7 Vivid Idioms in English That Brighten Your Speech

We could talk endlessly about idioms in the English language.

If you’re eager to expand your English vocabulary beyond just new words, consider exploring the “English Idioms” section. Here, you’ll discover fascinating idiomatic expressions that can add depth and color to your language skills!

There you can find a huge number of idiomatic expressions that you will enjoy reading and learning.

Today I would like to share with you seven “colourful” idioms in English.

We’ll make our conversation more interesting with a rainbow of colourful idioms!

     Tickled pink

The first idiom on our list means “to be extremely happy; very satisfied.”

For example:

•         Bob was tickled pink when he found out that he and his wife were pregnant.
•         Sally, why are you so tickled pink?

Just to clarify, there are no errors in the first sentence: the couple is indeed expecting a child, but it’s important to note that only the woman is currently pregnant.

     Give someone the green light

This idiom means “to give someone permission to do something.”

For example:

•         The board of directors gave the CEO the green light to lay off half his staff.
•         Our teacher gave us the green light to choose the topic for the next lesson.

     See through rose-coloured glasses

This English idiom conveys a sense of optimism, suggesting that a person tends to overlook the negative aspects of a situation in favor of a more positive outlook. However, this perspective can sometimes come across as naïve, as it may ignore important realities.

For example:

•         Scarlett is the kind of person who sees everything through rose-coloured glasses.
•         His father was an optimist. He saw everything through rose-coloured glasses.

     See things in black and white

While the earlier phrase describes someone who is exceedingly optimistic, this idiom characterizes a person who is notably simple and straightforward, often lacking in imagination. Such individuals tend to view the world in absolutes, seeing things as either black or white—right or wrong, good or bad—without acknowledging any nuance or “grey area.” For instance:

•         Jim thinks he’ll never find another job. He sees things in black and white.
•         When I was young, I was very strict, and I saw everything in black and white.

     With flying colours

This idiom typically concludes a sentence and signifies the act of accomplishing something with great skill and success. For instance:

•         She passed her interview with flying colours.
•         I’m sure Linda will present her project with flying colours.

     To be browned off

While many people may recognize the phrase “I’m bored,” the expression “to be browned off” might be a fresh and intriguing concept for them.

The term refers to the sensation of boredom or frustration with something. Primarily used in British English, it is less common in American English.

For example:

•         I am browned off with this place. There’s nothing to do here.
•         We were exhausted and browned off with her senseless chatter.

     White lie

And the last “colourful” English idiom means “an innocent lie, often told in order to avoid offending someone.”

Sometimes, being completely honest can feel uncomfortable, leading us to tell a little white lie instead, all in the name of kindness.

For example:

•         I told my friend a white lie. I said that her cake was the best thing I’ve ever eaten.
•         Should I tell him the truth or a white lie?

How frequently do you find yourself telling a little white lie? When was the last time you felt genuinely frustrated? Or perhaps you’re someone who views the world through a positive lens, seeing everything in a rosy light?