11+ Idioms for Story Writing that Will Take Your Plot to Another Level!

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Idioms for Story Writing

Are you a grammar nazi and looking for idioms for story writing to the next level? Well, you have come to the right place. Idioms are words that add a punch to your writing with the help of their figurative language. Not only that, they also help the reader to connect with the characters much better. One such idiom that goes like “kick the bucket” which means to add a touch of dark humour to the story. Similarly, you will find more such idioms that will help you add magic to your writing. Continue reading this blog post to find all the idioms for story writing along with meaning and examples. 

500+ Most Commonly Used Idioms in English

7+ Idioms for Story Writing to Spice Up Your Linguistic Skills!

Unlock the power of idioms with the help of the list below which will not only help you add variety to your writing but make your story seem very interesting. 

Once Upon a Time

The most common meaning refers to the fairytales or stories. It sets the scene for a narrative that took place in an unspecified distant past. 

Example: Once upon a time, there was a little girl who lived in a red hood.

Bite the Bullet

This idiom ‘bite the bullet’ implies someone doing something unpleasant but necessary. 

Example: Knowing it would be painful, Sarah bit the bullet and decided to confront her boss about the unfair workload.

A Rose By Any Other Name Would Smell As Sweet

This idiom means that the essence or true nature of something isn’t affected by what you call it.

Example: Maria was worried her new bakery wouldn’t succeed because it wasn’t in a trendy part of town. But her friend reminded her, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Your delicious pastries will draw in customers no matter where you are!”

A Blessing in Disguise

This idiom is for something that seems bad at first turns out to be beneficial.

Example: Losing their starting pitcher was a blow to the team, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it gave another player a chance to shine.

The Best-Laid Plans

This is one of the most commonly used idioms in story writing. It means that even the most carefully crafted plans can go awry. It highlights the uncertainty of life and the possibility of unexpected events disrupting our preparations.

Example: Sarah had planned a perfect picnic lunch by the lake, but the best-laid plans went awry when a sudden downpour forced them to take shelter under a nearby bridge.

Also Read: 15 Proverbs for Story Writing to Empower Budding Writers

There’s No Place Like Home

This idiom means that home is the most comfortable, safe, and familiar place. It evokes a sense of belonging and security that you can’t find anywhere else.

Example: Dorothy clicked her heels together three times and wished, ‘There’s no place like home,’ longing to return to Kansas and her family. (From the Wizard of Oz)

Beat Around the Bush

It is one of the most popular idioms for story writing. It is often used to avoid getting straight to the point or talking about the main issue. It implies someone is hesitant, indirect, or evasive in their communication.

Example: Look, I appreciate you hemming and hawing, but just tell me directly. Are you mad about the cancelled plans or not? Don’t beat around the bush!

Steal One’s Thunder

This is to take away the credit, attention, or excitement that someone else was expecting to receive. It’s like someone swooping in and taking the spotlight meant for another person.

Example: Lisa had been working on a presentation about the new marketing campaign for weeks. She was excited to unveil it at the meeting, but her colleague, Mark, cut her off and started presenting his own very similar ideas. Lisa felt like Mark had stolen her thunder.

Also Read: 7+ Idioms for Being Happy and Express Happiness

5 Bonus Idioms for Story Writing

Spruce up your story with idioms! These colourful phrases add flavour, humour, and depth to your writing and engage readers. Here are some more of the idioms for story writing that can be used to upgrade your fiction. 

Idioms for Story WritingMeaning
In hot waterThis idiom means to be in trouble or get stuck in a problem.
The world is your oysterIt implies that there are endless possibilities for you out there. 
A fish out of waterIt is for someone who is uncomfortable or awkward in a new situation.
Burn the midnight oilThis is for someone who works late into the night.
See eye to eyeIt is when two people agree on something. 

Check related blogs on Idioms, Proverbs, and Synonyms 

Proverbs IdiomsSynonyms
Proverbs Starting with Z Idioms for Friendship Synonyms of Capture
Motivation Proverbs for Students Idioms for Surprise Synonyms of Jovial
Famous Afghan Proverbs Idioms About EducationSynonyms of Waste
Proverbs on LifeIdioms for ExperienceSynonyms of Welcome
Proverbs on HealthIdioms for LoveSynonyms of Love

FAQs

How should I write a story with idioms?

To write a story with idioms, one must select a few idioms to create an impactful story. Make sure you don’t use too many of them as it will then look cluttered and the essence of the story will be lost. 

What is an idiom used in writing?

Some of the best idioms that can be used in writing are: cost an arm and a leg, crocodile tears, bark up the wrong tree among others.

What is an idiom?

An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a meaning that can’t be understood by looking at the literal meaning of the individual words. 

This was all about the “Idioms for story writing.” You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs related to English grammar and the English language.

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