Religion has played an important role in the lives of many people in the USA. It shapes how they think, act, and speak. Because of this, some common phrases in everyday talk come from religious ideas. These phrases are called idioms. They help us say things in a more interesting or meaningful way.
Idioms about religion are not just for people who go to church or read the Bible. People use them in everyday conversation to explain feelings, choices, or events. In this article, we’ll look at idioms that come from religion and what they mean. These sayings help show how religion has influenced the way people in America speak and think.
Idioms About Religion
1. God helps those who help themselves
Meaning: You need to try hard before expecting help.
Example Sentence:
– If you want to get better grades, study hard. God helps those who help themselves.
– He worked hard to find a job. God helps those who help themselves.
Other ways to say: Take action first, Help yourself first
Fun Fact/Origin: This saying became popular in the USA through Benjamin Franklin’s writing.
Usage: Used to encourage people to do their part before asking for help.
2. Preach to the choir
Meaning: To tell something to people who already agree.
Example Sentence:
– Don’t bother telling Grandma to go to church. You’re preaching to the choir.
– She already believes in recycling. You’re preaching to the choir.
Other ways to say: Tell someone what they already believe, Agreeing already
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from church choirs who already support the message.
Usage: Used when someone repeats a message to people who already agree.
3. A leap of faith
Meaning: To trust in something without proof.
Example Sentence:
– Moving to a new city was a leap of faith for her.
– Starting his own business was a big leap of faith.
Other ways to say: Take a risk, Trust without proof
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on trusting in God even when things are unclear.
Usage: Used when someone tries something risky without knowing the outcome.
4. Faith can move mountains
Meaning: Believing strongly can help achieve big things.
Example Sentence:
– He believed he could walk again, and he did. Faith can move mountains.
– She didn’t give up on her dream. Faith can move mountains.
Other ways to say: Strong belief makes big things happen
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from the Bible, meaning strong belief leads to big results.
Usage: Used to show how powerful belief can be.
5. Clean slate
Meaning: A fresh start or new beginning.
Example Sentence:
– After summer break, I want a clean slate at school.
– The new year gave him a clean slate to do better.
Other ways to say: Fresh start, Start over
Fun Fact/Origin: In early times, people wrote on slate boards. Cleaning it meant starting over.
Usage: Used when someone gets a chance to begin again.
6. Raise the devil
Meaning: To cause trouble or act wildly.
Example Sentence:
– The boys were raising the devil in the backyard.
– He raised the devil when he didn’t get his way.
Other ways to say: Make a scene, Cause a fuss
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of stirring up trouble like evil spirits.
Usage: Used when someone is being loud or causing trouble.
7. Heaven on Earth
Meaning: A very happy or peaceful place.
Example Sentence:
– Grandma’s house feels like heaven on Earth.
– The beach is my heaven on Earth.
Other ways to say: A perfect place, Total peace
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the hope of a perfect world like heaven.
Usage: Used to describe a peaceful or joyful experience.
8. Act of God
Meaning: A natural event that people can’t control.
Example Sentence:
– The flood was an act of God.
– The storm delayed the game. It was an act of God.
Other ways to say: Natural disaster, Out of our hands
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in insurance or law to mean no one’s fault.
Usage: Used when something happens that no one could stop.
9. Bless your heart
Meaning: A polite way to show care or sometimes pity.
Example Sentence:
– You tried your best, bless your heart.
– She brought me soup when I was sick. Bless her heart.
Other ways to say: That’s sweet, You mean well
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in the Southern USA, it can be kind or a little sarcastic.
Usage: Shows kindness or gentle sympathy.
10. Holy cow
Meaning: A way to show surprise.
Example Sentence:
– Holy cow, that rollercoaster was fast!
– You got an A+? Holy cow!
Other ways to say: Wow, Oh my
Fun Fact/Origin: A safe way to show shock without using strong language.
Usage: Used to react to something surprising or exciting.
11. Come to Jesus moment
Meaning: A time when someone must face the truth and change.
Example Sentence:
– After failing the test, he had a come to Jesus moment.
– We had a come to Jesus talk about her behavior.
