“Life” idioms from Grammar.net.
Life is full of surprises – so here is another surprise – today we are going to be looking at idioms with the word “life” in them. First of all here is a great graphic from Grammar.net that helps to illustrate some of these idioms. These pictures alone aren’t enough to understand exactly what these idioms mean though. Below I have defined each of these ‘life idioms’ and I have also given examples of how each one is used. If you have any questions about these life idioms please post your question in the comments box below.
the light of someone’s life – the person you love most
Example: My daughter is the light of my life.
to lead a double life – to have a second or secret life (there is usually a negative connotation with this)
Example: After 20 years of marriage Jessica found out that her husband was leading a double life with another wife and 3 children in another town.
to risk life and limb – to do something very dangerous where you might get hurt
Example: The boys skied down the mountain, risking life and limb, but they were young so they didn’t care.
the best things in life are free – the most satisfying experiences do not always cost a lot of any money
Example: We spent the whole day hiking, had a wonderful time, and didn’t spend a penny. The best things in life are free!
it’s a dog’s life – life is hard and/or unpleasant
Example: I have three jobs. I work from 8am-6pm and 7pm-3am five days a week and I work all day Saturday and Sunday – it’s a dog’s life!
larger than life – having the quality of greatness
Example: The movie star seems larger than life to most people, but to her family she is just a normal person.
life is just a bowl of cherries – everything is going well; life is good; life is carefree
Example: First I got a new job, then I got a raise in the first month, then I got engaged to be married, and then I bought a new car. Life is just a bowl of cherries for me.
to spring to life – to reactivate someone or something; to give vigor to someone or something
Example: The children were sad about the field trip being canceled due to rain, but they all sprung to life when the teacher told them they could watch movies all day instead.
life in the fast lane – a very active and possible risky way to live (This refers to the fast lane on the highway.)
Example: I had my life in the fast lane, when I was young, now I just want peace and quiet out in the country on the farm.
