In this video, I look at 12 idioms that involve different body parts. You might have heard some of them before, but maybe you haven’t. Make sure you watch the video right to the end because I will put everything together into a story. Which is great listening practice! Let’s get cracking!

Have (One’s) Head On Straight

This is when you are able to think or act in a very clear, calm, and rational way; a person who has their head on straight is a very sensible, reasonable person.

Example
I like our new manager. She seems to have her head on straight, not like the last one!

At The Back Of (One’s) Mind

This is a thought that is always there somewhere in your mind. You are aware of it, even though it is not the main thing you are thinking about. It keeps coming back.

Examples
He left university early to get a job, but finishing his degree is always at the back of his mind.
I try to relax, but my to-do list is always at the back of my mind.

Written All Over Your Face

Your facial expression tells what’s happening with your thoughts or emotions – it is very obvious to people what you are feeling or thinking.

Examples
She pretended to be unconcerned, but her worry was written all over her face.
His terror of spiders was written in his face.

Eyes In The Back Of Your Head

If someone has eyes in the back of their head, they seem to notice everything that is happening around them.

Examples
How can mum know what we’re up to? She must have eyes in the back of her head.
You need to have eyes in the back of your head to look after toddlers all day.

To Have Someone’s Ear

To have the interest or attention of someone especially someone in a position of power or authority. You are able to influence them.

Example
Henry has the boss’s ear so it shouldn’t be hard to push his proposal through.

To Be Up To Your Neck In Something

This can have two meanings. The first one is when you have too much of something, or you are very much involved in something. You feel like you are immersed in that thing up to your neck (or ears, or eyeballs!). It’s like you are drowning in it.

Examples
I can’t come out for a drink after work. I am up to my neck in reports.
You look like you’re up to your ears in wedding preparations.

The second way to use this is a similar concept – being immersed in something or heavily involved, but the situation is very bad.

Examples
The President was up to his neck in scandal, but it didn’t affect his popularity.
When the Chief of Police resigned, he was up to his eyeballs in corruption charges.

To Give Someone a Slap On The Back

This is an expression of approval or praise.  Someone might actually physically slap the person, like a coach when a player scores a goal. Or they can just talk about it. Slap on the back is more common in the United States, where they are a bit more gregarious, whereas in the UK we probably would just say pat on the back.

Examples
The boss gave me a slap on the back when I scored a big contract for the company.
You’ve all done so well with your English learning. Give yourselves a pat on the back.

To Go With Your Gut

Your gut is your stomach. You know, when something is wrong and you feel it down in your middle. That what we’re talking about. If you go with your gut you follow your intuition or instinct, your feelings instead of fact or logic. You might say you have a gut feeling, a gut response. My gut tells me is another thing that people often say.

Examples
My gut tells me that something’s wrong with my daughter.
Well, you should go with your gut, and call the police.

Elbow (Someone) Aside

This is to push someone using your elbow, physically.

Example
He elbowed me aside and jumped the queue.

But it can also refer to when you push someone aside but not physically.

Example
He elbowed aside anyone who got in his way to get the top job.

Keep (One’s) Hands Clean

The expression to have clean hands, means that you are innocent of any wrongdoing. You were not involved with that robbery; your hands are clean.

Similarly, if you keep your hands clean you don’t become involved with something that is wrong or illegal.

Example
After years of corruption in this government, we want a leader who can keep their hands clean.

But we can also use this if someone keeps a distance from something that is wrong or illegal, even though they are not innocent.

As an example, the boss of a criminal organisation might be able to keep their hands clean. They don’t do anything illegal themselves, but they order others to do it for them – they keep a distance from the criminal activities even though they are very much in charge and involved.

Example
I don’t know how he keeps his hands clean, but I know he’s in it up to his neck!

Ha, see what I did there – two idioms for the price of one!

Leg Up

Literally, a leg up is when someone gives you a boost, so you can reach something high up. Give me a leg up so I can climb over this fence. But it can also be a figurative boost, like when you gain an advantage in a situation or over another person.

Examples
My qualifications and experience should give me a leg up in this job interview.
Sucking up to the boss won’t give you a leg up in this company.

Ooh, there’s an extra phrasal verb for you. Sucking up to someone is when you overtly flatter, praise or serve them. I got you a coffee, just how you like it. Have you lost weight? You’re the best boss we’ve ever had – that’s sucking up!

Foot In The Door

A foot in the door, is a chance to do something that could lead to further opportunities, especially in employment.

Examples
I don’t really like my job, but it’s a foot in the door.
Making business contacts can help you get a foot in the door for your career.

In the video, I put all the above idioms together into a story to help you hear each expression in context.

As always, comments and questions can be left under the video on YouTube.

Until next time!