70 Health Idioms in English with Meanings and Examples

Health idioms are an essential part of English that go far beyond talking about actual health or the body. These colorful phrases, like “kick the bucket” or “under the weather,” are deeply rooted in everyday conversations and offer a glimpse into the cultural richness of the language.

For ESL students, mastering idioms not only improves fluency but also helps them sound more natural during health conversations or when discussing related topics.

This blog post is your ultimate guide to understanding and using common health expressions effectively in ESL learning.

We’ll start by explaining what health idioms are and why they’re important for language learners.

Then, we’ll explore which student levels should focus on these idioms and how they can benefit.

The highlight of this post is our list of 70 health idioms with meanings, examples, and practical tips. These idioms are perfect for enriching your health vocabulary and using them naturally in health-related role-play scenarios or answering conversation questions about health.

Finally, we’ll provide useful advice for ESL teachers to help their students grasp these idioms with confidence and ease.

Whether you’re a teacher or a student, this guide will make health idioms fun, accessible, and easy to use. Let’s dive in!

What is a Health Idiom?

A health idiom is a phrase related to health or the body, but it often doesn’t mean what the words say. For example, “kick the bucket” doesn’t mean kicking a bucket; it means someone has died.

These idioms are used in everyday English to express feelings, situations, or actions. For instance, “under the weather” means feeling sick, not literally being under bad weather.

Health idioms can add color to conversations. Saying “fit as a fiddle” is more fun than just saying “very healthy.” Learning them helps you sound more natural in English.

Understanding idioms is tricky because their meanings aren’t obvious. “Burned out” isn’t about fire—it means feeling extremely tired or stressed after working too hard.

By practicing health idioms, you’ll get better at spotting them in conversations. Use them to make your speech lively, like saying, “I’m back on my feet” instead of “I’m recovered.”

Why Are Health Idioms Necessary for ESL Students?

Health idioms are everywhere in English conversations, books, and TV shows. Without understanding them, ESL students might feel confused. For example, “bite the dust” doesn’t mean eating dust—it means to die or fail.

Learning health idioms helps ESL students communicate naturally. Saying, “I feel under the weather” sounds more fluent than “I’m sick.” It shows you understand the language beyond basic vocabulary.

Idioms also help students connect culturally. Phrases like “fit as a fiddle” or “skin and bones” are part of English-speaking culture. Knowing them bridges the gap between language and lifestyle.

Using idioms adds flavor to conversations. Imagine saying, “I’m on the mend” instead of just “I’m getting better.” It makes your speech more interesting and relatable to native speakers.

Lastly, health idioms improve listening and speaking skills. Students can better follow casual conversations and respond confidently, making their English sound more natural and expressive.

Which Level of Students Should Learn and Use Health Idioms?

Health idioms are best for intermediate to advanced ESL students. These students usually have a strong grasp of basic vocabulary and can handle the abstract meanings of idioms like “kick the bucket.”

Beginners might struggle because idioms don’t mean what the words suggest. For instance, a beginner could misunderstand “on the mend” and think it involves fixing something physical.

Intermediate students benefit from health idioms to expand their vocabulary and improve fluency. They can use phrases like “under the weather” to sound more natural in conversations.

Advanced learners use idioms to refine their language skills and sound like native speakers. Idioms such as “fit as a fiddle” or “burn the candle at both ends” make their speech more colorful.

Teachers should introduce health idioms gradually, tailoring them to students’ levels. Focus on common ones first, like “feel under the weather,” and move to harder ones like “pale as a ghost” later.

A list of 70 Health Idioms with Meanings and Examples

1. A Bitter Pill to Swallow

Meaning: Something unpleasant or difficult to accept, often involving disappointment or harsh truth.

Context: This idiom is used when someone faces a tough situation or reality that they didn’t expect or want.

Examples:

• Losing the competition after months of training was a bitter pill to swallow for the team.
• It was a bitter pill to swallow when she realized her promotion had gone to someone else.
• Failing the final exam after studying so hard was a bitter pill for him to swallow.

Practice Question:
Can you describe a time when you had to accept a bitter pill to swallow?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom often pairs with emotions like hard, tough, or difficult. For example: It was a tough pill to swallow when they rejected my proposal.

2. A Clean Bill of Health

Meaning: A report or statement that confirms someone is healthy or free of problems.

Context: Commonly used after a medical check-up or when someone recovers from an illness or issue.

Examples:

• After weeks of recovery, the doctor gave her a clean bill of health.
• He was worried about his test results, but the doctor said he had a clean bill of health.
• After quitting smoking, he got a clean bill of health during his next check-up.

Practice Question:
How would you feel if your doctor gave you a clean bill of health?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when referring to health or problem-free situations. For instance: The mechanic gave my car a clean bill of health after the inspection.

3. A Taste of Your Own Medicine

Meaning: Experiencing the same negative treatment or behavior that you’ve given to others.

Context: Often used in situations where someone is being taught a lesson or shown how their actions affect others.

Examples:

• The bully got a taste of his own medicine when the other kids stood up to him.
• She ignored his texts, giving him a taste of his own medicine.
• He always interrupts people, but when someone did it to him, he got a taste of his own medicine.

