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Idioms on numbers interweave numerals with particular phrases that are figurative and cannot be taken literally. Idioms are often used in verbal communication to express oneself. For example, “two left feet” means that a person cannot dance well; it does not mean that the person actually has two left feet. There are several other idioms based on numbers, and this blog includes a few of them, along with their meanings and examples, to show you how to use them in your vocabulary.
This Blog Includes:
Best Idioms with Examples and Meanings
English Idioms on Numbers – Meaning and Examples
Idioms are used in our day-to-day lives when you want to express yourself and your current situation. Here are some Idioms on Numbers that you will surely find interesting.
At Sixes and Sevens
The idiomatic phrase “at sixes and sevens” means to be in a state of confusion or disarray. It usually describes a situation where things are chaotic or not organised, therefore leading to uncertainty and disorder.
Example: After the sudden resignation of the manager, the team was left at sixes and sevens.
On Cloud Nine
Another famous idiom on numbers is “on cloud nine” which means a situation of extreme happiness or bliss, usually characterised by feelings of joy and elation.
Example: The little child was on cloud nine when her parents bought her a brand-new teddy bear.
At the Eleventh Hour
The phrase “at the eleventh hour” is when you do something at the last possible moment, usually just before a deadline or critical point.
Example: The child reminded her parents about the school project at the eleventh hour.
Back to Square One
The idiomatic phrase “back to square one” means returning to the starting point of a process after a setback or failure. Furthermore, it also means that you need to begin again with a fresh perspective or approach.
Example: In September, I could run 5 miles, but I didn’t exercise all winter, and now I’m back to square one trying to run just one mile.
Seventh Heaven
The phrase “seventh heaven” is when you are extremely happy and blissful because of a particular situation.
Example: Winning the championship left the entire team in seventh heaven.
Behind the Eight Ball
To be “behind the eight ball” means to be in a difficult situation when you are at a disadvantage. The idiom comes from the cue sport pool, where being positioned behind the eight ball makes it harder to legally pocket the ball and win the game.
Example: After losing many clients in a short period, the team found themselves behind the eight ball struggling to meet their targets.
Dressed to the Nines
Another idiom on numbers is “dressed to the nines” which means to be dressed in one’s finest or most stylish garments.
Examples: At the gala, everyone was dressed to the nines, showing off their attire.
Kill Two Birds with One Stone
The idiomatic phrase “kill two birds with one stone” means to complete two tasks with a single action or effort.
Example: Cycling to work kills two birds with one stone, it saves money on gas and gives me a daily workout.
On all Fours
The meaning of this idiom describes a situation of submission or vulnerability, mostly used in contexts where you must concede or yield to another.
Example: After losing the debate, he felt as if he was on all fours, humbled and ready to accept his opponent’s arguments.
Three Square Meals a Day
The idiomatic phrase “three square meals a day” means the habit of eating three balanced and nutritious meals which are breakfast, lunch, and dinner, every day.
Example: The company cafeteria gives three square meals a day to its employees.
A Million and One
The meaning of “a million and one” is an overwhelming number of possibilities or options. It can also imply a deep emotional connection or the idea that something is priceless.
Example: After going through Pinterest, I found a million and one ways to decorate my home for Christmas.
All in One Piece
The idiom “all in one piece” generally means being intact or undamaged, usually after a challenging experience.
Example: Despite the turbulence, the passengers were grateful to land at their destination all in one piece.
Five-Finger Discount
This idiomatic phrase means shoplifting or stealing merchandise from a store without paying for it.
Example: She joked that her new handbag was a five-finger discount, even though she bought it on sale.
Forty Winks
The phrase “forty winks” means a short nap or brief period of sleep usually taken during the day to rejuvenate oneself.
Example: He usually takes forty winks on the metro going home in the evening.
Take Five
“Take five” is an idiomatic expression meaning to take a short break around five minutes from an activity or task. It is usually used informally to recommend stepping away to relax or recharge before returning to work or a discussion.
Example: After working for three hours straight, the team decided to take five to recharge before continuing their project.
A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
The saying “a stitch in time saves nine” means that handling a small problem promptly can prevent it from becoming a larger issue that requires much more effort to fix later.
Example: If we had managed the customer service problems earlier in the year, we wouldn’t be at sixes and sevens trying to fix our poor reputation now. A stitch in time saves nine.
Related reads on Idioms and Proverbs
FAQs
A saying about numbers is “numbers don’t lie,” which means that numbers present facts as they are.
An idiom that describes a small number is “a drop in the ocean” which means a very small amount as compared to a larger quantity.
An idiom related to math is “adding insult to injury” which means making a bad situation worse.
This was all about the “Idioms on Numbers”. 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 like Idioms.
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