Idioms are one of the most enjoyable parts of learning English. They appear frequently in everyday conversation, movies, and workplace communication, making them especially valuable for ESL learners. Teaching these expressions helps students sound more natural and better understand native speakers in real-life situations.

English is full of body-related idioms used to talk about emotions, money, fear, behaviour, and social situations. Because these themes come up so often in daily life, these expressions are incredibly common. Here are 10 useful body-related idioms to introduce to your ESL students, each with a simple definition and a student-friendly example you can use directly in class.

1) Cost an arm and a leg

Definition: Very expensive.

Example: That new iPhone costs an arm and a leg, so I’m going to get an older model.

2) Get cold feet

Definition: To become nervous before doing something important.

Example: She got cold feet before her wedding and almost cancelled.

3) Break a leg

Definition: A way to wish someone good luck.

Example: Break a leg at your audition today!

4) All ears

Definition: Fully listening and paying attention.

Example: Tell me all about your new business idea, I’m all ears!

5) Give someone the cold shoulder

Definition: To ignore someone on purpose.

Example: He tried to apologize for forgetting their anniversary, but she gave him the cold shoulder.

6) Put your foot in your mouth

Definition: To accidentally say something embarrassing or offensive.

Example: I put my foot in my mouth when I asked her about her ex-husband.

7) Face the music

Definition: To accept the consequences of your actions.

Example: He missed the deadline, so now he has to face the music.

8) Give someone a hand

Definition: To help someone.

Example: Can you give me a hand with this report?

9) Cry your heart out

Definition: To cry very hard or intensely.

Example: She cried her heart out after watching the movie.

10) Head over heels

Definition: Deeply in love.

Example: He is head over heels in love with his partner.

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When teaching these idioms, you can present the literal meaning first and show the body parts visually. Ask your students if they have similar expressions in their own language to help them make associations.

Encourage your students to create their own examples and use these idioms in role-plays. For example, getting cold feet before a job interview or buying something that costs an arm and a leg when shopping.

If you enjoyed this post, stay tuned for next week’s Part 2 as we introduce 10 more body-related idioms!