Practice Question:
What would you do if someone gave you a taste of your own medicine?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to talk about fairness or justice in behavior. For example: She finally got a taste of her own medicine after years of being rude.

4. Alive and Kicking

Meaning: Healthy, active, or doing well, especially after a challenge or illness.

Context: This idiom is often used to reassure someone that a person, project, or situation is still going strong.

Examples:

• Despite the rumors, the old restaurant is alive and kicking.
• After the surgery, he was alive and kicking in just a few weeks.
• My grandmother is 90 years old and still alive and kicking!

Practice Question:
Can you think of someone who is alive and kicking despite their age or challenges?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to emphasize recovery or strength. For example: After the storm, the community was alive and kicking.

5. At Death’s Door

Meaning: Very ill or close to dying.

Context: Often used dramatically to describe someone in a critical state of health.

Examples:

• After the accident, he was at death’s door, but the doctors saved him.
• She looked like she was at death’s door with the flu last week.
• The novel described the character as being at death’s door after the battle.

Practice Question:
What would you do to comfort someone who looks like they’re at death’s door?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom works well in storytelling or dramatic situations. For instance: He was at death’s door but made a miraculous recovery.

6. Back on Your Feet

Meaning: To recover from an illness, setback, or financial difficulty.

Context: Often used when someone regains health, stability, or strength after a tough time.

Examples:

• After months of physical therapy, she’s finally back on her feet.
• He worked hard to get back on his feet after losing his job.
• After a long hospital stay, he’s back on his feet and feeling stronger than ever.

Practice Question:
Can you share a time when you helped someone get back on their feet?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is great for talking about recovery or support. For example: She’s back on her feet thanks to her friends and family.

7. Bag of Bones

Meaning: Someone who is extremely thin or emaciated.

Context: Used to describe a person’s physical appearance, often due to illness or hardship.

Examples:

• After months of illness, he looked like a bag of bones.
• The stray dog was just a bag of bones when they found it.
• She became a bag of bones after her strict diet.

Practice Question:
What do you think might lead someone to become a bag of bones?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is often used in a sympathetic or concerned tone. For example: The abandoned cat was nothing but a bag of bones.

8. Bite the Dust

Meaning: To die, fail, or be defeated.

Context: This idiom can refer to literal death, but it’s often used humorously to describe failure.

Examples:

• Another villain bites the dust in the action movie.
• His idea for the project bit the dust when the funding was cut.
• The old car finally bit the dust after years of repairs.

Practice Question:
Can you think of a situation where something important to you bit the dust?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom in informal or playful situations. For example: The team bit the dust in the championship game.

9. Black and Blue

Meaning: Covered in bruises or showing physical injury.

Context: This idiom is used to describe someone’s appearance after a physical impact or fight.

Examples:

• He was black and blue after falling off his bike.
• The boxer’s face was black and blue after the match.
• She showed up at school black and blue from her accident.

Practice Question:
How would you help someone who looks black and blue after an accident?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is often literal, but can also describe emotional hurt. For example: He was black and blue emotionally after the breakup.

10. Blind as a Bat

Meaning: Unable to see well, often used humorously to describe poor eyesight or lack of awareness.

Context: This idiom is commonly used in informal conversations, often to exaggerate someone’s inability to see or notice something.

Examples:

• Without her glasses, she’s blind as a bat and can’t read a thing.
• He’s blind as a bat when it comes to noticing hints or details.
• I’m blind as a bat in the dark without my flashlight.

Practice Question:
What’s a situation where you might feel blind as a bat?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom humorously to describe poor eyesight. For example: I’m blind as a bat without my contact lenses.

11. Break Out in a Cold Sweat

Meaning: To become suddenly nervous or scared, often accompanied by sweating.

Context: Typically used in situations involving fear, anxiety, or intense stress.

Examples:

• She broke out in a cold sweat before her big presentation.
• The idea of being late made him break out in a cold sweat.
• He broke out in a cold sweat when the teacher asked him a question he didn’t know.

Practice Question:
Can you think of a time when you broke out in a cold sweat?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is ideal for describing reactions to stress or fear. For example: I broke out in a cold sweat when I realized I forgot my passport.

12. Burn the Candle at Both Ends

Meaning: To overwork yourself by staying up late and waking up early, often leading to exhaustion.

Context: Commonly used to describe someone who is juggling too many tasks and neglecting rest.

Examples:

• She’s been burning the candle at both ends to finish her assignments.
• If you keep burning the candle at both ends, you’ll burn out.
• He burned the candle at both ends preparing for the wedding and his exams.

Practice Question:
What happens when you burn the candle at both ends for too long?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom often pairs with advice about rest. For example: Don’t burn the candle at both ends—it’s bad for your health.

13. Burned Out

Meaning: Feeling completely exhausted or mentally drained due to overwork or stress.

Context: Common in conversations about work, school, or emotional fatigue.

Examples:

• She felt burned out after working long hours for months.
• He’s so burned out that he’s considering taking a vacation.
• The students were burned out by the end of the semester.

Practice Question:
What are some ways to recover when you feel burned out?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to talk about mental or physical exhaustion. For example: After three sleepless nights, I was completely burned out.

14. Cast Iron Stomach

Meaning: The ability to eat or digest almost anything without feeling sick.

Context: Often used humorously to describe someone who can handle spicy or unusual foods.

