In the USA, we often use idioms to describe how strong someone is—not just in muscles, but in heart and mind too. Idioms are special phrases that don’t always mean what they say. When someone says, “She’s got a backbone,” they don’t mean she’s just bones—they mean she’s brave and strong. These phrases are common in everyday conversations, stories, and even sports. Knowing them helps us sound more natural and understand others better.
This article will explore idioms about strength. You’ll learn what each one means, how to use it, and where it came from. These idioms can describe someone tough, someone mentally strong, or someone who stands up for what’s right. Whether you’re watching a football game or talking about a hardworking mom, these phrases help paint a picture. Let’s get in and learn how Americans talk about strength in fun and smart ways.
Idioms About Strength
1. Tough as nails
Meaning: Very strong and not easily hurt.
Example Sentence:
- My grandma is tough as nails.
- That firefighter is tough as nails.
Other ways to say: Hard as rock, strong as steel
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea that nails are hard to bend.
Usage: Often used to describe someone who doesn’t give up easily.
2. Built like a tank
Meaning: Very strong or muscular.
Example Sentence:
- The football player is built like a tank.
- My uncle is built like a tank from working out every day.
Other ways to say: Strong build, solid frame
Fun Fact/Origin: Tanks are big military vehicles that are very tough.
Usage: Used to talk about people who are physically strong.
3. Powerhouse
Meaning: Someone or something with great strength or energy.
Example Sentence:
- She’s a powerhouse on the basketball court.
- That small dog is a powerhouse for its size.
Other ways to say: Full of energy, super strong
Fun Fact/Origin: Powerhouses were places where electricity was made, showing energy.
Usage: Often used in sports or when praising someone’s strength.
4. Strong as an ox
Meaning: Very strong physically.
Example Sentence:
- He’s strong as an ox and can carry heavy boxes.
- My dad is strong as an ox.
Other ways to say: Built strong, very muscular
Fun Fact/Origin: Oxen are used to pull heavy things because they are super strong.
Usage: Used to describe someone’s body strength.
5. Muscle up
Meaning: To get stronger or ready for something hard.
Example Sentence:
- We need to muscle up and finish the job.
- They muscled up before the big game.
Other ways to say: Get strong, power through
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of using your muscles to face a tough task.
Usage: Often used before doing hard work or a challenge.
6. Hold your own
Meaning: Stay strong and not lose in a hard situation.
Example Sentence:
- She held her own during the wrestling match.
- He held his own against bigger kids.
Other ways to say: Stand tall, don’t back down
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of not needing help in a challenge.
Usage: Used in sports or tough times.
7. Man of steel / Woman of steel
Meaning: Someone very strong in body or mind.
Example Sentence:
- My coach is a man of steel.
- She’s a woman of steel—nothing scares her.
Other ways to say: Super tough, very brave
Fun Fact/Origin: Inspired by Superman, who is often called the “Man of Steel.”
Usage: Used to describe someone who is unshakable.
8. Lift like a champ
Meaning: Lift heavy things with ease.
Example Sentence:
- He lifts like a champ at the gym.
- My cousin can lift like a champ.
Other ways to say: Super strong, a top lifter
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from weightlifting and sports.
Usage: Mostly used in athletic settings.
9. As steady as a rock
Meaning: Very calm and strong in tough times.
Example Sentence:
- Dad stayed as steady as a rock during the storm.
- She’s steady as a rock under pressure.
Other ways to say: Always calm, never shakes
Fun Fact/Origin: Rocks don’t move easily, so this idiom means dependable.
Usage: Used to describe emotional or mental strength.
10. Put some muscle into it
Meaning: Try harder or use more strength.
Example Sentence:
- Put some muscle into it and open the jar.
- Let’s put some muscle into cleaning the garage.
Other ways to say: Try harder, push with strength
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom is often used when doing physical tasks.
Usage: Common in families and work situations.
11. Iron will
Meaning: Strong determination that doesn’t break.
Example Sentence:
- She has an iron will and never gives up.
- His iron will helped him finish the race.
Other ways to say: Strong mind, never quits
Fun Fact/Origin: Iron is very strong metal—used here to mean unbreakable will.
