19+ Idioms on Body Parts To Give a Boost to Your English

Want to know more information on idioms on body parts? Our human body is a rich source of inspiration for colourful and expressive language. One such way is by using idioms, which are quirky phrases that don’t always make literal sense. If you are looking to improve your writing or linguistic skills, then you have come to the right place. Let’s dive into this blog and explore some of these phrases on body parts which will help you improve your English grammar.

Must Read: 500+ Most Commonly Used Idioms in English

To Pick Someone’s Brain

The idiom ‘to pick someone’s brain’ refers to someone who knows a lot about a subject for information or their opinion. It’s like trying to extract valuable information from someone’s mind, just like picking something from a fruit tree.

Example: I’m going to pick your brain about how you got your business to succeed.

To Keep at Arm’s Length

It refers to maintaining a distance or simply avoiding becoming too close or friendly with someone. Furthermore, it implies that someone who doesn’t want to become too close or involved with someone and maintains a certain level of detachment. 

Example: She’s always been a bit wary of strangers, so she tends to keep people at arm’s length until she gets to know them better.

All Ears

The idiom ‘all ears’  suggests that someone is fully focused on what you’re about to say and is excited to hear it. In short, the speaker is expecting the listener to be very interested and attentive to the good news.

Example: I’m ready to listen with all my ears.

Cold Shoulder

This particular idiom is to give someone the cold shoulder which means to deliberately ignore someone in an unfriendly way. It’s a way of showing disapproval or displeasure without directly confronting the person.

Example: After the argument, she gave me the cold shoulder for a week, refusing to even look at me.

Elbow Room

The idiom ‘elbow room’ refers to having the space, both physical and metaphorical, to do what you want without constraints. The origin of this idiom is not clear, however, it is thought to date back to the late 1500s when it was used to refer to the space required to extend one’s elbows.

Example: The new office layout gives everyone plenty of elbow room to work efficiently.

Also Read: Common Idioms on Teeth In English

The English language is full of colourful expressions that use body parts to express their feelings. If you are looking for idioms to describe a situation, then here are some more of them which will help you not only in writing but also while conversing. 

Idioms on Head

Head over heels	It suggests a state of complete infatuation or obsession. Someone who is overwhelmed by strong feelings of affection or admiration.	Ever since they met, she’s been head over heels in love with him.
Head in the clouds	A person who is not grounded in reality; daydreaming or fantasising. One who lacks awareness or focus on practical matters.	Alice is great at coming up with creative ideas, but sometimes she has her head in the clouds and doesn’t consider the practicalities.
Keep your head up	This idiom suggests remaining optimistic or determined in a difficult situation. Essentially, it’s about maintaining a positive outlook and not giving up, despite adversity.	Things are tough right now, but keep your head up. Better days are coming.
Off the top of my head	It means something is said or done instantly, based on immediate thoughts rather than after careful consideration.	I can’t remember the exact date of the party, but off the top of my head, I think it was in May.

Idioms on Heart

Break someone’s heart	To cause someone intense emotional pain, typically due to the end of a romantic relationship or a deep disappointment. It implies a feeling of shattered hopes and dreams.	When she ended their relationship, it completely broke his heart. He was devastated.
Have a heart	It’s a plea for someone to be less harsh or demanding.	Please, have a heart! I promise to pay you back as soon as I can.
Learn by heart	To memorise something perfectly so that you can recite it from memory without needing to look at it.	She learned the entire poem by heart for the recitation contest.

Idioms on Hands

Give someone a hand	This idiom suggests offering your physical assistance, similar to that of using your hands to help someone lift something heavy.	Could you give me a hand with these groceries?
Wash your hands of	To refuse to be involved in or responsible for something anymore. It comes from the Bible, where Pontius Pilate washed his hands of Jesus’ fate, symbolically claiming no responsibility for his crucifixion.	After the project failed, the manager decided to wash his hands of the entire team.
Hands down	It implies a clear victory or superiority without any doubt or competition.	She won the singing competition hands down; her voice was simply amazing.

Idioms on Mouth

Foot in mouth	To say something embarrassing or tactless without realising it. It implies a social blunder or faux pas.	I put my foot in my mouth when I asked about her job. I didn’t know she had just been fired.
Word of mouth	Information or news is spread by people talking to each other rather than through advertising or written media.	The new restaurant has become very popular thanks to word of mouth; everyone is raving about the food.
Put your foot in your mouth	To say something embarrassing or tactless.	I put my foot in my mouth when I asked about her job. I didn’t know she had just been fired.

Idioms on Other Body Parts

Keep your chin up	To remain optimistic or cheerful in a difficult situation.	I know things are tough right now, but keep your chin up. Better days are ahead.
Cost an arm and a leg	Extremely expensive; something that costs a lot of money.	I’d love to buy that new smartphone, but it costs an arm and a leg!
Pull someone’s leg	It implies teasing someone by telling them something that is not true as a joke.	Don’t believe everything he says, he’s just pulling your leg.

Related Reads on Proverbs, Idioms & More

Proverbs	Idioms	Synonyms
Proverbs Starting with Z	Idioms on Rain	Synonyms of Capture
Motivation Proverbs for Students	Idioms for Surprise	Synonyms of Jovial
Famous Afghan Proverbs	Idioms for Story Writing	Synonyms of Waste
French Proverbs	Idioms for Experience	Synonyms of Welcome
French Proverbs	Idioms for Love	Synonyms of Love

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