We experienced quite a bit of a heat wave here in California over the weekend, so we thought it would be a great time to look at some idioms having to do with heat, the sun, and the water. Although this list is inspired by summertime, you’ll find that many of these idioms have nothing to do with summer at all!
-the dog days of summer: the hottest part of summer (usually from mid-July to mid-August)
Ex: “We go swimming often during the dog days of summer in order to keep the children cool.”
-to beat the heat: to escape the heat of summer and enjoy cool temperatures indoors, in the pool, etc.
Ex: “We tried to beat the heat by watching a movie in the air-conditioned movie theater.”
-a place in the sun: a good or lucky position or situation
Ex: “She really found her place in the sun when she got offered such a great job.”
-a ray of sunshine: a happy person that makes others feel happy
Ex: “The sweet old man that lives down the street from me is such a ray of sunshine.
-to be smooth sailing: to be easy and free from problems
Ex: “Once you get on the 101 freeway, it’s smooth sailing the rest of the way to Santa Barbara.”
-a drop in the ocean: very little compared to how much is needed
Ex: “The $50 donation was only a drop in the bucket towards their $450,000 goal.”
-to swim against the tide: to do it your own way instead of doing what others do
Ex: “If you want to be successful, you’ll probably have to swim against the tide from time to time.”
Try these out and let us know on our Facebook or Instagram what other idiom topics you would like us to feature!
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Published on July 27, 2016
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