Usage: Often used to talk about tough decisions or personal strength.
12. Bite the bullet
Meaning: To stay strong and do something hard.
Example Sentence:
- I had to bite the bullet and get my shots.
- He bit the bullet and told the truth.
Other ways to say: Be brave, push through
Fun Fact/Origin: Soldiers used to bite bullets during painful treatments.
Usage: Used when facing scary or painful things.
13. Roll with the punches
Meaning: Stay strong and adjust when things go wrong.
Example Sentence:
- She rolled with the punches when plans changed.
- He knows how to roll with the punches.
Other ways to say: Go with the flow, stay calm
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from boxing—fighters learn to move with punches.
Usage: Used when life gets tough but you don’t give up.
14. Pull your weight
Meaning: Do your share of work with strength and effort.
Example Sentence:
- Everyone needs to pull their weight on the team.
- She always pulls her weight at home.
Other ways to say: Help out, do your part
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from rowing, where each person pulls evenly.
Usage: Used in teamwork or group settings.
15. Built Ford tough
Meaning: Very strong or hard to break (popular saying).
Example Sentence:
- My dad is built Ford tough.
- That truck is built Ford tough, just like him.
Other ways to say: Strong like a truck, can’t be broken
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from a famous Ford truck ad.
Usage: Often said in a funny or proud way in the USA.
16. Pick yourself up
Meaning: To recover and stay strong after failing.
Example Sentence:
- He picked himself up after losing the game.
- She always picks herself up and tries again.
Other ways to say: Try again, don’t stay down
Fun Fact/Origin: It’s like lifting yourself after falling down.
Usage: Used for mental and emotional strength.
17. Stand tall
Meaning: To be brave and strong, even when it’s hard.
Example Sentence:
- She stood tall when others laughed at her.
- He stood tall and told the truth.
Other ways to say: Be brave, don’t back down
Fun Fact/Origin: Standing tall shows confidence and pride.
Usage: Often used when someone is standing up for themselves.
18. Hard as nails
Meaning: Very tough and strong, especially in a hard time.
Example Sentence:
- My coach is hard as nails.
- She’s hard as nails when things get rough.
Other ways to say: Tough cookie, strong spirit
Fun Fact/Origin: Nails are very tough to break.
Usage: Describes someone with a strong personality.
19. Strong backbone
Meaning: Courage to stand up for what is right.
Example Sentence:
- He showed a strong backbone in court.
- You need a strong backbone to speak up.
Other ways to say: Bravery, stand firm
Fun Fact/Origin: The backbone keeps us standing straight.
Usage: Used for moral or emotional strength.
20. Go the extra mile
Meaning: Do more than expected, showing strength and effort.
Example Sentence:
- She went the extra mile to help her friend.
- He always goes the extra mile at work.
Other ways to say: Give your best, work hard
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from old travel sayings about helping others.
Usage: Often used to praise hard work.
21. Grit your teeth
Meaning: Stay strong and push through pain or fear.
Example Sentence:
- I had to grit my teeth and take the shot.
- He gritted his teeth and finished the hike.
Other ways to say: Push through, don’t stop
Fun Fact/Origin: People sometimes clench their teeth when toughing it out.
Usage: Used when doing something difficult.
22. Hold firm
Meaning: Stay strong in your beliefs or actions.
Example Sentence:
- She held firm during the argument.
- He held firm to his choice.
Other ways to say: Stand strong, stay steady
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from staying steady in one place.
Usage: Used in decision-making or pressure situations.
23. Stick to your guns
Meaning: Stay with your opinion or belief, even under pressure.
Example Sentence:
- He stuck to his guns and didn’t cheat.
- She stuck to her guns about the rules.
Other ways to say: Don’t back down, stay strong
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from soldiers who didn’t run from battle.
Usage: Used when people stand up for what’s right.
24. Full of fight
Meaning: Very determined and ready to stand up.
Example Sentence:
- That tiny dog is full of fight.
- She may be small, but she’s full of fight.
Other ways to say: Fierce, never quits
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in sports or talking about tough people.
Usage: To describe strong energy in someone.
25. Take it like a champ
Meaning: Accept something hard without complaining.
