70 Best Environment Idioms to Improve ESL Speaking

If you teach ESL, using environment idioms can make your lessons more interesting and helpful. Environment idioms are common phrases that talk about nature and the environment. Learning them helps students speak more naturally in real life.

This post is the best place to find 70 useful environment idioms all in one list. You can use these idioms to create fun activities like conversations, role-plays, debates, and discussion questions. They also help students learn important vocabulary and common expressions.

With this list, you can make your classes more lively and help students practice speaking and understanding about the environment. It’s a simple way to bring real language into your lessons and keep students engaged.

Why Environment Idioms Are Important in ESL Learning

Environment idioms are very useful for ESL learners because they help students understand how people talk about nature and the world around them. Idioms make language more interesting and natural. When students learn these expressions, they can join real conversations better.

Using environment idioms also helps students learn about important topics like protecting the earth and caring for nature. This makes lessons more meaningful and connects language learning to real life. Students feel more motivated when they talk about things that matter.

Teachers can use environment idioms to build students’ confidence. When learners use idioms correctly, they sound more like native speakers. This can help them in school, work, and daily life. Learning idioms is a fun way to improve speaking and listening skills.

1. A drop in the ocean

Meaning: A very small amount compared to what is needed.

Example Sentences:

1. Cleaning one beach is just a drop in the ocean for pollution.
2. The money you gave is a drop in the ocean for the whole project.
3. Saving water a little bit each day feels like a drop in the ocean.

Context Questions:

1. Can you think of a problem where your help feels like a drop in the ocean?
2. Have you ever tried to save something small but felt it was not enough?
3. What are some ways to make a drop in the ocean more important?

2. A green thumb

Meaning: Someone who is good at growing plants or gardening.

Example Sentences:

1. My grandmother has a green thumb; her flowers always grow well.
2. He wants to have a garden, but he does not have a green thumb.
3. If you have a green thumb, you can grow vegetables at home easily.

Context Questions:

1. Do you think you have a green thumb? Why or why not?
2. Have you ever grown plants or flowers? How was your experience?
3. What do you think is important to have a green thumb?

3. A ray of sunshine

Meaning: Something or someone that brings happiness and hope.

Example Sentences:

1. Her smile is a ray of sunshine on a rainy day.
2. The new park is a ray of sunshine for our neighborhood.
3. The children’s laughter was a ray of sunshine for the tired teachers.

Context Questions:

1. Who is a ray of sunshine in your life?
2. What is something that makes you feel like a ray of sunshine?
3. How do you bring a ray of sunshine to others?

4. Acid rain

Meaning: Rain that is harmful because it contains dangerous chemicals from pollution.

Example Sentences:

1. Acid rain damages trees and lakes in many places.
2. Factories cause acid rain by releasing smoke into the air.
3. Acid rain can hurt buildings and statues over time.

Context Questions:

1. Have you heard about acid rain before? What do you know?
2. Why is acid rain bad for the environment?
3. What can people do to reduce acid rain?

5. At the eleventh hour

Meaning: Doing something at the last possible moment.

Example Sentences:

1. He finished his homework at the eleventh hour before class.
2. The company made a decision at the eleventh hour to save money.
3. They caught the train at the eleventh hour just before it left.

Context Questions:

1. Have you ever done something at the eleventh hour? What was it?
2. Why do some people wait until the eleventh hour?
3. What problems can happen if you wait until the eleventh hour?

6. Back to the drawing board

Meaning: To start again after a failure or problem.

Example Sentences:

1. Our plan didn’t work, so it’s back to the drawing board.
2. The company had to go back to the drawing board to fix the product.
3. When my idea failed, I went back to the drawing board to think more.

Context Questions:

1. Can you remember a time when you had to go back to the drawing board?
2. How do you feel when you must start again?
3. What helps you try again after a failure?

7. Barking up the wrong tree

Meaning: To make a wrong guess or blame the wrong person.

Example Sentences:

1. If you think I took your pen, you are barking up the wrong tree.
2. The police were barking up the wrong tree in their investigation.
3. Don’t blame him for the mistake; you are barking up the wrong tree.

Context Questions:

1. Have you ever blamed someone wrongly? What happened?
2. Why is it important to find the right cause of a problem?
3. How do you know if you are barking up the wrong tree?

8. Beat around the bush

Meaning: To avoid talking about something directly.

