Health is a common topic in everyday conversations, from talking about exercise and diet to discussing how we feel. In English, many idioms are connected to health and fitness, and native speakers use them regularly in both casual and professional settings. Learning these expressions will help you understand real conversations better and make your English sound more natural and lively.
In this blog post, you will discover 25 healthy English idioms to keep you in tip-top shape. Each idiom is explained in simple, clear language so you can easily understand its meaning and use it correctly. Whether you are preparing for exams, improving your speaking skills, or simply building a stronger vocabulary, these health-related idioms will help you communicate more confidently and effectively.
This topic is part of our English Idioms & Phrases for English learners.
1. To have a chip on your shoulder
This means to hold a grudge or be angry about something from the past. Having negative feelings like this can weigh you down mentally and emotionally.
It’s better to let go of resentments – getting that “chip” off your shoulder will leave you feeling lighter.
2. To get a second wind
When you start out with energy but then feel tired partway through a task, only to get a renewed burst of strength to power through and finish strong – that’s getting your second wind.
It’s like a magical recharge to help you keep going.
3. To soldier on
If you courageously continue an effort despite difficulties or fatigue, you are soldiering on.
Having persistence and grit helps you remain strong like a brave warrior when challenges arise.
4. The blind leading the blind
This idiom refers to an incompetent person giving guidance to others who are just as ill-informed.
It suggests that for true vision and understanding, you need knowledge from a legitimate source, not misguided advice.
5. To burn the candle at both ends
If you burn the candle at both ends, you are staying up very late while also waking up very early, essentially depriving yourself of enough restorative sleep.
Using up energy at an unsustainable pace like this is sure to lead to burnout.
6. To be in a world of your own
We all need to take mental breaks from time to time.
But if you are in a world of your own too frequently, spacing out and failing to be present, it suggests your mind is overly distracted or preoccupied in an unhealthy way.
7. To bite off more than you can chew
This colorful expression means taking on more responsibilities or challenges than you are realistically able to handle.
Having too much on your plate leads to stress and overwhelm – it’s better to politely decline excess commitments to keep your load manageable.
8. To get something off your chest
When bottling up your thoughts or feelings, it weighs heavily like a pressure on your chest.
Getting things off your chest refers to unburdening yourself by opening up and expressing what’s on your mind. This emotional release is cathartic for your mental health.
9. To feel a bit under the weather
This idiom likens feeling sickly or unwell to the effects of bad weather.
Just as gloomy skies and storms can drain your energy and dampen your spirits, so too can poor health leave you feeling low and lackluster.
10. To be worth your salt
Salt was once a valuable commodity used for trade, so this expression implies being competent, skilled, or adequately prepared enough to merit the responsibilities you’ve been given.
It’s positive reinforcement that you are “earning your keep.”
11. To swallow your pride
Having to admit you were wrong or ask for help can be a bitter pill to swallow for those with an excess of ego or stubbornness.
Swallowing your pride and setting arrogance aside is a sign of humility and self-improvement.
12. To turn a blind eye
If you turn a blind eye, you are choosing to overlook or ignore something intentionally, as if you can’t see it at all.
Perhaps you don’t want to call out someone’s misdeeds or face an unpleasant reality. But denial isn’t healthy in the long run.
13. The elephant in the room
This refers to an obvious truth or fact that everyone is acutely aware of but is avoiding mentioning or discussing, often due to discomfort or stigma.
Bringing the elephant out into the open can clear the air.
14. To take something with a grain of salt
When you take something with a grain of salt, you are choosing not to automatically believe or give full credence to that piece of information.
A healthy level of skepticism can protect you from misinformation or undue influence.
15. To have a sweet tooth
Those with a sweet tooth have a strong craving or avid liking for sugary treats and desserts.
Having too big of a sweet tooth can lead to overindulgence and related health issues like weight gain or diabetes. Moderation is key.
16. To have skin in the game
If you have skin in the game, it means you have a personal stake, investment or risk involved in a situation.
You are directly impacted or exposed in some way, so you are motivated to be engaged and make sure things go well for your own interests.
17. An apple a day keeps the doctor away
This classic idiom uses the example of eating a healthy apple each day to promote the idea that taking preventative measures and engaging in beneficial activities can boost your wellness and reduce the chances you’ll need medical care.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
18. To let someone twist your rubber arm
Your arm can’t actually be twisted out of a rubber-like material.
This just means you’ve given in or agreed to someone’s persuasive tactics when you didn’t really want to, often by acquiescing to peer pressure against your better judgment.
19. A taste of your own medicine
This means receiving treatment that mirrors how you have treated others, especially if that treatment is negative or unpleasant.
It suggests that turnabout is fair play, and you experience the consequences or effects that you yourself have inflicted on others.
20. To bite your tongue
Biting your tongue causes you physical pain, which is why this idiom refers to stopping yourself from saying something you’ll likely regret verbalizing, even though you really want to say it in the heat of the moment.
It’s about exercising restraint.
21. The blind leading the blind
We explored the health meaning behind this one earlier – essentially, it warns against taking guidance or advice from unqualified sources who are just as clueless as you are.
You need expertise.
22. To be green around the gills
When feeling nauseous, seasick or generally unwell, you may look pale or even take on a greenish hue, especially around your cheeks, mouth and chin area (your “gills”).
This quaint expression vividly captures how illness can drain the color from your face.
23. To put all your eggs in one basket
This refers to devoting all of your resources and efforts into a single pathway or endeavor – it’s an ill-advised strategy that creates extra risk.
If something goes awry with that sole basket, you are left with nothing. It’s better to diversify and hedge your bets.
24. A bitter pill to swallow
Building on the earlier idiom about swallowing your pride, something that is a bitter pill to swallow is an unpleasant or difficult circumstance or reality that you have to accept, even though it upsets or disappoints you.
Taking bad news is never easy.
25. To be in ship-shape
When a ship is properly maintained in ideal condition and readiness, we say it is in ship-shape.
This idiom extends that descriptor to refer to someone who is in excellent health and optimal physical or mental order. You are 100% ready for action.
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That covers 25 of the most common and insightful health-related idioms in the English language.
The next time you use or hear one of these expressions, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the wisdom and wit contained within each turn of phrase.
Stay healthy, happy and in tip-top shape by keeping an ear out for these wellness words of wisdom!
Explore more English idioms here:
- Customer Service English Phrases Used in the United States
- Professional English for Work in the US (Real Workplace Examples)
- How to Network in America: Essential English Phrases
- American English Idioms: Speak Like a Native
- Everyday North American English Phrases You Need to Know
- Idioms vs. Phrasal Verbs: What’s the Difference in English?
