Welcome to our fun exploration of “dry” idioms! Idioms are phrases that mean something different from the words they use. This means they can be a little tricky but very interesting. Let’s dive into some common idioms with the word “dry” in them or that relate to being dry.
Dry Idioms
Here are 20 dry idioms in English.
1. Dry as a bone
Meaning: Very dry
Example: The desert was dry as a bone.
2. High and dry
Meaning: Abandoned and helpless
Example: He left me high and dry.
3. Dry run
Meaning: Rehearsal or practice
Example: Let’s do a dry run before the show.
4. Dry spell
Meaning: A period without rain
Example: Our garden is suffering from a dry spell.
5. Dry humor
Meaning: Subtle, understated humor
Example: He’s known for his dry humor.
6. Dry out
Meaning: To stop drinking alcohol
Example: He decided to dry out for health.
7. Bone-dry
Meaning: Extremely dry
Example: My throat was bone-dry.
8. Dry up
Meaning: Stop talking
Example: He told the noisy crowd to dry up.
9. Dry as dust
Meaning: Very dull or boring
Example: That lecture was dry as dust.
10. Milk dry
Meaning: To use completely
Example: They milked the opportunity dry.
11. Dry your eyes
Meaning: Stop crying
Example: Dry your eyes, things will improve.
12. Hang out to dry
Meaning: To abandon someone
Example: She felt hung out to dry by her friends.
13. Dried up
Meaning: Depleted
Example: The well has completely dried up.
14. Dry dock
Meaning: Where boats are repaired
Example: The ship is in dry dock for repairs.
15. Dry goods
Meaning: Non-perishable foods
Example: We stocked up on dry goods.
16. Blood runs dry
Meaning: A lack of compassion
Example: His blood runs dry towards injustice.
17. Dry heat
Meaning: Hot without humidity
Example: The desert is known for its dry heat.
18. Dry as a desert
Meaning: Very dry
Example: My skin feels dry as a desert.
19. Dry wine
Meaning: Not sweet wine
Example: I prefer a dry wine with dinner.
20. Air dry
Meaning: Dry without heat
Example: I let my hair air dry naturally.