Other ways to say: Wake-up call, Time to be honest
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of confessing and changing one’s path.
Usage: Used when someone realizes they need to make a serious change.
12. God-given talent
Meaning: A natural ability someone is born with.
Example Sentence:
– She has a God-given talent for singing.
– His drawing skills are a God-given talent.
Other ways to say: Natural gift, Born with it
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests the skill was given by God, not taught.
Usage: Used to praise someone’s natural skill.
13. Devil’s advocate
Meaning: To argue against an idea just to test it.
Example Sentence:
– I’m playing devil’s advocate to see both sides.
– She was just being a devil’s advocate, not rude.
Other ways to say: Test the idea, Play the opposite side
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from a Catholic Church role that challenged new ideas.
Usage: Used when someone questions things to make others think harder.
14. Good Samaritan
Meaning: A person who helps others, especially strangers.
Example Sentence:
– A good Samaritan helped change our flat tire.
– She’s a good Samaritan who volunteers every weekend.
Other ways to say: Kind helper, Caring person
Fun Fact/Origin: From a Bible story about helping someone in need.
Usage: Used to describe someone doing kind things for others.
15. On a wing and a prayer
Meaning: Trying to succeed with very little chance or help.
Example Sentence:
– He passed the test on a wing and a prayer.
– We made it home on a wing and a prayer after the car trouble.
Other ways to say: Just barely made it, By luck
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from WWII pilots flying with damage, hoping to make it.
Usage: Used when something happens even though it seemed unlikely.
16. Sacred cow
Meaning: Something too important to question or change.
Example Sentence:
– In our school, the football team is a sacred cow.
– Some people treat traditions like sacred cows.
Other ways to say: Untouchable idea, Protected thing
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to cows in Hinduism that are honored and not harmed.
Usage: Used to describe ideas that people won’t question.
17. Holier than thou
Meaning: Acting like you’re better or more moral than others.
Example Sentence:
– Don’t act all holier than thou just because you go to church.
– His holier-than-thou attitude annoyed everyone.
Other ways to say: Self-righteous, Acting better than others
Fun Fact/Origin: From older Bible language meaning “more holy than you.”
Usage: Used to describe someone who looks down on others.
18. Baptism by fire
Meaning: A tough first experience that teaches quickly.
Example Sentence:
– Her first day at work was a baptism by fire.
– He learned fast during his baptism by fire on the job.
Other ways to say: Trial run, Hard first day
Fun Fact/Origin: Originally meant being tested under pressure, like in battle.
Usage: Used when someone learns by doing something hard right away.
19. In good faith
Meaning: Doing something honestly and with good intent.
Example Sentence:
– We made the deal in good faith.
– She shared that idea in good faith, not to hurt anyone.
Other ways to say: Honestly, With good intent
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from Latin “bona fide,” meaning honest and true.
Usage: Used when someone does something kindly or fairly.
20. Cross to bear
Meaning: A personal burden or problem someone must live with.
Example Sentence:
– His illness is a tough cross to bear.
– Everyone has their own cross to bear in life.
Other ways to say: Life challenge, Personal struggle
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from Jesus carrying his cross, showing struggle.
Usage: Used when talking about a hard challenge someone faces.
21. By the book
Meaning: Follow the rules exactly.
Example Sentence:
– She does everything by the book at work.
– The police officer handled the case by the book.
Other ways to say: Follow the rules, Play it safe
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to religious or legal texts where rules are written.
Usage: Used when someone follows rules strictly.
22. Fire and brimstone
Meaning: Harsh warning or serious punishment talk.
Example Sentence:
– The coach gave a fire and brimstone speech after the loss.
– The preacher spoke of fire and brimstone for bad behavior.
Other ways to say: Scary warning, Strong speech
Fun Fact/Origin: From Bible descriptions of punishment in hell.
Usage: Used when someone gives a strong or scary warning.
23. In God’s hands
Meaning: Left to fate or a higher power.
Example Sentence:
– After the surgery, it’s in God’s hands now.
– We’ve done our part, the rest is in God’s hands.
