from far away
Usage: Used when someone thinks others are luckier, even if it’s not true
20. Reach for the stars
Meaning: Try to do something great
Example Sentence:
– Don’t be afraid—reach for the stars!
– He worked hard because he was reaching for the stars.
Other ways to say: Dream big, aim high
Fun Fact/Origin: Stars are far away, so reaching for them means big goals
Usage: Used when someone is trying their best to do something great
21. Make waves
Meaning: To cause a strong reaction or change
Example Sentence:
– Her idea made waves at the meeting.
– He made waves by trying something new.
Other ways to say: Shake things up, create a buzz
Fun Fact/Origin: Waves move water and cause big changes
Usage: Used when someone does something noticeable
22. Like the wind
Meaning: Very fast
Example Sentence:
– He ran like the wind in the race.
– She biked like the wind down the hill.
Other ways to say: Super fast, in a flash
Fun Fact/Origin: Wind moves quickly and can’t be caught
Usage: Used when someone moves very quickly
23. On cloud nine
Meaning: Very happy
Example Sentence:
– She was on cloud nine after winning the game.
– I felt like I was on cloud nine at the birthday party.
Other ways to say: Really happy, overjoyed
Fun Fact/Origin: Cloud nine means a very high and happy place
Usage: Used when someone is very happy
24. Burned out
Meaning: Tired from doing too much
Example Sentence:
– I studied so much I’m burned out.
– He played too many games and felt burned out.
Other ways to say: Very tired, worn out
Fun Fact/Origin: Like a candle that’s used up and stops shining
Usage: Used when someone is really tired from doing too much
25. Cold as ice
Meaning: Very unfriendly or mean
Example Sentence:
– Her stare was cold as ice.
– He spoke to me cold as ice.
Other ways to say: Rude, not kind
Fun Fact/Origin: Ice is freezing and not warm—just like cold behavior
Usage: Used when someone acts in an unkind or unfriendly way
26. Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: Something good comes from something bad
Example Sentence:
– We missed the trip, but we had fun at home. Every cloud has a silver lining.
– He didn’t make the team, but he met new friends.
Other ways to say: Good in the bad, bright side
Fun Fact/Origin: The edge of dark clouds can look shiny when the sun is behind them
Usage: Used to remind someone to look for good even in tough times
27. Lost in the woods
Meaning: Confused or unsure what to do
Example Sentence:
– I didn’t study and felt lost in the woods during the test.
– She was lost in the woods when the directions were unclear.
Other ways to say: Confused, unsure
Fun Fact/Origin: Woods are hard to find your way through
Usage: Used when someone doesn’t know what to do next
28. As clear as mud
Meaning: Very hard to understand
Example Sentence:
– His story was as clear as mud.
– The directions were as clear as mud.
Other ways to say: Confusing, not clear
Fun Fact/Origin: Mud is not clear at all, so this phrase is used as a joke
Usage: Used when something is hard to understand
29. Snowed under
Meaning: Too busy with work
Example Sentence:
– I was snowed under with homework last night.
– She’s snowed under with chores.
Other ways to say: Overloaded, very busy
Fun Fact/Origin: Like being buried under a pile of snow
Usage: Used when someone has too much to do
30. Blow hot and cold
Meaning: Keep changing your mind
Example Sentence:
– He blows hot and cold about joining the team.
– One day she likes it, the next she doesn’t—she blows hot and cold.
Other ways to say: Can’t decide, keep changing
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from wind that changes temperature
Usage: Used when someone isn’t sure or keeps switching sides
31. As cool as a cucumber
Meaning: Very calm
Example Sentence:
– He stayed cool as a cucumber during the test.
– She was cool as a cucumber while giving her speech.
Other ways to say: Very calm, relaxed
Fun Fact/Origin: Cucumbers feel cool inside, even in warm weather
Usage: Used when someone stays calm and relaxed
32. Have your head in the sand
Meaning: Pretend there’s no problem
Example Sentence:
– He had his head in the sand about the bad grade.
– Don’t put your head in the sand. Face the truth.
Other ways to say: Ignore the problem, pretend it’s not real
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea that ostriches bury their heads to hide
Usage: Used when someone avoids facing something
33. Tip of the iceberg
Meaning: A small part of a bigger problem
Example Sentence:
– That mistake was just the tip of the iceberg.
– The mess we saw was only the tip of the iceberg.
