Did you know that American Sign Language has its own special idioms too? ASL idioms are signs or signing expressions that mean more than they look like. They help people show feelings, ideas, and reactions in a fun and clear way. Letās explore ASL idioms together using simple explanations and kid-friendly examples!
ā 1. Number & Time ASL Idioms
These ASL idioms use time or order ideas to explain everyday situations.
1. ALL-DAY
Meaning: Something takes a very long time.
Homework felt like it took all day.
Waiting in line can feel like all day too.
2. LONG-TIME-NO-SEE
Meaning: You havenāt seen someone in a while.
You sign this when meeting an old friend.
Itās fun after school breaks!
3. EVERY-NOW-AND-THEN
Meaning: Something happens sometimes.
We play games every now and then.
It doesnāt happen every day.
4. WAIT-A-SECOND
Meaning: Please slow down or pause.
You can sign this when you need time.
Itās polite and helpful.
5. SAME-OLD
Meaning: Nothing new.
The day felt same-old at school.
The routine did not change.
6. FINISH
Meaning: All done.
The test is finished.
Homework is finished now.
7. LATE
Meaning: Not on time.
He was late to class.
The bus arrived late.
8. NEXT-TIME
Meaning: Later.
We can try next time.
Donāt worryāthereās always next time.
9. SOON
Meaning: In a short time.
Recess will start soon.
Lunch is coming soon.
10. STILL
Meaning: Something continues.
Itās still raining.
He is still practicing.
ā 2. Expression & Action ASL Idioms
These idioms use facial expressions and body movement.
1. TRAIN-GONE-SORRY
Meaning: You missed your chance.
You forgot your turnātrain gone, sorry!
It means the moment passed.
2. MIND-BLOWN
Meaning: Very surprised.
The magic trick felt mind-blown.
Big surprises cause this feeling.
3. FISH-SWALLOW
Meaning: Believe something too easily.
Donāt fish-swallow every story.
Always think carefully.
4. CAT-GOT-YOUR-TONGUE
Meaning: Why are you quiet?
Friends sign this when someone wonāt answer.
Itās playful and friendly.
5. EYES-POP
Meaning: Shock or surprise.
The gift made his eyes pop.
It shows excitement.
6. FREEZE-LOOK
Meaning: Confused.
She had a freeze-look during the quiz.
She didnāt know the answer yet.
7. SNEAK-SNEAK
Meaning: Try secretly.
He sneak-sneak looked at the gift.
It means quietly.
8. CHASE-TAIL
Meaning: Doing something with no result.
Trying without a plan feels like chasing tail.
It goes nowhere.
9. WATCHFUL-EYES
Meaning: Paying close attention.
The teacher has watchful eyes.
Nothing is missed.
10. QUIET-MOUSE
Meaning: Very quiet person.
She is a quiet mouse in class.
She doesnāt talk much.
ā 3. Everyday ASL Idioms
These idioms are common in daily ASL conversations.
1. UNDERSTAND-ME?
Meaning: Do you get it?
Teachers ask this often.
It checks understanding.
2. NO-BIG-DEAL
Meaning: Itās okay.
A small mistake is no big deal.
Donāt worry about it.
3. I-CANāT-BELIEVE
Meaning: Very surprised.
I canāt believe we won!
Used with a strong expression.
4. PAY-ATTENTION
Meaning: Focus.
The teacher signs this in class.
It helps students stay focused.
5. FORGET-IT
Meaning: Never mind.
Forget itāletās move on.
It ends confusion.
6. TRUE-BIZ
Meaning: Really true.
That story is true-biz.
It really happened.
7. WOW
Meaning: Amazing!
The show was wow!
It means something impressed you.
8. EXCUSE-ME
Meaning: Be polite.
You sign this before speaking.
It shows manners.
9. GUESS-SO
Meaning: Maybe.
I guess so if you want.
Not fully sure.
10. WHATEVER
Meaning: It doesnāt matter.
Whichever game is fine.
Used casually.
ā 4. Food & Feeling ASL Idioms
These idioms help show emotions and reactions.
1. SWEET
Meaning: Kind or nice.
Helping others is sweet.
Nice actions are sweet too.
2. SOUR-FACE
Meaning: Unhappy.
He had a sour face after losing.
Facial expression matters.
3. FULL
Meaning: Enough or done.
Iām fullāno more snacks.
Also means finished.
4. CHEW-ON-IDEA
Meaning: Think about it.
Chew on the idea first.
Donāt rush decisions.
5. HUNGRY-FOR
Meaning: Really want something.
Sheās hungry for learning.
Very excited to learn.
6. THIRSTY-FOR
Meaning: Strong interest.
