Holidays are fun, and so is learning about idioms that include the word “holiday” or have a holiday theme. Idioms are phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say but have a different meaning that lots of people understand. Let’s explore some holiday idioms to see how they are used in everyday English!
Holiday Idioms
Here are 20 holiday idioms in English.
1. Holiday spirit
Meaning: The cheerful mood during holidays
Example: She’s really in the holiday spirit with her singing.
2. Busman’s holiday
Meaning: A holiday spent doing one’s usual work
Example: He’s fixing cars on his busman’s holiday.
3. Holiday blues
Meaning: Sadness during or after holidays
Example: I often get the holiday blues in January.
4. Holiday of a lifetime
Meaning: A very memorable and special holiday
Example: Our trip to Africa was the holiday of a lifetime.
5. Holiday maker
Meaning: A person who is on holiday
Example: The beach was full of holiday makers.
6. Working holiday
Meaning: A holiday spent in employment
Example: She went on a working holiday to Australia.
7. Take a holiday
Meaning: To take a break or vacation
Example: You should take a holiday and relax.
8. Holiday fare
Meaning: Special food prepared during holidays
Example: We enjoyed traditional holiday fare.
9. On holiday
Meaning: Being away for leisure and relaxation
Example: He is currently on holiday in Spain.
10. Bank holiday
Meaning: A public holiday
Example: The office is closed for the bank holiday.
11. Holiday reading
Meaning: Books read during a vacation
Example: She packed light holiday reading for the trip.
12. Roman holiday
Meaning: Pleasure derived from others’ suffering
Example: The media had a Roman holiday with the scandal.
13. Holiday camp
Meaning: A place offering holiday accommodation and entertainment
Example: We stayed at a holiday camp last summer.
14. Extended holiday
Meaning: A long vacation
Example: They’re enjoying an extended holiday in Europe.
15. Summer holiday
Meaning: Vacation during the summer season
Example: The kids are excited for their summer holiday.
16. Paid holiday
Meaning: A holiday that you receive salary for
Example: I have 20 days of paid holidays a year.
17. Winter holiday
Meaning: Vacation during the winter season
Example: We’re planning a ski trip for our winter holiday.
18. Holiday brochure
Meaning: A pamphlet that advertises holiday destinations
Example: I’ve been looking through holiday brochures all day.
19. National holiday
Meaning: A holiday celebrated by a whole country
Example: Independence Day is a national holiday.
20. Holiday season
Meaning: The time around Christmas and New Year
Example: The store is very busy during the holiday season.
