Have you ever heard a sentence that sounded completely strange and made you stop and think, “Wait… what does that even mean?” That’s exactly what weird idioms do! Weird idioms are funny English phrases that do not mean what their words say. Instead, they use silly pictures and surprising ideas to explain everyday situations. For kids, these idioms feel like jokes hidden inside sentences.
Weird idioms are some of the most fun parts of the English language. They might talk about animals doing strange things, food acting funny, or impossible situations—but don’t worry, none of it is real! These phrases are just playful ways people talk. Kids often hear weird idioms in cartoons, storybooks, movies, and even from adults at home or school.
Learning weird idioms helps kids understand English better and feel less confused when they hear these strange phrases. Once kids know the meanings, these idioms become fun instead of puzzling. They also help children remember new words more easily because silly ideas stick in the mind.
This guide is made to help kids laugh and learn at the same time. With simple explanations and friendly language, weird idioms become easy to understand and exciting to use. As kids explore these funny expressions, they’ll discover that English can be surprising, imaginative, and a lot of fun!
1. Number Weird Idioms 🔢
Idioms with numbers that are definitely not about math!
1. At the Drop of a Hat
Meaning: Right away, without waiting.
He agreed to help at the drop of a hat.
She started singing at the drop of a hat.
2. One in a Million
Meaning: Very special or rare.
Your kindness is one in a million.
That talent is truly one in a million.
3. Two Heads Are Better Than One
Meaning: Working together helps.
We solved the puzzle faster together.
Two heads really were better than one.
4. On Cloud Nine
Meaning: Extremely happy.
She felt on cloud nine after the trip.
He was on cloud nine all weekend.
5. Behind the Eight Ball
Meaning: In a tough situation.
Missing homework put him behind the eight ball.
She felt behind the eight ball before the test.
6. In Two Minds
Meaning: Not sure what to choose.
I was in two minds about the movie.
She stayed in two minds all day.
7. Sixth Sense
Meaning: A strong feeling about something.
I had a sixth sense the answer was right.
Mom’s sixth sense always knows!
8. Take Five
Meaning: Take a short break.
Let’s take five before reading.
The class happily took five.
9. Ten to One
Meaning: Very likely.
Ten to one, he’ll be late.
Ten to one, it will rain.
10. Zero In On
Meaning: Focus closely.
She zeroed in on the question.
He zeroed in on the clue.
2. Animal Weird Idioms 🐾
These idioms mention animals—but don’t take them literally!
1. Raining Cats and Dogs
Meaning: Raining very hard.
It was raining cats and dogs outside.
We stayed indoors all day.
2. Hold Your Horses
Meaning: Wait or slow down.
Hold your horses—it’s not time yet!
He asked us to be patient.
3. Busy as a Bee
Meaning: Very busy.
She was busy as a bee cleaning.
He worked like a bee all morning.
4. Copycat
Meaning: Someone who copies others.
Stop being a copycat!
He copied my drawing exactly.
5. Fish Out of Water
Meaning: Feeling uncomfortable.
I felt like a fish out of water.
New places can feel strange.
6. Eagle Eye
Meaning: Notices everything.
The teacher has an eagle eye.
Nothing escapes her notice.
7. Monkey Business
Meaning: Silly or naughty behavior.
No monkey business in class!
They laughed at the monkey business.
8. Let the Cat Out of the Bag
Meaning: Tell a secret.
He let the cat out of the bag.
The surprise was spoiled.
9. Pig Out
Meaning: Eat too much.
We pigged out at the party.
He pigged out on cookies.
10. Wise as an Owl
Meaning: Very smart.
Grandpa is wise as an owl.
She gave wise advice.
3. Everyday Weird Idioms 🏠
You hear these strange sayings all the time!
1. Break a Leg
Meaning: Good luck.
Break a leg in the show!
Everyone wished her well.
2. Spill the Beans
Meaning: Tell a secret.
Come on, spill the beans!
He finally told the truth.
3. Hit the Books
Meaning: Study hard.
I need to hit the books.
She studied late.
4. Under the Weather
Meaning: Feeling sick.
I’m under the weather today.
He stayed home to rest.
5. Piece of Cake
Meaning: Very easy.
The quiz was a piece of cake.
That task was simple.
6. In Hot Water
Meaning: In trouble.
He was in hot water for shouting.
She apologized quickly.
7. Pull Someone’s Leg
Meaning: Joke with them.
I was just pulling your leg.
She laughed at the joke.
8. See Eye to Eye
Meaning: Agree.
We see eye to eye.
They agreed happily.
9. Cut Corners
Meaning: Do something carelessly.
