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nature idioms

20 Nature Idioms

20 Nature-Inspired Idioms

Nature has always been a source of inspiration for language and creativity. Many common expressions in English come from nature, and they can add color to your conversation. In this article, we will explore 20 popular nature-related idioms with simple examples to help you master them.

To go with the flow

To accept things as they come and not resist change.

Sometimes it’s best to go with the flow rather than stress over every little thing.
When plans changed last minute, he just went with the flow and had a great time anyway.

To go against the grain

To do something that is different from what is usually done.

His decision to quit his stable job and travel the world went against the grain of his family’s expectations.
The new manager’s idea to introduce flexible working hours went against the grain of the company’s traditional approach.

To have a green thumb

To be good at growing plants.

My aunt has a green thumb; she grows the most beautiful roses in her garden.
Even though he didn’t know much about gardening, he developed a green thumb after a few months of practice.

To be a fish out of water/to feel like a fish out of water

To feel uncomfortable or out of place.

He felt like a fish out of water when he moved to the busy city from a small town.
At the formal dinner, she was a fish out of water, not used to the fancy setting.

To leave no stone unturned

To search thoroughly and exhaustively for something or a solution.

The detective left no stone unturned in his search for the missing person.
The team left no stone unturned in their efforts to find a cure for the disease.

To weather the storm

To get through a difficult situation.

The company had to weather the storm during the economic downturn but emerged stronger.
They managed to weather the storm of the long, harsh winter with their strong teamwork.

To be a drop in the ocean

A very small part of something much bigger.

Their efforts to clean the park seemed like a drop in the ocean compared to the city’s pollution problem.
The small donation was a drop in the ocean compared to the hospital’s overall funding needs.

To be as clear as mud

To be confusing or unclear.

The directions on the website were as clear as mud, leaving me frustrated.
His explanation about the new project was as clear as mud, so I had to ask for clarification.

To be in the same boat

To be in the same difficult situation as others.

We’re all in the same boat, trying to finish the project by the deadline.
After the storm, everyone in the neighborhood was in the same boat, dealing with the damage.

To plant seeds of doubt

To make someone feel unsure or suspicious.

Her gossip planted seeds of doubt in his mind about his colleague’s honesty.
The manager’s refusal to explain the decision planted seeds of doubt among the team.

To chase rainbows

To try to achieve something that is unrealistic or impossible.

Don’t waste your time chasing rainbows; focus on finding a job that suits your skills.
She kept chasing rainbows, hoping for a miracle to solve all her financial problems.

To go off the beaten path

To take a different or less common route, either physically or metaphorically.

We decided to go off the beaten path and explore some lesser-known hiking trails.
Her career took her off the beaten path, starting her own company instead of following a typical job.

To be a tree hugger

To care deeply about the environment.

He’s a true tree hugger, always organizing community clean-ups and promoting recycling.
My friend is a tree hugger, constantly reminding everyone to reduce their carbon footprint.

To not be out of the woods yet

To still be in a difficult or uncertain situation, even if things are improving.

We’ve made progress, but we’re not out of the woods yet with the financial issues.
The patient is doing better, but the doctor says she’s not out of the woods yet.

To be in full bloom

To be at your best or most successful.

After months of hard work, the business is in full bloom, attracting many new customers.
Her career is in full bloom after she received that prestigious award.

To be as free as a bird

To feel completely free and without worries.

After finishing my exams, I felt as free as a bird, ready to enjoy my vacation.
Once the project was completed, he felt as free as a bird, with no more stress hanging over him.

To be on cloud nine

To be extremely happy or delighted.

He was on cloud nine after hearing he’d been accepted to his dream university.
She was on cloud nine when she received the news of her promotion.

To be as rare as hen’s teeth

To be very rare or difficult to find.

Finding a parking spot in the city center is as rare as hen’s teeth.
A totally honest person is as rare as hen’s teeth in today’s world.

To be a breath of fresh air

Something or someone that is new, refreshing, and invigorating.

Her positive attitude was a breath of fresh air in the office.
After a long, busy week, a walk in the park was a breath of fresh air.

To hit a rough patch

To go through a difficult or challenging period.

They’ve been going through a rough patch with their business lately.
After hitting a rough patch in their relationship, they decided to seek counseling.

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