Idioms are fun expressions that use words in creative ways. They don’t always mean what they seem at first. Instead of being literal, they often carry deeper meanings or lessons. One interesting category of idioms is those about the seasons. These idioms connect different times of the year to describe certain situations, feelings, or actions.
Seasons are part of life, and they help us express ideas in a more colorful way. You’ve probably heard idioms like “a cold shoulder” or “a fair-weather friend.” These phrases use the weather and the seasons to share feelings or describe behavior. In this article, we’ll explore different idioms about seasons and what they mean. We’ll also look at some examples to help you understand how these idioms are used.
Idioms About Seasons
1. Cold shoulder
Meaning: To ignore or be unfriendly to someone.
Example Sentence:
- After the argument, she gave me the cold shoulder.
- He felt hurt when his friend gave him the cold shoulder at the party.
Other ways to say: ignore, shut out, give someone the silent treatment
Fun Fact/Origin: This expression comes from the idea of offering a cold piece of meat, which was a sign of being unfriendly or unwelcoming.
Usage: This idiom is often used when someone is deliberately avoiding another person.
2. Fair-weather friend
Meaning: Someone who is only a friend when things are easy or going well.
Example Sentence:
- He was only a fair-weather friend and disappeared when I needed help.
- I thought she was my true friend, but she turned out to be a fair-weather friend.
Other ways to say: seasonal friend, sunshine friend
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea that someone who is a “fair-weather” friend is only there when the weather is nice, just like how some people only stay around during good times.
Usage: This phrase is often used to describe someone who only shows support when it benefits them.
3. Spring into action
Meaning: To start doing something quickly and with energy.
Example Sentence:
- As soon as the bell rang, the students sprang into action to clean up.
- The team sprang into action to fix the problem right away.
Other ways to say: jump into action, get moving, hit the ground running
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom connects the idea of spring, a season of new beginnings and growth, to acting quickly and energetically.
Usage: Used when someone quickly starts to work on something or solves a problem.
4. In the dead of winter
Meaning: In the middle of winter, when it’s the coldest or darkest time.
Example Sentence:
- We had to walk home in the dead of winter.
- The power went out in the dead of winter, and we had to find ways to stay warm.
Other ways to say: midwinter, the heart of winter
Fun Fact/Origin: “Dead” in this idiom means the deepest or harshest part of something, especially when the weather is at its worst.
Usage: Often used to describe the harshest part of winter or a time when things seem to slow down.
5. Make hay while the sun shines
Meaning: To take advantage of a good opportunity while it lasts.
Example Sentence:
- We should make hay while the sun shines and finish our project today.
- You need to make hay while the sun shines and enjoy the good weather.
Other ways to say: strike while the iron is hot, seize the moment
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from farming, where hay must be made while the sun is shining, because it’s hard to dry when it’s rainy.
Usage: Used to encourage someone to act while the opportunity is available.
6. Dog days of summer
Meaning: The hottest days of summer.
Example Sentence:
- We spent the dog days of summer at the beach.
- The dog days of summer are the perfect time to relax in a cool pool.
Other ways to say: summer heat, hottest days of summer
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from the ancient belief that the “dog star,” Sirius, caused the hot weather in late summer.
Usage: Used to describe the hottest, most uncomfortable time of summer.
7. A snowball’s chance in hell
Meaning: Almost no chance at all.
Example Sentence:
- He has a snowball’s chance in hell of winning that contest.
- There’s a snowball’s chance in hell that it will snow in July.
Other ways to say: no chance, unlikely, slim chance
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to the idea that a snowball wouldn’t survive long in a hot place like hell.
Usage: Used to express doubt or the extreme unlikelihood of something happening.
8. Autumn years
Meaning: The later years in someone’s life.
Example Sentence:
- My grandparents enjoy their autumn years traveling and spending time with family.
- He looks forward to relaxing in his autumn years after retiring.
Other ways to say: golden years, later years of life
Fun Fact/Origin: The term “autumn” refers to the time when leaves fall and the year winds down, symbolizing the later part of life.
Usage: Often used to refer to someone’s older years.
9. As fresh as a daisy
Meaning: To feel or look very fresh, energetic, or healthy.
Example Sentence:
- She woke up as fresh as a daisy and ready to start the day.
- After her nap, she felt as fresh as a daisy.
Other ways to say: bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, full of energy
Fun Fact/Origin: Daisies are bright, fresh flowers often associated with cleanliness and health.
Usage: Used to describe someone who feels lively and full of energy.
10. April showers bring May flowers
Meaning: Bad times often lead to better things later.
Example Sentence:
- Don’t worry about your current struggles; remember, April showers bring May flowers.
- She was sad after the loss, but she knew that April showers bring May flowers.
