Pictionary is a fun game where people draw and guess words. When we use idioms in Pictionary, it becomes even more exciting. Idioms are phrases that don’t always mean exactly what the words say. For example, if someone says “spill the beans,” they don’t mean to actually drop beans. They mean to tell a secret. This makes guessing a bit tricky—but also more fun!
Using idioms in Pictionary helps players learn language in a playful way. It also helps everyone think more creatively. Drawing a phrase like “raining cats and dogs” makes people laugh and learn at the same time. In this article, you’ll find many idioms perfect for a Pictionary game. They are fun to guess and easy to draw.
Idioms for Pictionary
1. Join forces
Meaning: To work together for a shared goal
Example Sentence:
– The kids joined forces to build a fort.
– We joined forces to clean up the park.
Other ways to say: Team up, work together
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from military times when soldiers joined to fight together.
Usage: When people help each other to do something.
2. Come together
Meaning: To unite as a group
Example Sentence:
– Everyone came together to decorate the gym.
– Neighbors came together after the storm.
Other ways to say: Gather, unite
Fun Fact/Origin: Made popular by a Beatles song.
Usage: When people join for a common purpose.
3. Rally around
Meaning: To support someone or something as a group
Example Sentence:
– The class rallied around their sick friend.
– Everyone rallied around the new student.
Other ways to say: Stand by, support
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from an old French word meaning “to bring together.”
Usage: When people show care during tough times.
4. Birds of a feather flock together
Meaning: People with similar interests stay together
Example Sentence:
– The gamers hang out all the time—birds of a feather flock together.
– Artists in the club always sit together.
Other ways to say: Like attracts like, similar people stay close
Fun Fact/Origin: Birds of the same kind fly together.
Usage: Used to show how like-minded people gather.
5. Pack in like sardines
Meaning: To crowd too many people into a space
Example Sentence:
– We were packed in like sardines on the school bus.
– The elevator was packed like a can of sardines.
Other ways to say: Cram in, squeeze in
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to sardines being tightly packed in cans.
Usage: Used when a place is very crowded.
6. Round up
Meaning: To gather people or things together
Example Sentence:
– The teacher rounded up the class for a group photo.
– Dad rounded up the kids for dinner.
Other ways to say: Collect, gather
Fun Fact/Origin: Used by cowboys to gather cattle.
Usage: Used when calling everyone together.
7. Pull together
Meaning: To work as a team
Example Sentence:
– We pulled together to build the science project.
– The whole family pulled together to clean the house.
Other ways to say: Cooperate, help each other
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from sailing, where pulling ropes helped steer ships.
Usage: When teamwork is needed.
8. Mob scene
Meaning: A place that is extremely crowded
Example Sentence:
– The mall was a mob scene during the holidays.
– The school fair turned into a mob scene.
Other ways to say: Packed place, huge crowd
Fun Fact/Origin: “Mob” means a noisy crowd.
Usage: When describing a crowded area.
9. Gather steam
Meaning: To build energy or support over time
Example Sentence:
– The fundraiser gathered steam quickly.
– The event gathered steam once snacks were served.
Other ways to say: Gain speed, grow stronger
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from steam engines picking up power.
Usage: When something gains support or energy.
10. Clump together
Meaning: To form a close group
Example Sentence:
– Kids clumped together on the playground.
– Tourists clumped together near the guide.
Other ways to say: Huddle, bunch up
Fun Fact/Origin: “Clump” means a close group of things.
Usage: When people stand or move in a group.
11. Herd together
Meaning: To move as a group
Example Sentence:
– Students herded together after the bell rang.
– Shoppers herded into the store.
Other ways to say: Crowd together, gather
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how animals move in herds.
Usage: When people move in large groups.
12. Rub elbows with
Meaning: To be close to important people
Example Sentence:
– She rubbed elbows with movie stars.
– He rubbed elbows with famous athletes.
Other ways to say: Mingle with, meet
Fun Fact/Origin: Happens at crowded events.
Usage: When someone meets well-known people.
13. Run with the crowd
Meaning: To follow what others are doing
Example Sentence:
– He didn’t like soccer but ran with the crowd and played.
