Body Idioms and More for Learners of English

By May Pare

It's about a countless number of idioms, expressions, sayings and slang terms, all having to do with over 50 human body parts. The book is written specifically for learners of English as a second language.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jul 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9780977392858

Book preview

Pare

Terms and abbreviations used here

Allude To make an indirect reference to someone or something

Collocation A group of words that often go together. These combinations just sound right to native English speakers who use them all the time.

OED The Oxford English Dictionary

Euphemism Substitution of a milder or socially acceptable term for one considered offensively explicit

Derogatory To describe an expression that insults or mocks someone

Expression A set pattern of words that native speakers conventionally use to convey a certain concept. It is used loosely as a general term in this book to cover idioms, hyperboles, sayings, collocations, etc.

Hyperbole An extreme exaggeration to make a point. The adjective is hyperbolic.

Jargon Special words or expressions used by a particular profession, trade or similar group and are difficult for others to understand, e.g. business jargon

Idiom A phrase in a fixed order with a special meaning that might not always be understood by looking at the meanings of the words that comprise it. Idioms don’t always make sense on a literal level.

Literally Something that is actually true or occurs exactly according to the words used. The opposite is figuratively where the words are used symbolically.

M-W Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Meme (rhymes with team) An idea, behavior, or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture. It behaves like a flu or a cold virus. The term comes from the Greek mimema meaning, something imitated.

Pun It twists the meaning of words, often to create a humorous effect.

Sarcasm Sneering at or mocking a person, situation or thing. It is often used in a humorous or ironical manner. The remark made often means the opposite of what it says.

Synecdoche (pronounced sin-ek-doh-key) A literary device that uses a part of something to refer to the whole. Some examples from the book: all hands on deck; another mouth to feed.

Synonym A word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another word in certain contexts, but the two are not necessarily interchangeable

TFD The Free Dictionary

UD The Urban Dictionary

Arms

Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values. The 14th Dalai Lama (1935-….), Tibetan spiritual leader

A place to look for a helping hand is at the end of your own arm. Unknown

Arm gesture

Arms akimbo means (standing)with the hands resting on the hips, elbows bent and sticking out

She stood there with arms akimbo, daring him to hit her.

Usage note Akimbo (from the Middle English phrase, in kenebowe, which meant at a sharp angle) has been used mostly in the phrase arms akimbo. The posture is one that often implies defiance, aggressiveness, confidence or self-esteem. Grammatically speaking, it follows its noun rather than preceding it. It’s a term that is hardly heard nowadays. Most people probably simply say hands on hips.

Legs akimbo (legs spreading apart in a bent position) is becoming less unusual, especially in British English.

Arm in arm Literally: with a person’s arm linked around another’s. Figuratively: closely allied

When we first came to the U.S., my sister and I usually walked arm in arm everywhere we went. I noticed that people often gave us funny looks. It didn’t occur to me until much later the suspicions they may have had on seeing two girls so affectionately linked.

The candidate is arm in arm with his party’s far-left liberal wing.

Usage note It is used mostly literally and sometimes figuratively. See also (to) lock arms later.

As long as your arm Very extensive, remarkably long

He ‘s one of Hollywood’s best directors. The credits for his work are as long as your arm.

Usage note It’s a fixed expression, i.e. the use of your.

Cost (someone) an arm and a leg To be very expensive

Our house may have cost us an arm and a leg, but we’re very happy we bought it.

The underdog’s upbeat, relaxed style played well on the debate stage, In states like NY and CA where campaign advertising costs an arm and a leg, debates would provide him with free access to thousands of potential voters.

Background The phrase is of American origin. The theory often proposed was that it derived from the 18th century portrait painters charging extra for each arm and leg appearing in the paintings. However, this theory has been discredited by many word experts. According to www.word-detective.com, for example, the phrase was probably an outgrowth or an exaggeration of the older expression, give one’s right arm (see later).

Usage note This idiom is also used with the verbs pay, charge, spend.

Other expressions often used are cost a (small) fortune; cost a bundle. Also, compare it with pay through the nose; see under Nose.