Heās thirsty for knowledge.
He wants to learn more.
7. YUMMY
Meaning: Very good.
The food was yummy.
It tasted great.
8. BITTER-FEEL
Meaning: Feeling upset.
He had a bitter-feel after losing.
He felt sad inside.
9. TASTE-GOOD
Meaning: Enjoy something.
The movie tasted good.
It means you liked it.
10. FED-UP
Meaning: Tired of something.
She felt fed-up with waiting.
She wanted a change.
ā 5. School & Learning ASL Idioms
ASL idioms often show thoughts, learning, and school feelings.
1. LIGHT-BULB-ON
Meaning: Suddenly understand.
The math problem clickedālight-bulb on!
She finally understood the lesson.
2. THINK-HARD
Meaning: Try to remember or solve.
He think-hard during the quiz.
His face showed focus.
3. KNOW-NOTHING
Meaning: Donāt know at all.
I know-nothing about that game.
It means zero knowledge.
4. SMART-COOKIE
Meaning: Very smart person.
Sheās a smart cookie in class.
She learns quickly.
5. LEARN-FAST
Meaning: Learn quickly.
He learn-fast new signs.
Practice helps him grow.
ā 6. Emotions & Feelings ASL Idioms
These idioms show how someone feels inside.
1. HEART-HAPPY
Meaning: Feeling joyful.
Her heart felt happy.
Good news made her smile.
2. HEART-HURT
Meaning: Feeling sad.
His heart hurt after losing.
It showed deep feelings.
3. WOW-HAPPY
Meaning: Super excited.
She was wow-happy about the trip.
Her face showed excitement.
4. FEEL-BAD
Meaning: Sad or sorry.
I feel-bad about the mistake.
It means regret.
5. CALM-DOWN
Meaning: Relax.
Calm-down and breathe.
Everything is okay.
ā 7. Friendship & Social ASL Idioms
These idioms help with friends and teamwork.
1. BEST-FRIEND
Meaning: Very close friend.
She is my best-friend.
We play together daily.
2. GET-ALONG
Meaning: Be friendly.
We get-along well.
No fighting.
3. HELP-OUT
Meaning: Assist someone.
He help-out his friend.
Teamwork matters.
4. SHARE-TOGETHER
Meaning: Share nicely.
We share-together snacks.
It shows kindness.
5. COPY-SOMEONE
Meaning: Copy actions.
Donāt copy-someone.
Be yourself.
ā 8. Sports & Action ASL Idioms
These idioms show movement and effort.
1. GO-FOR-IT
Meaning: Try your best.
Go-for-itāyou can do it!
Believe in yourself.
2. PRACTICE-HARD
Meaning: Train a lot.
She practice-hard for the game.
Practice makes skills better.
3. WIN-BIG
Meaning: Big success.
Our team win-big.
Everyone cheered.
4. LOSE-TRY-AGAIN
Meaning: Donāt quit.
Lose? Try again!
Never give up.
5. FAST-MOVE
Meaning: Move quickly.
He fast-move on the field.
Speed helps.
ā 9. Problem & Solution ASL Idioms
These idioms talk about challenges.
1. PROBLEM-THERE
Meaning: There is an issue.
Problem-thereāwe must fix it.
Notice it early.
2. FIX-IT
Meaning: Solve the problem.
Fix-it together.
Teamwork helps.
3. TRY-NEW-WAY
Meaning: Change plan.
Letās try-new-way.
Old plan didnāt work.
4. SAME-PROBLEM
Meaning: Still not solved.
Same-problem again.
We must think harder.
5. SOLVE-FINAL
Meaning: Answer found.
We solve-final at last.
Success feels good.
ā 10. Agreement & Opinion ASL Idioms
Used to share thoughts.
1. I-AGREE
Meaning: Same opinion.
I agree with you.
Good idea!
2. I-DISAGREE
Meaning: Different opinion.
I disagree politely.
Thatās okay.
3. THINK-SAME
Meaning: Same thinking.
We think-same.
Great teamwork.
4. THINK-DIFFERENT
Meaning: Different idea.
He think-different.
Thatās okay too.
5. CHANGE-MIND
Meaning: Decide something new.
I change-mind.
New plan works better.
ā 11. Time & Schedule ASL Idioms
These idioms talk about timing.
1. RIGHT-NOW
Meaning: Immediately.
Do it right-now.
No waiting.
2. LATER
Meaning: Not now.
We play later.
Homework first.
3. ALWAYS
Meaning: Every time.
She always helps.
Very kind.
4. NEVER
Meaning: Not at all.
Never forget.
Remember that.
5. ALMOST-DONE
Meaning: Nearly finished.
Almost-done homework.