Other ways to say: after the rain comes the rainbow, tough times don’t last
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase connects the rainy month of April with the blooming flowers in May, showing how things improve after hard times.
Usage: Often used to comfort someone going through difficult times.
11. A storm is brewing
Meaning: Trouble or conflict is about to happen.
Example Sentence:
- I can feel that a storm is brewing between them after their argument.
- The way they’re acting, I think a storm is brewing in the office.
Other ways to say: trouble ahead, trouble is coming, things are heating up
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea that you can sense a storm forming in the sky before it happens.
Usage: Used when you sense that trouble or conflict is about to occur.
12. Winter’s grip
Meaning: The harsh and cold conditions of winter.
Example Sentence:
- The trees were bare under winter’s grip, and the ground was covered in snow.
- Winter’s grip made it hard to go outside without a heavy coat.
Other ways to say: cold spell, winter chill
Fun Fact/Origin: “Grip” here refers to the strong, firm hold winter has on the environment, making everything cold and still.
Usage: Describes the harsh effects of winter weather.
13. Turn over a new leaf
Meaning: To change your behavior or attitude for the better.
Example Sentence:
- After the accident, he decided to turn over a new leaf and live a healthier life.
- She turned over a new leaf by starting her own business.
Other ways to say: start fresh, make a change, begin anew
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of turning the page in a book to begin a new chapter, symbolizing a new start.
Usage: Used when someone decides to make positive changes in their life.
14. Summer fling
Meaning: A short, casual relationship that typically happens during the summer.
Example Sentence:
- They had a fun summer fling, but they both knew it wouldn’t last.
- Her summer fling ended when school started.
Other ways to say: short-lived romance, brief affair
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom reflects how summer romances are often quick and temporary, just like the season itself.
Usage: Often used to describe short relationships or affairs that happen during the summer.
15. Throw caution to the wind
Meaning: To act without worrying about the consequences.
Example Sentence:
- She threw caution to the wind and went on a spontaneous road trip.
- They decided to throw caution to the wind and invest in the new company.
Other ways to say: take a risk, go for it, act on impulse
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase suggests that when the wind blows, it takes things in any direction, much like how sometimes people act without considering the risks.
Usage: Used when someone takes a bold or risky action without thinking too much about the outcome.
16. A taste of your own medicine
Meaning: To experience the same negative thing that you have caused someone else to experience.
Example Sentence:
- After teasing her brother all year, she finally got a taste of her own medicine when he pranked her.
- He gave her a taste of her own medicine by ignoring her calls just like she did to him.
Other ways to say: get back at someone, receive what you gave
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea of someone being treated in the same way they treated others, especially in an unpleasant manner.
Usage: Used when someone experiences the same bad treatment they gave to others.
17. Fall by the wayside
Meaning: To be left behind or ignored.
Example Sentence:
- Many of his goals fell by the wayside when he got distracted by other projects.
- Some of her plans fell by the wayside when she got busy with work.
Other ways to say: forgotten, overlooked, discarded
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea that things that fall off the side of a road are left behind, just like how some things are left behind in life.
Usage: Often used to describe plans or efforts that are neglected or forgotten.
18. Indian summer
Meaning: A period of warm weather in late autumn.
Example Sentence:
- We had an Indian summer in October and were able to enjoy the outdoors.
- The temperatures were perfect during the Indian summer last week.
Other ways to say: autumn warmth, late-season warmth
Fun Fact/Origin: The term “Indian summer” is believed to come from early settlers in America, who observed warm weather during fall, often after the first frost.
Usage: Used to describe warm, sunny weather that happens after the first cold spells of autumn.
19. Under the weather
Meaning: To feel ill or sick.
Example Sentence:
- I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’m staying home.
- She was under the weather and had to cancel her plans.
Other ways to say: not feeling well, sick, unwell
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea that bad weather can affect our health or mood.
Usage: Commonly used to describe someone who is feeling sick or unwell.
20. Spring cleaning
Meaning: The act of thoroughly cleaning and organizing.
Example Sentence:
- It’s time for some spring cleaning to get the house ready for guests.
- She spent the weekend doing some spring cleaning and sorting through old clothes.
Other ways to say: deep cleaning, tidying up
Fun Fact/Origin: The tradition of spring cleaning comes from the practice of cleaning homes after winter, when everything has been shut up tight.
Usage: Used when someone does a thorough cleaning or organizing job.
21. Break the ice
Meaning: To start a conversation or make people feel more comfortable.
Example Sentence:
- He told a funny joke to break the ice at the party.
- She brought snacks to break the ice during the first meeting.
Other ways to say: start the conversation, make small talk
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of breaking ice on a river to make a way for boats to pass through, just like starting a conversation to make people feel more at ease.
