Welcome to our blog! Today, we’re exploring some common English expressions that include the word “dirty.” These phrases, or idioms, use “dirty” in fun and interesting ways to express different ideas. They can be a bit tricky to understand at first, but with our explanations and examples, you’ll be using them like a pro in no time!
Dirty Idioms
Here are 20 dirty idioms in English.
1. Dirty laundry
Meaning: Private problems that are made public.
Example: He aired our dirty laundry at the party.
2. Dirty look
Meaning: A disapproving facial expression.
Example: She gave me a dirty look when I arrived late.
3. Dirty money
Meaning: Money earned in a dishonest way.
Example: He didn’t want to spend the dirty money.
4. Play dirty
Meaning: To act unfairly or dishonestly.
Example: They played dirty to win the election.
5. Dirty tricks
Meaning: Underhanded tactics.
Example: The campaign used dirty tricks on opponents.
6. Dirty work
Meaning: Unpleasant tasks.
Example: I always do the dirty work around here.
7. Dirty mind
Meaning: Thinks about inappropriate topics.
Example: He always has a dirty mind about jokes.
8. Dirty old man
Meaning: An older man who thinks about young people sexually.
Example: He’s just a dirty old man!
9. Do someone’s dirty work
Meaning: Do unpleasant tasks for someone else.
Example: She’s tired of doing his dirty work.
10. Dirty joke
Meaning: A joke with sexual content.
Example: He told a dirty joke at the meeting.
11. Dirty mouth
Meaning: Use of obscene or offensive language.
Example: He got in trouble for his dirty mouth.
12. Dirty fighter
Meaning: Someone who fights unfairly.
Example: He’s known as a dirty fighter in debates.
13. Dirty deal
Meaning: An unfair agreement.
Example: It was a dirty deal from the start.
14. Dirty secret
Meaning: A secret that is shameful or scandalous.
Example: The company kept a dirty secret for years.
15. Dirty pool
Meaning: Dishonest or unfair actions.
Example: That was dirty pool, firing him like that.
16. Talk dirty
Meaning: Speak in a sexually explicit manner.
Example: He likes to talk dirty on the phone.
17. Dirty bomb
Meaning: A bomb that disperses radioactive material.
Example: They feared terrorists might use a dirty bomb.
18. Get one’s hands dirty
Meaning: Engage in hard work.
Example: He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty.
19. Dirty politics
Meaning: Political actions that are dishonest or unethical.
Example: She hates the dirty politics of her party.
20. Dirty dining
Meaning: Eating in unsanitary conditions.
Example: They experienced dirty dining on vacation.
