An idiom is a phrase or a fixed expression that has a figurative, or sometimes literal, meaning. Categorized as formulaic language, an idiom’s figurative meaning is different from the literal meaning. There are thousands of idioms, occurring frequently in all languages. It is estimated that there are at least twenty-five thousand idiomatic expressions in the English language. Idioms related to the body partsare plentiful and include some of the most useful and interesting examples.

TO HAVE YOUR HEAD IN THE CLOUDS: To be living in a fantasy, often used to describe people who are absentminded or impractical.

• If you want to pass your exams, you should concentrate harder instead of having your head in the clouds.

TO TWIST SOMEONE’S ARM: to persuade someone to do something they do not want to do.

• Maria didn’t want to do her homework, but her mother twisted her arm.

CHIN UP!: Something you say to someone to tell them to have confidence.

• I’ve got an interview tomorrow.
• Chin up! I’m sure you’ll get the job.

BEHIND SOMEONE’S BACK: To do something without them knowing, in a way which is unfair.

• I bought a new T.V behind my girlfriend’s back and now she is angry with me.

TO BEAT YOUR BRAINS OUT: To spend a lot of time worrying about a problem and thinking about how to deal with it.

• I beat my brains out every time I try to remember his name.

TO GET SOMETHING OFF YOUR CHEST: To tell someone about something that has been worrying you or making you feel guilty for a long time.

• When I told him I was leaving I was glad to get it off my chest.

TO BE ALL EARS: To be waiting eagerly to hear about something.

• When the director started to speak, the students were all ears.

TO BE HEARTBROKEN: Suffering from or exhibiting overwhelming sorrow, grief, or disappointment.

• She was heartbroken when her cat died.

EYE- CATCHING: When someone or something is particularly attractive or noticeable.

• This advertisement is really eye-catching.

KEEP YOUR FEET ON THE GROUND: To have a realistic understanding of your own ideas, actions, and decisions.

• Not many famous young people manage to keep their feet on the ground.

TO KEEP AN EYE ON SOMETHING/SOMEONE: To watch or look after something or someone.

• Can you keep an eye on the dinner while I’m having a shower, please?

 TO CROSS SOMEONE’S MIND: To think about something or someone.

• Has it crossed your mind that tomorrow you have an exam?

KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED: To literally cross your middle finger over your first finger to try and hope for a bit of luck, or a positive outcome.

• I’ve got my driving test tomorrow, so keep your fingers crossed for me.

TO BE AN OLD HAND: To have a lot of experience in something.

• She is an old hand at business.

TO GET UP SOMEONE’S NOSE: To annoy someone.

• He really gets up my nose when he asks stupid questions in class.

TO PLAY SOMETHING BY EAR: do something without a plan

• Do we have any plan for tomorrow night? No, let’s play it by ear!

TO JUMP DOWN SOMEONE’S THROAT: To react angrily to something that someone says or does.

• I understand that she is angry, but she didn’t have to jump down Michael’s throat.

TO GIVE/ LEND A HAND: to help someone doing something.

• If you need help painting your room, I can give you a hand.

BREAK A LEG: to have/wish good luck.

• Today is your first concert. Break a leg!

TO BITE YOUR TONGUE: When you stop yourself from saying something because you realise it might cause offense or be hurtful.

• I had to bite my tongue many times when Helen was talking as I didn’t want to offend her.

TO COST AN ARN AND A LEG: to be very expensive.

• I like this shirt, but it costs an arm and a leg.

TO GET COLD FEET: to be nervous just before a big event.

• Before the wedding, Martha got cold feet.

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