10 Useful Idioms for Summer
Summer is the perfect time to soak up some new English skills! In this post, you’ll learn 10 useful and fun idioms for summer, heat, relaxation and energy – all with clear explanations and examples. At the end, try our short quiz to test your understanding.
Idiom 1: Catch some rays
Meaning: To sunbathe
Example: Let’s go to the beach and catch some rays this afternoon.
Idiom 2: Beat the heat
Meaning: To find ways to stay cool in hot weather
Example: We went to the cinema to beat the heat.
Idiom 3: In hot water
Meaning: In trouble
Example: He was in hot water after missing the flight.
Idiom 4: Full of beans
Meaning: Full of energy
Example: The kids were full of beans after their swim.
Idiom 5: Dog days of summer
Meaning: The hottest days of summer
Example: August is known for the dog days of summer.
Idiom 6: Travel light
Meaning: To bring very little luggage
Example: I always travel light when I go on short holidays.
Idiom 7: Cool as a cucumber
Meaning: Very calm, even in stressful situations
Example: Even during the delay, she stayed as cool as a cucumber.
Idiom 8: Take a break
Meaning: To rest from work or routine
Example: I’m going to take a break in August and recharge.
Idiom 9: Feel under the weather
Meaning: To feel slightly ill (often because of heat or exhaustion)
Example: I skipped the party because I was feeling under the weather.
Idiom 10: A breath of fresh air
Meaning: Something new, refreshing or different
Example: That weekend at the lake was a real breath of fresh air.
Mini Practice Quiz
Match the idiom to its meaning:
- Full of beans
- In hot water
- Travel light
- Dog days of summer
- A breath of fresh air
Meanings:
A. To bring few belongings
B. Hot, uncomfortable days
C. In trouble
D. Full of energy
E. Something refreshing or new
(Answers: 1-D, 2-C, 3-A, 4-B, 5-E)
Looking for more than 10 Useful Idioms for Summer? Try something yourself!
What’s your favourite summer idiom? Try writing a few of your own sentences on holiday!
Listen to our Essential idioms podcast episode for some more on this subject. You can also check out our podcast page for other episodes 🙂
