Body idioms

Here are ten common idioms which are related to body parts:

foot in mouth

To put your foot in your mouth means that you say or do something that accidentally embarrasses or offends another person

'I put my foot in my mouth when I called by brother's new wife by his ex-wife's name.'

cost an arm and a leg

When something costs an arm and a leg it costs a lot of money. It's very expensive.'

'It cost me an arm and a leg to get my car fixed.'

get off my back

We use this expression when someone is criticising you or telling what to do all the time.

'Stop telling me what to do. Get off my back!'

cold shoulder

To give someone the cold shoulder means to ignore someone.

'I saw my ex-girlfriend at a party but she wouldn't talk to me. She gave me the cold shoulder.'

cold feet

To get nervous and to have second thoughts about doing something.

'I'm getting cold feet about my wedding. I'm so nervous.'

a sight for sore eyes

We use this expression when we are very happy to see someone or something.

'Hi Frank. You're a sight for sore eyes. I haven't seen you for years.'

a finger in every pie

To have a finger in every pie means that you are involved in many activities.

off the top of my head

Off the top of my head means that you say something without really thinking about it. A spontaneous reaction.

'Off the top of my head, I'd say there were a thousand people there.'

look down your nose

When you look down your nose at someone you think you are better or more important than them.

'Because he's rich he seems to think that he's better than everyone. He really looks down his nose at people.'

play it by ear

To play it by ears means to improvise or do something without preparation.

I don't know where we should go tonight. Let's just play it by ear.'

Link: Time Idioms

• The business man seemed to have a finger in every .
• They charge an arm and a at that restaurant.
• Good to see you, Jane. You are a for sore eyes.
• She has cold about her trip, but she will be ok.
• Be careful what you say. Try not to put your in your mouth.
• She is always complaining about me. She will not get off my .
• He acts superior, looking down his at everyone.