Education is a key part of growing up and learning about the world. In English, there are many sayings, or idioms, that use the word “education” or are about learning and school. These idioms can make talking and writing more fun and interesting. Let’s explore some of these expressions!
Education Idioms
Here are 20 education idioms in English.
1. Hit the books
Meaning: Start studying hard
Example: I need to hit the books for my exam tomorrow.
2. Pass with flying colors
Meaning: To succeed brilliantly
Example: She passed her final exam with flying colors.
3. School of hard knocks
Meaning: Learning from difficult experiences
Example: Life’s taught him through the school of hard knocks.
4. Book smart
Meaning: Knowledgeable from studying
Example: He’s book smart but lacks street sense.
5. Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To study late into the night
Example: We burned the midnight oil for our presentation.
6. A for effort
Meaning: Recognition for trying hard
Example: You get an A for effort on this project.
7. Old school
Meaning: Traditional
Example: He prefers old school teaching methods.
8. Learn the ropes
Meaning: To learn the basics
Example: She’s learning the ropes in her new school.
9. Teach someone a lesson
Meaning: Cause someone to learn from punishment
Example: That mistake surely taught him a lesson.
10. Cover a lot of ground
Meaning: Deal with much material
Example: We covered a lot of ground in class today.
11. Sharp as a tack
Meaning: Very intelligent
Example: She’s sharp as a tack in mathematics.
12. Make the grade
Meaning: Reach the required standard
Example: He’s studying hard to make the grade.
13. Class clown
Meaning: The joker among students
Example: Mike is the class clown of fifth grade.
14. Brainstorm
Meaning: Generate ideas collectively
Example: Let’s brainstorm ideas for the science fair.
15. Copycat
Meaning: Someone who copies others
Example: Don’t be a copycat; do your own work.
16. Dropout
Meaning: Someone who quits school prematurely
Example: He’s a dropout who made it big later.
17. Eager beaver
Meaning: Very enthusiastic person
Example: She’s an eager beaver in every class.
18. Teacher’s pet
Meaning: Favorite student
Example: Annie is the teacher’s pet this year.
19. Read between the lines
Meaning: Understand hidden meanings
Example: You must read between the lines of the poem.
20. Crack a book
Meaning: Open up a book to study
Example: He rarely cracks a book before exams.