Example Sentences:

1. Stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened.
2. She was beating around the bush instead of answering the question.
3. Don’t beat around the bush; say what you think clearly.

Context Questions:

1. When do you or others beat around the bush?
2. Why do people sometimes avoid talking directly?
3. How can you help someone who beats around the bush?

9. Between the devil and the deep blue sea

Meaning: To be in a difficult situation with two bad choices.

Example Sentences:

1. I was between the devil and the deep blue sea when I lost my job and money.
2. She felt between the devil and the deep blue sea about telling the truth or lying.
3. Choosing between staying or leaving was like being between the devil and the deep blue sea.

Context Questions:

1. Have you been in a situation between the devil and the deep blue sea?
2. How do you decide what to do when both choices are bad?
3. Can you think of an easy way out from a hard choice?

10. Blow hot and cold

Meaning: To change feelings or opinions quickly and often.

Example Sentences:

1. He blows hot and cold about moving to a new city.
2. She blows hot and cold about her job; sometimes happy, sometimes sad.
3. My friend blows hot and cold about our plans for the weekend.

Context Questions:

1. Do you or someone you know blow hot and cold about decisions?
2. Why do some people change their minds often?
3. How does it feel when someone blows hot and cold with you?

11. Blow one’s own trumpet

Meaning: To talk proudly about yourself or your achievements.

Example Sentences:

1. He always blows his own trumpet about his work.
2. Don’t blow your own trumpet too much; it can annoy others.
3. She blew her own trumpet after winning the prize.

Context Questions:

1. Have you ever blown your own trumpet? When?
2. Why do some people like to talk about their success?
3. How do you feel when someone blows their own trumpet?

12. Blow the whistle

Meaning: To report a problem or wrongdoing to others.

Example Sentences:

1. The employee blew the whistle on the company’s bad practices.
2. If you see something wrong, you should blow the whistle.
3. She blew the whistle about the unfair rules at school.

Context Questions:

1. Would you blow the whistle if you saw something wrong? Why or why not?
2. Have you ever heard about someone blowing the whistle? What happened?
3. What problems can happen when people blow the whistle?

13. Break the bank

Meaning: To spend all your money or too much money.

Example Sentences:

1. Buying a new car will break the bank for me.
2. The holiday was fun, but it broke the bank.
3. Don’t break the bank on clothes you don’t need.

Context Questions:

1. Have you ever broken the bank on something? What was it?
2. How do you save money to avoid breaking the bank?
3. What things are worth breaking the bank for?

14. Break the ice

Meaning: To start a conversation or activity to make people feel comfortable.

Example Sentences:

1. She told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
2. Playing a game helped break the ice on the first day of class.
3. It’s hard to break the ice with new people.

Context Questions:

1. What do you do to break the ice with new people?
2. Have you ever helped break the ice in a group? How?
3. Why is breaking the ice important in meetings or classes?

15. Burn the midnight oil

Meaning: To work late into the night.

Example Sentences:

1. I burned the midnight oil to finish my project.
2. She often burns the midnight oil before exams.
3. Don’t burn the midnight oil too much; you need rest.

Context Questions:

1. When was the last time you burned the midnight oil?
2. How do you feel when you work late at night?
3. What helps you work better without burning the midnight oil?

16. Calm before the storm

Meaning: A quiet or peaceful time before something bad happens.

Example Sentences:

1. The quiet before the exam was the calm before the storm.
2. The town was peaceful, but it was the calm before the storm.
3. They relaxed, not knowing it was the calm before the storm.

Context Questions:

1. Have you experienced a calm before the storm? What was it like?
2. How do you prepare for difficult times after a calm?
3. What signs show that the calm before the storm is coming?

17. Carry the torch

Meaning: To continue supporting or loving someone or something.

Example Sentences:

1. He still carries the torch for his old school.
2. She carries the torch for the environment in her community.
3. They carry the torch for their team even after losing.

Context Questions:

1. Do you carry the torch for any cause or person?
2. Why is it important to carry the torch for something you believe in?
3. How do you encourage others to carry the torch?

18. Cast in stone

Meaning: Fixed and unchangeable.

Example Sentences:

1. Our plans are not cast in stone; we can change them.
2. The rules are cast in stone and cannot be broken.
3. Don’t think everything is cast in stone; be flexible.

Context Questions:

1. What rules or plans in your life feel cast in stone?
2. When is it good to have things cast in stone?
3. When is it better to be flexible and change plans?