– She dressed like her friends to run with the crowd.
Other ways to say: Go along, follow others
Fun Fact/Origin: Means not thinking for yourself.
Usage: When someone follows a group.
14. Mix and mingle
Meaning: To talk and move around at a social event
Example Sentence:
– The students mixed and mingled at the school dance.
– Guests mixed and mingled during the party.
Other ways to say: Socialize, chat
Fun Fact/Origin: “Mingle” means to move around.
Usage: When people talk in groups at events.
15. Band together
Meaning: To unite for a cause
Example Sentence:
– Students banded together to plant trees.
– Workers banded together for fair treatment.
Other ways to say: Join forces, work together
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from forming a group or “band.”
Usage: When people unite for a reason.
16. Come in droves
Meaning: To arrive in large numbers
Example Sentence:
– Fans came in droves for the concert.
– Shoppers came in droves for the sale.
Other ways to say: Arrive in crowds, show up together
Fun Fact/Origin: “Droves” refers to herds of animals.
Usage: When many people arrive at once.
17. Circle the wagons
Meaning: To unite and protect against trouble
Example Sentence:
– The team circled the wagons after losing.
– The family circled the wagons during hard times.
Other ways to say: Defend together, stay close
Fun Fact/Origin: Pioneers did this for safety.
Usage: When groups protect or support each other.
18. Come out in full force
Meaning: To show up in large numbers for support
Example Sentence:
– The fans came out in full force for the game.
– The community came out in full force to clean up.
Other ways to say: Show up strongly, attend together
Fun Fact/Origin: “Full force” means everyone’s effort.
Usage: When many people show support.
19. Pile in
Meaning: To enter a place quickly and closely
Example Sentence:
– We piled into the van for the trip.
– Fans piled into the stadium.
Other ways to say: Rush in, crowd in
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests stacking people together.
Usage: When people enter quickly and tightly.
20. All hands on deck
Meaning: Everyone must help
Example Sentence:
– It was all hands on deck for the science fair.
– The store was busy—it was all hands on deck.
Other ways to say: Everyone help, teamwork needed
Fun Fact/Origin: From ships, where all crew were needed.
Usage: When help from everyone is required.
21. Form a line
Meaning: To gather in an orderly way
Example Sentence:
– Kids formed a line for lunch.
– Shoppers formed a line outside.
Other ways to say: Line up, queue
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in school and stores.
Usage: When people wait their turn.
22. Close ranks
Meaning: To stick together in support
Example Sentence:
– The team closed ranks after losing.
– The family closed ranks during a tough time.
Other ways to say: Stay strong together, unite
Fun Fact/Origin: From military soldiers standing closer.
Usage: When a group supports one another.
23. Muster up
Meaning: To gather strength or people
Example Sentence:
– He mustered up the courage to speak.
– The coach mustered the team for a huddle.
Other ways to say: Gather, summon
Fun Fact/Origin: From the military, where troops gathered.
Usage: When someone gets ready or calls a group.
24. Huddle up
Meaning: To gather closely, often to talk
Example Sentence:
– The players huddled up before the play.
– The family huddled up for a group picture.
Other ways to say: Group together, gather closely
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in football and sports.
Usage: When people gather for a talk or plan.
25. Go in droves
Meaning: To move in large groups
Example Sentence:
– Tourists went in droves to the new exhibit.
– Students went in droves to the book fair.
Other ways to say: Arrive in groups, go together
Fun Fact/Origin: “Droves” were groups of animals.
Usage: When many people move to a place.
26. Swarm around
Meaning: To gather closely around something
Example Sentence:
– Kids swarmed around the ice cream truck.
– Fans swarmed around the player for autographs.
Other ways to say: Crowd around, gather
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from bees gathering together.
Usage: When people group around something or someone.
27. Draw a crowd
Meaning: To attract many people
Example Sentence:
– The magician’s show drew a crowd.
– The new restaurant is drawing a crowd.
Other ways to say: Bring attention, attract people
Fun Fact/Origin: “Draw” means to pull, like pulling people in.
Usage: When something gets lots of attention.
