In the USA, people often say someone is “one of a kind” when they mean that person is different in a good way. But there are many other fun and creative ways to say this. These are called idioms. Idioms are phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say. Instead, they have special meanings that people understand from how they are used.
Idioms for unique people help show that someone stands out from the crowd. They can be serious or silly, and some are funny too. In this article, you’ll learn 45 idioms that describe someone or something special. These idioms can help you speak more like Americans do. They’re great for describing a unique person, a rare object, or even a strange situation in a fun way.
Idioms for Unique
1. One of a kind
Meaning: Someone or something very special and not like anyone else
Example Sentence:
• My grandma is one of a kind.
• That dog with three legs is one of a kind.
Other ways to say: Special, rare
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is used when there’s only one like it, just like a rare coin or a special toy.
Usage: Use when talking about someone or something that stands out.
2. March to the beat of your own drum
Meaning: To do things your own way, not like others
Example Sentence:
• Jimmy wears socks on his hands—he marches to the beat of his own drum.
• She always picks her own style.
Other ways to say: Be different, go your own way
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from marching bands—if someone follows a different beat, they move differently.
Usage: Often used for unique people.
3. Stand out like a sore thumb
Meaning: Easy to notice because it’s different
Example Sentence:
• He wore a bright green hat at the wedding and stood out like a sore thumb.
• That tall sunflower in the tiny garden stood out like a sore thumb.
Other ways to say: Stick out, be obvious
Fun Fact/Origin: A sore thumb is swollen, so it sticks out.
Usage: Used when someone or something doesn’t fit in.
4. A rare bird
Meaning: A very unusual or different person
Example Sentence:
• That boy who talks to plants is a rare bird.
• She’s a rare bird, always happy and singing.
Other ways to say: Odd duck, one of a kind
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from old English—rare birds were exciting to see.
Usage: Used for describing unique people.
5. Not cut from the same cloth
Meaning: Very different from others
Example Sentence:
• Sam is not cut from the same cloth as the rest of his family.
• That teacher is not cut from the same cloth—he juggles in class.
Other ways to say: Unlike others, different
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from making clothes—different fabric, different feel.
Usage: Used when someone acts differently from others.
6. Go against the grain
Meaning: To do things in a way that is not usual
Example Sentence:
• It goes against the grain to wear pajamas to school, but he does it.
• She goes against the grain by writing with her feet.
Other ways to say: Break the rules, do it your way
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from woodwork—going against the grain is harder.
Usage: For people who don’t follow the crowd.
7. A real character
Meaning: A person who is funny, odd, or different
Example Sentence:
• Uncle Joe is a real character—he wears mismatched shoes.
• That lady with the pet pig is a real character.
Other ways to say: Funny person, original
Fun Fact/Origin: “Character” used to mean a strong personality.
Usage: Often used in a funny or loving way.
8. Marching to a different drummer
Meaning: Living life in a unique way
Example Sentence:
• Lily paints her house purple—she’s marching to a different drummer.
• He eats cereal with a fork.
Other ways to say: Be yourself, stand out
Fun Fact/Origin: Similar to marching bands—following your own beat.
Usage: Used for describing unique people.
9. Break the mold
Meaning: Be different from everyone before
Example Sentence:
• That inventor really broke the mold.
• She broke the mold by becoming the first girl on the football team.
Other ways to say: Be different, start something new
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from mold-making—if it’s broken, you can’t copy.
Usage: When someone is the first or very different.
10. Like no other
Meaning: There’s nothing else like it
Example Sentence:
• This roller coaster is like no other.
• Her singing voice is like no other.
Other ways to say: One of a kind, special
Fun Fact/Origin: Simple way to say “unique”
Usage: To describe something amazing or different
11. A unicorn
Meaning: Something very rare or special
Example Sentence:
• A teacher who makes math fun? That’s a unicorn.
• Honest used cars are like unicorns.
Other ways to say: Rare find, hard to find
Fun Fact/Origin: Unicorns are mythical creatures, known for being rare.
Usage: Used in funny or serious ways when something is hard to find.
12. An odd duck
Meaning: A person who is a bit strange in a fun way
Example Sentence:
• My neighbor wears a cape to mow the lawn—he’s an odd duck.
• She’s an odd duck, but we love her.
Other ways to say: Strange, different
Fun Fact/Origin: Ducks are usually similar, but one acting odd stands out.
Usage: Light-hearted way to describe unique people.
13. Like a fish out of water
Meaning: Feeling out of place
Example Sentence:
• He looked like a fish out of water at the ballet.
• I felt like a fish out of water at the science fair.