Examples:

• He must have a cast iron stomach to eat all that spicy curry.
• She has a cast iron stomach and can eat anything without getting sick.
• I don’t have a cast iron stomach, so I avoid street food when traveling.

Practice Question:
Who do you know that has a cast iron stomach?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe someone’s eating habits. For example: You need a cast iron stomach to handle that much chili!

15. Clean as a Whistle

Meaning: Very clean or free of flaws or wrongdoing.

Context: This idiom is used both literally (cleanliness) and figuratively (innocence or perfection).

Examples:

• After hours of scrubbing, the house was clean as a whistle.
• His criminal record is clean as a whistle.
• The antique car was restored to be as clean as a whistle.

Practice Question:
What’s an example of something you keep clean as a whistle?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom for cleanliness or honesty. For example: Her handwriting is as clean as a whistle—perfect and clear.

16. Cold Hands, Warm Heart

Meaning: Someone whose actions or personality are kind and caring, even if they don’t show their feelings openly.

Context: Often used to describe someone who seems distant but is actually compassionate.

Examples:

• Don’t be fooled by his quiet nature; he has cold hands but a warm heart.
• People say she’s cold, but I know she’s just cold hands, warm heart.
• He doesn’t express much, but his actions prove he’s cold hands, warm heart.

Practice Question:
Can you describe someone in your life who is cold hands, warm heart?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom highlights the contrast between outward appearance and inner character. For example: He rarely smiles, but he’s cold hands, warm heart.

17. Dead Tired

Meaning: Extremely exhausted or fatigued.

Context: Used to emphasize how tired someone feels after a long or difficult day.

Examples:

• After hiking all day, we were dead tired and went straight to bed.
• She felt dead tired after pulling an all-nighter for her exams.
• I’m dead tired after working two shifts in a row.

Practice Question:
What makes you feel dead tired by the end of the day?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to emphasize exhaustion. For example: I was dead tired after the 10-hour flight.

18. Death Warmed Over

Meaning: Looking or feeling extremely unwell, like being very sick or hungover.

Context: This idiom is often used humorously or dramatically to describe someone’s poor appearance.

Examples:

• He looked like death warmed over after staying up all night.
• After the flu, she felt like death warmed over for days.
• I woke up feeling like death warmed over after that party.

Practice Question:
Have you ever felt like death warmed over after being sick or tired?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom works well for exaggerating sickness or fatigue. For example: He looked like death warmed over after his long shift.

19. Drop Like Flies

Meaning: To fall ill, die, or fail in large numbers.

Context: Commonly used to describe situations where many people are affected by the same issue.

Examples:

• During the flu season, employees were dropping like flies at the office.
• The team dropped like flies under the intense pressure of the match.
• After the hike, the participants dropped like flies from exhaustion.

Practice Question:
Can you think of a time when people around you were dropping like flies?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom works for describing widespread issues. For example: The plants dropped like flies during the heatwave.

20. Feel on Top of the World

Meaning: To feel extremely happy or in excellent health.

Context: This idiom is often used to describe a person’s emotional or physical well-being after a positive event or accomplishment.

Examples:

• She felt on top of the world after winning the competition.
• After recovering from his illness, he said he felt on top of the world.
• I felt on top of the world when I received the good news.

Practice Question:
When was the last time you felt on top of the world?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when talking about moments of happiness or good health. For example: She felt on top of the world after finishing the marathon.

21. Feel Under the Weather

Meaning: To feel slightly unwell or sick.

Context: This idiom is commonly used in informal conversations to describe mild illness or discomfort.

Examples:

• I’ve been feeling under the weather, so I stayed home today.
• He felt under the weather after eating something bad.
• She’s feeling under the weather and might not come to the party.

Practice Question:
What do you do when you feel under the weather?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom for casual situations to describe feeling unwell. For example: I felt under the weather, so I skipped work.

22. Fighting Fit

Meaning: To be in excellent physical condition or health.

Context: Often used in contexts where someone has recovered from illness or has been training hard to stay healthy.

Examples:

• After weeks of rest, he’s back to being fighting fit.
• She trained hard to stay fighting fit for the competition.
• The doctor said I’m fighting fit and ready to return to work.

Practice Question:
How do you stay fighting fit in your daily life?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when describing peak physical health. For example: I’ve been exercising regularly, and now I feel fighting fit.

23. Fit as a Fiddle

Meaning: To be in excellent health or physical condition.

Context: Often used to describe someone who is active and healthy, usually after recovering from illness or injury.

Examples:

• Despite his age, he’s still fit as a fiddle.
• After the surgery, she felt fit as a fiddle again.
• I’ve been jogging every morning, and now I feel fit as a fiddle.

Practice Question:
Who do you know that’s as fit as a fiddle?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe great health. For example: Grandma is 80 but still fit as a fiddle!

24. Full of Beans

Meaning: To be full of energy, enthusiasm, or excitement.

Context: This idiom is often used to describe children or anyone who is unusually lively.

Examples:

• The kids were full of beans after their trip to the amusement park.
• She’s always full of beans when she talks about her favorite hobby.
• He’s full of beans today because he’s excited about the big game.

Practice Question:
What makes you feel full of beans?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe energy or excitement. For example: After a good night’s sleep, I felt full of beans.