Don’t cut corners on homework.
He rushed the job.
10. Cost an Arm and a Leg
Meaning: Very expensive.
That toy costs an arm and a leg.
We saved money instead.
4. Food Weird Idioms 🍔
These idioms sound tasty—but mean something else!
1. Cool as a Cucumber
Meaning: Very calm.
She stayed cool as a cucumber.
He didn’t worry at all.
2. In a Pickle
Meaning: In trouble.
I’m in a pickle!
He didn’t know what to do.
3. Full of Beans
Meaning: Energetic.
She was full of beans today.
He jumped around happily.
4. Spill the Tea
Meaning: Share gossip.
She spilled the tea at lunch.
Everyone listened closely.
5. Bread and Butter
Meaning: Something important.
Reading is my bread and butter.
Writing helps every day.
6. Butter Someone Up
Meaning: Say nice things to get something.
He buttered up the teacher.
She smiled sweetly.
7. Sweeten the Deal
Meaning: Make an offer better.
Extra dessert sweetened the deal.
Bonus time helped.
8. Cheesy
Meaning: Silly or funny.
That joke was cheesy.
We still laughed.
9. Bring Home the Bacon
Meaning: Earn money.
Parents bring home the bacon.
Work supports the family.
10. Take It with a Grain of Salt
Meaning: Don’t fully believe it.
Take the story with a grain of salt.
It might not be true.
5. Body-Related Weird Idioms 🤹♂️
These idioms mention body parts, but they don’t mean what they sound like!
1. Cost an Arm and a Leg
Meaning: Very expensive.
That video game costs an arm and a leg.
We saved money instead of buying it.
2. Pull Your Socks Up
Meaning: Try harder or behave better.
The teacher told him to pull his socks up.
He worked harder after that.
3. Keep an Eye on
Meaning: Watch carefully.
Please keep an eye on my bag.
She kept an eye on her little brother.
4. Have a Change of Heart
Meaning: Decide differently.
He had a change of heart and shared.
She changed her mind kindly.
5. Pain in the Neck
Meaning: Something annoying.
That buzzing fly was a pain in the neck.
Losing pencils can be a pain.
6. All Ears
Meaning: Listening carefully.
I’m all ears—tell me the story!
The class was all ears.
7. Stick Your Neck Out
Meaning: Take a risk.
She stuck her neck out to help.
He tried something new.
8. Nose Around
Meaning: Be curious or search.
He nosed around for clues.
The puppy nosed around the room.
9. Get Cold Feet
Meaning: Feel nervous and back out.
She got cold feet before the show.
He felt nervous at the last minute.
10. Keep Your Chin Up
Meaning: Stay positive.
Keep your chin up—you’ll do great!
She smiled and stayed strong.
6. Silly Situation Idioms 🤪
These idioms describe funny or awkward moments.
1. In a Jam
Meaning: In trouble.
I’m in a jam with my homework.
He needed help fast.
2. Back to Square One
Meaning: Start again.
The game reset to square one.
We had to start over.
3. Out of the Blue
Meaning: Suddenly.
The rain came out of the blue.
He called me out of the blue.
4. Miss the Boat
Meaning: Miss a chance.
I missed the boat joining the team.
He was too late.
5. On Thin Ice
Meaning: Close to trouble.
He’s on thin ice for talking.
She apologized quickly.
6. Go Bananas
Meaning: Get very excited or silly.
The kids went bananas at recess.
Everyone cheered loudly.
7. Hit the Sack
Meaning: Go to sleep.
I hit the sack early.
He was very tired.
8. A Sticky Situation
Meaning: A hard problem.
That was a sticky situation.
She solved it calmly.
9. Go Overboard
Meaning: Do too much.
He went overboard with candy.
She decorated too much.
10. In the Same Boat
Meaning: Have the same problem.
We’re in the same boat.
Everyone felt the same.
7. Funny Action Idioms 🎭
These idioms make actions sound strange and playful!
1. Jump the Gun
Meaning: Start too early.
He jumped the gun and ran.
She spoke too soon.
2. Hit the Nail on the Head
Meaning: Be exactly right.
You hit the nail on the head!
That answer was perfect.
3. Bend Over Backwards
Meaning: Try very hard.
She bent over backwards to help.
He tried his best.
4. Shake a Leg
Meaning: Hurry up.
Shake a leg—we’re late!
They rushed quickly.
5. Cut to the Chase
Meaning: Get to the point.
Let’s cut to the chase.
She explained quickly.
6. Go the Extra Mile
Meaning: Do more than expected.
She went the extra mile on her project.