19. Change of heart

Meaning: To change your opinion or feelings about something.

Example Sentences:

1. She had a change of heart and decided to stay.
2. After hearing the story, he had a change of heart.
3. I was going to quit, but I had a change of heart.

Context Questions:

1. Can you remember a time you had a change of heart?
2. What causes people to change their hearts?
3. Is it easy or hard for you to have a change of heart?

20. Clear the air

Meaning: To remove tension or bad feelings by talking.

Example Sentences:

1. They talked to clear the air after the argument.
2. A meeting helped clear the air between the teams.
3. Let’s clear the air before starting the project again.

Context Questions:

1. Have you ever cleared the air with someone? How?
2. Why is it important to clear the air in conflicts?
3. How do you feel after clearing the air with others?

21. Cold comfort

Meaning: A small or useless help in a bad situation.

Example Sentences:

1. Getting a little money was cold comfort after losing my job.
2. The apology was cold comfort for the mistake.
3. It’s cold comfort to know the problem won’t happen again soon.

Context Questions:

1. When did you receive cold comfort from someone?
2. How do you feel when help is cold comfort?
3. What kind of help feels useful to you in hard times?

22. Come rain or shine

Meaning: No matter what happens; always.

Example Sentences:

1. I will be at your party come rain or shine.
2. She goes jogging every morning, come rain or shine.
3. We finish work on time, come rain or shine.

Context Questions:

1. What is something you do come rain or shine?
2. Why is it important to keep promises come rain or shine?
3. How do you prepare for activities come rain or shine?

23. Cool as a cucumber

Meaning: Very calm and relaxed, especially in difficult situations.

Example Sentences:

1. She was cool as a cucumber during the exam.
2. Even with problems, he stayed cool as a cucumber.
3. Don’t worry, stay cool as a cucumber.

Context Questions:

1. When was a time you were cool as a cucumber?
2. How do you stay calm in stressful moments?
3. Why is being cool as a cucumber helpful?

24. Down the drain

Meaning: Lost or wasted, usually effort or money.

Example Sentences:

1. All our work went down the drain because of the mistake.
2. The money spent on the broken machine was down the drain.
3. Don’t let your efforts go down the drain.

Context Questions:

1. Have you ever seen something go down the drain? What was it?
2. How do you feel when your work goes down the drain?
3. What can you do to avoid things going down the drain?

25. Down to earth

Meaning: Practical, realistic, and sensible.

Example Sentences:

1. She is very down to earth and easy to talk to.
2. His down to earth ideas helped solve the problem.
3. Stay down to earth even if you become famous.

Context Questions:

1. Who do you know that is down to earth?
2. Why is it good to be down to earth?
3. How do you stay down to earth?

26. Draw a blank

Meaning: To be unable to remember or find something.

Example Sentences:

1. I drew a blank when asked about the answer.
2. He tried to remember her name but drew a blank.
3. Don’t draw a blank during the test.

Context Questions:

1. When did you draw a blank recently?
2. What helps you avoid drawing a blank?
3. How do you feel when you draw a blank?

27. Eat like a bird

Meaning: To eat very little food.

Example Sentences:

1. She eats like a bird but stays very healthy.
2. I eat like a bird when I am nervous.
3. Don’t eat like a bird; have more food to stay strong.

Context Questions:

1. Do you eat like a bird or a big eater?
2. When do you eat less than usual?
3. What foods do you like to eat?

28. Face the music

Meaning: To accept the consequences of your actions.

Example Sentences:

1. He made a mistake and now must face the music.
2. It’s time to face the music and tell the truth.
3. Don’t run away; face the music.

Context Questions:

1. Have you ever had to face the music? What happened?
2. Why is it important to face the music?
3. How do you prepare yourself to face the music?

29. Feather in one’s cap

Meaning: An achievement to be proud of.

Example Sentences:

1. Winning the award was a feather in her cap.
2. Learning a new language is a feather in your cap.
3. Graduating from college is a big feather in his cap.

Context Questions:

1. What is a feather in your cap?
2. How do you feel after achieving something big?
3. What achievements do you want as feathers in your cap?

30. Fish out of water

Meaning: Feeling uncomfortable or out of place.

Example Sentences:

1. I felt like a fish out of water at the big party.
2. New students sometimes feel like fish out of water.
3. Don’t be a fish out of water; ask questions and learn.

Context Questions:

1. When have you felt like a fish out of water?
2. What helps you feel comfortable in new places?
3. How do you help others who feel like fish out of water?