25. Go Under the Knife

Meaning: To have surgery or a medical operation.

Context: This idiom is used when discussing medical treatments, often with a sense of seriousness.

Examples:

• He had to go under the knife to fix his knee injury.
• She went under the knife for a minor cosmetic procedure.
• I’m nervous about going under the knife next week.

Practice Question:
Do you know anyone who had to go under the knife recently?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is used for serious or planned medical procedures. For example: She went under the knife to remove her appendix.

26. Green Around the Gills

Meaning: To look or feel very sick or nauseous.

Context: This idiom is often used to describe someone’s pale or sickly appearance, usually caused by nausea.

Examples:

• He looked green around the gills after the roller coaster ride.
• She turned green around the gills after eating the spoiled food.
• I always feel green around the gills when I travel by boat.

Practice Question:
What situations make you feel green around the gills?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is perfect for describing nausea. For example: He was green around the gills after eating too much dessert.

27. Hang by a Thread

Meaning: To be in a very dangerous or uncertain situation.

Context: This idiom is often used when describing situations that could fail or collapse at any moment.

Examples:

• The company’s future is hanging by a thread after the financial crisis.
• His life hung by a thread after the car accident.
• Our chances of winning the game were hanging by a thread.

Practice Question:
Have you ever felt like your plans were hanging by a thread?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom for situations of extreme uncertainty. For example: Their relationship was hanging by a thread after the argument.

28. Hard Pill to Swallow

Meaning: Something difficult to accept or deal with emotionally.

Context: This idiom is commonly used in discussions about bad news, disappointment, or harsh realities.

Examples:

• Losing the championship was a hard pill to swallow for the team.
• It was a hard pill to swallow when she found out she didn’t get the job.
• Realizing he was wrong was a hard pill to swallow.

Practice Question:
What’s an example of a hard pill to swallow in your life?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is often used with difficult news or realizations. For example: It’s a hard pill to swallow when your plans don’t work out.

29. Have a Frog in Your Throat

Meaning: To have difficulty speaking due to a sore throat or hoarseness.

Context: This idiom is commonly used when someone’s voice sounds scratchy or weak, often due to illness or nervousness.

Examples:

• I couldn’t give my speech because I had a frog in my throat.
• He had a frog in his throat and kept clearing his voice during the meeting.
• She sounded like she had a frog in her throat while talking on the phone.

Practice Question:
What do you usually do when you have a frog in your throat?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe temporary difficulty speaking. For example: I had a frog in my throat, so I drank some warm tea.

30. Have a Heart of Gold

Meaning: To be kind, generous, and caring.

Context: This idiom is often used as a compliment to describe someone who is exceptionally good-natured or selfless.

Examples:

• She has a heart of gold and is always helping her neighbors.
• Despite his tough exterior, he has a heart of gold.
• The nurse has a heart of gold; she treats every patient with kindness.

Practice Question:
Who do you know that has a heart of gold?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is a great way to praise someone’s kindness. For example: My grandmother has a heart of gold and always puts others first.

31. Have Nerves of Steel

Meaning: To remain calm and composed in stressful or dangerous situations.

Context: This idiom is commonly used to describe people who can handle pressure or fear without showing weakness.

Examples:

• Firefighters need to have nerves of steel to do their job.
• She showed nerves of steel during the tense negotiation.
• Pilots must have nerves of steel to handle emergencies.

Practice Question:
Can you think of a situation where you would need to have nerves of steel?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe courage and composure. For example: He had nerves of steel during the exam and didn’t panic.

32. Head Over Heels

Meaning: To be completely in love or deeply infatuated.

Context: This idiom is often used in romantic contexts to describe someone’s strong feelings for another person.

Examples:

• He fell head over heels in love with her the moment they met.
• She’s head over heels for her new boyfriend.
• I was head over heels when I first saw the city of Paris.

Practice Question:
When was the last time you felt head over heels about something or someone?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is often paired with words like “in love” or “for someone.” For example: He’s head over heels for his high school sweetheart.

33. Heart Skips a Beat

Meaning: To feel sudden excitement, fear, or surprise.

Context: This idiom is used to describe strong emotions, often associated with love, shock, or anxiety.

Examples:

• My heart skipped a beat when I saw him walk into the room.
• Her heart skipped a beat when she heard the unexpected news.
• I felt my heart skip a beat as the roller coaster started moving.

Practice Question:
What makes your heart skip a beat?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe heightened emotions. For example: His heart skipped a beat when he saw the exam results.

34. In the Pink of Health

Meaning: To be in excellent physical condition or health.

Context: This idiom is often used to express someone’s good health or well-being.

Examples:

• After her recovery, she’s now in the pink of health.
• He exercises daily to stay in the pink of health.
• The doctor said I’m in the pink of health after my check-up.

Practice Question:
What do you do to stay in the pink of health?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is great for discussing health and fitness. For example: Grandpa is 80 but still in the pink of health!

35. Keep Body and Soul Together

Meaning: To manage to survive, especially in difficult circumstances.

Context: This idiom is often used when discussing struggles with finances or hardships.

Examples:

• She worked two jobs to keep body and soul together.
• They’re doing everything they can to keep body and soul together during the crisis.
• He barely kept body and soul together after losing his job.

