Hair Idioms and What They Mean
Hair idioms help us talk about stress, fear, fun, and small problems in a creative way. These expressions use the word “hair” to show strong feelings or actions. Here are 9 hair idioms, what they mean, and how to use them.
Let your hair down
To relax and enjoy yourself.
After work, she just wanted to let her hair down and have fun.
It’s the weekend—time to let your hair down!
Get in someone’s hair
To annoy or bother someone.
The kids were noisy and really got in her hair.
Stop running around! You’re getting in my hair.
Make your hair stand on end
To scare or shock you.
That horror movie made my hair stand on end.
The loud noise made his hair stand on end.
Bad hair day
A day when many things go wrong.
I missed the bus and spilled coffee—such a bad hair day!
She was late and forgot her homework. What a bad hair day.
Split hairs
To argue or worry about very small, unimportant details.
Don’t split hairs—just do your best.
They’re always splitting hairs over tiny problems.
Not turn a hair
To stay calm and not show emotion.
He didn’t turn a hair when he heard the bad news.
She didn’t turn a hair during the scary scene.
Tear your hair out
To be very worried or angry.
I’m tearing my hair out over this project.
She was tearing her hair out trying to fix the mistake.
Hair-raising
Very exciting or scary.
The roller coaster ride was hair-raising!
We had a hair-raising trip through the storm.
Keep your hair on
To stay calm and not get angry (mainly British).
Keep your hair on, I’m trying to help!
He needs to keep his hair on and stop shouting.
