High Idioms (With Meaning and Examples)

Welcome to our fun guide on idioms that use the word “high”! Idioms are like secret codes that adults use when they talk. Here, you’ll learn what they mean and see how to use them. Even if you’re just starting to learn big words, you’ll catch on quickly!

High Idioms

Here are 20 high idioms in English.

  1. High as a kite

    Meaning: Very excited or happy
    Example: She was high as a kite after hearing the good news.

  2. High and dry

    Meaning: Left without help
    Example: He was left high and dry without a car.

  3. High time

    Meaning: The right moment to do something
    Example: It’s high time we cleaned this room.

  4. On a high note

    Meaning: End something positively
    Example: She ended the performance on a high note.

  5. High roller

    Meaning: Someone who spends a lot
    Example: He’s known as a high roller in Vegas.

  6. High seas

    Meaning: Open, international waters
    Example: They sailed the high seas for months.

  7. High and mighty

    Meaning: Acting superior
    Example: He acts all high and mighty at work.

  8. High gear

    Meaning: Working at full capacity
    Example: Let’s kick this project into high gear.

  9. High stakes

    Meaning: Involving serious risks
    Example: This is a high stakes poker game.

  10. High spirits

    Meaning: In a very cheerful mood
    Example: They were in high spirits at the party.

  11. High-handed

    Meaning: Using power unfairly
    Example: His high-handed approach upset many.

  12. High-flying

    Meaning: Very ambitious
    Example: She has high-flying career goals.

  13. High on the hog

    Meaning: Living luxuriously
    Example: They’ve been living high on the hog.

  14. High jinks

    Meaning: Playful, rowdy behavior
    Example: The kids were up to high jinks at camp.

  15. Hit the high spots

    Meaning: Focus on the best parts
    Example: His tour hit all the high spots.

  16. On a high

    Meaning: Feeling euphoric
    Example: She’s been on a high since Friday.

  17. High-octane

    Meaning: Very powerful or energetic
    Example: This was a high-octane thriller movie.

  18. In high gear

    Meaning: Operating at full strength
    Example: Production is in high gear now.

  19. Ride high

    Meaning: To be very successful
    Example: He’s riding high after his promotion.

  20. High-profile

    Meaning: Very noticeable or famous
    Example: It was a high-profile event.

High Idioms