English Vocabulary

Idioms derived from parts of the body - Part III

Idioms are common in all kinds of English, formal and informal, spoken and written. Here is a list of idioms derived from the parts of the body.

Turn a deaf ear (refuse to listen to somebody or something)

• He turned a deaf ear to our warning and thus got into trouble.

Grin/smile from ear to ear (look extremely happy)

• His latest book is selling well and he is grinning from ear to ear.

Up to one’s ears in (deeply involved in)

• He is up to his ears in work/debt/trouble.

Elbow one’s way through (force one’s way by using one’s elbow)

• The conference room was so crowded that I had to elbow my way through the crowd to reach my seat.

Not bat an eye/eyelash/eyelid (not show any shock or surprise)

• 'So what did she say when you told her you were leaving?' 'She didn't bat an eyelid.'

Turn a blind eye (choose to ignore behaviour that you know is wrong)

• I knew Peter was taking the money but I turned a blind eye because he was my nephew.

Keep an eye on (keep a watch on)

• I decided to keep an eye on him because I found his way of working suspicious.

In the eyes of somebody (in somebody’s judgment)

• In my eyes he is a good and honest man.

Before/under one’s very eyes (in one’s presence)

• These evil practices are happening before your own eyes and you are keeping silent.

Doesn’t see eye to eye (If two people don’t see eye to eye, they don’t agree with each other.)

• He's asked for a transfer because he doesn't see eye to eye with the new manager.

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