Get/wrap/ your arms around something To fully comprehend (a subject or fact) especially despite initial difficulties or reluctance; to come to terms with (a situation)

There are so many different aspects of this health-care reform that it’s hard to get your arms around it.

Background Other body parts that are also used in this same expression are head, brain, mind. According to OED via www.grammarphobia.com/blog, get one’s head around is the oldest--since the 1920s. The use of wrap instead of get seems to be rather recent--late 1980s.

Usage note It is usually used in negative sentences, i.e. dealing with problems often unsuccessfully.

Whereas some people use get your arms around something and its variants interchangeably, others may make a distinction between them. One such distinction has been discussed on www.english.stackexchange.com/questions/216693/get-one’s-head-around-vs.-get-one’s-arms-around:

I’m having problems getting my head around this task means I’m struggling to understand what I’m doing.

I’m having problems getting my arms around this task means I’m struggling to complete the actual task.

Give one’s right arm To give something of great value; go to any length

My only regret is that I didn’t spend enough time with my mother when she was still alive. I’d give my right arm to have her back with me now.

"I’d give my right arm to be ambidextrous." Unknown. (This is simply a funny quote. Ambidextrous means able to use both hands equally well.)

Background To give a part of your body for something means you want it badly. Since most people are right-handed, the right arm is considered more valuable than the left. It expresses a major sacrifice, even more so than (to) give one’s eye teeth (see under Teeth).

Usage note Notice that it is used with would.

One’s right arm is a chief assistant, especially an indispensable and trusted one. It means the same as one’s right-hand man:

Special thanks to my husband who has been my right arm and who has always believed in me.

Keep someone/something/at arm’s length To keep a safe distance away from someone or something; to avoid being friendly or becoming involved with someone

If you keep her at arm’s length, she won’t be able to exploit your weakness and take advantage of you.

Local clergy keep gay issues at arm’s length, preferring to focus on things that bring people together.

Usage note It is almost always used figuratively. A similar expression is to keep your distance from someone/something

The opposite of (to) keep at arm’s length is to keep/have/ within arm’s reach:

Now I keep my finance and accounting textbooks within arm’s reach of my desk because I know I’m going to have to use them.

Figuratively speaking, you can also embrace someone/something/ at arm’s length:

Embracing his former rival at arm’s length, the candidate formally began his run for president.

Lock arms (with someone) To join or unite firmly

Boehner offers to lock arms with Obama on entitlement cuts. (headline, www.dailycaller.com 3-4-11)

Background It comes from the literal sense of interlocking arms to show unity or friendship.

Usage note The opposite is to lock horns, meaning to become involved in a fight, dispute or competition with someone (as male elks do when competing for a female):

The vice president and his rival for the job locked horns over economic policy, taking their first shots at each other on the heels of the Democratic National Convention.

In love relationships, we always have the choice of either locking horns or locking arms.

The expression is fairly common in sports writing, business and political reporting. (www.italki.com/questions/109761)

See also (to) butt heads (with someone) under Butt.

Shot in the arm, a A sudden help; something that renews one’s energy or spirits

The superstar’s return to the NBA after a four-year retirement was a major shot in the arm for his team.

The city’s donation will give the symphony the shot in the arm it needs to promote future concerts.

Usage note Other expressions with the same meaning: a lift; a moral boost.

Talk someone’s arm off To talk so much as to exhaust the listener

He talks my arm off every time he sees me.

Usage note Also, talk someone’s ear off; talk someone’s head off

Twist someone’s arm To persuade; convince

I had to twist her arm a little bit before she agreed to be in our show.

Usage note Twist someone’s arm is more aggressive than force someone’s hand. (under Hands)

Twist someone’s arm can also be used humorously:

Waitress: Would you like more coffee?

Customer: "OK, since you twisted my arm." (Or, OK, you talked me into it.)

It is also used as a noun:

She is very adept at mobilizing the residents to give their support to the Boys Club programs. She does her arm twisting in a nice way.

My dad works as an arm-twister, raising campaign funds for his political party.