He helped even more.
7. Fly Off the Handle
Meaning: Get very angry suddenly.
He flew off the handle.
She calmed down later.
8. Push Your Luck
Meaning: Take too many chances.
Don’t push your luck.
He stopped while ahead.
9. Keep the Ball Rolling
Meaning: Continue something.
Let’s keep the ball rolling.
They stayed active.
10. Bite the Bullet
Meaning: Do something difficult.
He bit the bullet and tried.
She faced her fear.
8. Weather & Nature Weird Idioms 🌦️
These idioms talk about weather and nature—but they’re not really about storms or sunshine!
1. Under the Weather
Meaning: Feeling sick.
I stayed home because I was under the weather.
She felt better after resting.
2. Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
Meaning: Good things come after bad times.
Losing the game taught us teamwork.
There’s always a silver lining.
3. Come Rain or Shine
Meaning: No matter what happens.
I walk the dog rain or shine.
He finishes homework no matter what.
4. Storm in a Teacup
Meaning: Making a small problem feel big.
It was just a storm in a teacup.
The problem wasn’t serious.
5. Break the Ice
Meaning: Make people feel comfortable.
The joke broke the ice.
Everyone relaxed after that.
6. In Hot Water
Meaning: In trouble.
He was in hot water for being late.
She fixed it quickly.
7. Blow Hot and Cold
Meaning: Change your mind often.
He blows hot and cold about the game.
She can’t decide!
8. Head in the Clouds
Meaning: Not paying attention.
He had his head in the clouds.
She forgot the question.
9. Chasing Rainbows
Meaning: Trying for something impossible.
He was chasing rainbows.
She learned to be realistic.
10. Snowed Under
Meaning: Too much work.
I’m snowed under with homework.
She finished one task at a time.
9. Time & Speed Weird Idioms ⏰
These idioms talk about time—but not in a normal way!
1. In the Nick of Time
Meaning: Just in time.
The bell rang in the nick of time.
She arrived seconds before closing.
2. Around the Clock
Meaning: All day and night.
Doctors work around the clock.
He studied all night.
3. Time Flies
Meaning: Time goes quickly.
Time flies during vacations.
The day ended fast.
4. Beat the Clock
Meaning: Finish before time runs out.
We beat the clock in the quiz.
He finished right on time.
5. Call It a Day
Meaning: Stop working.
Let’s call it a day.
They packed up and went home.
6. At the Eleventh Hour
Meaning: At the last moment.
He turned it in at the eleventh hour.
She rushed to finish.
7. Better Late Than Never
Meaning: Late is better than not at all.
He arrived late but still helped.
Better late than never!
8. Kill Time
Meaning: Do something while waiting.
I read a book to kill time.
They played games while waiting.
9. Once in a Blue Moon
Meaning: Very rarely.
I eat candy once in a blue moon.
He visits rarely.
10. In No Time
Meaning: Very soon.
We finished in no time.
She learned it quickly.
10. Money & Value Weird Idioms 💰
These idioms sound rich—but they’re about everyday life!
1. Pennies from Heaven
Meaning: Unexpected good news or money.
The bonus felt like pennies from heaven.
She was happily surprised.
2. Broke the Bank
Meaning: Cost too much.
That trip broke the bank.
We saved instead.
3. Worth Every Penny
Meaning: Really good value.
The book was worth every penny.
He loved the gift.
4. On the House
Meaning: Free.
Dessert was on the house.
Everyone smiled.
5. Pay the Price
Meaning: Face consequences.
He paid the price for cheating.
She learned her lesson.
6. Buy into Something
Meaning: Believe or support.
She bought into the idea.
He believed the plan.
7. Cash in On
Meaning: Benefit from something.
He cashed in on his hard work.
She enjoyed success.
8. Tighten Your Belt
Meaning: Spend less.
We tightened our belts.
They saved money.
9. Throw Money Away
Meaning: Waste money.
Broken toys feel like money wasted.
We spent wisely.
10. Living Paycheck to Paycheck
Meaning: Using all money quickly.
They planned carefully.
Saving helped them relax.
11. Thinking & Brain Weird Idioms 🧠
These idioms are all about ideas, thoughts, and clever thinking.
1. Pick Someone’s Brain
Meaning: Ask someone for ideas.
I picked my teacher’s brain for help.
She picked his brain about the project.
2. Wrap Your Head Around
Meaning: Understand something.
I can’t wrap my head around this puzzle!
She finally understood it.
3. Out of Your Mind
Meaning: Acting silly or strange.
Are you out of your mind?
That idea was crazy!
4. Brainwave
Meaning: A great idea.