Example Sentence:
- He took the loss like a champ.
- She took the bad news like a champ.
Other ways to say: Stay strong, be brave
Fun Fact/Origin: Champs are known for grace even when they lose.
Usage: Used when someone handles tough stuff well.
26. Like a rock
Meaning: Very steady and strong.
Example Sentence:
- Mom is like a rock in our family.
- He stayed like a rock during the storm.
Other ways to say: Unmoving, strong as stone
Fun Fact/Origin: Rocks don’t move easily—used as a symbol of strength.
Usage: Often said in families or about leaders.
27. Muscle through
Meaning: Use strength to finish something hard.
Example Sentence:
- We muscled through the last mile.
- He muscled through the tough job.
Other ways to say: Power through, don’t stop
Fun Fact/Origin: Uses “muscle” as a symbol of effort.
Usage: Common when finishing something hard.
28. Hard nut to crack
Meaning: Someone who’s tough emotionally or hard to understand.
Example Sentence:
- He’s a hard nut to crack.
- That coach is a hard nut to crack.
Other ways to say: Tough cookie, closed-off
Fun Fact/Origin: Nuts are hard to open—same idea with people’s feelings.
Usage: Describes tough or quiet people.
29. Like Hercules
Meaning: Very strong like the famous Greek hero.
Example Sentence:
- He lifted the box like Hercules.
- She’s like Hercules in gym class.
Other ways to say: Super strong, like a superhero
Fun Fact/Origin: Hercules is a myth hero known for his strength.
Usage: Used in a playful or fun way.
30. Takes it in stride
Meaning: Handles tough things without worry.
Example Sentence:
- She takes bad days in stride.
- He takes teasing in stride.
Other ways to say: Calm under stress, doesn’t panic
Fun Fact/Origin: Walking smoothly shows calmness.
Usage: Used when someone stays cool.
31. Put your back into it
Meaning: Work really hard.
Example Sentence:
- Put your back into shoveling the snow.
- He put his back into the cleanup.
Other ways to say: Work hard, give effort
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from using your body to work harder.
Usage: Common in chores or tasks.
32. Rock solid
Meaning: Very strong and dependable.
Example Sentence:
- That plan is rock solid.
- Her support is rock solid.
Other ways to say: Very sure, steady
Fun Fact/Origin: Rocks are hard—“rock solid” means no weakness.
Usage: Used in trust, friendship, and plans.
33. Stand your ground
Meaning: Stay firm and not run away.
Example Sentence:
- She stood her ground against the bully.
- He stood his ground in the game.
Other ways to say: Don’t move, stay strong
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from holding your spot in battle.
Usage: Used when people defend themselves.
34. Steel yourself
Meaning: Get ready to be strong.
Example Sentence:
- She steeled herself before going on stage.
- He steeled himself to speak up.
Other ways to say: Get brave, prepare yourself
Fun Fact/Origin: Steel is strong metal—so this means to be strong inside.
Usage: Before a scary or hard moment.
35. Hold up under pressure
Meaning: Stay strong when things are hard.
Example Sentence:
- He held up under pressure during the test.
- She holds up under pressure really well.
Other ways to say: Keep calm, stay focused
Fun Fact/Origin: It’s like a building that stays standing.
Usage: Common during sports or stress.
36. Give it all you’ve got
Meaning: Use all your strength or energy.
Example Sentence:
- Give it all you’ve got in the race.
- She gave it all she had.
Other ways to say: Try your best, give full effort
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used by coaches and teachers.
Usage: To push people to work hard.
37. No pain, no gain
Meaning: You must work hard to get strong.
Example Sentence:
- No pain, no gain in exercise.
- He knows no pain, no gain when training.
Other ways to say: Work hard to grow, effort leads to success
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in workouts and sports.
Usage: To encourage effort through struggle.
38. Power through
Meaning: Keep going even when it’s tough.
Example Sentence:
- She powered through the last lap.
- He powered through the hard test.
Other ways to say: Keep pushing, don’t stop
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the word “power” showing strength.
Usage: Used during hard tasks or challenges.
39. Show of strength
Meaning: Action that shows how strong someone is.
Example Sentence:
- That speech was a show of strength.