(With) open arms (With) great hospitality

After more than 150 rejections, the two gay pastors finally found open arms at the Congregational Church in Michigan.

I’m going to welcome him with open arms and give him every opportunity to do what he wants to do.

Background It’s open arms because people in western culture often welcome with a hug. The term has a very positive sense of welcoming or receiving with warmth, kindness, pleasure, enthusiasm without reservations, all of which an embrace is symbolic.

Usage note Also, welcome an idea with open arms

Arms Bonus

Alligator arms (American football term) 1.A receiver who is afraid of taking a hit while trying to catch a pass. Because of this fear, he doesn’t extend his arms as far as he should. He keeps them closer to his body to protect himself 2. By extension, someone who is cheap--their arms are too short to reach their wallet

"He’s open…Oh! He missed it. Incomplete! He had alligator arms on that one."

"Don’t expect her to pick up the bill. She has alligator arms."

Arm candy An extremely beautiful person (usually female) who accompanies a member of the opposite sex to a party or event but is not necessarily romantically involved with that person

The actress shied away from playing just ‘the girl’ roles - the arm candy, because she wanted to be taken seriously.

Armpit (slang) An unpleasant, most undesirable place, usually within a city or larger area

This town is really an armpit.

Background Armpit is the area directly under the joint where the arm connects to the shoulder. Another term for it is underarm. It is often sweaty and has an offensive odor.

Babe in arms A young baby being carried, and by extension, an inexperienced or naive person who may be incapable of handling a difficult situation or is easily duped. The term is not commonly used nowadays.

Bat wings/Bingo wings (slang) The sagging skin that hangs down on the underside of the upper arms. It occurs most frequently in elderly ladies and overweight people.

Background Bat wings: The wings of bats look similar to flabby arms.

Bingo wings: Bingo has long been the entertainment of choice for a large number of elderly women in the U.K and U.S. The term alludes to them frantically waving their hands and saying Bingo! when they have the winning number (s).

Usage note It is often used derogatory or humorously. Other slang terms also used are grandma sags, chicken wings, swing wings or simply arm flaps. The opposite would be toned arms.

Glass arm (baseball term) A pitcher’s arm that is highly prone to injury or strain

Golden arm (slang) A heroin addict (from shooting the heroin into one’s arm)

Good arm The ability to throw a baseball (or football) well

He showed a good arm in his NFL debut.

Usage note The opposite is no arm:

He can hit; he has a good glove. But he has no arm.

Full moon and empty arms A saying of the old west that refers to loneliness and a longing for romance. There is an old famous song by this name.

In the arms of Morpheus (literary) Sound asleep, most likely dreaming

Background The ancient Greeks believed Morpheus to be the god of dreams.

One-armed bandit A slot machine for gambling, operated by pulling a lever on the side

Put the arm on someone (slang) To solicit someone for money; to use strong-arm tactics (see later)

Short arms, long pockets Describing someone of a miserly (cheap) disposition unwilling to reach for his/her/ wallet

Spending money like a man with no arms Describing a skinflint or scrooge -- not spending anything at all. Clearly, someone with no arms cannot reach into his pockets to get at his money.

Stiff-arm (sports term) To deflect (an opponent) by pushing away with the arm held out straight (TFD); by extension, to shove someone out of the way; to treat with disdain or neglect (M-W)

The UCLA running back stiff-armed his way past the Washington defense.

ESPN’s Hannah Storm stiff-arms makeup artist on live TV. (www.usatoday.com1-11-15)

Rory Mcllroy tweets support for Marshawn Lynch’s right to stiff-arm the media. (www.sbnation.com 1-11-15)

Also as a noun: Stiff arms in football sometimes go too far. Stiff arms to the face, for example.

Strong-arm(A method or type of behavior) that involves using force or threats to make people do what one demands

The police finally had to resort to strong-arm tactics to disperse the demonstrators.

Usage note Compare with heavy-handed (under Hands bonus )

In the following examples, the verb, to strong arm, is being used figuratively:

I got pearl earrings for Christmas. Or, rather, I strong-armed them out of my mom.