31. Go the extra mile

Meaning: To do more than what is expected.

Example Sentences:

1. She always goes the extra mile to help her friends.
2. To succeed, you must go the extra mile in your work.
3. The teacher went the extra mile to explain the lesson.

Context Questions:

1. When have you gone the extra mile?
2. Why is it good to go the extra mile?
3. How do you motivate yourself to go the extra mile?

32. Go with the flow

Meaning: To accept things as they happen without trying to control them.

Example Sentences:

1. I like to go with the flow and see what happens.
2. Sometimes, it’s better to go with the flow than fight.
3. When traveling, I go with the flow and enjoy new experiences.

Context Questions:

1. Do you prefer to go with the flow or plan everything?
2. When is it good to go with the flow?
3. How do you feel when you go with the flow?

33. Green light

Meaning: Permission to start or go ahead with something.

Example Sentences:

1. The boss gave the green light for the new project.
2. We need the green light before building the house.
3. When the teacher says yes, you get the green light to speak.

Context Questions:

1. When have you received the green light to do something?
2. Why is it important to get the green light before starting?
3. How do you ask for the green light at work or school?

34. Green thumb

Meaning: A natural ability to grow plants well.

Example Sentences:

1. My father has a green thumb and grows beautiful roses.
2. I want to have a green thumb like my neighbor.
3. Having a green thumb helps when you want a garden.

Context Questions:

1. Do you think you have a green thumb? Why?
2. What plants would you like to grow with a green thumb?
3. How do you take care of plants to develop a green thumb?

35. Greenwashing

Meaning: When a company pretends to be environmentally friendly but is not.

Example Sentences:

1. Some companies use greenwashing to sell more products.
2. Greenwashing can trick people into thinking a product is safe.
3. We should watch out for greenwashing in advertisements.

Context Questions:

1. Have you seen greenwashing before? Where?
2. Why do companies use greenwashing?
3. How can you avoid buying products with greenwashing?

36. Hang by a thread

Meaning: To be in a very weak or risky situation.

Example Sentences:

1. The old bridge was hanging by a thread after the storm.
2. His job was hanging by a thread after the mistake.
3. The plants were hanging by a thread because of no water.

Context Questions:

1. Have you ever felt like something in your life was hanging by a thread?
2. What do you do when you are in a risky situation?
3. How can you help something or someone hanging by a thread?

37. Head in the clouds

Meaning: Not paying attention; daydreaming or being unrealistic.

Example Sentences:

1. He has his head in the clouds and forgets his homework.
2. Don’t have your head in the clouds during the meeting.
3. Sometimes I have my head in the clouds when I think about vacations.

Context Questions:

1. When do you have your head in the clouds?
2. Why is it important to focus instead of daydreaming?
3. How do you bring yourself back from having your head in the clouds?

38. Hit the hay

Meaning: To go to bed or go to sleep.

Example Sentences:

1. I’m tired; I will hit the hay early tonight.
2. After a long day, she hit the hay quickly.
3. It’s time to hit the hay if you want to feel better tomorrow.

Context Questions:

1. What time do you usually hit the hay?
2. How do you prepare to hit the hay comfortably?
3. Why is it important to hit the hay on time?

39. Hit the roof

Meaning: To become very angry suddenly.

Example Sentences:

1. My father hit the roof when I broke the vase.
2. She hit the roof after hearing the bad news.
3. Don’t hit the roof; stay calm and talk.

Context Questions:

1. When was the last time you hit the roof?
2. What helps you calm down when you want to hit the roof?
3. How do you feel when someone else hits the roof?

40. In hot water

Meaning: In trouble or facing difficulties.

Example Sentences:

1. He was in hot water after missing the meeting.
2. The student got in hot water for cheating on the test.
3. Don’t get in hot water by breaking the rules.

Context Questions:

1. Have you ever been in hot water? Why?
2. How do you solve problems when you are in hot water?
3. What advice do you give to someone in hot water?

41. In the same boat

Meaning: Facing the same problems or situation.

Example Sentences:

1. We are all in the same boat with this difficult exam.
2. The team knew they were in the same boat after the loss.
3. When friends are in the same boat, they help each other.

Context Questions:

1. Can you describe a time when you were in the same boat with others?
2. How do you support people who are in the same boat?
3. Why is it helpful to know you are in the same boat?