Practice Question:
What’s one thing you do to keep body and soul together during tough times?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when talking about survival or managing hardships. For example: The family sold their belongings to keep body and soul together.

36. Kick the Bucket

Meaning: A humorous or informal way to say “to die.”

Context: This idiom is often used in casual or lighthearted conversations about death.

Examples:

• The old man joked about kicking the bucket, but he’s still healthy.
• Nobody wants to kick the bucket without fulfilling their dreams.
• He said he’d travel the world before he kicks the bucket.

Practice Question:
What’s one thing you’d like to do before you kick the bucket?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is informal, so use it in casual or humorous situations. For example: He made a bucket list of things to do before he kicks the bucket.

37. Lick Your Wounds

Meaning: To recover from a setback or emotional hurt.

Context: This idiom is often used to describe a period of healing after a failure or defeat.

Examples:

• After losing the game, the team went home to lick their wounds.
• She stayed home for a week, licking her wounds after the breakup.
• He needed some time alone to lick his wounds after the rejection.

Practice Question:
What’s one way you lick your wounds after facing disappointment?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom for emotional or physical recovery. For example: The company is licking its wounds after the failed project.

38. Like a Fish Out of Water

Meaning: To feel uncomfortable or out of place in a situation.

Context: This idiom is used to describe feelings of unease or awkwardness in unfamiliar surroundings.

Examples:

• I felt like a fish out of water at the formal dinner party.
• He’s like a fish out of water when he’s not in his hometown.
• She looked like a fish out of water on her first day at the new job.

Practice Question:
When have you felt like a fish out of water?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom works well for describing discomfort in new environments. For example: He was like a fish out of water when he moved to the big city.

39. On a Slippery Slope

Meaning: To be in a situation where things are likely to get worse or more difficult.

Context: This idiom is often used to describe a dangerous or problematic situation that can easily spiral out of control.

Examples:

• If you keep skipping your classes, you’re on a slippery slope to failing the course.
• He’s on a slippery slope with his unhealthy eating habits.
• They are on a slippery slope after making that risky business decision.

Practice Question:
What’s an example of a slippery slope you’ve experienced or observed?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when talking about something that could get worse over time. For example: Skipping exercises daily could put you on a slippery slope to bad health.

40. On the Mend

Meaning: To be recovering from an illness, injury, or difficult situation.

Context: This idiom is often used to talk about someone who is healing or improving after something bad has happened.

Examples:

• After the surgery, he’s finally on the mend and feeling better.
• She’s been on the mend for a week after the accident.
• I was on the mend after a cold and back to work in no time.

Practice Question:
What do you do to help someone who’s on the mend after an illness?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when talking about recovery. For example: She’s on the mend after her broken leg and should be back on her feet soon.

41. Out Cold

Meaning: To be unconscious, deeply asleep, or knocked out.

Context: This idiom is typically used to describe someone who is sleeping so deeply that they can’t be easily woken.

Examples:

• After the long trip, I was out cold the minute I hit the bed.
• He was knocked out and out cold after the accident.
• She was out cold after taking some medicine to help her sleep.

Practice Question:
What’s the deepest sleep you’ve ever had where you were out cold?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe deep sleep or unconsciousness. For example: He was out cold after the workout session.

42. Out of Shape

Meaning: To be in poor physical condition due to lack of exercise or unhealthy habits.

Context: This idiom is often used to describe someone who isn’t physically fit or hasn’t been exercising regularly.

Examples:

• I feel out of shape after not working out for months.
• He’s been out of shape ever since he stopped going to the gym.
• She was out of shape after the long winter, but she started running again.

Practice Question:
What’s something you do to get back in shape when you feel out of shape?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when talking about fitness or lack of exercise. For example: I need to exercise more because I’m out of shape.

43. Out of Sorts

Meaning: To feel slightly unwell, upset, or not in your usual mood.

Context: This idiom is often used to describe a temporary feeling of discomfort or emotional imbalance.

Examples:

• I’m feeling a bit out of sorts today, maybe because of the rainy weather.
• He’s been out of sorts since the argument with his friend.
• She’s a little out of sorts, probably because she didn’t sleep well last night.

Practice Question:
What do you do when you’re feeling out of sorts?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe a brief period of feeling unwell or off. For example: He’s out of sorts because of the stress at work.

44. Over the Hill

Meaning: To be past the age when one is considered young, often implying that someone is getting old.

Context: This idiom is usually used humorously or lightheartedly to talk about aging.

Examples:

• I think he’s over the hill, but he still runs marathons!
• At 50, she jokes that she’s over the hill, but she’s still very active.
• After his 60th birthday, he felt like he was over the hill, but he kept going strong.

Practice Question:
When do you think someone is “over the hill”?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to talk about aging or feeling old. For example: He thought he was over the hill, but his energy surprised everyone.

45. Pain in the Neck

Meaning: Something or someone that is very annoying or troublesome.

Context: This idiom is often used to describe situations, tasks, or people that cause frustration.

Examples:

• The constant noise from construction is a real pain in the neck.
• The paperwork is a pain in the neck, but we have to get it done.
• My little brother is a pain in the neck when he steals my things.

Practice Question:
What’s something that has been a pain in the neck for you lately?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to express frustration or annoyance. For example: Waiting in long lines at the post office is always a pain in the neck.