Other ways to say: Out of place, uncomfortable
Fun Fact/Origin: Fish need water, so being out means it’s not where it belongs.
Usage: Used when someone doesn’t fit in with others.
14. Color outside the lines
Meaning: Be creative and not follow the rules
Example Sentence:
• She colors outside the lines with her fashion choices.
• He always colors outside the lines when he writes stories.
Other ways to say: Be creative, think freely
Fun Fact/Origin: From coloring books—kids who go beyond the lines are different.
Usage: Positive way to talk about free thinkers.
15. Like a square peg in a round hole
Meaning: Someone who doesn’t fit in a group or place
Example Sentence:
• At sports camp, I was a square peg in a round hole.
• He felt like a square peg in a round hole at the party.
Other ways to say: Doesn’t belong, out of place
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from trying to fit shapes that don’t match.
Usage: For people who don’t fit in a situation.
16. March to your own beat
Meaning: Live life in your own way
Example Sentence:
• She wears winter boots in summer—she marches to her own beat.
• He writes upside down in his journal.
Other ways to say: Be yourself, live differently
Fun Fact/Origin: Like music, your beat is your style.
Usage: Common way to talk about unique people.
17. Bend the rules
Meaning: Change things a little to do it your way
Example Sentence:
• He bends the rules to make class more fun.
• She bends the rules when she makes cookies for breakfast.
Other ways to say: Break the rules, do it your way
Fun Fact/Origin: Not fully breaking rules—just changing them.
Usage: Often used for creative or different thinkers.
18. Off the beaten path
Meaning: Unusual or not commonly done
Example Sentence:
• We found a cool store off the beaten path.
• Her ideas are always off the beaten path.
Other ways to say: Uncommon, new
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from walking trails—going your own way.
Usage: Used for places or people that are different.
19. A breath of fresh air
Meaning: Someone or something new and different
Example Sentence:
• Her kindness was a breath of fresh air.
• That new student is a breath of fresh air.
Other ways to say: Refreshing, new
Fun Fact/Origin: Fresh air helps you feel better, like something new.
Usage: Positive way to talk about unique people or things.
20. Not your average Joe
Meaning: Someone who is not normal or ordinary
Example Sentence:
• He’s not your average Joe—he speaks four languages.
• That cat isn’t your average Joe. It wears sweaters.
Other ways to say: Special, different
Fun Fact/Origin: “Joe” is a common name. This phrase means you’re not just anyone.
Usage: Used in the USA for someone who’s unique.
21. March to your own tune
Meaning: To do things your own way, not like others
Example Sentence:
• She marches to her own tune when it comes to fashion.
• He marches to his own tune and plays piano with his toes.
Other ways to say: Be different, follow your own path
Fun Fact/Origin: Similar to marching band phrases—everyone has their rhythm.
Usage: Used for describing someone who is independent.
22. Off the wall
Meaning: Very strange or unusual
Example Sentence:
• That was an off-the-wall idea, but it worked.
• His off-the-wall jokes made the class laugh.
Other ways to say: Wild, weird
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from racquetball—balls bounce wildly off the wall.
Usage: Often used in a fun way for unique ideas.
23. Eccentric genius
Meaning: Someone smart but very odd
Example Sentence:
• That inventor is an eccentric genius.
• She’s an eccentric genius who sleeps upside down.
Other ways to say: Odd but smart, weird genius
Fun Fact/Origin: “Eccentric” means outside the usual path.
Usage: Used to describe smart people with odd habits.
24. In a league of their own
Meaning: Better or more special than others
Example Sentence:
• That chef is in a league of her own.
• He’s in a league of his own with his art.
Other ways to say: One of a kind, top of the group
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from sports leagues—this person is above all others.
Usage: For very talented or special people.
25. A different breed
Meaning: Very different from what is normal
Example Sentence:
• That cat is a different breed—it swims.
• She’s a different breed of teacher—very fun.
Other ways to say: Very unique, not like others
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from animals—different breeds behave differently.
Usage: Used for both people and animals.
26. Like finding a needle in a haystack
Meaning: Very rare and hard to find
Example Sentence:
• A toy in perfect shape from the 1980s? That’s like finding a needle in a haystack.
• A kind driver in traffic is like a needle in a haystack.
Other ways to say: Very rare, nearly impossible
Fun Fact/Origin: Haystacks are huge—finding a needle in one is very hard.
Usage: Often used when something rare is found.
27. A colorful character
Meaning: A person who acts in an unusual and fun way
Example Sentence:
• That ice cream truck man is a colorful character.
• She’s a colorful character who wears rainbow boots.