Usage: Used when someone tries to make others feel comfortable in a social situation.
22. Blow hot and cold
Meaning: To change your opinion or attitude quickly and often.
Example Sentence:
- He keeps blowing hot and cold about the trip. One minute he’s excited, and the next minute, he’s not sure.
- She’s been blowing hot and cold about moving to a new city.
Other ways to say: change your mind, be indecisive
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom likely comes from the way people describe weather that alternates between hot and cold, which can be confusing.
Usage: Used to describe someone who is unpredictable in their thoughts or feelings.
23. It’s raining cats and dogs
Meaning: To rain very heavily.
Example Sentence:
- We couldn’t go outside because it was raining cats and dogs.
- The weather report said it would rain cats and dogs this afternoon.
Other ways to say: heavy rain, pouring rain
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase might come from the idea that heavy rain looks like animals falling from the sky.
Usage: Often used to describe very heavy or strong rain.
24. After the storm
Meaning: A time of peace or recovery after a difficult situation.
Example Sentence:
- Things were tough, but after the storm, we felt better and more hopeful.
- It’s been hard, but we know that after the storm comes calm.
Other ways to say: after the chaos, peace after trouble
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom reflects the natural calm that comes after a storm, symbolizing peace after a difficult time.
Usage: Used to describe the recovery or calm that happens after a challenging or stressful situation.
25. Hit the hay
Meaning: To go to bed or sleep.
Example Sentence:
- I’m so tired, I’m going to hit the hay early tonight.
- After the long day, we decided to hit the hay right away.
Other ways to say: go to bed, get some sleep, turn in for the night
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from when people slept on hay beds in old times, so “hitting the hay” meant getting into bed.
Usage: Used to talk about going to sleep.
26. The calm before the storm
Meaning: A quiet time before something exciting or dangerous happens.
Example Sentence:
- There was a peaceful silence in the room, but I knew it was calm before the storm.
- The calm before the storm made me nervous, knowing that something big was coming.
Other ways to say: lull before the chaos, quiet before the action
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the natural quiet that happens before a storm hits.
Usage: Used to describe a peaceful or calm period before a busy or tense time.
27. Spring fever
Meaning: A feeling of excitement or restlessness that happens when spring begins.
Example Sentence:
- I can’t sit still today; I’ve got a bit of spring fever!
- She always gets spring fever and wants to go outside every day when the weather warms up.
Other ways to say: excitement for spring, the urge to be outside
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom relates to the change in weather that causes people to feel more energetic or restless.
Usage: Often used to describe the extra energy or restlessness that comes with the warmer spring weather.
28. A breath of fresh air
Meaning: Something or someone new and refreshing.
Example Sentence:
- After a week of rain, the sunshine was a breath of fresh air.
- Her ideas were a breath of fresh air in the meeting.
Other ways to say: a refreshing change, something new and exciting
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to the feeling of freshness when stepping outside into clean, cool air.
Usage: Used to describe a person, idea, or situation that feels new and uplifting.
29. Winter wonderland
Meaning: A beautiful snowy scene.
Example Sentence:
- The park looked like a winter wonderland with all the snow covering the trees.
- The city turned into a winter wonderland after the snowfall last night.
Other ways to say: snowy scene, magical winter setting
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom often evokes a magical, picturesque view of snow-covered landscapes, popular in stories and holiday songs.
Usage: Used to describe beautiful snowy surroundings during winter.
30. The icing on the cake
Meaning: Something that makes a good situation even better.
Example Sentence:
- Getting a bonus was the icing on the cake after finishing the project.
- Their amazing service was the icing on the cake for an already wonderful vacation.
Other ways to say: a nice addition, the cherry on top
Fun Fact/Origin: The “icing” refers to the sweet topping on a cake, which makes it even better.
Usage: Used when something extra adds to an already positive situation.
31. Chilly reception
Meaning: A cold or unfriendly welcome.
Example Sentence:
- He received a chilly reception when he arrived at the party late.
- She felt the chilly reception from her coworkers after the disagreement.
Other ways to say: cold welcome, unfriendly greeting
Fun Fact/Origin: “Chilly” refers to the cold feeling someone gets when they are not warmly welcomed.
Usage: Used to describe a situation where people are not welcoming or warm towards someone.
32. In full bloom
Meaning: At the height of growth or beauty.
Example Sentence:
- The flowers were in full bloom in the garden this morning.
- Her business was in full bloom after just one year of hard work.
Other ways to say: at its peak, at the height of success
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is connected to the spring season, when flowers bloom and reach their full beauty.
Usage: Used to describe something or someone at their best or most successful point.
33. Under the sun
Meaning: Everything in the world or all possibilities.