Other ways to say: Left to fate, Trusting God
Fun Fact/Origin: Shows trust that a higher power is in control.
Usage: Used when people let go of control and trust a bigger plan.
24. Sunday best
Meaning: Wearing your nicest clothes.
Example Sentence:
– We wore our Sunday best to the wedding.
– He always wears his Sunday best to church.
Other ways to say: Fancy clothes, Dress up
Fun Fact/Origin: People used to save their nicest clothes for church on Sundays.
Usage: Used when someone dresses very nicely.
25. Heaven forbid
Meaning: I hope that never happens.
Example Sentence:
– Heaven forbid we lose power again during the storm.
– Heaven forbid anyone gets hurt.
Other ways to say: I hope not, Let’s not have that happen
Fun Fact/Origin: Asking heaven (or God) to keep bad things away.
Usage: Used when wishing that something bad never happens.
26. Hail Mary pass
Meaning: A last-ditch effort to succeed.
Example Sentence:
– That final shot was a Hail Mary pass.
– He tried a Hail Mary move to save the project.
Other ways to say: Last try, Desperate move
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from football, where a long, risky pass is called a Hail Mary.
Usage: Used when someone tries something risky because nothing else worked.
27. Like a lamb to the slaughter
Meaning: Going into something dangerous without knowing.
Example Sentence:
– He walked into the meeting like a lamb to the slaughter.
– She went on stage like a lamb to the slaughter.
Other ways to say: Unaware of danger, Not ready for trouble
Fun Fact/Origin: From the Bible, showing someone innocent facing harm.
Usage: Used when someone is unaware they’re walking into trouble.
28. Count your blessings
Meaning: Be thankful for what you have.
Example Sentence:
– When things get tough, count your blessings.
– Even on bad days, I count my blessings.
Other ways to say: Be thankful, Notice the good
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the Bible’s focus on gratitude.
Usage: Used to remind someone to appreciate good things in life.
29. Heaven-sent
Meaning: Very helpful or perfectly timed.
Example Sentence:
– That umbrella was heaven-sent during the rain.
– The kind neighbor was heaven-sent when our car broke down.
Other ways to say: Perfect timing, A blessing
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests help came straight from heaven.
Usage: Used when something arrives just when needed.
30. Give the devil his due
Meaning: Admit even someone you dislike has good points.
Example Sentence:
– I don’t like him, but give the devil his due—he works hard.
– She can be mean, but give the devil her due, she’s smart.
Other ways to say: Be fair, Give credit
Fun Fact/Origin: From old sayings meaning you should be fair, even to enemies.
Usage: Used when giving credit where it’s deserved, even if it’s hard.
31. To sin in silence
Meaning: To do something wrong but not admit it.
Example Sentence:
– He cheated on the test and chose to sin in silence.
– She knew she lied but decided to sin in silence.
Other ways to say: Keep quiet about a mistake, Hide the truth
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of sinning without confession in religious life.
Usage: Used when someone hides wrongdoing instead of owning up.
32. Go to hell in a handbasket
Meaning: To quickly get worse or fall apart.
Example Sentence:
– Without a plan, the project went to hell in a handbasket.
– Everything at the party went to hell in a handbasket after the power went out.
Other ways to say: Fall apart fast, Go downhill
Fun Fact/Origin: A colorful way of saying something is going very badly.
Usage: Used when things go wrong quickly.
33. Cast the first stone
Meaning: Criticize someone when you’re not perfect either.
Example Sentence:
– Before you judge her, remember not to cast the first stone.
– Don’t cast the first stone. You’ve made mistakes too.
Other ways to say: Don’t be quick to judge, Nobody’s perfect
Fun Fact/Origin: From a Bible story where Jesus says only the sinless may judge.
Usage: Used to stop someone from unfairly judging others.
34. A devil of a time
Meaning: A very hard or difficult time.
Example Sentence:
– I had a devil of a time getting the printer to work.
– We had a devil of a time finding parking at the game.
Other ways to say: Big trouble, Major hassle
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the devil as a symbol of struggle or hardship.
Usage: Used when describing something that was very difficult.
35. God’s green Earth
Meaning: Refers to the planet or land in a strong or emotional way.