The die-hard fans are hoping to strong-arm the studio into launching the film at Grauman’s Chinese Theater, where the original film was first screened.

Strong in the arm and thick in the head Describing one whose talents are more physical than mental, i.e. someone who is dull or dense, slow to catch on to what people are saying or what is going on

The long arm of the law The law thought of in terms of its power and extent

They fled to Mexico but the long arm of the law soon caught up with them.

Background To make a long arm is an old way of describing extending your regular reach as far as possible. There was also the strong arm of the law which was used widely in the 1800s. The long arm of the law might have been created as a punning alternative to the strong arm of the law. (www.worldwidewords.org)

Usage note The term is sometimes used humorously:

"Tom, the money got stuck between the cabinets. You’re a cop; you think the long arm of the law can get it out for me?"

With one arm tied behind one’s back Very easily

I could whip you with one arm tied behind my back. (I could defeat you very easily.)

Usage note Same idea as with one’s hands tied behind one’s back; or with one’s eyes closed

Back

If you cannot lift the load off another’s back, do not walk away. Try to lighten it. Frank Tyger (1929-2011), American cartoonist, humorist

The only really decent thing to do behind a person’s back is to pat it. Unknown

Backslapper, a Someone who is overly friendly and outgoing

Some stand-up comedians cast former President George W. Bush as a backslapper who has never read a book.

Usage note It is also used as an adjective:

He’s never going to be a back-slapping politician who will pull up a chair and talk effortlessly about sports or anything else that might establish an emotional connection with voters. He’s just not that type.

Be on someone’s back To make constant demands; be a bother

The coach has been on my back about missing the game last week.

Usage note The opposite is to get off someone’s back (or get off someone’s case):

I wish he’d get off my back and stop asking me when I’m going to look for another job.

Or, a slangy phrase, quit busting my hump (The hump evokes the back on analogy with the camel.) "I’ve been busting my hump means I’ve been working hard.(Or, I’ve been breaking my back." See later)

Behind someone’s back Without someone’s knowledge/secretly

I wouldn’t trust her, if I were you. She acts friendly but she always goes behind your back

"Your best friends are those who speak well of you behind your back." Sam Ewing (1920-2001), American writer, humorist

Usage note It emphasizes hidden and sneaky behavior. The opposite is to someone’s face:

We used to talk normally, but in the last few years, he’d say one thing to my face and another behind my back.

Bend over backwards To go out of one’s way; try harder to accommodate someone than one really has to

She’s so ungrateful; and after I bent over backwards to help her!

"Bend over backwards for the customer. Don’t bend forward." Unknown

Background The image is of someone straining to do the gymnastic backbend and thus adopting a stance contrary to one’s natural inclination. Literally, it’s very difficult to do since it requires great efforts and strength. That one is willing to do it shows dedication.

Usage note: Another expression also used is (go) beyond the call of duty.

Break one’s back To work very hard

I’ve been breaking my back over this project the past few weeks.

Usage note A backbreaker is an exhausting or physically demanding task:

Lifting that 200-pound-flat grill was a real backbreaker, even for two strong men.

(In wrestling, the term refers to a hold in which someone’s back is bent backward over the opponent’s knee or shoulder.)

To break someone’s back means to overpower:

We got the ball back and made a couple of plays. The play that really broke our back was that second interception.

To break the back of something is to accomplish the hardest part of a task:

We’re over halfway there; we’ve broken the back of this trip.

Flat on one’s back To be sick in bed; be in a helpless situation

The flu put my mother flat on her back for over a week.

I wish I could help you out, but paying all these bills has really put me flat on my back.

"Some people never look up until they are flat on their backs." Unknown

Usage note: Another similar expression is (to) be in bad shape.

Get one’s back up/get one’s dander up To become angry or make someone angry, especially in a way to cause one to resist; to lose one’s temper or become aroused to some form of action

It really gets her back up when cars tailgate her on the freeway.