42. Keep one’s head above water

Meaning: To manage to survive, especially financially or in difficult times.

Example Sentences:

1. It was hard, but she kept her head above water during the crisis.
2. Small businesses try to keep their heads above water during slow sales.
3. He works two jobs to keep his head above water.

Context Questions:

1. Have you ever had to keep your head above water? How?
2. What helps you keep your head above water in tough times?
3. How do people feel when they can’t keep their heads above water?

43. Keep your ear to the ground

Meaning: To stay aware of what is happening around you.

Example Sentences:

1. She keeps her ear to the ground to hear about job openings.
2. It’s good to keep your ear to the ground in business.
3. Politicians keep their ears to the ground to know public opinion.

Context Questions:

1. How do you keep your ear to the ground in your community?
2. Why is it useful to keep your ear to the ground?
3. What news do you want to keep your ear to the ground about?

44. Leave no stone unturned

Meaning: To try everything possible to find a solution or achieve something.

Example Sentences:

1. We will leave no stone unturned to find your lost keys.
2. The police left no stone unturned in the investigation.
3. Leave no stone unturned when preparing for your exams.

Context Questions:

1. When did you leave no stone unturned to achieve something?
2. What helps you leave no stone unturned in your work?
3. How do you feel after leaving no stone unturned?

45. Make hay while the sun shines

Meaning: Take advantage of a good situation while it lasts.

Example Sentences:

1. We should make hay while the sun shines and finish the work today.
2. She made hay while the sun shines by studying before the holidays.
3. Farmers make hay while the sun shines to store enough food.

Context Questions:

1. When have you made hay while the sun shines?
2. Why is it important to act quickly in good times?
3. What good chances do you want to make hay with?

46. Needle in a haystack

Meaning: Something very hard to find.

Example Sentences:

1. Finding my lost ring was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
2. It’s a needle in a haystack to find a perfect job quickly.
3. Searching for a clean restroom in the city was like a needle in a haystack.

Context Questions:

1. Have you ever tried to find a needle in a haystack? What was it?
2. How do you feel when something is hard to find?
3. What tricks help you find things that are like a needle in a haystack?

47. On cloud nine

Meaning: Very happy and excited.

Example Sentences:

1. She was on cloud nine after passing the exam.
2. I felt on cloud nine when I got a new job.
3. They were on cloud nine during their vacation.

Context Questions:

1. When were you last on cloud nine?
2. What makes you feel on cloud nine?
3. How do you share your happiness when on cloud nine?

48. On the fence

Meaning: Unable to decide between two options.

Example Sentences:

1. I’m on the fence about which movie to watch.
2. She was on the fence about moving to a new city.
3. Don’t stay on the fence; make a choice.

Context Questions:

1. When have you been on the fence about something?
2. How do you make decisions when on the fence?
3. Why is it hard to be on the fence?

49. On thin ice

Meaning: In a risky or dangerous situation.

Example Sentences:

1. You are on thin ice if you keep arriving late to work.
2. He was on thin ice after breaking the rules twice.
3. Don’t say that again; you’re on thin ice.

Context Questions:

1. Have you ever been on thin ice? What happened?
2. How do you stay safe when on thin ice?
3. What advice would you give to someone on thin ice?

50. Out of the woods

Meaning: Out of danger or difficulty.

Example Sentences:

1. The patient is sick but out of the woods now.
2. We faced many problems, but now we are out of the woods.
3. It’s not over yet; we are not out of the woods.

Context Questions:

1. When were you out of the woods after a problem?
2. How do you feel when you are out of the woods?
3. What helps you get out of the woods faster?

51. Paint the town red

Meaning: To go out and have a fun time, often by partying.

Example Sentences:

1. After the exam, the students painted the town red.
2. Let’s paint the town red on your birthday.
3. They painted the town red to celebrate the victory.

Context Questions:

1. When was the last time you painted the town red?
2. What do you like to do when you paint the town red?
3. Who do you like to paint the town red with?

52. Put down roots

Meaning: To settle in one place for a long time.

Example Sentences:

1. After traveling, they decided to put down roots in the city.
2. She put down roots by buying a house and starting a family.
3. Many people put down roots when they get a stable job.

Context Questions:

1. Have you put down roots anywhere?
2. Why do people want to put down roots?
3. How do you feel about putting down roots in a new place?

53. Put the cart before the horse

Meaning: To do things in the wrong order.