46. Pale as a Ghost

Meaning: To look very pale, often due to fear, illness, or shock.

Context: This idiom is used to describe someone’s face becoming unusually pale, typically due to emotional distress.

Examples:

• She was pale as a ghost when she heard the bad news.
• After the long illness, he looked pale as a ghost.
• He looked pale as a ghost after hearing the unexpected result.

Practice Question:
When was the last time you saw someone pale as a ghost?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe someone looking ill or shocked. For example: She was pale as a ghost after the frightening experience.

47. Pull Through

Meaning: To survive or recover from a difficult situation or illness.

Context: This idiom is commonly used when someone overcomes a serious illness, injury, or challenge.

Examples:

• After the surgery, he was expected to pull through and recover fully.
• She’s tough and pulled through despite the difficult times.
• Despite the accident, the driver managed to pull through and recover quickly.

Practice Question:
What’s something you did to pull through a difficult situation?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to talk about recovery or overcoming challenges. For example: He pulled through after being sick for weeks.

48. Push Up Daisies

Meaning: A euphemism for being dead and buried.

Context: This idiom is used humorously or informally to talk about death.

Examples:

• He jokes that he’ll push up daisies before his kids clean their room.
• She’s afraid of the day when we’ll all push up daisies.
• One day, we’ll all push up daisies, but let’s make the most of our time.

Practice Question:
How do you feel about the phrase “push up daisies”?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is informal and can be used humorously to talk about death. For example: He said he’d push up daisies before he gave up his dream.

49. Right as Rain

Meaning: To be in good health or condition, especially after feeling unwell.

Context: This idiom is often used to describe someone who has recovered and is feeling better.

Examples:

• After a few days of rest, I’m feeling right as rain again.
• She was feeling right as rain after taking her medication.
• He’s right as rain after recovering from the flu.

Practice Question:
What do you do to feel right as rain when you’re sick?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe someone feeling well or healthy again. For example: After taking the day off, he was right as rain and ready to work.

50. Run Down

Meaning: To feel exhausted or drained of energy, usually from overwork or illness.

Context: This idiom is used to describe a state of fatigue or weakness.

Examples:

• She felt run down after working late every night this week.
• I’ve been feeling run down, so I need to take a break.
• He’s run down from the long trip and needs rest.

Practice Question:
What do you do when you’re feeling run down and need to recharge?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe exhaustion. For example: After the busy week, she felt run down and needed a weekend to rest.

51. Safe and Sound

Meaning: To be unharmed or in a good condition after a dangerous or risky situation.

Context: This idiom is often used when someone returns from a potentially dangerous situation in good health.

Examples:

• The hikers returned safe and sound after their long journey.
• Despite the storm, everyone made it home safe and sound.
• He was late, but safe and sound after the drive through the snowstorm.

Practice Question:
When was the last time you felt safe and sound after a risky situation?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe safety or a worry-free situation. For example: They arrived safe and sound after the flight delay.

52. Scare the Life Out of Someone

Meaning: To frighten someone greatly, often to the point of causing extreme surprise or shock.

Context: This idiom is used when something causes someone to feel extremely scared or startled.

Examples:

• The loud crash scared the life out of me!
• She nearly scared the life out of me when she jumped out from behind the door.
• The surprise party totally scared the life out of him!

Practice Question:
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done that scared the life out of you?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when talking about something very scary or shocking. For example: That horror movie scared the life out of me last night.

53. Sick as a Dog

Meaning: To be very ill, often with a serious or unpleasant illness.

Context: This idiom is typically used when someone is feeling extremely unwell.

Examples:

• I was sick as a dog last week with the flu.
• He’s been feeling sick as a dog since he caught the cold.
• She was sick as a dog, missing a whole week of work.

Practice Question:
Have you ever been so sick as a dog that you couldn’t leave your bed?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe severe illness. For example: She was sick as a dog with a fever and chills last month.

54. Sick to Death

Meaning: To be extremely tired or fed up with something, or to feel very ill.

Context: This idiom is often used when someone is tired of a situation or very unwell.

Examples:

• I’m sick to death of hearing about the same old problems.
• He’s sick to death of working overtime every weekend.
• She’s sick to death of being stuck in traffic every morning.

Practice Question:
What’s something you’re sick to death of doing every day?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to express frustration or extreme dislike. For example: I’m sick to death of doing paperwork every weekend.

55. Skin and Bones

Meaning: To be extremely thin, usually because of illness or malnutrition.

Context: This idiom is used to describe someone who appears very weak or underfed.

Examples:

• After the illness, she was just skin and bones.
• He looked skin and bones after the long hike through the mountains.
• He was skin and bones after the long, exhausting training period.

Practice Question:
Have you ever seen someone who looked skin and bones? What happened?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe someone who is very thin or weak. For example: After being sick, he looked skin and bones but is recovering now.

56. Spread Like Wildfire

Meaning: To spread quickly, usually referring to news, rumors, or information.

Context: This idiom is used to describe how something (often news or gossip) spreads quickly and widely.

Examples:

• The news of the celebrity’s engagement spread like wildfire.
• The rumor about the new policy spread like wildfire in the office.
• The news about the new product launch spread like wildfire on social media.

