Body Idioms

20 English idioms built around body words, each with a full page covering meaning, origin, examples, and common mistakes.

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A chip on your shoulderTo have a chip on your shoulder means to carry a lasting feeling of resentment, bitterness, or anger — often because you believe you… Give Someone the Cold ShoulderGive someone the cold shoulder — to deliberately ignore or snub someone; to treat someone with deliberate unfriendliness or indifference. Bite your tongueBite your tongue — To stop yourself from saying something, especially a comment that is critical, rude, or hurtful, choosing to stay… On the Tip of One's TongueWhat does "on the tip of one's tongue" mean? On the Tip of Your TongueLiteral: The tongue is the organ of speech. By HeartBy heart — to have memorised something so thoroughly that you can recall it entirely from memory without needing to look at any notes,… Change of HeartChange of heart — a reversal of one's feelings, attitude, or decision, usually driven by emotion rather than logic; a shift in what… Put your foot in your mouthPut your foot in your mouth — To accidentally say something embarrassing, tactless, or hurtful that creates an awkward or difficult… Put your money where your mouth isPut your money where your mouth is — To back up what you say with action, especially by risking money, time, or effort to prove that you… Wear your heart on your sleeveWear your heart on your sleeve — To openly display your emotions and feelings, making them easily visible to others rather than hiding… Bite the hand that feeds youBite the hand that feeds you — To act ungratefully or harmfully towards a person or organisation that supports, employs, or provides for… Bury your head in the sandBury your head in the sand means to deliberately avoid or ignore a problem, danger, or uncomfortable truth rather than confronting it… By the skin of your teethBy the skin of your teeth means to succeed, escape, or survive something with the smallest imaginable margin — barely making it, with… Don't bite the hand that feeds youDon't bite the hand that feeds you means you should not act against, criticise, or harm the person or organisation that provides you… Get cold feetGet cold feet — To suddenly lose confidence and become nervous or hesitant about something you had previously planned or agreed to do,… Get out of handGet out of hand — when a situation, person, or event escalates to the point where it can no longer be managed, stopped, or kept within… Have a bone to pickHave a bone to pick means to have a complaint, grievance, or point of disagreement that you want to discuss with a particular person. Have the upper handHave the upper hand means to be in a stronger or more dominant position than someone else — to hold a clear advantage in a situation… Hit the Nail on the HeadWhat does "hit the nail on the head" mean? Jump out of your skinTo jump out of your skin means to be so suddenly startled or frightened that your whole body jolts in shock.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does English have so many body idioms?

Body words describe things every English speaker experiences directly, so they make vivid, easy-to-picture comparisons. Over centuries, phrases built around body words became fixed idioms because the images are so memorable and universally understood.

What does "A chip on your shoulder" mean?

"A chip on your shoulder" means to have a chip on your shoulder means to carry a lasting feeling of resentment, bitterness, or anger — often because you believe you…. See the full page on this idiom for its origin, example sentences, and common mistakes.

Are body idioms common in everyday spoken English?

Yes. Many body idioms — like "Give Someone the Cold Shoulder" — are used constantly in casual conversation, films, and news headlines. Learning a handful of the most common ones will noticeably improve your listening comprehension.

How many body idioms are on this page?

This page currently links to 20 body idioms from LexFizz's full idiom collection, each with its own page covering meaning, origin, examples, and common mistakes.

What CEFR level should I be to learn body idioms?

Most body idioms are introduced from B1 (intermediate) level onward, with some appearing as early as A2 in simplified form. Check the CEFR badge on each individual idiom page for its specific level.

Can I use body idioms in formal writing?

Generally no. Like most idioms, body-themed expressions are best suited to spoken English, casual writing, and creative texts. In formal essays, reports, or official correspondence, plain and precise language is usually preferred.

What is the best way to memorise body idioms?

Learn them in context rather than as a word list: read an example sentence, picture the literal body image behind the idiom, and then try writing your own sentence. LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards exercises use spaced repetition to help this stick.

Do body idioms have equivalents in other languages?

Often, yes — many languages have their own body-based sayings for similar ideas, though the exact wording rarely translates literally. Comparing the English idiom to a phrase you already know in your own language can make it easier to remember.

Where can I practise body idioms?

Each idiom page linked below includes example sentences and common mistakes. You can also use LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards exercises to actively test yourself on the idioms in this list.

Are there more idiom themes besides body on LexFizz?

Yes — LexFizz groups idioms into several themed collections, including weather, animal, food, colour, body, money, sports, and time idioms. Visit the main <a href="/idioms/">Idioms hub</a> to browse by theme or see the full alphabetical list.