Example Sentences:

1. Planning the party before sending invitations is putting the cart before the horse.
2. Don’t put the cart before the horse; study before taking the exam.
3. Buying a car before saving money is putting the cart before the horse.

Context Questions:

1. When have you put the cart before the horse?
2. How can you avoid putting the cart before the horse?
3. Why is it important to do things in the right order?

54. Rain on someone’s parade

Meaning: To spoil someone’s plans or happiness.

Example Sentences:

1. Don’t rain on my parade by saying the trip is canceled.
2. She rained on his parade by criticizing his idea.
3. I don’t want to rain on your parade, but the event is postponed.

Context Questions:

1. Have you ever had someone rain on your parade? How did you feel?
2. How do you cheer someone up after their parade is rained on?
3. Why should we avoid raining on other people’s parades?

55. Raise the roof

Meaning: To make a lot of noise, especially to celebrate.

Example Sentences:

1. The fans raised the roof after the team scored a goal.
2. They raised the roof at the concert last night.
3. Let’s raise the roof at the party tonight.

Context Questions:

1. When have you raised the roof at a party or event?
2. What makes you want to raise the roof?
3. How do people celebrate by raising the roof?

56. Rock the boat

Meaning: To cause problems or disturb a situation.

Example Sentences:

1. Don’t rock the boat during the meeting.
2. She rocked the boat by asking difficult questions.
3. Sometimes it’s better not to rock the boat at work.

Context Questions:

1. When have you rocked the boat?
2. Why do people avoid rocking the boat?
3. When is it good to rock the boat?

57. Shoot the breeze

Meaning: To talk about simple, unimportant things.

Example Sentences:

1. We sat on the porch and shot the breeze all evening.
2. They like to shoot the breeze about sports and movies.
3. Let’s shoot the breeze while having coffee.

Context Questions:

1. Who do you like to shoot the breeze with?
2. What topics do you enjoy when shooting the breeze?
3. Why is shooting the breeze relaxing?

58. Sink or swim

Meaning: To fail or succeed by one’s own efforts without help.

Example Sentences:

1. In the new job, it was sink or swim from the first day.
2. When learning a language, you must sink or swim.
3. The students had to sink or swim during the final exam.

Context Questions:

1. Have you ever been in a sink or swim situation?
2. How do you prepare to sink or swim?
3. What helps you succeed when you must sink or swim?

59. Spill the beans

Meaning: To reveal a secret or surprise.

Example Sentences:

1. Don’t spill the beans about the birthday party.
2. She accidentally spilled the beans about the new project.
3. He promised not to spill the beans before the event.

Context Questions:

1. Have you ever spilled the beans by mistake?
2. How do you keep secrets without spilling the beans?
3. When is it good to spill the beans?

60. Storm in a teacup

Meaning: A small problem that is made to seem much bigger.

Example Sentences:

1. Their argument was just a storm in a teacup.
2. Don’t worry; it’s only a storm in a teacup.
3. People often make storms in teacups over small issues.

Context Questions:

1. Can you remember a storm in a teacup situation?
2. How do you calm others during a storm in a teacup?
3. Why do small problems seem big sometimes?

61. Take a leaf out of someone’s book

Meaning: To copy or imitate someone’s behavior or actions.

Example Sentences:

1. You should take a leaf out of her book and work harder.
2. He took a leaf out of his teacher’s book and improved his skills.
3. Let’s take a leaf out of their book and be more organized.

Context Questions:

1. Who would you like to take a leaf out of their book?
2. What good habits have you taken from others?
3. Why is it helpful to take a leaf out of someone’s book?

62. Take the wind out of someone’s sails

Meaning: To reduce someone’s confidence or enthusiasm.

Example Sentences:

1. Her criticism took the wind out of his sails.
2. Losing the game took the wind out of their sails.
3. Don’t take the wind out of his sails; encourage him instead.

Context Questions:

1. When have you felt the wind taken out of your sails?
2. How do you help someone who has lost confidence?
3. Why is it important not to take the wind out of others’ sails?

63. Throw cold water on something

Meaning: To discourage or stop enthusiasm for something.

Example Sentences:

1. He threw cold water on our plans to start a club.
2. Don’t throw cold water on her ideas; listen first.
3. Critics threw cold water on the new movie before it opened.

Context Questions:

1. Have you ever thrown cold water on someone’s idea?
2. How do you react when someone throws cold water on your plans?
3. Why should we be careful not to throw cold water on others?

