Summer Idioms

What do you normally do in the summer? Whether you are looking to explore warm sandy beaches or take a trip to an exciting cosmopolitan city, this is the perfect opportunity to spend a bit of time learning a new skill like English. We’ve taken a closer look at how English and summer go hand-in-hand by breaking down a few of our favourite summer-inspired idioms. How many of these do you already know and how many are completely new to you? Let’s find out!

1. Chasing rainbows

Meaning: People often use this phrase when they are referring to an impossible task. If someone is trying to complete a project that obviously can’t be completed, then they are “chasing rainbows.”

Example: "John thinks he can complete all his jobs in an hour. He's chasing rainbows." 

2. Come rain and shine

Meaning: Something that happens whatever the weather. Determined to fulfil a promise no matter what? Then you would say that you would do it whether it was raining or sunny out.

Example: "The US Postal service delivers the mail come rain or shine."

3. Fresh as a daisy

Meaning: This is a nice way of describing someone who is filled with energy and feels healthy. If you had a good night sleep, you might wake up feeling “fresh as a daisy.”

Example: "I had a great sleep. I feel fresh as a daisy."

4. Head in the clouds

Meaning: This phrase is used to describe someone who spends all their time daydreaming and has no idea about what is actually going on around them. Usually the person has very unrealistic ideas.

Example: "Ruth has no idea about bills and mortgages. She's got her head in the clouds honestly."

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5. Lead down the garden path

Meaning: This idiom is a bit more sinister, as it refers to the act of deceiving someone. You are leading them somewhere they think is nice, but in reality isn’t because you are lying.

Example: "I don't like how she's talking him into things. He's being lead down the garden path."

6. Make hays while the sun shines

Meaning: People use this phrase when they are describing someone who is making the most of the opportunities they are given. If you have some free time, for example, use that opportunity to learn a new skill!

Example: "I had a career break and decided to learn a language in my free time. Might as well make hay while the sun shines." 

7. Ray of sunshine

Meaning: This is someone or something that makes you happy.

Example: "Congratulations on your new baby. He is a ray of sunshine.”