28. Call a meeting
Meaning: To ask a group to come together
Example Sentence:
– The teacher called a meeting about the trip.
– The coach called a meeting before the game.
Other ways to say: Gather people, have a discussion
Fun Fact/Origin: “Meeting” comes from a word meaning “to come together.”
Usage: Used for organizing discussions.
29. Pack the house
Meaning: To fill a place with people
Example Sentence:
– The concert packed the house.
– The play packed the house every night.
Other ways to say: Fill the room, get a big crowd
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in theaters with full audiences.
Usage: When a place is filled with people.
30. Cram in
Meaning: To fit too many people or things in one place
Example Sentence:
– We crammed into the small elevator.
– Students crammed into the bus.
Other ways to say: Squeeze in, stuff in
Fun Fact/Origin: “Cram” means to push in tightly.
Usage: When a space is very full.
31. Flood in
Meaning: To arrive in large numbers at once
Example Sentence:
– People flooded in when doors opened.
– Students flooded into the gym.
Other ways to say: Rush in, pour in
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on how water floods a place.
Usage: When people come in all at once.
32. Stick together
Meaning: To stay close as a group
Example Sentence:
– Friends stuck together during the trip.
– Families stick together during hard times.
Other ways to say: Stay close, remain together
Fun Fact/Origin: Like glue holding things.
Usage: When a group stays united.
33. Heap up
Meaning: To pile up in a large group
Example Sentence:
– Snow heaped up on the sidewalk.
– Homework papers heaped up on the desk.
Other ways to say: Pile up, stack
Fun Fact/Origin: “Heap” means a large pile.
Usage: When things or people are in a big pile.
34. Jam-packed
Meaning: Very full, no space left
Example Sentence:
– The theater was jam-packed.
– The bus was jam-packed at 5 PM.
Other ways to say: Very crowded, stuffed
Fun Fact/Origin: “Jam” means squeezed tight.
Usage: When places are very crowded.
35. Line up
Meaning: To stand in a row
Example Sentence:
– Kids lined up for recess.
– People lined up for pizza.
Other ways to say: Form a line, get in order
Fun Fact/Origin: A simple way to stay organized.
Usage: When people wait their turn.
36. Meet up
Meaning: To gather with others
Example Sentence:
– We met up at the mall.
– Friends met up after school.
Other ways to say: Hang out, get together
Fun Fact/Origin: “Meet” means to come face-to-face.
Usage: When people plan to see each other.
37. Round the troops
Meaning: To gather people for action
Example Sentence:
– The teacher rounded the troops for clean-up.
– Dad rounded the troops to clean the garage.
Other ways to say: Call together, organize
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in the army for gathering soldiers.
Usage: When getting people ready to act.
38. Shoulder to shoulder
Meaning: Standing closely together
Example Sentence:
– Fans stood shoulder to shoulder.
– We worked shoulder to shoulder on the project.
Other ways to say: Side by side, tightly together
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how soldiers stand close.
Usage: When people are very close or united.
39. Rope in
Meaning: To persuade someone to join
Example Sentence:
– He roped me into helping with decorations.
– She roped in her brother to help.
Other ways to say: Convince, pull in
Fun Fact/Origin: Cowboys use ropes to catch animals.
Usage: When getting someone to join a task.
40. Drift in
Meaning: To arrive slowly and casually
Example Sentence:
– Students drifted into class.
– Guests drifted in during the evening.
Other ways to say: Wander in, show up slowly
Fun Fact/Origin: Like floating slowly in water.
Usage: When someone arrives without rush.
41. Come in waves
Meaning: To arrive in groups at different times
Example Sentence:
– Customers came in waves.
– Fans came in waves to the stadium.
Other ways to say: Arrive in groups, come in stages
Fun Fact/Origin: Like waves in the ocean.
Usage: When people come in separate groups.
42. Pile on
Meaning: To add more people or things
Example Sentence:
– Kids piled on to join the game.
– Extra work piled on before vacation.
Other ways to say: Add on, keep coming
Fun Fact/Origin: Like stacking one thing after another.
Usage: When things or people keep adding.