64. Turn over a new leaf

Meaning: To start fresh or change one’s behavior for the better.

Example Sentences:

1. After the mistake, he decided to turn over a new leaf.
2. It’s time to turn over a new leaf and work harder.
3. She turned over a new leaf and stopped being late.

Context Questions:

1. When did you turn over a new leaf?
2. Why is it hard or easy to turn over a new leaf?
3. What helps you keep your new leaf turned over?

65. Under the weather

Meaning: Feeling ill or sick.

Example Sentences:

1. I’m feeling under the weather today, so I stayed home.
2. She was under the weather and couldn’t go to school.
3. When you are under the weather, rest is important.

Context Questions:

1. How do you feel when you are under the weather?
2. What do you do to feel better when under the weather?
3. Have you helped someone who was under the weather?

66. Water under the bridge

Meaning: Something in the past that is no longer important or a problem.

Example Sentences:

1. Their argument is water under the bridge now.
2. Don’t worry about old mistakes; they are water under the bridge.
3. We had problems before, but that’s water under the bridge.

Context Questions:

1. What is something water under the bridge in your life?
2. How do you forgive and forget water under the bridge?
3. Why is it good to leave some things as water under the bridge?

67. Weather the storm

Meaning: To survive a difficult or bad situation.

Example Sentences:

1. The company weathered the storm during the crisis.
2. Families must weather the storm together in hard times.
3. We will weather the storm if we work as a team.

Context Questions:

1. When have you weathered the storm?
2. What helps you stay strong during difficult times?
3. How do people support each other to weather the storm?

68. Wet blanket

Meaning: A person who spoils fun or excitement.

Example Sentences:

1. Don’t be a wet blanket; join the party and have fun.
2. She is a wet blanket when she complains all the time.
3. Nobody likes a wet blanket at celebrations.

Context Questions:

1. Have you ever been called a wet blanket? Why?
2. How do you deal with wet blankets?
3. What makes a person a wet blanket?

69. Wind of change

Meaning: A sign or feeling that things are going to change.

Example Sentences:

1. There is a wind of change in our community after the new leader arrived.
2. The new laws bring a wind of change for better education.
3. We feel the wind of change in the way people think.

Context Questions:

1. What wind of change have you noticed recently?
2. How do you react to winds of change?
3. Why do some people fear the wind of change?

70. With flying colors

Meaning: To do something very well or successfully.

Example Sentences:

1. She passed the exam with flying colors.
2. They won the competition with flying colors.
3. He completed the project with flying colors.

Context Questions:

1. When have you done something with flying colors?
2. How do you prepare to succeed with flying colors?
3. How do you celebrate when you do well with flying colors?

Conclusion

Environment idioms are a powerful tool in ESL teaching. They make lessons more lively and help students speak naturally about important topics like nature and the environment. Using these idioms improves students’ vocabulary, speaking, and listening skills.

Teachers can create many fun and useful activities with environment idioms. These activities encourage students to practice real-life language in conversations, role-plays, and debates. Including environment idioms in your lessons helps students connect language learning with the world around them.

By using this list of 70 environment idioms, ESL teachers can make their classes more engaging and effective. It gives students the chance to learn useful expressions and build confidence in speaking about the environment.

FAQs about Using Environment Idioms in ESL Class

What are environment idioms?
Environment idioms are phrases that talk about nature or the environment in a special way. They often have a meaning different from the words alone.

Why should I teach environment idioms?
Teaching environment idioms helps students speak more naturally and understand real English better. It also connects language learning with important topics.

How can I use environment idioms in class?
You can use them in conversations, role-plays, questions, and debates. These activities make learning fun and help students practice speaking.

Are environment idioms difficult for students?
Some idioms can be tricky at first, but with practice and examples, students can understand and use them well.

Can environment idioms help improve vocabulary?
Yes, learning idioms adds new words and phrases to students’ vocabulary and helps them remember better.

What level of students can learn environment idioms?
Environment idioms can be adapted for beginner to advanced learners with simple explanations and examples.

How often should I include idioms in lessons?
It is good to include idioms regularly but not too many at once. This helps students learn step by step.

Can environment idioms be used in writing?
Yes, students can use idioms to make their writing more interesting and natural.

How can I check if students understand environment idioms?
Ask students to use idioms in sentences, conversations, or role-plays to see if they understand the meaning.

Where can I find more environment idioms?
You can find more idioms in books, online resources, or by using this list as a starting point.