The boxer suddenly got his dander up and started charging his opponent with a vengeance

"Don’t get your dander up!" (Don’t get mad!)

Background: The term most likely comes from the cat’s habit of arching its back when angry. Dander is an old word meaning anger. It may have come from the Dutch donder, meaning thunder.

Give someone the shirt off one’s back To give anything and everything you have; to be exceptionally generous

He’s the kind of person who’d give the shirt off his back to help you.

Usage note This idiom is self-explanatory. It indicates self-sacrifice.

Got your back I’m here for you; I’ll support you, even if the going gets tough.

"Don’t worry! I’ve got your back. I’ll help you out anytime."

Background: In a battle in the days of fighting with swords, soldiers would stand back-to-back guarding each other. It was their way to stop any enemy from coming up behind. Each one would only have to be concerned about the enemy in front of him.

Usage note Also, have your back, Other expressions one can use: I’ll back you up (all the way); I’m on your side. The opposite is turn one’s back on someone (see later)

Have a bull’s-eye on one’s back To be the target of constant attacks

When you’re the front-runner of your party’s presidential nomination race, you must get used to having a bull’s-eye on your back.

Background A bull’s-eye is the very center of the target that a person is supposed to be aiming for. The term is a common metaphor for a situation where everyone else seems to be attacking (or shooting at) you.

Have one’s back (up) against the wall To be in a desperate situation or to be under heavy attack

The coach had his back against the wall. Either his team had to win next time or he would be fired.

Usage note Also, one’s back is against the wall:

He does best when his back is against the wall.

Bankruptcy is not the best choice, although it can be seen as a way out for families who feel their backs are against the wall.

Monkey on one’s back, a (slang) Drug addiction; a persistent or annoying problem or burden

There’s no question I feel much better mentally. Getting that monkey off my back really does enhance my self-esteem.

That business deal turned out to be a monkey on our back.

Background: According to the OED, the phrase dates to the 1930s and refers to drug addiction, specifically to heroin. There are many songs that use it in this way.

In the 1950s it was widened to refer to any burden or disadvantage.

But why a ‘monkey’ and not some other animal? It could be because of the clinging nature of monkeys and also because it makes the person so lumbered look foolish.

Nothing but the clothes on your back No possessions except what one is wearing

She got away from her abusive husband and started her life over with nothing but the clothes on her back.

Pat someone on the back To express approval of or admiration for someone

I’d love to shake your hand and pat you on the back for a job well done.

Background In English-speaking countries, it’s common to literally pat someone on the back if he/she has done a good job. The idiom simply refers to the physical action of patting the person on the back. However, it can be used even if no literal back-patting has occurred. It typically alludes to verbal praise, but it could be extended to other tangible ways of recognizing a job well-done, for example, a bonus, a raise or promotion.

Usage note It is also used as a noun:

The award is a pat on the back, meaning you are doing the right thing and should keep doing it.

It is sometimes used ironically:

"You sure deserved a pat on the back!" (when one’s misguided efforts led to a disaster)

He singlehandedly saved the company from bankruptcy and all he got was a pat on the back from his boss. (implying an insufficient reward)

A related idiom, to give oneself a pat on the back (or to pat oneself on the back). is often used sardonically, in response to someone who is perhaps bragging too much:

John: I had more sales than anyone else in the office last year.

Alice: "Well, you should give yourself a pat on the back, then!"

When used in this context, there is a certain deliberate awkwardness to it because it’s much more difficult to put your hand literally on your own back than on someone else’s back. (www.english.stackexchange.com/questions/67704/whats-the-origin-and-meaning-behind-the-phrase-a-pat-on-the-back)

Put one’s back into something To make a strenuous effort to do something

You could get rid of all the weeds and dig this plot in one afternoon if you really put your back into it.

Background It alludes to physical labor involving the strength of one’s back (Christine Ammer 1997).

Scratch someone’s back To do someone a favor

If I scratch her back this time, maybe one day she’ll scratch mine.

Usage note The expression, You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours can simply mean to return a favor, but it is sometimes used with a negative connotation. See more on this under One hand washes the other, under Hands.