Practice Question:
Can you think of a time when news spread like wildfire in your community or workplace?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when something spreads quickly, especially information. For example: The new movie’s release date spread like wildfire among fans.

57. Stand on Your Own Two Feet

Meaning: To be independent and self-sufficient, especially after relying on others for support.

Context: This idiom is often used to describe someone who has become strong and independent after being dependent on others.

Examples:

• After years of struggling, she’s finally standing on her own two feet.
• He stood on his own two feet after starting his own business.
• It took some time, but now she stands on her own two feet after the breakup.

Practice Question:
What’s something you did that helped you stand on your own two feet?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe independence. For example: She stood on her own two feet after moving to a new city.

58. Steer Clear of

Meaning: To avoid something or someone intentionally.

Context: This idiom is used when someone avoids something or someone, usually because it’s dangerous or undesirable.

Examples:

• He steered clear of the crowded restaurant because he didn’t want to wait.
• She always steers clear of drama and tries to keep the peace.
• They steered clear of the area after hearing about the protest.

Practice Question:
What’s something you steer clear of to avoid problems?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when talking about avoiding something or someone. For example: I steer clear of unhealthy foods to stay fit.

59. Take a Turn for the Better

Meaning: To improve or become more positive, especially after a difficult or negative situation.

Context: This idiom is often used when someone or something begins to show signs of improvement after a period of difficulty or illness.

Examples:

• After weeks of illness, his health finally took a turn for the better.
• The weather took a turn for the better, and we were able to go outside.
• The project took a turn for the better when we got a new team member.

Practice Question:
Have you ever experienced something that took a turn for the better? What happened?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe a positive change. For example: Her mood took a turn for the better after receiving good news.

60. Take a Turn for the Worse

Meaning: To become worse, especially after a period of improvement or stability.

Context: This idiom is used when a situation, especially related to health or circumstances, becomes more negative or troublesome.

Examples:

• His health took a turn for the worse after the surgery.
• The weather took a turn for the worse, and we had to cancel our plans.
• The situation took a turn for the worse when they ran out of resources.

Practice Question:
When was the last time a situation took a turn for the worse for you?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when describing a negative change. For example: His mood took a turn for the worse after hearing bad news.

61. The Picture of Health

Meaning: To look very healthy, strong, or fit.

Context: This idiom is used to describe someone who appears to be in excellent health.

Examples:

• After weeks of exercise, she’s the picture of health.
• He’s the picture of health, with no signs of illness at all.
• She looks like the picture of health after the yoga retreat.

Practice Question:
Can you think of someone who is the picture of health? What do they do to stay healthy?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe someone who is very healthy. For example: He looks like the picture of health after his fitness journey.

62. Time Heals All Wounds

Meaning: Emotional or physical pain gets better with time, even though it may feel intense initially.

Context: This idiom is often used when consoling someone going through a difficult time, suggesting that things will improve with time.

Examples:

• She’s still grieving, but time heals all wounds.
• After the breakup, he believed time heals all wounds.
• It’s hard now, but time heals all wounds and things will get better.

Practice Question:
Do you believe that time heals all wounds? Why or why not?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to reassure someone that they will feel better with time. For example: I know you’re upset, but time heals all wounds.

63. To Be Fit to Drop

Meaning: To be extremely tired or exhausted, usually from physical effort or work.

Context: This idiom is used to describe someone who is so tired that they could collapse from exhaustion.

Examples:

• After the long run, I was fit to drop.
• She was fit to drop after the exhausting day at work.
• They were fit to drop after the marathon.

Practice Question:
Have you ever been so tired that you were fit to drop? What made you feel that way?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe extreme exhaustion. For example: He was fit to drop after the whole day of hiking.

64. Under the Knife

Meaning: To undergo surgery or a medical operation.

Context: This idiom is often used when someone has to go through a surgical procedure, typically not something minor.

Examples:

• She had to go under the knife to remove her appendix.
• After the accident, he had to go under the knife for a knee operation.
• He had to go under the knife to repair the damaged ligament.

Practice Question:
Have you or someone you know ever had to go under the knife? What was the experience like?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when talking about surgery. For example: He had to go under the knife after breaking his leg.

65. Under the Weather

Meaning: To feel unwell, often slightly sick or off.

Context: This idiom is commonly used when someone is feeling mildly ill or not at their best.

Examples:

• I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’m staying in bed.
• She was under the weather for a few days with a cold.
• He’s a bit under the weather after the long flight.

Practice Question:
What do you do when you’re feeling under the weather?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to express mild illness or fatigue. For example: She stayed home because she was feeling under the weather.

66. Walk on Eggshells

Meaning: To be very careful or cautious in a situation to avoid upsetting someone.

Context: This idiom is used when someone is walking carefully around a delicate situation, often due to someone else’s mood or feelings.

Examples:

• When he’s in a bad mood, we all walk on eggshells around him.
• I have to walk on eggshells when talking to her about sensitive topics.
• They were walking on eggshells during the meeting, trying not to offend anyone.

Practice Question:
Have you ever had to walk on eggshells with someone? What was the situation?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when discussing careful behavior to avoid conflict. For example: She walked on eggshells when discussing the sensitive issue.

