Drums aren’t just musical instruments; they show up in lots of English sayings too! This post explores different idioms that involve the word “drum.” Whether you’re a language learner or just curious, these expressions are fun and easy to understand.
Drum Idioms
Here are 20 drum idioms in English.
1. Beat the drum
Meaning: To support or promote something enthusiastically.
Example: He always beats the drum for local food.
2. March to the beat of your own drum
Meaning: Do things the way you want, not following others.
Example: She marches to her own drum in fashion.
3. Drum up support
Meaning: Try to gain support or interest.
Example: They’re drumming up support for the charity.
4. Drum out of
Meaning: Force someone to leave a place or group.
Example: He was drummed out of the club.
5. Bang the drum
Meaning: Speak enthusiastically about a belief or idea.
Example: She’s always banging the drum for equality.
6. Drum into
Meaning: Teach someone something through constant repetition.
Example: Safety rules are drummed into students.
7. Drum up
Meaning: Invent or create (usually business or support).
Example: They drummed up interest with ads.
8. Drum roll
Meaning: A drum sound used to build suspense.
Example: Cue the drum roll for the surprise!
9. Drum out
Meaning: Expel someone with a formal ceremony.
Example: He was drummed out of office.
10. Dance to someone’s drum
Meaning: Follow or meet someone’s expectations.
Example: They dance to the boss’s drum.
11. Drum into someone’s head
Meaning: Impress something upon someone firmly.
Example: Rules were drummed into his head.
12. Bang one’s own drum
Meaning: Talk about one’s achievements proudly.
Example: He loves to bang his own drum.
13. Change the beat of the drum
Meaning: Do something in a new or different way.
Example: Let’s change the beat of the drum here.
14. Beat a different drum
Meaning: Have an unusual or unconventional idea.
Example: She beats a different drum in meetings.
15. Drumbeat
Meaning: A persistent and regular occurrence.
Example: The drumbeat of deadlines continues.
16. Beat the same drum
Meaning: Repeatedly say the same things.
Example: He’s always beating the same drum.
17. Beat a dead drum
Meaning: Waste time on a lost cause.
Example: They’re beating a dead drum with this issue.
18. Set the beat of the drum
Meaning: Establish the pattern or lead.
Example: She sets the beat of the drum at work.
19. Hear a different drum
Meaning: Perceive things differently.
Example: He hears a different drum in music.
20. Drum of war
Meaning: The anticipation or approach of war.
Example: The drum of war is beating louder.