Example Sentence:
- There’s nothing new under the sun, people have been doing this for centuries.
- She wants to try everything under the sun before she settles down.
Other ways to say: in the world, in existence
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea that nothing is new under the sun because everything in the world has already been seen or experienced.
Usage: Often used to refer to everything that exists or all possibilities.
34. Catch the wind in your sails
Meaning: To experience a period of success or good fortune.
Example Sentence:
- After the promotion, she caught the wind in her sails and began to take on bigger projects.
- His new business really caught the wind in its sails after the first few successful months.
Other ways to say: ride the wave of success, things are looking up
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from sailing, where having wind in your sails helps the boat go faster and further.
Usage: Used to describe a time when things are going well, often due to good luck or success.
35. Winter blues
Meaning: A feeling of sadness or depression during the winter months.
Example Sentence:
- Many people experience the winter blues when it gets too cold and dark outside.
- She felt the winter blues set in and wished for warmer weather.
Other ways to say: winter sadness, seasonal depression
Fun Fact/Origin: The “winter blues” can be caused by less sunlight and cold weather, leading to feelings of sadness or tiredness.
Usage: Used to describe a feeling of sadness that some people experience during the colder months.
36. Leave someone out in the cold
Meaning: To exclude someone from a group or activity.
Example Sentence:
- They left him out in the cold when they planned the surprise party.
- She felt left out in the cold because no one invited her to the meeting.
Other ways to say: exclude, shut out, ignore
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea that being outside in the cold is uncomfortable and lonely, just like being excluded from something.
Usage: Used when someone is intentionally left out or ignored by a group.
37. March to the beat of your own drum
Meaning: To do things your own way, regardless of what others think.
Example Sentence:
- He always marches to the beat of his own drum and never worries about following trends.
- She decided to march to the beat of her own drum and start her own business.
Other ways to say: go your own way, do things your own way
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom relates to the idea of being independent and not following others, much like marching to a different rhythm.
Usage: Used to describe someone who does not follow the crowd and chooses their own path.
38. An evergreen idea
Meaning: An idea or concept that stays relevant or useful no matter the time or season.
Example Sentence:
- Her advice about kindness is an evergreen idea that will always be relevant.
- The need for clean water is an evergreen idea, something that never goes out of style.
Other ways to say: timeless idea, always relevant
Fun Fact/Origin: “Evergreen” trees stay green all year round, symbolizing ideas or concepts that remain important forever.
Usage: Used to describe ideas that don’t lose their value or importance over time.
Quiz: Idioms About Seasons
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 the idiom “spring into action” mean?
A) To fall asleep suddenly
B) To start doing something quickly
C) To play outside during the spring
2. If someone is “chasing rainbows,” what are they doing?
A) Looking for something impossible or unrealistic
B) Enjoying the weather
C) Watching a rainbow after a storm
3. What does “a breath of fresh air” mean?
A) Something new and exciting
B) A strong wind
C) A quiet moment in nature
4. If you feel the “winter blues,” what might you be feeling?
A) Excited about the winter holidays
B) Sad or down due to cold weather
C) Energized and ready to go outside
5. “In full bloom” refers to something that is:
A) At the peak of growth or beauty
B) Just starting to grow
C) In the early stages of change
6. What does it mean if you “leave someone out in the cold”?
A) You invite them to a warm place
B) You exclude them from a group or activity
C) You help them feel comfortable in the cold
7. What does “the calm before the storm” refer to?
A) A peaceful time before something busy or exciting happens
B) A storm that is not dangerous
C) The time it takes for a storm to hit
8. If someone is feeling “under the weather,” what are they most likely experiencing?
A) They feel sick or unwell
B) They are enjoying the sunny weather
C) They are excited about an outdoor activity
9. What does “hit the hay” mean?
A) To work hard all day
B) To go to sleep
C) To go outside in the evening
10. If something is “the icing on the cake,” what does it mean?
A) It’s the best part of an already good situation
B) It’s something that makes a bad situation worse
C) It’s a decoration for a cake
Answers Key
- B – To start doing something quickly
- A – Looking for something impossible or unrealistic
- A – Something new and exciting
- B – Sad or down due to cold weather
- A – At the peak of growth or beauty
- B – You exclude them from a group or activity
- A – A peaceful time before something busy or exciting happens
- A – They feel sick or unwell
- B – To go to sleep
- A – It’s the best part of an already good situation
Wrapping Up
We’ve explored many fun and useful idioms about seasons. Each one helps us express feelings and ideas in a creative way. Whether it’s describing excitement with “spring into action” or talking about feeling down with “winter blues,” these idioms add color to our language.
Remember, idioms make conversations more interesting and fun. They let you share experiences in ways that everyone can understand. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be using these seasonal idioms with ease!
