7 Idioms for Pain to Express Your Sufferings 

Pain is a universal human experience that can be caused by physical injury, emotional distress, or a combination of both. It is a feeling that we all encounter at some point in our lives and can be expressed in different ways. One way to express pain is through idioms. Idioms are phrases that have a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words. In this blog, we will explore seven idioms for pain, their meanings, origins, and examples to express suffering. 

Also Read: Understanding Idioms: Examples and Meanings

Bite the Bullet

The idiom Bite the bullet means to endure a painful or difficult situation without complaining. In popular culture, the origin of this phrase comes from the practice of soldiers biting on a bullet during surgery without anaesthesia. Because the bullet was used as a makeshift mouthguard to prevent the soldier from biting their tongue during the procedure.

Example: Even though the dentist’s drill was hurting her, she decided to bite the bullet and continue with the procedure.

Break a Leg

This idiom is commonly used to wish someone good luck before a performance. However, it also has a darker meaning related to pain. The origin of this phrase comes from the belief that wishing someone good luck before a performance would bring bad luck. Therefore, instead of wishing good luck, people would say “Break a leg” as a way to wish them the opposite. 

Example: I know you’re nervous about your audition, but just remember to break a leg!

Cut to the Bone

This idiomatic phrase means to cause extreme pain or suffering. The origin of this phrase comes from the idea of cutting so deeply that you reach the bone, which is one of the most sensitive parts of the body. 

Example: The loss of his wife cut him to the bone, and he never fully recovered from it.

Also Read: 10 Best Idioms for Love to Express Your Heart

In a World of Hurt

This idiom means to be in a lot of pain or trouble. The origin of this phrase is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 1900s. 

Example: After falling off his bike, he was in a world of hurt and had to go to the hospital.

Pain in the Neck

When you say Pain in the neck, then it refers to someone or something that is annoying or troublesome. The origin of this phrase comes from the idea that a literal pain in the neck can be very uncomfortable and distracting. 

Example: My boss is such a pain in the neck; he’s always giving me extra work to do.

A Thorn in One’s Side

This idiom means someone or something that causes ongoing irritation or discomfort. The origin of this phrase comes from the biblical story of Paul, who had a thorn in his side that caused him constant pain.

Example: The noisy neighbours were a thorn in her side, and she couldn’t wait to move out.

Twist the Knife

Twist the knife means to make someone’s pain or suffering worse by adding insult to injury. This phrase comes from the act of twisting a knife after stabbing someone, which would cause even more pain. 

Example: After breaking up with her, he twisted the knife by telling her he never loved her.

Also Read: Idioms for IELTS

Understanding idioms can also help us communicate more effectively and empathetically with others who are experiencing pain. So the next time you’re feeling down, try using one of these idioms for pain to express how you feel. To read more about idioms you can check our page at Leverage Edu.