Other ways to say: Lively, funny, strange
Fun Fact/Origin: “Colorful” means bright and noticeable.
Usage: Used for fun, different people.
28. Doesn’t fit the mold
Meaning: Not like the usual type
Example Sentence:
• He doesn’t fit the mold of a shy person—he sings loudly.
• She doesn’t fit the mold of a boss—she jokes a lot.
Other ways to say: Not ordinary, unique
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from mold-making—something different won’t fit.
Usage: Describes people who don’t match the usual way.
29. Offbeat
Meaning: Unusual or strange in a cool way
Example Sentence:
• His songs have an offbeat sound.
• That store is offbeat—it sells banana-scented shoes.
Other ways to say: Funky, odd, quirky
Fun Fact/Origin: “Beat” refers to rhythm. “Offbeat” is not in time.
Usage: Often positive and fun.
30. Zany
Meaning: Crazy in a silly or fun way
Example Sentence:
• That clown is zany with his upside-down bike.
• She has a zany way of doing math with jelly beans.
Other ways to say: Goofy, wild
Fun Fact/Origin: “Zany” comes from old comedy acts.
Usage: Used for funny, unique behavior.
31. The black sheep
Meaning: Someone in a group who is very different
Example Sentence:
• He’s the black sheep of the family—he’s a skateboarder while everyone else is a lawyer.
• She’s the black sheep because she paints her house pink every year.
Other ways to say: Outsider, not like the rest
Fun Fact/Origin: In a flock of white sheep, a black one stands out.
Usage: Often used in families or small groups.
32. March to your own rhythm
Meaning: Live life in your own style
Example Sentence:
• He marches to his own rhythm by wearing a cape to school.
• She marches to her own rhythm and only eats blue foods on Fridays.
Other ways to say: Be original, follow your own way
Fun Fact/Origin: From music—everyone has their own beat.
Usage: Describes creative or bold people.
33. As different as night and day
Meaning: Very, very different
Example Sentence:
• My twin and I are as different as night and day.
• Her two pets are as different as night and day.
Other ways to say: Nothing alike, totally opposite
Fun Fact/Origin: Night and day are complete opposites—can’t happen at the same time.
Usage: Used to show strong differences.
34. Not playing with a full deck
Meaning: A little strange or not thinking clearly
Example Sentence:
• That guy talks to his shoes—he’s not playing with a full deck.
• She tried to pet a cactus. Maybe she’s not playing with a full deck.
Other ways to say: A bit off, silly
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from card games—missing cards means something’s not right.
Usage: Usually used in a funny way.
35. Like a cat among the pigeons
Meaning: Causing surprise because they’re so different
Example Sentence:
• He walked into the ballet with muddy boots—like a cat among the pigeons.
• Her loud laugh at the quiet library was like a cat among the pigeons.
Other ways to say: Trouble starter, different
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats scare pigeons.
Usage: Used when someone really doesn’t fit in.
36. March to your own fiddle
Meaning: To follow your own plans
Example Sentence:
• He marches to his own fiddle, even if others disagree.
• She marches to her own fiddle by starting a hamster circus.
Other ways to say: Be yourself, follow your own lead
Fun Fact/Origin: A fiddle is a fun kind of violin—this adds charm to the idea.
Usage: Describes someone confident and creative.
37. Like a wild card
Meaning: Hard to predict because they’re so different
Example Sentence:
• He’s a wild card—you never know what he’ll do next.
• She’s a wild card when it comes to game night.
Other ways to say: Unpredictable, unusual
Fun Fact/Origin: In card games, a wild card can be anything.
Usage: Used for people who surprise others.
38. Walk your own path
Meaning: Make your own choices in life
Example Sentence:
• He walked his own path and opened a donut museum.
• She walks her own path by making art from trash.
Other ways to say: Follow your heart, be yourself
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of making your own road in life.
Usage: Positive and proud tone.
39. Dance to your own tune
Meaning: Do things your way
Example Sentence:
• She dances to her own tune with her mix of cowboy boots and tutus.
• He dances to his own tune, even if people stare.
Other ways to say: Do your own thing, be creative
Fun Fact/Origin: Dancing to your own music means not copying others.
Usage: Celebrates individuality.
40. An original
Meaning: Someone who is the first or unlike any other
Example Sentence:
• That artist is a true original.
• She’s an original—never follows trends.
Other ways to say: First, unique, rare
Fun Fact/Origin: “Original” means the first version of something.
Usage: A proud word for unique people.
41. The only fish in the pond
Meaning: The only one like them in a group
Example Sentence:
• He’s the only fish in the pond when it comes to baking dog treats.