43. Join the crowd
Meaning: To be part of a group
Example Sentence:
– He joined the crowd at the show.
– She joined the crowd outside.
Other ways to say: Blend in, become part
Fun Fact/Origin: Being one of many.
Usage: When someone joins a group.
44. Gather around
Meaning: To come close in a group
Example Sentence:
– The class gathered around for story time.
– The family gathered around the dinner table.
Other ways to say: Come close, group up
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used by teachers or leaders.
Usage: When calling a group to one spot.
45. In the same boat
Meaning: In the same situation
Example Sentence:
– We’re all in the same boat for this test.
– The team was in the same boat—nervous and ready.
Other ways to say: Same problem, same place
Fun Fact/Origin: If you’re in one boat, you face the same risks.
Usage: When people share a problem.
46. Up in arms
Meaning: Very upset or angry about something
Example Sentence:
– Parents were up in arms about the school rule.
– The students were up in arms over homework.
Other ways to say: Angry, protesting
Fun Fact/Origin: From people grabbing weapons to fight.
Usage: When many people are upset together.
47. Hit the roof
Meaning: To become very angry
Example Sentence:
– Dad hit the roof when I broke the vase.
– She hit the roof after hearing the news.
Other ways to say: Blow up, lose temper
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to anger shooting up like a rocket.
Usage: When someone suddenly gets very mad.
48. Blow off steam
Meaning: To release built-up anger or stress
Example Sentence:
– He played basketball to blow off steam.
– She went for a run to blow off steam.
Other ways to say: Cool down, relax
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from steam engines letting pressure out.
Usage: When someone needs to calm down.
Quiz: Idioms for Pictionary
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 “join forces” mean?
A) Compete with others
B) Work together for a goal
C) Stay away from each other
2. What does “pack in like sardines” describe?
A) A clean and empty place
B) People standing far apart
C) A space with too many people
3. What does “circle the wagons” mean?
A) Protect each other in tough times
B) Take a wagon ride
C) Drive in circles
4. If you “stick together,” what are you doing?
A) Walking in different directions
B) Staying close and united
C) Hiding from each other
5. What does “rub elbows with” mean?
A) Argue with someone
B) Dance with a friend
C) Be near famous or important people
6. What does “pile on” mean?
A) Add more to a group or situation
B) Remove everything
C) Stand alone
7. What happens when people “flood in”?
A) Everyone leaves slowly
B) Large numbers arrive quickly
C) Water enters the building
8. What does “rope in” someone mean?
A) To scare them away
B) To talk behind their back
C) To get them to join
9. What does “all hands on deck” mean?
A) Everyone helps out
B) Take a break
C) Only one person works
10. If people “come in waves,” what does that mean?
A) People arrive all at once
B) People arrive in groups over time
C) People are waving hello
11. What does it mean to “draw a crowd”?
A) Make a painting of a group
B) Scare people away
C) Attract many people
12. What happens when people “gather around”?
A) They go to different places
B) They come together in a close group
C) They run in circles
13. If someone says “the place is jam-packed,” what do they mean?
A) The place is empty
B) The place is very crowded
C) The place is locked
14. What does it mean to “pull together”?
A) Argue and fight
B) Work alone
C) Work as a team
15. What does “run with the crowd” mean?
A) Follow what others are doing
B) Race other people
C) Stand still and watch
Answer Key
- B) Work together for a goal
- C) A space with too many people
- A) Protect each other in tough times
- B) Staying close and united
- C) Be near famous or important people
- A) Add more to a group or situation
- B) Large numbers arrive quickly
- C) To get them to join
- A) Everyone helps out
- B) People arrive in groups over time
- C) Attract many people
- B) They come together in a close group
- B) The place is very crowded
- C) Work as a team
- A) Follow what others are doing
Wrapping Up
Idioms make Pictionary fun and more challenging. When players draw phrases like “raining cats and dogs” or “jam-packed,” others must think differently to guess the right answer. This helps with learning and makes everyone laugh.
By using these 48 idioms, you can turn any game night into a great learning experience. These idioms are common in everyday speech, so they’re useful too. Try using a few the next time you play Pictionary!