Just one more step.
ā 12. Thinking & Ideas ASL Idioms
Used for thoughts.
1. IDEA-POP
Meaning: New idea.
Idea popped!
Letās try it.
2. THINK-DEEP
Meaning: Serious thinking.
Think-deep before choosing.
Donāt rush.
3. NOT-SURE
Meaning: Unsure.
Iām not-sure yet.
I need time.
4. KNOW-THAT
Meaning: Certain.
I know-that already.
Iām confident.
5. FORGET-THAT
Meaning: Stop thinking about it.
Forget-that mistake.
Move forward.
ā 13. Rules & Behavior ASL Idioms
Useful for class and play.
1. RULE-FOLLOW
Meaning: Obey rules.
Rule-follow keeps games fair.
Everyone benefits.
2. NOT-ALLOW
Meaning: Not permitted.
Running insideā not allow.
Stop please.
3. GOOD-BEHAVIOR
Meaning: Acting nicely.
Good-behavior earns praise.
Keep it up.
4. BAD-CHOICE
Meaning: Wrong decision.
That was bad-choice.
Letās fix it.
5. TRY-BETTER
Meaning: Improve behavior.
Try-better tomorrow.
Everyone learns.
ā 14. Success & Failure ASL Idioms
About winning and learning.
1. SUCCESS-FEEL
Meaning: Feeling proud.
Success-feel is great.
You worked hard.
2. FAIL-TRY-AGAIN
Meaning: Learn from mistakes.
Fail happensātry again.
Donāt quit.
3. ALMOST-WIN
Meaning: Very close.
Almost-win!
Next time for sure.
4. BIG-ACHIEVE
Meaning: Big achievement.
Big-achieve today.
Celebrate wins.
5. KEEP-GOING
Meaning: Continue.
Keep-going forward.
Youāre doing great.
ā 15. Fun & Play ASL Idioms
Happy and playful signs.
1. FUN-TIME
Meaning: Enjoyment time.
Recess is fun-time.
Everyone smiles.
2. PLAY-MORE
Meaning: Want more fun.
Play-more later!
Games are fun.
3. LAUGH-HARD
Meaning: Laugh a lot.
We laugh-hard together.
Fun memories.
4. SILLY-MOOD
Meaning: Feeling playful.
Iām in silly-mood.
Time to joke.
5. HAPPY-DAY
Meaning: Great day.
Today is happy-day.
Everything went well.
ā 16. Family & Home ASL Idioms
These idioms are often used at home with family members.
1. FAMILY-CLOSE
Meaning: Family members are very loving.
Their family is family-close.
They help each other every day.
2. MOM-IN-CHARGE
Meaning: Mom decides.
Mom-in-charge at home.
She plans meals and rules.
3. DAD-HELP
Meaning: Dad helps out.
Dad-help with homework.
He explains patiently.
4. BABY-SPOIL
Meaning: Baby gets lots of attention.
The baby is baby-spoil.
Everyone cuddles them.
5. HOME-SAFE
Meaning: Feeling safe at home.
Home-safe feels good.
Itās warm and comfy.
ā 17. Health & Body ASL Idioms
ASL idioms can describe how our body feels.
1. FEEL-GOOD
Meaning: Healthy and happy.
I feel-good today.
Ready to play!
2. FEEL-SICK
Meaning: Not feeling well.
He feel-sick today.
Time to rest.
3. STRONG-BODY
Meaning: Healthy and strong.
Exercise gives strong-body.
It keeps you active.
4. TIRED-OUT
Meaning: Very tired.
After play, Iām tired-out.
Sleep helps.
5. ENERGY-LOW
Meaning: No energy.
Energy-low after school.
Snack time helps.
ā 18. Weather & Nature ASL Idioms
These idioms describe outdoor conditions.
1. SUN-HOT
Meaning: Very sunny.
Sun-hot outside today.
Wear a cap.
2. RAIN-POUR
Meaning: Heavy rain.
Rain-pour ruined playtime.
We stayed inside.
3. WIND-STRONG
Meaning: Powerful wind.
Wind-strong blew hats away.
Hold tight!
4. CLOUDY-DAY
Meaning: No sunshine.
Cloudy-day feels calm.
Perfect for walks.
5. STORM-COME
Meaning: Storm is near.
Storm-come soon.
Stay safe indoors.
ā 19. Travel & Movement ASL Idioms
Used while going places.
1. GO-AWAY
Meaning: Travel somewhere.
We go-away tomorrow.
Exciting trip!
2. COME-BACK
Meaning: Return.
Come-back soon.
Weāll miss you.
3. LOST-WAY
Meaning: Donāt know direction.
Uh-oh, lost-way.
