Summer Expressions: Fun Idioms to Brighten Your Season

Whether you’re a fan of the sweltering heat or prefer cooler temperatures, summer is undeniably a bustling season for many. This vibrant energy is likely why a wealth of English idioms has sprung up around summertime experiences.

In this article, we’ve compiled 12 popular summer expressions in English that are sure to impress your friends during your beach outings. Let’s dive right into the list and elevate your summer vocabulary!

12 idioms about summer

To be off on your vacation

In this context, the phrase “to be off” signifies that someone is heading out to do something. For example, in British English, one might say they are “off walking the dog,” “off to the shops,” or, as in this case, “off on vacation.”

Originating in the early 19th century, the phrase “be off” initially signified the act of leaving. It was often employed as a commanding expression, such as in the warning, “Be off, or I’ll call the cops!”

Example: My friends are off on their vacation in Turkey at the moment.

Travel on a shoestring

Traveling on a shoestring refers to embarking on a journey with a limited budget. When you choose this budget-friendly approach, you’ll likely stay in affordable accommodations like youth hostels, seek out special deals and discounts, and make every effort to minimize your expenses while exploring new destinations.

The term “shoestring” is thought to have originated from traveling peddlers, who were street vendors selling a variety of small items, including shoelaces.

Example: I really learned how to travel on a shoestring when I studied abroad.

To take a shine to someone

Meaning: Our next holiday idiom refers to the feeling of attraction or fondness for someone you’ve just encountered, particularly in a romantic context. For many travelers, the ultimate dream is to instantly connect with a new person and experience that spark of chemistry while exploring new places.

Origin: Dating back to the 1880s, this American idiom is rooted in the phrase “to shine up to someone,” which referred to the act of seeking someone’s favor or attraction. When you successfully won that favor, it meant they had taken a shine to you.

Example: My younger brother has really taken a shine to you.

Thrown in at the deep end

Meaning: This idiom draws from the experience of being in the deep end of a pool, where you can’t touch the bottom and must swim to stay afloat. It describes putting someone in a challenging or unfamiliar situation without adequate preparation or guidance. For instance, if a colleague assigns you a new task at work without any instructions, they are essentially throwing you into the deep end.

Origin: Unknown.

On my very first day in this role, I was tasked with presenting a report to the board of directors. It felt like being thrown into the deep end right away!

To make hay while the sun shines

Meaning: The next of our sun idioms emphasizes taking action while circumstances permit, as these opportunities may be short-lived. It highlights the transient and ephemeral nature of life, reminding us to seize the moment before it passes.

Origin: The earliest known mention of this idiom appears in John Heywood’s 1546 work, “A Dialogue Containing the Number in Effect of All the Proverbs in the English Tongue.” It is thought to stem from the practices of medieval English farmers, who needed to quickly cut, dry, and collect hay during sunny weather to avoid spoilage.

With just a few days left before I head home, I plan to seize the moment and explore as many sights as I can. It’s the perfect opportunity to make the most of my time here!

A drop in the ocean

Meaning: The upcoming summer idiom refers to “a small quantity of something in relation to what is required,” highlighting its relatively minor significance.

Origin: This idiom has its roots in the Bible, making its first appearance in a Middle English translation between 1382 and 1395.

For context, thirty thousand dollars is just a tiny fraction of the overall budget for this film, which will run into the millions.

Like water off a duck’s back

Meaning: This idiom conveys that criticisms or insults have little to no impact on a person, often because they have faced numerous similar remarks in the past. Just like water effortlessly rolls off a duck’s back, these negative comments are easily brushed aside without causing any distress.

Origin: This idiom dates back to the 1800s and alludes to the remarkable ability of ducks’ feathers, which are coated with a special water-resistant oil. This natural adaptation allows ducks to remain dry and unaffected by water droplets, making them truly impervious to the elements.

Example: Tom constantly criticizes Larry, but he ignores it and the criticism is like water off a duck’s back.

Like a fish out of water

Next on our list of summer idioms is one that relates to water. This expression captures the sensation of feeling uneasy in an unfamiliar environment.

Origin: This idiom may trace its roots back to the renowned writer Geoffrey Chaucer, who used a similar expression in his work from 1483. The phrase captures the feeling of someone being out of their element, akin to a fish struggling to thrive on land.

Last night, I attended an office party, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of being out of place. It was clear that I had little in common with the other guests, making the experience quite uncomfortable.

Indian summer

Meaning: Often regarded as the ultimate summer idiom, this phrase describes a warm, summery spell that takes place during mid-autumn.

Origin: This idiom, dating back to the late 18th century, draws its roots from Native American culture, reflecting the prevalence of Indian summers in regions traditionally inhabited by indigenous populations.

Example: The Indian summer has been unexpectedly long this year.

The dog days of summer

Next up on our idiom list is one that perfectly captures the essence of summer’s peak, referring specifically to the sweltering days of July and August.

Origin: This popular summer saying traces back to ancient Rome, where it refers to the time when the constellation Sirius, known as the Dog Star, first rose in the sky just before the sun around July.

Example: During the dog days of summer, it’s too hot to work outdoors.

Rain or shine

Meaning: Saying that something will occur “come rain or shine” means that it will happen regardless of the circumstances. 

Origin: This idiom first appeared in recorded history in 1699 in John Goad’s work, “Astro-meteorologica, or Aphorisms And Large Significant Discourses on the Natures and Influences of Celestial Bodies.” Its popularity has endured, particularly since the mid-19th century.

Example: Come rain or shine, we will have our wedding this weekend.

Summer fling

Meaning: A summer fling is a summer romance, usually short, sweet, and temporary. 

Origin: The term “fling” refers to the act of tossing or discarding something, much like how a fleeting summer romance is often set aside once the warm days come to a close.

Example: We met while she was here on vacation and I was off from school. It was a great summer fling. 

Why use idioms?

Idioms may seem peculiar at times, but they play a vital role in how native speakers connect and convey meaning, enriching the language in delightful ways. To sound more like a natural English speaker, incorporating a few idiomatic expressions into your conversations is an excellent strategy.

To enhance your use of idioms, actively engage in speaking, particularly with native speakers. Seize the moment and dive into the vibrant world of summer idioms!