Other ways to say: Just a little part, not the whole thing
Fun Fact/Origin: Most of an iceberg is hidden under water
Usage: Used when only a small piece of a big problem is visible
34. As fast as lightning
Meaning: Very fast
Example Sentence:
– He was as fast as lightning on the field.
– She solved the puzzle as fast as lightning.
Other ways to say: Super fast, quick as a flash
Fun Fact/Origin: Lightning happens in a flash—super quick
Usage: Used when someone is really fast
35. In a fog
Meaning: Feeling confused
Example Sentence:
– I was in a fog during the math lesson.
– After waking up, she felt like she was in a fog.
Other ways to say: Not clear, confused
Fun Fact/Origin: Fog makes it hard to see clearly
Usage: Used when someone feels unclear or mixed up
36. Burn like wildfire
Meaning: Spread very fast
Example Sentence:
– The news about the new toy burned like wildfire.
– That rumor burned like wildfire across school.
Other ways to say: Spread fast, travel quickly
Fun Fact/Origin: Wildfires spread quickly and far
Usage: Used when news or gossip spreads fast
37. Weather the storm
Meaning: Get through a tough time
Example Sentence:
– We had to weather the storm after losing power.
– The family weathered the storm after the flood.
Other ways to say: Stay strong, get through
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from real storms that people must wait out
Usage: Used when people go through hard times and survive
38. On thin ice
Meaning: In a risky or dangerous situation
Example Sentence:
– He’s on thin ice after breaking the rule again.
– You’re on thin ice if you keep talking in class.
Other ways to say: Close to trouble, risky
Fun Fact/Origin: Thin ice can break easily and is not safe
Usage: Used when someone is close to getting in trouble
39. As fresh as a daisy
Meaning: Feeling full of energy
Example Sentence:
– I woke up feeling as fresh as a daisy.
– She looked as fresh as a daisy after her nap.
Other ways to say: Energized, rested
Fun Fact/Origin: Daisies open in the morning and look bright
Usage: Used when someone feels rested and happy
40. Quiet as a mouse
Meaning: Very quiet
Example Sentence:
– The kids were quiet as mice in the library.
– He was quiet as a mouse during the movie.
Other ways to say: Silent, super quiet
Fun Fact/Origin: Mice are tiny and make little noise
Usage: Used when someone makes no sound
Quiz: Idioms About Nature
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 “under the weather” mean?
A) Playing in the rain
B) Feeling sick or not well
C) Going outside on a cold day
2. If someone is “chasing rainbows,” what are they doing?
A) Looking at the sky
B) Trying something impossible
C) Playing in the rain
3. What does it mean if someone “has their head in the clouds”?
A) They are flying in a plane
B) They are dreaming or not paying attention
C) They are watching the weather
4. If someone says “every cloud has a silver lining,” what do they mean?
A) The sky is always gray
B) There is something good in every bad thing
C) It’s going to rain soon
5. When you are “on thin ice,” what does it mean?
A) You are skating at the rink
B) You are in a risky situation
C) You are walking carefully
6. What does “snowed under” mean?
A) Playing in snow
B) Having too much work to do
C) Sleeping in the winter
7. If someone is “cool as a cucumber,” how are they feeling?
A) Calm and not worried
B) Cold from the fridge
C) Hungry for vegetables
8. When someone is “in hot water,” what does it mean?
A) They are taking a bath
B) They are in trouble
C) They spilled a drink
9. If someone says “make a mountain out of a molehill,” what are they doing?
A) Building a sandcastle
B) Making a small problem seem very big
C) Climbing a mountain
10. What does “quiet as a mouse” mean?
A) Very silent
B) Making a squeaky sound
C) Being sneaky
Answer Key
- B) Feeling sick or not well
- B) Trying something impossible
- B) They are dreaming or not paying attention
- B) There is something good in every bad thing
- B) You are in a risky situation
- B) Having too much work to do
- A) Calm and not worried
- B) They are in trouble
- B) Making a small problem seem very big
- A) Very silent
Wrapping Up
Idioms about nature help us talk in fun and smart ways. They come from things we see and feel every day like rain, clouds, and animals. These phrases help us explain ideas in short and easy words. By using them, we can make what we say more interesting.
Try to listen for these idioms when people talk. You might hear them in songs, stories, or even at school. The more you use them, the better you’ll understand what they mean. Nature gives us more than beauty—it gives us ways to speak too.