67. Weak at the Knees

Meaning: To feel faint, weak, or overwhelmed, often from emotion or physical weakness.

Context: This idiom is used when someone feels physically or emotionally overwhelmed to the point of losing strength.

Examples:

• The romantic gesture made her weak at the knees.
• After the long hike, I was weak at the knees and could barely stand.
• The news made him weak at the knees, and he had to sit down.

Practice Question:
Have you ever been weak at the knees due to strong emotions?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe physical or emotional weakness. For example: The surprise made her weak at the knees, and she couldn’t believe it.

68. Work Yourself to Death

Meaning: To work extremely hard to the point of exhaustion, sometimes leading to negative health consequences.

Context: This idiom is used when someone works too hard or is overworking themselves.

Examples:

• He worked himself to death trying to meet the deadline.
• She’s been working herself to death and needs a break.
• They worked themselves to death on the project, and now they’re exhausted.

Practice Question:
Have you ever worked yourself to death on a project or task? What happened?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe overworking or pushing oneself too hard. For example: He worked himself to death finishing the assignment on time.

69. . You Are What You Eat

Meaning: Your health and well-being are directly influenced by the food you consume.

Context: This idiom suggests that healthy eating results in good health, while poor eating habits can lead to negative health consequences.

Examples:

• If you eat junk food all the time, you’re just asking for trouble – you are what you eat!
• She’s in excellent shape because she eats healthy – you are what you eat.
• He always eats healthy meals because he believes you are what you eat.

Practice Question:
Do you believe in the saying “you are what you eat”? Why or why not?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to emphasize the importance of good eating habits for health. For example: You are what you eat, so make sure to include fruits and vegetables in your diet.

70. Your Days Are Numbered

Meaning: To have a limited time left, often referring to life or something nearing its end.

Context: This idiom is used when someone or something’s time is running out or coming to an end.

Examples:

• After the accident, he knew his days were numbered in that job.
• His days are numbered if he doesn’t change his unhealthy habits.
• The old building’s days are numbered before it gets demolished.

Practice Question:
What’s something in life that you think has its days numbered?

Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe a situation that’s nearing its end. For example: If he keeps procrastinating, his days are numbered in the company.

Tips for ESL Teachers

1. Start with Common Idioms
   Introduce simple health idioms first, like “under the weather” or “on the mend.” These are widely used and easy to explain with real-life examples.
2. Use Visual Aids
   Draw pictures or use flashcards to make idioms more relatable. For example, show someone looking sick for “green around the gills.” Visuals help students remember better.
3. Provide Context
   Teach idioms in meaningful contexts, like role-plays. For instance, in a doctor-patient scenario, students could use “back on your feet” or “fit as a fiddle.”
4. Encourage Practice
   Ask students to make sentences or short stories using idioms. For example, “After the flu, I’m back on my feet!” This builds confidence in using them naturally.
5. Compare with Native Expressions
   If your students have similar idioms in their language, highlight the parallels. For example, many languages have equivalents to “kick the bucket.”
6. Correct Misuse Gently
   Students might misuse idioms, like saying “on the mend” for fixing objects. Gently explain the correct usage with examples to avoid confusion.
7. Create Fun Activities
   Use games like matching idioms to meanings or completing dialogues with idioms. Make it engaging so students enjoy learning them.
8. Focus on Idiomatic Pairings
   Teach common pairings like “accidentally spilled the beans” or “really under the weather.” These make the idioms feel more natural in use.
9. Include Listening Practice
   Play clips from movies or shows with idioms, so students hear how they’re used in real-life conversations.
10. Reinforce Regularly
    Revisit idioms often to reinforce learning. Use quizzes, warm-up questions, or group discussions to keep them fresh in students’ minds.

Conclusion

Health idioms add color and depth to English, helping ESL students sound natural and confident in health-related conversations.

By mastering these common health expressions, learners can enrich their health vocabulary and use idioms naturally in health role-play scenarios or while answering health conversation questions.

For teachers, these idioms are valuable tools to make lessons engaging and culturally relevant. Start using health idioms today to make English learning more dynamic and fun!

FAQs about Health Idioms in English

1. What are health idioms?
Health idioms are phrases related to health or the body, often used metaphorically, like “under the weather” (feeling sick).

2. Why are health idioms important for ESL students?
They help students sound natural, understand cultural nuances, and engage confidently in conversations.

3. At what level should students learn health idioms?
Intermediate and advanced students benefit most, as they already have a good grasp of basic English.

4. How can teachers teach health idioms effectively?
Teachers can use role-plays, real-life examples, and pair idioms with related health vocabulary.

5. Are health idioms used in formal English?
They’re mostly used in casual or conversational English but can appear in creative writing or informal contexts.

6. Can beginners learn health idioms?
Yes, but only simple ones like “under the weather,” with clear examples to aid understanding.

7. How can students practice health idioms?
They can use idioms in health role-play scenarios, create sentences, or answer health conversation questions.

8. Are health idioms used worldwide?
While idioms like “kick the bucket” are common in English, similar phrases may exist in other languages.

9. What’s the best way to remember idioms?
Practice them in context, pair them with synonyms, and repeat them in relevant conversations.

10. Do health idioms always have literal meanings?
No, most health idioms are figurative, like “burned out” (feeling exhausted), not related to actual fire.