English Vocabulary

Idioms derived from parts of the body - Part IV

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.

Put a brave face/front on something (behave in a way that makes people think you are happy when you are not)

• She's very ill but she's putting a brave front on it. (= She makes people believe that her illness does not worry her.)

Put on a brave face/front

• I was not feeling well. Nevertheless, I decided to put on a brave face/front.

In-your-face (shocking or annoying in a way that is difficult to ignore)

• They ran an in-your-face campaign to promote the magazine.

Face up to (meet or accept challenges boldly)

• I never thought that he would be able to face up to the difficult situation.

In the face of (in spite of)

• He could achieve his goal in the face of great difficulties.

Lose face (do something that may affect your reputation)

• He refused to admit his involvement in the scandal because he didn't want to lose face.

Face the music (accept criticism or punishment for something that you have done)

• When it was discovered that he was the culprit, he chose to disappear rather than face the music.

Feet

Get cold feet (suddenly become too frightened to do something you had planned to do)

• They were to get married last Sunday, but unfortunately John got cold feet at the last moment.

Drag your feet/heels (act in a slow and hesitant manner)

• Peter wants to purchase a new car, but his father is dragging his feet.
• I wonder why the government is dragging its feet over the abolition of job reservation based on caste.

Keep your/both feet on the ground (not have your character spoilt by becoming famous or successful)

• Success hasn’t changed him – he has kept his feet firmly on the ground.

Stand on one’s own feet (become independent)

• She has finally got a good job – she can now stand on her own feet.

Think on your feet (think and react quickly)

• You must be able to think on your feet if you are doing live stage shows.

Not let the grass grow under your feet (not waste time by delaying doing something)

• Students, your exams are fast approaching – you can hardly afford to let the grass grow under your feet.

Have the world at your feet (become extremely successful and popular)

• Her first film has just released, but the young actress already has the world at her feet.

Get the latest updates

 Subscribe in a reader