30 Fall-Inspired English Idioms Everyone Should Know

Autumn Expressions: 30 English Idioms to Sound Like a Native Speaker

Autumn is a season of vibrant colors, crisp evenings, and cozy drinks. English has many idioms and expressions that capture the essence of this season. These fall-inspired idioms will add flavor to your speech and help you sound more natural. In this article, we’ll explore 30 popular autumn-themed idioms, complete with examples for each.

Why Idioms Are Essential for English Language Learners

Idioms aren’t just phrases to memorize; they bring language to life, revealing cultural nuances and everyday expressions. Many fall idioms are used frequently in literature, movies, and conversations, making them helpful for anyone looking to deepen their English fluency and connect with native speakers.

• Turn over a new leaf
  Meaning: To start fresh or make a positive change.
  Example: “With autumn here, I decided to turn over a new leaf and start exercising daily.”
• As right as rain
  Meaning: To feel perfectly fine or in great condition.
  Example: “After a few days of rest, she felt as right as rain.”
• To squirrel away
  Meaning: To save or store something for future use.
  Example: “She has been squirreling away money for her autumn vacation.”
• In the dead of night
  Meaning: Late at night or in the very early hours.
  Example: “He went for a walk in the dead of night.”
• Harvest the fruits of one’s labor
  Meaning: To enjoy the results of hard work.
  Example: “After a year of hard work, she is finally harvesting the fruits of her labor.”
• Fall for someone/something
  Meaning: To become infatuated with someone or attracted to something.
  Example: “He fell for her as soon as he saw her in that autumn park.”
• To be as cool as a cucumber
  Meaning: To remain calm, even in difficult situations.
  Example: “Even during the storm, he was as cool as a cucumber.”
• To weather the storm
  Meaning: To endure a challenging situation.
  Example: “They managed to weather the storm and stay together.”
• Rake over the coals
  Meaning: To criticize someone harshly for past actions.
  Example: “She was raked over the coals for her mistakes.”
• To be a late bloomer
  Meaning: Someone who develops skills or talents later than others.
  Example: “He was a late bloomer, finding success only in his thirties.”
• To blow hot and cold
  Meaning: To frequently change opinions or attitudes.
  Example: “He blows hot and cold on the project.”
• To be on the fence
  Meaning: To be undecided about something.
  Example: “I’m still on the fence about moving this autumn.”
• To breeze through
  Meaning: To accomplish something with ease.
  Example: “She breezed through her exams.”
• Golden opportunity
  Meaning: A rare, valuable chance.
  Example: “This job offer is a golden opportunity.”
• To turn to dust
  Meaning: To fail or come to nothing.
  Example: “All his plans turned to dust.”
• To be under the weather
  Meaning: To feel unwell.
  Example: “I’m feeling a bit under the weather today.”
• To bear fruit
  Meaning: To produce positive results.
  Example: “Their hard work is finally bearing fruit.”
• To let the grass grow under one’s feet
  Meaning: To be idle or inactive.
  Example: “Don’t let the grass grow under your feet, start now.”
• A thorn in one’s side
  Meaning: A constant source of annoyance.
  Example: “The project has been a thorn in my side.”
• To lose one’s leaves
  Meaning: To lose something important or deteriorate over time.
  Example: “He feels like he’s losing his leaves with age.”
• To go out on a limb
  Meaning: To take a risk.
  Example: “She went out on a limb to defend her idea.”
• To branch out
  Meaning: To expand one’s interests or activities.
  Example: “He decided to branch out and try a new field.”
• To make hay while the sun shines
  Meaning: To take advantage of a good opportunity while it lasts.
  Example: “You should make hay while the sun shines.”
• To take a leaf out of someone’s book
  Meaning: To follow someone’s example.
  Example: “You should take a leaf out of her book.”
• To bite the dust
  Meaning: To fail or be defeated.
  Example: “Many companies bit the dust during the recession.”
• The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
  Meaning: A child often resembles their parents.
  Example: “He’s just like his father – the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
• To gather dust
  Meaning: To be neglected or forgotten.
  Example: “My old hobbies are gathering dust.”
• To nip something in the bud
  Meaning: To stop something early before it becomes a bigger problem.
  Example: “It’s best to nip the problem in the bud.”
• To reap what you sow
  Meaning: To experience the consequences of one’s actions.
  Example: “If you’re kind, you’ll reap what you sow.”
• To shed light on
  Meaning: To clarify or explain something.
  Example: “The investigation shed light on the truth.”