20 plant idioms that will make your writing grow

Meaning: To pursue a mistaken or misguided thought or action.

Example: My classmate was barking up the wrong tree when he asked me to help him cheat on the exam.

Meaning: To act or behave in a better or more responsible way.

Example: Tommy is pleased to have finally turned over a new leaf and is looking forward to his new job.

Meaning: Discuss a matter without coming to the point.

Example: This is a serious issue, please stop beating around the bush and address the problem.

Meaning: To fail to grasp the main issue because of over-attention to details, or because you are too involved in it.

Example: Marcus is so focused on product details that he can’t see the wood for the trees when it comes to the overall needs of the company.

Meaning: In a predicament.

Example: Ken was up a gum tree when flights were cancelled due to a huge blizzard and he couldn’t go home.

Meaning: Become fixed or established.

Example: Time is needed for democracy to take root in her country.

Get your day in the sun with these time idioms

Meaning: Important family characteristics are usually inherited.

Example: Sarah is a kind person, just like her parents, so it seems that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Meaning: A person or group’s character or worth is determined based on their actions or results they produce.

Example: It’s all well and good for these companies to claim that they’re going to work towards protecting the environment, but a tree is known by its fruit.

Meaning: Out of danger.

Example: Her doctor said Sammy is out of the woods, but she will need some rest before being discharged.

Food idioms that will spice up your writing

Meaning: To fail to come to fruition or to be gradually destroyed because of inaction.

Example: Many resources for students with learning disabilities have withered on the vine following the school board’s budget cuts.

Meaning: for a situation to develop in a favourable way.

Example: Everything was coming up roses and there was nothing for Mavis to worry about in her life.

Meaning: Healthy and full of energy.

Example: I was in bed by 8pm and awoke fresh as a daisy this morning.

Meaning: Every desirable situation has its share of trouble or difficulty.

Example: There is no rose without a thorn when it comes to life.

Meaning: A very shy or modest person.

Example: Dorothy is no shrinking violet when it comes to expressing her views.

Meaning: A shy, awkward, or unpopular person who is often excluded.

Example: You can imagine Alfred as the wallflower at the school dance, smiling a secret smile to himself as he watches others.

Keep your head above water with these water idioms

Meaning: To suppress, stop or destroy something at an early stage.

Example: Many serious illnesses can be nipped in the bud if they are detected early enough.

Meaning: A person who displays talent, develops skills or interests, or achieves success at a relatively late stage.

Example: Mandy was a late bloomer; it wasn’t until she got to university that her talents in arts became apparent.

Meaning: To enjoy or appreciate what is often ignored.

Example: It’s important to take some time once in a while to stop and smell the roses.

Meaning: A course of action that is easy and tempting, but ultimately dangerous.

Example: If we followed your advice we’d all be walking down the primrose path to failure.

Meaning: To be dead and buried.

Example: His smoking and drinking habits will see him pushing up daisies at a young age.