Healthcare is a big part of our lives, especially when we need help from doctors and nurses. Sometimes, people use special phrases called idioms that are linked to healthcare to express different ideas in a fun and interesting way. These idioms help us understand more about how people talk about health in everyday life.
Healthcare Idioms
Here are 20 healthcare idioms in English.
1. Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling ill or sick.
Example: I’m staying home today because I’m under the weather.
2. A shot in the arm
Meaning: Something that boosts one’s spirits.
Example: The good news was a real shot in the arm for us.
3. An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Meaning: Eating healthy can prevent illness.
Example: He eats his fruit, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
4. Sick as a dog
Meaning: Very ill.
Example: She was sick as a dog last weekend.
5. Not my cup of tea
Meaning: Not something I like.
Example: Skydiving is really not my cup of tea.
6. Feeling no pain
Meaning: Not feeling discomfort or pain.
Example: After the medication, he was feeling no pain.
7. Wash your hands of it
Meaning: To stop being responsible for something.
Example: I’ve washed my hands of that project.
8. Back on one’s feet
Meaning: Recovered from an illness or problem.
Example: He’s finally back on his feet after the flu.
9. Bitter pill to swallow
Meaning: A difficult fact to accept.
Example: Losing the game was a bitter pill to swallow.
10. In good shape
Meaning: In good health or condition.
Example: After weeks of exercise, he’s in good shape.
11. On the mend
Meaning: Recovering from an illness.
Example: She’s been on the mend since her surgery.
12. Out of sorts
Meaning: Feeling ill or upset.
Example: He’s been out of sorts all day.
13. Take a turn for the worse
Meaning: Suddenly become worse.
Example: His health took a turn for the worse overnight.
14. Fit as a fiddle
Meaning: In very good health.
Example: Grandpa is 90 and fit as a fiddle.
15. Up and about
Meaning: Recovered from an illness, active again.
Example: She’s up and about after her knee surgery.
16. Alive and kicking
Meaning: Still active and lively.
Example: He’s 95 but still alive and kicking.
17. At death’s door
Meaning: Very ill, close to dying.
Example: He was at death’s door but recovered miraculously.
18. Kick the bucket
Meaning: To die.
Example: I hope he doesn’t kick the bucket soon.
19. Nursing a cold
Meaning: Taking care of oneself due to a cold.
Example: She’s at home, nursing a cold.
20. Break out in a cold sweat
Meaning: To sweat due to nervousness or illness.
Example: He broke out in a cold sweat during the interview.
