'Get Into the Rhythm' With English Music Idioms

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Music is an important part of cultures around the world. In English, you can see its influence in many idioms native speakers use every day.

This time, we'll introduce 16 music-related expressions that are useful in casual chats with friends and even in formal business settings. Let's begin! 🎵

English Music Idioms

Good note / Bad note

The very beginning and end of an interaction can have a big influence on our overall feelings. In English, fluent speakers often compare these moments to the first and last notes of a song.

Jesse wanted to start her new job on a good note, so she brought doughnuts for her co-workers.

The meeting ended on a bad note when the negotiations failed.

March to the beat of one’s own drum

Some people choose to do things differently than others. Their uniqueness may come from their attitude, their fashion or their way of thinking.

We can describe people like this by saying they "march to the beat of their own drum."

I admire Jane for marching to the beat of her own drum. She's very confident and doesn't mind standing out.

Sing a different tune

A young woman singing a tune in front of a large band playing percussion instruments

This expression is used when someone changes their mind about something — as if they're switching from one song (or tune) to a different one.

This is often said sarcastically or as a warning.

You're not bringing a jacket? It's warm now, but you'll be singing a different tune when the sun goes down.

Get into the rhythm

Musicians often struggle to play a song they've never played before. In a similar way, when trying a new activity, you may not understand how to do it correctly at first.

If you keep trying, however, you'll eventually "get into the rhythm," when you're doing it comfortably and naturally.

It took me a little while to get into the rhythm at my new job, but now I feel quite comfortable.

It's also common to say "get into a rhythm."

Once my teammates and I got into a rhythm, we were able to work very quickly.

Music to one’s ears

If you hear some news that makes you very happy, you can compare it to the feeling of hearing music that you enjoy.

Hearing that I didn't have to go to the office tomorrow was like music to my ears!

Tone-deaf

Someone who's tone-deaf is unable to clearly understand small differences between musical notes. That results in music that's not so nice to listen to!

But outside of music, you can describe people and their actions as "tone-deaf" if they're not sensitive or appropriate for a situation.

Johnson's joking during the important business meeting was very tone-deaf.

To the tune of ~

This idiom is a creative way to emphasize a specific number or amount.

Our charity campaign received donations to the tune of $50,000. We can use that money to help a lot of people!

One-man band

Bands consist of various members who each play different instruments or have specific roles.

But in general conversations, a "one-man band" is someone who can do many tasks without help from others — just like a musician who can play every instrument on their own.

Daisuke is a one-man band; he programmed the game, made all of the art, and even wrote the music himself. Amazing!

Without skipping a beat

A young man playing the drums on stage with his bandmates

If someone can keep doing an activity smoothly even if there's a problem or distraction, it's just like a musician who can maintain the rhythm of a song regardless of what's happening around them.

The Covid pandemic had a negative effect on many businesses, but we were able to continue without skipping a beat.

One-hit wonder

A "one-hit wonder" is an artist who has one very popular song — but only one.

In a similar way, an organization or individual with just one successful product or service can be described with the same term.

Steve showed everyone that he wasn't a one-hit wonder when he continued to release successful products throughout his career.

Face the music

When you "face the music," you accept criticism or punishment for a mistake or poor performance.

The students were forced to face the music when the teachers discovered they were cheating.

Play something by ear

Many musicians play by reading musical notes that have been written down. However, some people can play songs just by listening to them. We say that those musicians can "play by ear."

In daily conversations, "playing something by ear" means doing an activity without a plan or preparation.

I don't know what I'm doing this weekend; I'm just going to play it by ear.

Toot one’s own horn

An older man in a hat and colorful shirt playing a trumpet

"Toot" is a casual verb that describes making a short sound on an instrument like a trumpet or saxophone. But in casual conversations, "tooting your own horn" means bragging or talking about yourself with too much confidence.

Carl loves to toot his own horn about how much money he makes.

This idiom is often used before someone makes a positive comment about themself in order to reduce the feeling of overconfidence.

I don't mean to toot my own horn, but this pasta I made is delicious!

Play second fiddle

Fiddles are violins, and in an orchestra, the second fiddle supports the first, or main, violin.

Outside of music, this idiom suggests that one person is less important than someone else. Notice that you need "to" to refer to another person.

Jake was tired of playing second fiddle to Max, so he left to start his own group.

Sound like a broken record

If a vinyl record is damaged, it may repeat the same part of a song over and over until the needle is moved to a different section.

In the same way, we say that someone "sounds like a broken record" if they say the same thing often.

You need a haircut.

You've told me three times already. You sound like a broken record!

Related article: English Vocabulary for Vinyl Collectors

Strike a chord

If something "strikes a chord" with you, you understand and feel it very deeply.

I didn't expect to like this book, but it really struck a chord with me.

Wrap-up

If this article has struck a chord with you, book a lesson with Engoo to learn more!

Friendly and professional Engoo tutors are ready to help you improve your English in one-on-one lessons 24 hours a day. Practice using these music idioms or study anything you like. Give it a try!