Letās ask help.
4. FIND-WAY
Meaning: Direction found.
Finally find-way home.
Everyone happy.
5. WALK-LONG
Meaning: Long walk.
We walk-long at park.
Good exercise!
ā 20. Rules, Safety & Care ASL Idioms
Helpful everyday safety signs.
1. BE-CAREFUL
Meaning: Stay safe.
Be-careful on stairs.
No running.
2. WATCH-OUT
Meaning: Danger nearby.
Watch-out for cars.
Stop and look.
3. NOT-SAFE
Meaning: Dangerous.
That place not-safe.
Stay away.
4. SAFE-NOW
Meaning: No danger.
We safe-now.
Relax.
5. RULE-IMPORTANT
Meaning: Rules matter.
Rule-important for safety.
Follow them.
ā 21. Thinking Mistakes ASL Idioms
Used when something goes wrong.
1. WRONG-THINK
Meaning: Wrong idea.
That was wrong-think.
Letās change.
2. MISS-UNDERSTAND
Meaning: Didnāt understand.
I miss-understand you.
Explain again.
3. ALL-MIX-UP
Meaning: Confused.
My work is all-mix-up.
Letās organize.
4. FIX-MISTAKE
Meaning: Correct error.
Fix-mistake together.
No worry.
5. TRY-AGAIN
Meaning: Another try.
Try-again calmly.
Youāll learn.
ā 22. Waiting & Patience ASL Idioms
Good for teaching calmness.
1. WAIT-PLEASE
Meaning: Be patient.
Wait-please a moment.
Turn coming.
2. WAIT-LONG
Meaning: Long wait.
We wait-long for bus.
Still calm.
3. ALMOST-TIME
Meaning: Very soon.
Almost-time to go.
Get ready.
4. YOUR-TURN
Meaning: Time to act.
Your-turn now.
Go ahead.
5. NOT-YET
Meaning: Later.
Not-yet finished.
Soon!
ā 23. Helping & Kindness ASL Idioms
These show caring actions.
1. HELP-ME
Meaning: Need assistance.
Help-me please.
Thank you.
2. HELP-YOU
Meaning: Offer help.
Help-you with bags?
So kind.
3. THANK-YOU
Meaning: Appreciation.
Thank-you for helping.
Feels good.
4. KIND-HEART
Meaning: Caring person.
She has kind-heart.
Everyone likes her.
5. SHARE-KIND
Meaning: Share nicely.
Share-kind with friends.
Fair play.
ā 24. Communication ASL Idioms
Used while talking and signing.
1. TELL-ME
Meaning: Explain.
Tell-me the story.
Iām listening.
2. ASK-QUESTION
Meaning: Ask something.
Ask-question if unsure.
Thatās smart.
3. SAY-AGAIN
Meaning: Repeat.
Please say-again.
I missed it.
4. TALK-FINISH
Meaning: Done speaking.
Talk-finish now.
Your turn.
5. LISTEN-CAREFUL
Meaning: Pay attention.
Listen-careful to rule.
Important.
ā 25. Daily Life ASL Idioms
These are useful every single day.
1. WAKE-UP
Meaning: Get out of bed.
Wake-up early for school.
New day!
2. GO-SLEEP
Meaning: Bedtime.
Go-sleep now.
Sweet dreams.
3. EAT-TIME
Meaning: Mealtime.
Eat-time together.
Yummy food.
4. CLEAN-UP
Meaning: Tidy up.
Clean-up toys.
Good job.
5. DAY-FINISH
Meaning: Day ends.
Day-finish now.
Time to rest.
š Conclusion
Learning ASL idioms is more than just memorizing signsāitās about understanding feelings, ideas, and messages in a fun and meaningful way. ASL idioms help kids communicate clearly, show emotions, and express thoughts that go beyond simple words or signs. They make conversations brighter, more natural, and more exciting, just like stories with action and emotion. When children learn idioms in ASL, they donāt just learn a languageāthey learn how to connect, share kindness, solve problems, and understand others better.
By exploring ASL idioms from daily life, school, family, emotions, and fun activities, kids build confidence in signing and improve their communication skills. These idioms turn signing into an adventure where every expression has a purpose and every movement tells a story. Keep practicing these idioms, use them with friends and family, and enjoy discovering how powerful and expressive American Sign Language can be. The more you sign, the more confident and creative you becomeāso keep learning, keep signing, and most of all, have fun! š¤āØ
discover more post
Idioms in Chinese: Fun Meanings Made Easy for Kids 2026
Ā Obscure Idioms: Fun and Unusual Sayings for Curious Kids! 2026
100 Idioms and Their Origins for Kids 2026
Leave a Reply