When one is in the process of expressing emotions, English language gives us a spectrum of expressions that can make our words brighter and more meaningful. By looking at 18 common conversational idioms today, we will be able to describe various feelings that usually engulf us. Thus, from joy to sadness, fear to disgust, acquiring knowledge on these idiomatic phrases will not only help you know more but also makes your words lively and expressive enough.
Exploring Happiness: Idioms That Spark Joy
Over the Moon
Imagine receiving news so great that it causes your joy to blast into space. This phrase describes a state of euphoria and rapture as well. For example if you got your dream job; you would be absolutely over the moon.
Happy as Larry
This phrase may sound weird because we are not familiar with Larry but in English it refers to being very happy in life without any worry or stress. It’s like a warm feeling inside from simple things such as hanging out or chatting with a pal.
Happy Camper
A “happy camper” is an individual who is satisfied with life. Moreover, it can be used ironically in negative contexts where it means just the opposite. When things are going well like enjoying new hobbies or jobs then you are a happy camper; when they don’t work out the way you expected…well…you get it!
Expressions of Sadness: From Slight Gloom to Deep Grief
With a Heavy Heart
It’s an idiom which reflects deep sorrow or grief and is often used during moments of significant loss or sadness for example when giving a speech at someone’s funeral.
Down in the Dumps
This expression is meant for days when everything seems hopeless and one feels downcast. Not the highest point of despair but neither happiness.
A Bit Bummed
Another way to say sad – “a bit bummed”. Use this when you feel a bit down in the dumps or disappointed such as missing out on a casual hang-out with friends.
Facing Fear: Expressing Anxiety and Terror
Scared the Living Daylights Out of Me
This idiom pertains to moments of absolute terror; where fear is at its deepest. It can be likened to the type of fear that comes from nightmares or horror movies.
Jumped Out of My Skin
It refers to those scary surprises that make one startle. For instance, a loud noise in a quiet place, or someone sneaking up on you could make you jump out of your skin.
The Heebie Jeebies
Have you ever felt goosebumps on your back coming from walking into an eerie room or hearing some strange noises? This is the “heebie-jeebies” – a funny phrase for describing creepy sensations.
Idioms for Disgust: When Things Get Unpleasant
These sayings are perfect for something that is particularly unattractive or disgusting.
Make You Want to Vomit
That expression vividly describes something extremely bad until it results into nausea.
Make Your Stomach Turn
Almost similar but less graphic as above mentioned idiom which comes handy when seeing something very offensive to your taste buds and common decency like gruesome medical shows, bad smell.
Do you ever feel that there is a creepy-crawly sensation? Maybe when you see a spider or think of something really scary. These feelings are not only normal; they are usually expressed through vivid idioms in English.
“Make your skin crawl”: This idiom is perfect for that shiver-inducing unease, typically tied to fear or disgust. For example, seeing some creepy-crawly insects or thinking about disturbing images, can make your skin crawl.
If you remember such expressions, these idioms will help you to convey in strong terms how strongly you feel about things which frankly are rather hard to take on board.
Angry language: Idioms for Anger
The universal emotion- anger- often requires expressions that are as fiery as the feeling itself. English has many idiomatic expressions that explain various shades and temperatures of anger
“Fly off the handle”: Use this when someone loses their temper explosically. Everybody at some point has seen somebody else – maybe even oneself – react with great vehemence to an exasperating situation, e.g., a minor motor accident or an overheated argument.
“Up in arms”: This idiom refers to intense but not violent situations of anger. It could be used when someone is really upset about something such as messy shared living spaces.
“At the end of my tether”: Perfect for those moments when patience wears thin and frustration takes over, like dealing with disobedient kids all day.
Understanding these idioms not only enriches your vocabulary but also prepares you to handle situations where emotions run high, offering you the right words to describe the scenario.
Shock Factor: Idioms for Surprise
Surprise, whether pleasant or shocking, often catches us off guard and sometimes, words fail us. Here are some idioms that capture the essence of surprise beautifully.
“Do a double-take”: This is what you do when something surprises you so much that you need to look at it twice.
“It came out of the blue”: Use this when something completely unexpected happens. It’s the idiom for those moments that catch you unawares, like surprise news or an unforeseen event.
“Stopped dead in my tracks”: For those moments when you’re so shocked that you can’t even move. Maybe a long-lost friend suddenly appears, or you receive news that is hard to believe.
Learning these idioms not only helps you describe your reactions accurately but also connects you more deeply with the language and its native speakers.
Engage and Share Your Stories
English idioms are not just phrases to be memorized; they are vibrant expressions that bring your stories to life. I encourage you to share your experiences or create fictional scenarios where you could use these idioms. It can be a great way to practice, improve, and have fun with English!
Also, don’t forget to engage with us in the comments section below. Which idiom resonated with you the most? Do you know other idioms that express emotions vividly? Let’s discuss!
Remember to check our upcoming posts for more insights into effective language use. Happy learning!
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