I had a brainwave during class.
Her brainwave solved everything.
5. Lose Your Train of Thought
Meaning: Forget what you were saying.
I lost my train of thought mid-story.
She had to start again.
6. Think Outside the Box
Meaning: Be creative.
Think outside the box for art class.
He used a smart idea.
7. Food for Thought
Meaning: Something to think about.
That story gave me food for thought.
She thought about it all day.
8. Rack Your Brains
Meaning: Think very hard.
I racked my brains for the answer.
He finally remembered.
9. Mind-Blowing
Meaning: Amazing or surprising.
The magic trick was mind-blowing!
Everyone gasped.
10. Have a Brain Freeze
Meaning: Can’t think clearly (or eat ice cream too fast!).
I had a brain freeze during the test.
Ice cream caused it too!
12. Talking & Communication Weird Idioms 🗣️
These idioms sound funny—but they’re all about speaking and listening.
1. Word of Mouth
Meaning: News shared by people.
I heard it by word of mouth.
Friends spread the news.
2. Speak Your Mind
Meaning: Say what you think.
She bravely spoke her mind.
He shared his opinion.
3. Zip Your Lips
Meaning: Stop talking.
Zip your lips during the movie.
He stayed quiet.
4. On the Tip of My Tongue
Meaning: Almost remembering.
The answer’s on the tip of my tongue!
She almost said it.
5. Take It with a Grain of Salt
Meaning: Don’t fully believe it.
Take that story lightly.
It may not be true.
6. Talk the Ear Off
Meaning: Talk a lot.
He talked my ear off!
She loved chatting.
7. Straight from the Horse’s Mouth
Meaning: From the real source.
I heard it straight from the source.
The teacher told us herself.
8. Bite Your Tongue
Meaning: Stop yourself from speaking.
I bit my tongue to stay polite.
She didn’t argue.
9. Put in a Good Word
Meaning: Say something nice about someone.
She put in a good word for me.
It really helped.
10. Get the Message Across
Meaning: Make someone understand.
He got the message across clearly.
Everyone understood the rule.
13. Feelings & Emotions Weird Idioms 💖
These idioms describe feelings in funny ways!
1. On Pins and Needles
Meaning: Feeling nervous or excited.
I was on pins and needles waiting.
She couldn’t sit still.
2. Over the Moon
Meaning: Very happy.
She was over the moon about the gift.
He smiled all day.
3. Down in the Dumps
Meaning: Feeling sad.
He felt down in the dumps.
A hug helped.
4. Butterflies in Your Stomach
Meaning: Feeling nervous.
I had butterflies before the show.
She felt excited and nervous.
5. At Your Wits’ End
Meaning: Very frustrated.
Mom was at her wits’ end.
The noise was too much.
6. Blow Off Steam
Meaning: Release energy or stress.
He ran outside to blow off steam.
It helped him calm down.
7. Feel on Top of the World
Meaning: Feel amazing.
She felt on top of the world.
Everything felt perfect.
8. Keep Your Cool
Meaning: Stay calm.
Keep your cool during the test.
He stayed relaxed.
9. Heart of Gold
Meaning: Very kind.
She has a heart of gold.
Everyone loves her.
10. Laugh Your Head Off
Meaning: Laugh a lot.
We laughed our heads off.
The joke was hilarious.
14. Movement & Action Weird Idioms 🏃♀️
These idioms describe actions—but not in the way you expect!
1. Get the Ball Rolling
Meaning: Start something.
Let’s get the ball rolling on our project.
The teacher got the ball rolling with an idea.
2. Jump on the Bandwagon
Meaning: Join something popular.
Everyone jumped on the bandwagon and joined the game.
She joined because all her friends did.
3. Run Around in Circles
Meaning: Do a lot but get nothing done.
I felt like I was running in circles.
He kept trying without success.
4. Hit the Ground Running
Meaning: Start quickly and with energy.
She hit the ground running on the first day.
He started working right away.
5. Go Out on a Limb
Meaning: Take a risk.
He went out on a limb and tried.
She shared her idea bravely.
6. Drag Your Feet
Meaning: Move slowly on purpose.
Stop dragging your feet and finish!
He delayed doing chores.
7. Bend the Rules
Meaning: Slightly change rules.
The teacher bent the rules kindly.
They were allowed extra time.
8. Make a Move
Meaning: Take action.
It’s time to make a move.
She decided to act.
9. Put Your Foot Down
Meaning: Be firm.
Mom put her foot down about bedtime.
The rule stayed the same.
10. Walk on Air
Meaning: Feel very happy.
He walked on air after winning.