• She’s the only fish in the pond who reads upside down.
Other ways to say: One of a kind, stands alone
Fun Fact/Origin: A pond usually has many fish. Having just one means they’re special.
Usage: For people who don’t match others.
42. A one-off
Meaning: Made once and never again
Example Sentence:
• That handmade bicycle is a one-off.
• Her dress made from candy wrappers is a one-off.
Other ways to say: One-time, rare
Fun Fact/Origin: Used a lot in design and art.
Usage: Describes rare items or people.
43. Marching to your own melody
Meaning: Living in a different way from others
Example Sentence:
• He’s marching to his own melody with a band made of cats.
• She’s marching to her own melody with upside-down paintings.
Other ways to say: Unique, not following rules
Fun Fact/Origin: Melody is the tune of a song—this is a creative twist.
Usage: Describes artists and dreamers.
44. In your own world
Meaning: Not paying attention to what others are doing
Example Sentence:
• He’s always in his own world, drawing dragons during lunch.
• She’s in her own world reading five books at once.
Other ways to say: Dreamy, zoned out
Fun Fact/Origin: Common phrase to describe imaginative people.
Usage: Often used for creative or quiet kids.
45. Like nobody else
Meaning: Unlike any other person
Example Sentence:
• She sings like nobody else.
• He draws like nobody else in class.
Other ways to say: Special, one of a kind
Fun Fact/Origin: A strong way to say someone is truly different
Usage: Simple phrase to celebrate uniqueness.
Quiz: Idioms for Unique
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question. These questions will help you understand idioms used to describe unique people and things. Read each example carefully and pick the meaning that fits best.
Question Key
1. What does “one of a kind” mean?
A) Someone who copies others
B) Someone who is very special and rare
C) Someone who follows the crowd
2. If someone “marches to the beat of their own drum,” what are they doing?
A) Copying others
B) Walking slowly
C) Doing things in their own way
3. What does it mean to “stand out like a sore thumb”?
A) To blend in with others
B) To be easy to notice because you’re different
C) To sit quietly
4. If a person is called “a rare bird,” what does it mean?
A) They are normal
B) They are hard to understand
C) They are very different and uncommon
5. What does “not cut from the same cloth” mean?
A) Made the same way
B) Very different from others
C) Wearing new clothes
6. If someone “goes against the grain,” they are:
A) Following the rules
B) Doing what most people do
C) Doing something that’s not usual
7. What is an “odd duck”?
A) A type of bird
B) A person who acts in a strange or fun way
C) Someone who’s mean
8. If someone “breaks the mold,” what are they doing?
A) Repeating what others do
B) Doing something brand new
C) Fixing a broken toy
9. “Off the beaten path” means:
A) Somewhere busy and loud
B) A place or idea that is usual
C) Something different or not commonly found
10. If someone is “in a league of their own,” they are:
A) Not as good as others
B) Better or very special
C) Playing a sport
11. What does “like finding a needle in a haystack” mean?
A) Easy to find
B) Very hard to find something rare
C) Looking for something sharp
12. If someone is “the black sheep,” what does it mean?
A) They are like everyone else
B) They follow the rules
C) They are different from the group
13. What does it mean if someone is “off the wall”?
A) Very usual
B) Very strange or silly in a fun way
C) Hanging pictures
14. “A wild card” is someone who:
A) Always does the same thing
B) Is hard to predict
C) Plays card games
15. If someone “walks their own path,” they:
A) Follow others
B) Make their own choices
C) Get lost easily
16. What does “a colorful character” mean?
A) Someone who wears only black
B) Someone who is quiet
C) Someone who is full of personality and different
17. If someone “dances to their own tune,” they:
A) Dance in a group
B) Do what others say
C) Live life their own way
Answer Key
- B) Someone who is very special and rare
- C) Doing things in their own way
- B) To be easy to notice because you’re different
- C) They are very different and uncommon
- B) Very different from others
- C) Doing something that’s not usual
- B) A person who acts in a strange or fun way
- B) Doing something brand new
- C) Something different or not commonly found
- B) Better or very special
- B) Very hard to find something rare
- C) They are different from the group
- B) Very strange or silly in a fun way
- B) Is hard to predict
- B) Make their own choices
- C) Someone who is full of personality and different
- C) Live life their own way
Wrapping Up
Idioms for unique people show how language can make talking about special traits more fun. These expressions are part of everyday talk in the USA. Whether you’re a “rare bird” or someone who “marches to your own beat,” these idioms help describe what makes people special. Try using them when you notice someone who does things their own way.
