12 Health-Related Idioms That You Should Know

Health and language are an essential part of human existence. This is why it is no surprise that specific phrases and idioms related to health are dedicated to expressing how we feel, whether in sickness or during recovery. Learning English and idioms mastered correctly will significantly impact your vocabulary, speaking, and writing prowess. So, paying utmost attention to health-related idioms wherever and when they arise is essential.

Want to learn how health-related idioms are used and their meaning? That’s what this blog is all about. But first, here is a brief explanation of why idioms on health are necessary.

Why are idioms about health important?

But in the real sense, proverbs related to health give English speakers a new and creative form of expression. This way, speakers connect profoundly and communicate with their listeners or readers, sometimes in the shortest phrases.

These idioms have now become integral to speaking and writing in English. Without them, we might always have to explain situations in too much detail, causing them to lose the impact they could have if an idiom were used instead.

Health idioms to spice up your vocabulary

Idioms are creative ways to express yourself and your feelings. Health-related idioms give you room to communicate your health and wellness status without giving too little or too much information. They are also straight to the point and direct when used in the right context. Here are 15 idioms, what they mean, and how they should be used in grammar for the best effect in your conversations.

An apple a day

Meaning: an apple a day keeps the doctor away. This idiom emphasizes the consumption of apples in maintaining good health. This doesn’t necessarily mean that apples are the ultimate solution or prevention to every ailment. It only shows that eating apples is a good way to stay healthy.

Sentence example:

Mom ensured we all had one apple a day, saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

Fit as a fiddle

Meaning: to be in excellent health, especially physically.

Fit as a fiddle usually means the person feels good, healthy, and pain-free.

Sentence example:

I checked up on Joan the other day and am pleased to report that she is as fit as a fiddle.

You are what you eat

This means that a person’s health primarily depends on consumption. Eat right, and it reflects on the body and overall wellness. On the other hand, a diet filled with junk foods would have its effects.

Sentence example:

Cut down on your junk food and settle for a healthier diet, remember you are what you eat.

On the mend

Meaning: recovering from an illness or injury.

When someone says “on the mend,” they often refer to their recovery from a specific illness or injury.

Sentence example:

Megan paid John a visit to the hospital, and he was happy to inform her that he was on the mend and felt much better.

Green around the gills

Meaning: to look or feel sick/nauseous.

This is used to express the feeling of illness and oftentimes, a wave of nausea. So when one person says, “Hey! You look green around the gills. Are you okay?” they may have noticed that you don’t look well.

Sentence example:

Stanley looked a little green around the gills, so I gave him the week off.

Bag of bones

Meaning: a person that looks weak or sickly and thin.

Sentence examples:

He was a strong young man, but the illness made him a bag of bones and a shadow of his former self.

Daniel may be 65 and retired, but he’s the furthest thing from a bag of bones.

Have one foot in the grave

Meaning: to be in between life and death.

It is mainly used when a person is very old, sick, or likely to die soon. Using this idiom on health only when necessary and in the right situation and context is essential.

Sentence examples:

John fell sick so often that his co-workers would say he had one foot in the grave.

Grandpa is pretty old, and we can see he has one foot in the grave.

Full of beans

Meaning: to have a lot of energy and enthusiasm.

When people are said to be full of beans, they are energetic and full of life. This is usually used for people who lead active lifestyles or someone recovering from an illness and are going about daily activities with fresh energy.

Sentence examples:

The doctor said he was full of beans and was ready to go home.

After a long break, the workers were full of beans and ready to return to the office.

Back on your feet

Meaning: to be fully recovered from an illness or injury.

When the idiom is used in the context of health, it refers to a person who is sick and is recovering very well. They are said to be getting back on their feet.

Sentence example:

The captain of the school’s football team is back on his feet after suffering a mild injury in the last match.

Pale as a ghost

This means a person is very pale.

New to English and you might think this idiom about health is related to Halloween, but it is not. It is only a simile that likens the appearance of a person’s face to a ghost. This is because ghosts are perceived to be a very light shade of color white and almost transparent. The “pale as a ghost” idiom is associated with sickness or fear.

Sentence examples:

Are you okay, sweetheart? You look as pale as a ghost.

Faruq was so scared he was as pale as a ghost.

In good shape

Meaning: to be physically fit and healthy.

This is used when a person is in good physical health physically. This idiom is related to a healthy diet and lots of exercise.

Sentence examples:

Sandy is taking such good care of herself; you can see she’s in good shape.

To get in good shape, pay attention to what you eat and work out regularly.

Under the weather

Meaning: to be sick.

When a person says they are feeling under the weather, it usually means they are sick, having come down with a cold or another minor illness.

Sentence examples:

Hanna called her supervisor to inform him that she was feeling under the weather.

Tom called in, saying he felt under the weather, and asked for a few days off work.

Conclusion

Learning about idioms related to health is a fun way to boost your vocabulary. These phrases can help you make a good impression on your listeners or readers, as you will be able to communicate a lot more effectively.

Idioms on health or any other subject have become integral to the English language and will surely not die out. So take time today to learn a few idioms and practice them with family and friends until they become easier.