English Idioms and Expressions for the Summer [Updated]
![English Idioms and Expressions for the Summer [Updated]](https://assets.blog.engoo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/07/01034659/english_summer_idioms_-1024x683.jpg "English Idioms and Expressions for the Summer [Updated]")
Another hot summer is here!
When we think of the summer season, many fun things come to mind, such as vacations, traveling and spending time at the beach. On the other hand, you may also think of super hot days that make you want to stay inside all day long.
This time, we would like to introduce some English idioms and phrases that you can use during the summertime. Some refer to fun activities, while others are related to heat — and trying to avoid it!
Catch some rays
You can't count sunlight, but we do refer to sun rays, or beams of light, in plural. "Catching some rays" is a very casual way of saying "sunbathe," or relaxing in the sun. People catching some rays are usually trying to get a tan.
Let's go to the beach and catch some rays!
I love catching some rays on our deck on a hot summer day.
Soak up some sun
This is another expression for sunbathing, so its meaning is just like "catch some rays."
Asuka
Is Ben home?
Tariq
He's soaking up some sun in the backyard.
I like to soak up the sun on the beach whenever I can.
Scorcher
"Scorch" is a verb meaning "to burn," but it also includes the nuance of damage or harm caused by heat. Summertime usually has many hot days, but a "scorcher" is a day that is especially hot.
Tomorrow's going to be a scorcher, so you should cut the grass today.
Yesterday was a scorcher, so we tried to stay inside as much as possible.
Beach read
A "beach read" is a book to read while relaxing on the beach. They are usually short and have stories that are not too serious. In other words, big, heavy novels and difficult textbooks are not beach reads!
I recommend this book; it's a great beach read.
“Make hay while the sun shines”
This expression means "don't miss the opportunity" or "enjoy things while you can."
Prices are very low right now, so let's make hay while the sun shines and buy now.
Dip
"Dipping" something means quickly putting it into water or another liquid. For example, you may dip your French fries into ketchup or your foot into the bath to check the temperature.
In the summertime, it's often used as a noun to talk about swimming. To "take a dip" or "go for a dip" means to go swimming, usually for a short amount of time.
Let's go for a dip in the pool.
The kids are going to go for a dip before we have to pack and leave the hotel.
Summer blockbuster
Summer is usually when Hollywood movie studios release big, expensive movies with lots of action and lots of famous actors. Think about Marvel movies or films from the Mission: Impossible or Fast and the Furious series. These types of films are called "summer blockbusters."
It seems like there's a new summer blockbuster being released every week this month!
Beat the heat
This popular expression means avoiding the summer heat by going somewhere away from the sun's rays or by doing other activities that can keep you cool.
We like to beat the heat by going to the movie theater and watching summer blockbusters.
Having a cold shower on a hot summer day is a good way to beat the heat.
Beach bum
A "beach bum" is a person who spends a lot — maybe too much — time on the beach. Depending on the situation, this term can have either a neutral or negative nuance.
I'm planning on being a beach bum for my entire vacation.
Summer fling
This refers to a short romance that lasts only for the summer. In general, "fling" as a noun is a short period of very fun or wild behavior.
I heard that Jenny had a summer fling with a boy from summer camp.
Hearing that song reminds me of a summer fling I had while on vacation a few years ago.
The dog days of summer
This refers to the hottest period of the summer. If you are wondering why it includes the word "dog," it is named after the Dog Star, which can be seen from the Northern Hemisphere, or the northern half of the world, from July to August.
Finn
It's been over 35 degrees all week.
Rei
The dog days of summer are here.
Indian summer
This term refers to periods of warm weather in the fall, after summer has officially ended. It came about because of the very warm weather in much of the area where Native Americans (sometimes called "American Indians") lived in the 18th century.
It's pretty warm for a November day. I guess this is what people call an Indian summer.
Let's take advantage of this Indian summer and go on a road trip.
“One swallow doesn’t make a summer”
This expression is another way of saying that one good thing happening doesn't mean good things will continue to happen.
We were really lucky today, but one swallow doesn't make a summer.
My soccer team won our first game of the season, but one swallow doesn't make a summer.
Bring sand to the beach
One thing the beach already has plenty of is sand! We therefore use this expression to refer to doing something unnecessary, like bringing something to a place that already has enough of it.
Leave that food in your fridge; we've cooked enough for everyone, so there's no need to bring sand to the beach!
Sun’s out, guns out
"Guns" is a slang term for muscular arms, and it is often used in a joking way. When the weather is hot, some people use it as an opportunity to show off their muscles — and they may say this phrase to announce it!
I don't need a shirt; sun's out, guns out!
Bury one’s head in the sand
This refers to trying to hide from a difficult situation by pretending that it doesn't exist.
Burying our heads in the sand won't help us avoid this problem, so let's think of a solution instead.
Everything under the sun
This basically means "everything"!
This store is so huge that it feels like it sells everything under the sun!
A moment in the sun
A "moment in the sun" is a special, temporary time when someone or something receives a lot of positive attention or praise.
Although he had been painting without success for years, the artist finally had his moment in the sun late in his career.
Wrap-up
Summer is a very special time for many people, from students to farmers. Perhaps that is why there are more expressions related to this season than for other times of the year. Did you already know any of the ones we've listed? Get into the spirit of the season and try using some when chatting with your friends or with a tutor!
