Idioms about: Emotions

The visual language of how we feel.

Showing 11-17 of 17

Photo of two grumpy old men in a pub

Misery loves company

Misery loves company means that people who feel unhappy often want others to share their feelings. Being around someone else in the same situation can make them feel better.

The saying has been used in English for centuries. Writers used it to describe the human habit of seeking others who understand the same troubles.

After the exam went badly, the students gathered together because misery loves company.

Generated image of a girl in a field of flowers with fairies

Off with the fairies

To be away with the fairies means you are distracted, daydreaming or not paying attention.

She's meant to be studying, but I think she's away with the fairies.

Generated image of young people painting the town red

Paint the town red

To paint the town red means to go out and celebrate in a lively or wild way, often by visiting bars, parties, or clubs.

One explanation traces the phrase to a famous night in 1837 when the Marquis of Waterford and his friends reportedly caused chaos in the English town of Melton Mowbray and even painted buildings red.

After finishing their exams, the students decided to paint the town red.

Generated image of a man swallowing his pride

Swallow your pride

To swallow your pride means to accept help or admit a mistake even though it feels embarrassing. The moment requires setting aside personal pride.

The phrase uses the image of forcing something unpleasant down your throat. Pride becomes the thing that must be swallowed.

He swallowed his pride and asked his sister for help with the repairs.

Photo of someone with their feet up

Take it easy

To take it easy means to relax, slow down and avoid working hard.

The phrase has been used in English since the late 1800s as a casual way to tell someone not to worry or overexert themselves. It later became a common informal farewell, especially in American English.

After finishing the long hike, they decided to take it easy for the rest of the afternoon.

Photo of a broken egg

Walking on eggshells

To walk on eggshells means to behave very carefully to avoid upsetting someone.

The phrase uses the image of stepping on fragile eggshells. One careless move would break them.

Everyone felt like they were walking on eggshells around the boss after the meeting went badly.

Generated image of a man with his heart on his sleeve

Wear your heart on your sleeve

To wear your heart on your sleeve means to show your feelings openly so that other people can easily see how you feel.

The expression may come from old traditions where people wore a token or symbol on their sleeve to show loyalty or affection. Over time it came to describe openly displaying one's emotions.

He tends to wear his heart on his sleeve, so everyone knows when he is upset.