Idioms are phrases that have a different meaning from the words in them. Today, we’ll explore idioms related to the coast. These are special phrases that use words about the coast but mean something else. Let’s dive in and learn these fun expressions!
Coastal Idioms
Here are 20 coastal idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
1. Smooth Sailing
Meaning: Easy and without problems
Example: Finishing the project was smooth sailing.
2. Make Waves
Meaning: Cause a disturbance
Example: He likes to make waves in meetings.
3. Against the Tide
Meaning: Go against the general opinion
Example: She’s swimming against the tide at work.
4. In Deep Water
Meaning: In a difficult situation
Example: He’s in deep water with his boss.
5. All at Sea
Meaning: Confused and unsure
Example: I’m all at sea with these directions.
6. The Coast is Clear
Meaning: No one is watching; safe
Example: I checked; the coast is clear.
7. Sail Through
Meaning: Complete something easily
Example: She sailed through her exams.
8. Rock the Boat
Meaning: Disturb a stable situation
Example: Don’t rock the boat during negotiations.
9. Anchor Down
Meaning: Settle in a place
Example: Let’s anchor down here tonight.
10. Rudderless Ship
Meaning: Lacking direction
Example: That team is a rudderless ship.
11. Full Steam Ahead
Meaning: Proceed energetically
Example: It’s full steam ahead with the plans.
12. Jump Ship
Meaning: Leave an organization
Example: He decided to jump ship for a new job.
13. On Board
Meaning: Agreed or involved
Example: Everyone is on board with the idea.
14. Tide Over
Meaning: Support through a tough time
Example: This money will tide you over.
15. Ship Shape
Meaning: Neat and tidy
Example: Keep everything ship shape.
16. Cast Away
Meaning: Throw out or discard
Example: He was cast away from the team.
17. Drift Apart
Meaning: Become less close over time
Example: Friends tend to drift apart after college.
18. Make Headway
Meaning: Make progress
Example: We are starting to make headway on the project.
19. Under the Weather
Meaning: Feeling ill or unwell
Example: She’s feeling under the weather today.
20. Turn the Tide
Meaning: Reverse the situation
Example: The new strategy could turn the tide.