She smiled all day.
15. School & Learning Weird Idioms 🎒
These idioms are often used in classrooms and learning situations.
1. Hit the Books
Meaning: Study hard.
I need to hit the books tonight.
She studied carefully for the test.
2. Learn the Ropes
Meaning: Learn how something works.
I’m learning the ropes in science class.
He understood after practice.
3. Back to the Drawing Board
Meaning: Start again.
The plan failed—back to the drawing board!
They tried a new idea.
4. Chalk It Up
Meaning: Accept something happened.
Chalk it up to a mistake.
Everyone learns that way.
5. Know It by Heart
Meaning: Memorize something.
She knows the poem by heart.
He remembered every word.
6. Pass with Flying Colors
Meaning: Do very well.
She passed with flying colors.
The test was easy for her.
7. School of Thought
Meaning: Way of thinking.
That’s one school of thought.
Others think differently.
8. Stay on Track
Meaning: Keep doing well.
Stay on track with homework.
He focused on his goals.
9. Read Between the Lines
Meaning: Understand hidden meaning.
Read between the lines of the story.
She noticed the lesson.
10. Show of Hands
Meaning: Vote by raising hands.
Let’s do a show of hands.
Most students agreed.
16. Problem & Solution Weird Idioms 🧩
These idioms describe tricky situations and smart fixes.
1. In a Bind
Meaning: In a difficult situation.
I’m in a bind with my homework.
She needed help quickly.
2. Out of a Pickle
Meaning: Solve a problem.
He got out of a pickle.
Everything worked out.
3. The Last Straw
Meaning: Final problem.
That was the last straw.
She finally spoke up.
4. On the Right Track
Meaning: Doing well.
You’re on the right track!
Keep going.
5. Crack a Problem
Meaning: Solve something difficult.
She cracked the puzzle.
Everyone cheered.
6. Get to the Bottom of It
Meaning: Find the real reason.
Let’s get to the bottom of it.
The mystery was solved.
7. Smooth Things Over
Meaning: Fix a disagreement.
He smoothed things over.
Everyone felt better.
8. Turn Things Around
Meaning: Improve a bad situation.
She turned things around fast.
Hard work helped.
9. Make Ends Meet
Meaning: Manage with what you have.
They worked to make ends meet.
Smart planning helped.
10. Light at the End of the Tunnel
Meaning: Hope after difficulty.
I see the light now.
Things are getting better.
17. Surprise & Confusion Weird Idioms 😲
These idioms show shock, confusion, or surprise.
1. Caught Red-Handed
Meaning: Caught doing something wrong.
He was caught red-handed cheating.
There was no hiding it.
2. Out of the Blue
Meaning: Suddenly.
The storm came out of the blue.
No one expected it.
3. Left in the Dark
Meaning: Not told information.
I was left in the dark.
She didn’t know the plan.
4. Throw for a Loop
Meaning: Surprise or confuse.
The question threw me for a loop.
I needed time to think.
5. Pull the Rug Out
Meaning: Suddenly change plans.
The plan was cancelled suddenly.
Everyone was surprised.
6. Take by Surprise
Meaning: Shock someone.
The gift took her by surprise.
She smiled wide.
7. Caught Off Guard
Meaning: Not prepared.
I was caught off guard.
She didn’t expect it.
8. Blow Someone’s Mind
Meaning: Deeply amaze.
The trick blew my mind.
Everyone gasped.
9. Hit Like a Ton of Bricks
Meaning: Suddenly feel strong emotion.
The news hit me hard.
I needed time.
10. Puzzle Someone
Meaning: Confuse.
That idea puzzled me.
I thought about it.
❓ FAQs About Weird Idioms
1. What are weird idioms?
Weird idioms are funny English phrases that mean something different from the words used.
2. Why do weird idioms sound so strange?
They use silly or impossible ideas to make language more fun and memorable.
3. Are weird idioms okay for kids to use?
Yes! They are safe, playful expressions used in everyday English.
🌟 Conclusion.
Weird idioms turn English into a world full of laughter and imagination. They show kids that language doesn’t always have to make perfect sense to be meaningful. These funny phrases make learning enjoyable and help kids understand real conversations better.
By learning weird idioms, children become more confident, curious, and creative with words. They learn to enjoy English instead of feeling confused by it. So keep laughing, keep learning, and let weird idioms remind you that language can be wonderfully weird—and super fun! 🎉
discover more post
Idioms Funny Laugh and Learn Silly English Expressions 2026
Fun Irish Idioms for Kids 2026.
Tener Idioms Made Fun for Kids 2026
Leave a Reply