Clouds, Wheels and Charms: 14 English Idioms Based on Numbers
Have you heard the expression “at the eleventh hour”? What do you think it might mean?
If you don’t already know, it would be difficult to guess, but this is just one example of the many English idioms related to numbers.
Every number from zero to ten has an idiom related to it, and so do many numbers even higher than that. It's possible that some of them have similar versions in your native language. This article will take a look at 14 that can be used in a wide variety of situations.
Literal number expressions
The expressions in this section include numbers meant literally. So even if they are new to you, you might be able to understand the meanings behind them.
One of a kind
Something that is "one of a kind" is special because there is nothing else like it. We can use it to refer to objects, experiences and people.
His songwriting skills are one of a kind; there are no other musicians who sound like him.
If you add hyphens, this idiom can be used as an adjective.
The wealthy collector had many one-of-a-kind items in his home.
Kill two birds with one stone
This common expression means to achieve two goals with only one action.
I like to kill two birds with one stone by studying during my commute to school.
Triple threat
This generally refers to a person or thing that has three different skills or qualities. It was originally used in the entertainment industry, particularly musicals, for a performer who could sing, dance and act.
She’s a great actor, singer and dancer. Triple threats like her can become big stars.
At the eleventh hour
This is the expression we introduced at the beginning of this article. It refers to something happening at the last possible moment. It originates from a story in the Bible about a landowner who hires workers just before it’s too late.
He finished his project at the eleventh hour and managed to submit it just in time.
Fifth wheel
A "fifth wheel" is something unnecessary or extra. This expression comes from the idea that a fifth wheel on a carriage that already has four is not needed.
Ever since the new software was installed, the old tracking system has become a fifth wheel.
Figurative number expressions
In English expressions using numbers, many do not make sense if you try to translate them into another language directly. They often have a figurative meaning, so it's better to remember them as idiomatic expressions.
Million-dollar question
This refers to a very important issue or a difficult question. Answers to these questions are often considered to be very valuable information.
Who will win the election is the million-dollar question right now.
A thousand times no
We use this expression as a way to refuse something very strongly. It expresses much more determination than simply saying “No.”
When asked if he would ever cheat, he replied, "A thousand times no."
Sixth sense
Humans generally have five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. A “sixth sense,” then, represents intuition, or a special ability to see or understand things that are not clear in the physical world.
I didn't see anything, but my sixth sense told me to be careful.
This is also the title of a popular thriller from 1999 about a young boy with mysterious abilities.
Catch-22
This expression comes from Joseph Heller's novel Catch-22 from 1961. It refers to a situation or rule that seems to contradict, or disagree with, itself. It is often used when getting a positive result is impossible no matter what kind of action is taken.
I need a job to gain experience, but without experience, I can't get a job. It's a real catch-22!
On cloud nine
Being "on cloud nine" means experiencing extreme happiness. Its origin is not clear, but it is believed to be related to categories of clouds in American meteorology, the study of weather.
She was on cloud nine after she got promoted at work.
Second nature
If something is “second nature” to you, it means you can do it easily and naturally. In other words, it’s just like an ability you were born with.
Playing the piano is second nature to her; she doesn't even need to think about the notes.
Expressions with cultural and historical background
The expressions in this section have a strong connection to the religious and cultural backgrounds they come from.
The third time’s the charm
This expresses the idea that something will be successful when tried for the third time.
Historically, the number 3 has represented completeness or holiness. Christianity has the concept of the Trinity, and in many folktales and stories, 3 plays an important role.
After failing the first two times, I finally passed the test. The third time's the charm!
At sixes and sevens
This is an expression that is more common in British English. It is said to have originated from the idea that rolling a six or seven in a dice game meant players were in a risky situation. These days, it refers to a state of confusion or disorder.
With the deadline coming soon, our team was at sixes and sevens.
Talk nineteen to the dozen
This is another mostly British expression, originally used in the 19th century to refer to a system for working in coal mines efficiently. It’s now used to mean talking very quickly and energetically.
She starts talking nineteen to the dozen whenever she gets nervous.
Wrap-up
The expressions we've introduced here relate to various situations, but they are all easy to use in everyday conversations. Mastering them all will bring you one step closer to using English like a native speaker, so be sure to use them the next time you get the chance!
Written by Amy, adapted by David