Example Sentence:
– Why on God’s green Earth would you do that?
– This is the best place on God’s green Earth for fishing.
Other ways to say: The whole world, All of Earth
Fun Fact/Origin: Ties nature to God’s creation, showing beauty and emotion.
Usage: Used for strong questions or to show deep feelings about the world.
36. Speak of the devil
Meaning: When someone shows up just after you talked about them.
Example Sentence:
– Speak of the devil—here comes Sam!
– We were just talking about you. Speak of the devil!
Other ways to say: Look who’s here, Talk about timing
Fun Fact/Origin: Saying someone’s name made people think they would appear.
Usage: Used when someone appears right after being mentioned.
37. Heaven knows
Meaning: No one knows the answer, or only heaven does.
Example Sentence:
– Heaven knows why he acted that way.
– Heaven knows how we got through that mess.
Other ways to say: No idea, Only God knows
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea that only a higher power understands.
Usage: Used to express confusion or lack of knowledge.
38. Manna from heaven
Meaning: Something good that comes when needed.
Example Sentence:
– That extra money was manna from heaven.
– A snow day felt like manna from heaven before the test.
Other ways to say: Unexpected gift, A lucky break
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the Bible story where food fell from the sky to feed people.
Usage: Used when something helpful appears just in time.
39. Burn in hell
Meaning: A harsh way to say someone deserves punishment.
Example Sentence:
– Some people believe criminals should burn in hell.
– He was so angry, he yelled “Go burn in hell!”
Other ways to say: Be punished forever, Deserve pain
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on beliefs about punishment in the afterlife.
Usage: Used to express strong anger or judgment.
40. Living saint
Meaning: A person who is very kind and helpful.
Example Sentence:
– She volunteers every weekend. She’s a living saint.
– My mom takes care of everyone. She’s a living saint.
Other ways to say: Truly good person, Angel on Earth
Fun Fact/Origin: Saints are known for kindness and doing good in religion.
Usage: Used to describe someone who is very kind and helpful in real life.
Quiz: Idioms About Religion
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each idiom. Only one answer is correct.
Question Key
1. What does “leap of faith” mean?
A) Jumping for fun
B) Trusting something without proof
C) Telling a funny story
2. If someone is a “good Samaritan,” what are they doing?
A) Helping others kindly
B) Telling jokes
C) Studying alone
3. What does “speak of the devil” mean?
A) Talking about a ghost
B) Someone shows up right after being mentioned
C) Reading a scary book
4. If you’re “preaching to the choir,” what’s happening?
A) Singing with a group
B) Teaching new things to strangers
C) Telling something to people who already agree
5. What does “act of God” describe?
A) A magic trick
B) A natural event no one can control
C) A rule made by a parent
6. When you “count your blessings,” what are you doing?
A) Writing down your problems
B) Saying thank you for the good things
C) Looking for lost items
7. What does “devil’s advocate” mean?
A) Someone pretending to be a devil
B) Someone making jokes
C) Someone arguing to test an idea
8. If something is “manna from heaven,” what does it mean?
A) Something helpful that came at the right time
B) A surprise test
C) A food from a restaurant
9. What does “cross to bear” mean?
A) Carrying a big box
B) Having a personal challenge
C) Walking a pet
10. What does “burn in hell” mean?
A) It’s really hot outside
B) Someone is very angry or wants punishment for someone
C) Playing with fire
Answer Key
- B) Trusting something without proof
- A) Helping others kindly
- B) Someone shows up right after being mentioned
- C) Telling something to people who already agree
- B) A natural event no one can control
- B) Saying thank you for the good things
- C) Someone arguing to test an idea
- A) Something helpful that came at the right time
- B) Having a personal challenge
- B) Someone is very angry or wants punishment for someone
Wrapping Up
Idioms about religion are used every day in American speech, even by people who aren’t very religious. These sayings help explain feelings, actions, and ideas in short, clear ways. From phrases like “leap of faith” to “God-given talent,” they add meaning to the things people say. Learning them helps you understand others better and express your own thoughts in fun and clear ways.