Stab someone in the back To harm someone by treachery or betrayal of trust

He stabbed me in the back by telling lies about me to other people.

Usage note Also as a noun: a stab in the back. The person who does it is a backstabber.

The world on one’s back To be very worried by many different problems

He seemed so depressed, so blue, with the world on his back.

Usage note Same idea as (carry) the world on one’s shoulders; see under Shoulders.

Turn your back on someone/something To refuse to help someone in trouble or need; ignore someone or something

I needed your help so badly, but you just turned your back on me.

America cannot afford to turn its back on the problem of terrorism in the Middle East.

Usage note To turn your back to someone is more likely to have the literal meaning: to turn so that your back is towards someone. When/as soon as/ one’s back is turned, on the other hand, means when one is not looking or is away:

It’s normal for kids to misbehave when a teacher’s back is turned.

No way will she take any vacation. She knows too well that as soon as her back is turned, someone will try to take over her job.

Watch your back To protect yourself against dangers from an unexpected quarter

"You’ve got to watch your back more at work. Do you realize how many people would love to have your job?"

Usage note The term can also be used very literally, as in Watch your back! meaning be aware of what is behind you at this moment; often used when people work together in close quarters.

With the wind at one’s back With good fortune, momentum or luck on one’s side

The candidate has been racking some pretty good wins. Now he’s going into the upcoming primary election battles on Super Tuesday with the wind at his back.

Background When the wind is at your back, you not only go faster, you also enjoy more control. May the wind always be at your back is an old Irish blessing of good fortune. The whole blessing goes:

"May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sunshine be warm upon your face, the rains fall softly upon your fields.

And, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand."

Back Bonus

Don’t make a rod for your own back. (old saying) Don’t do something that is likely to cause difficulties for yourself later.

Get your own back on someone (British) To have your revenge; retaliate

Usage Note The Americans would say get back at someone. Also, settle the score.

Like water off a duck’s back Doing something that has no apparent effect on someone or something

The bad reviews rolled off the actor like water off a duck’s back.

Background It alludes to the fact that duck feathers shed water.

Usage note Also, let it roll off one’s back, meaning not let something bother you:

"He never got angry. Whenever I snapped at him, he just let it roll off his back."

Piggyback Carried atop one’s shoulders or back

Daddy, give me a piggyback ride, please!" said the little boy.

She carried her daughter piggyback while holding her purse in her hand.

Step on a crack, break your mother’s back An old children’s rhyme -- a superstition that ill-fate is the result from stepping on a crack in the pavement. Kids sing it while skipping down a sidewalk. Some, when really mad at their mother, would intentionally jump on all the cracks.

Other variants: Step on a line, break your mother’s spine; Step in a hole, break your mother’s sugar bowl; Step in a ditch, your mother’s nose will itch; Step on a nail, get your father to jail

That’s the straw that broke the camel’s back (saying) The final, though perhaps minor, annoyance that makes one lose patience and get very angry

My old boss constantly used vulgar language. When he said ‘God damn it…’ to me in front of my co-workers, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I quit that job right away.

Background: The origin is supposed to be that one can keep putting loads onto a camel’s back and, instead of gradually bending under the load, the camel appears to suffer without any complaints until the last tiny additional load (a straw) in which case it suddenly collapses.

Usage note: People sometimes simply use the shortened form: That was the last straw.

Belly

The belly is the reason why man does not mistake himself for a god. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900), German philosopher and poet

Fish die belly upward, and rise to the surface. It’s their way of falling. Andre Gide (1869-1951), French critic, essayist, novelist

Belly is the standard colloquialism for the front of the human body. It is the part of the body containing the stomach and bowels.

Abdomen includes the reproductive organs.

Tummy is the child-speak alternative in most cases. An exception: the term tummy tuck is often used by adults to refer to a surgery to get rid of the stomach fat, for example: "She has money; she can get a tummy tuck any time she wants." In this case, the phrase sounds natural because of the alliteration.

Stomach, on the other hand, is the digestive organ.

Belly