This post is designed to help you boost your vocabulary while putting a smile on your face. We realize that what one considers funny is subjective, but hopefully you’ll appreciate our selection of some very special, somewhat humorous expressions.

Idiom	Meaning	Example
(As) cool as a cucumber	very calm and showing control, especially in a difficult situation	Even when the fire alarm went off during the meeting, Sarah was as cool as a cucumber, calmly directing everyone to the exit.
Hold your horses	slow down / wait / be patient / don’t rush into action	I know you’re excited to start the project, but hold your horses until we get approval from the manager.
To rain cats and dogs	to rain very heavily	We were all set for a picnic, but it started to rain cats and dogs, so we had to cancel our plans.
When pigs fly	something is so unlikely that it will never occur (used to express skepticism)	My brother said he would clean his room every day, but I’ll believe it when pigs fly!
Couch potato	a person who spends a lot of time sitting and watching television	After a long week at work, I just want to be a couch potato and binge-watch my favorite series all weekend.
To kick the bucket	a euphemism for dying (related: “Common English Euphemisms” and “Idioms About Life & Death”)	The old farmer finally kicked the bucket after a long and fulfilling life on the land.
The lights are on but nobody’s home	used to describe somebody who is stupid, not thinking clearly or not paying attention	When I asked him a question about the project, he just stared blankly at me—it’s like the lights are on but nobody’s home.
To go bananas	to become angry, crazy or silly	The kids went bananas when they saw the ice cream truck pull up in front of the house.
To have a cow (American English)	to become very angry or anxious about something	Don’t have a cow! It’s just a small mistake on the report, we can fix it easily.
A sandwich short of a picnic	used to describe someone who is considered to be not very intelligent or a bit crazy; it suggests that they are lacking something essential	After his latest wild idea about starting a llama farm in the city, I couldn’t help but think he’s a sandwich short of a picnic.
To put a sock in it (British English)	used to tell somebody to stop talking or making a noise	I appreciate your enthusiasm, but could you put a sock in it for a moment? I’m trying to concentrate.
In a pickle	in a difficult or unpleasant situation	I found myself in a pickle when I accidentally sent the wrong email to my boss.
To put your foot in your mouth	say something embarrassing, inappropriate, or tactless, often unintentionally	I really put my foot in my mouth when I asked her about her new baby, not realizing she had just lost the pregnancy.
To butter someone up	to say nice things to somebody so that they will help you or give you something	He tried to butter up his boss with compliments before asking for a raise.
Fruitcake	an offensive word for a person who behaves in a strange or crazy way	I don’t know why he wore a tutu to the meeting; he’s a real fruitcake sometimes!

Practice

Exercise 1. Click the link here and type in the idioms for each picture. ❕Make sure you type them the way they appear in the table above.

Exercise 2. Complete the sentences below with the right words. The answer key is given below.

1. Despite the pressure of the final exam, Mark studied diligently and stayed ___, confident in his preparation.
2. My parents ___ when they found out I had failed my math test, but I promised to study harder next time.
3. He tends to ___ during meetings, often making comments that are awkward or out of place.
4. She was getting tired of the gossip and decided it was time to tell her friends to ___.
5. He joked that he wanted to travel the world before he ___, emphasizing his desire to live life to the fullest.
6. The politician promised to lower taxes while increasing spending; I think that’ll happen ___.
7. After forgetting my wallet at home, I was ___ trying to pay for my groceries.
8. When the concert tickets went on sale, fans ___, trying to secure their spots before they sold out.
9. “___!” she shouted, as her younger brother was about to jump into the pool without checking the water first.
10. As soon as we stepped outside, the sky opened up and it began ___, soaking us within minutes.
11. When he tried to fix the car with duct tape and a butter knife, I realized he was definitely ___.
12. She was physically in the conversation, but I could tell ___; her mind was elsewhere.
13. She always knows how ___ her parents when she wants to borrow the car for the weekend.
14. My parents are worried that I’ve become ___ since I’ve started working from home and hardly ever go outside.
15. While some people think he’s ___, I admire his unique perspective on life.

Answer key 🔑

1. as cool as a cucumber
2. had a cow
3. put his foot in his mouth
4. put a sock in it
5. kicked the bucket
6. when pigs fly
7. in a pickle
8. went bananas
9. Hold your horses
10. to rain cats and dogs
11. a sandwich short of a picnic
12. the lights were on but nobody’s home
13. to butter up
14. a couch potato
15. a fruitcake