Last week, we covered 10 common body-related idioms you can teach your ESL students as these are frequently used in everyday conversations. Now let’s build on that foundation with 10 more body-related idioms that will help your learners sound even more natural and confident.

As always, each idiom includes a clear definition and a student-friendly example you can use immediately in your classes.

1) Keep an eye on

Definition: To watch or monitor something carefully

Example: Can you keep an eye on my bag while I go to the washroom?

2) Learn by heart

Definition: To memorize something completely

Example: We had to learn the poem by heart for class.

3) Have a sweet tooth

Definition: To enjoy eating sweet foods

Example: I have a sweet tooth, so I can’t say no to chocolate.

4) Bite your tongue

Definition: To stop yourself from saying something

Example: I wanted to complain about the terrible service, but I bit my tongue.

5) Get something off your chest

Definition: To talk about something that has been bothering you

Example: I need to get something off my chest, I’m thinking of quitting my job.

6) A pain in the neck

Definition: Something or someone that is annoying

Example: This software update is such a pain in the neck.

7) Turn a blind eye

Definition: To ignore something intentionally

Example: The manager turned a blind eye to the mistake.

8) Lose face

Definition: To feel embarrassed or lose respect in front of others

Example: He didn’t want to admit he was wrong because he didn’t want to lose face.

9) Keep your chin up

Definition: Stay positive during a difficult time

Example: I know you didn’t get the job, but keep your chin up.

10) Shoulder the responsibility

Definition: To accept responsibility for something difficult

Example: She had to shoulder the responsibility after her boss resigned.

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To turn these idioms into a game, point to a body part and have your students call out the idiom associated with it. Then, ask them to create their own example sentences and share them with the class for speaking practice.

Next week, we’ll look at 10 final body-related idioms so you’ll have a repertoire of 30 practical, commonly used expressions to introduce in your online ESL classes!