- She made a show of strength by standing up.
Other ways to say: Brave act, bold move
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in sports or big events.
Usage: To highlight someone’s boldness.
40. Solid as a rock
Meaning: Completely reliable and strong.
Example Sentence:
- She’s solid as a rock.
- That plan is solid as a rock.
Other ways to say: Totally dependable, very sure
Fun Fact/Origin: Rocks don’t break easily—used to mean trust.
Usage: Describes dependable people or plans.
41. Ten feet tall
Meaning: Feeling super strong or proud.
Example Sentence:
- After the win, he felt ten feet tall.
- She walked out feeling ten feet tall.
Other ways to say: Proud, brave
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from feeling bigger than life.
Usage: When someone feels strong or proud.
42. Show muscle
Meaning: To prove your strength or power.
Example Sentence:
- He showed muscle by lifting that box.
- The team showed muscle on the field.
Other ways to say: Show power, display strength
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in sports, also in business or talk.
Usage: To describe bold action.
43. Strong suit
Meaning: Something you’re very good or strong at.
Example Sentence:
- Math is her strong suit.
- Being kind is his strong suit.
Other ways to say: Strength, best skill
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from playing cards—your “strong suit” wins.
Usage: Common in school or skills.
Quiz: Idioms About Strength
Instructions: Choose the best meaning for each idiom. Pick A, B, or C. These questions are made for 5th-grade students in the USA.
Question Key
1. What does “tough as nails” mean?
A) Someone who works with nails
B) Someone who gets hurt easily
C) Someone who is very strong and not easily hurt
2. If someone is “built like a tank,” what are they like?
A) Very weak
B) Very strong and solid
C) Very quiet
3. What does “bite the bullet” mean?
A) Chew on metal
B) Be brave and do something hard
C) Avoid doing chores
4. What does it mean to “pull your weight”?
A) Carry heavy boxes
B) Do your part of the work
C) Stay still
5. If someone “has an iron will,” they:
A) Give up easily
B) Change their mind often
C) Stay strong and never give up
6. What does “stand your ground” mean?
A) Sit on the floor
B) Stay strong and not back down
C) Jump around
7. What does “put some muscle into it” mean?
A) Go to the gym
B) Try harder and use strength
C) Rest your muscles
8. What does “rock solid” mean?
A) Full of rocks
B) Very dependable and strong
C) Cracked easily
9. What does “take it like a champ” mean?
A) Complain a lot
B) Accept something hard bravely
C) Quit the challenge
10. If someone “muscles through” something, they:
A) Sleep through it
B) Talk a lot about it
C) Use strength to finish a hard task
11. What does “like Hercules” mean?
A) Strong like a superhero
B) Scared of heights
C) Fast like a cheetah
12. If someone “sticks to their guns,” they:
A) Keep playing with toys
B) Stay strong in their beliefs
C) Let others change their minds easily
13. What does “show of strength” mean?
A) Showing off muscles for fun
B) Doing something weak
C) Doing something to prove you are strong
14. What does “no pain, no gain” mean?
A) You only grow by working hard
B) Avoid all pain
C) Rest more often
15. What does “grit your teeth” mean?
A) Smile really big
B) Be strong and get through something hard
C) Eat fast
Answer Key
- C) Someone who is very strong and not easily hurt
- B) Very strong and solid
- B) Be brave and do something hard
- B) Do your part of the work
- C) Stay strong and never give up
- B) Stay strong and not back down
- B) Try harder and use strength
- B) Very dependable and strong
- B) Accept something hard bravely
- C) Use strength to finish a hard task
- A) Strong like a superhero
- B) Stay strong in their beliefs
- C) Doing something to prove you are strong
- A) You only grow by working hard
- B) Be strong and get through something hard
Wrapping Up
Idioms about strength help us talk about being brave, tough, and not giving up. In the USA, people use these sayings every day—at school, at home, and in sports. These idioms make it easier to describe how someone handles hard times with power or keeps going when things get rough.
Now that you know these 43 phrases, you can better understand what people mean when they say things like “tough as nails” or “put some muscle into it.” Try using a few when you talk or write. They make your words clearer and stronger.
