Understanding age-related expressions can help you communicate more effectively and add depth to your conversations. These expressions are commonly used in everyday language and can be both descriptive and humorous. Let’s explore 20 expressions related to age, complete with short meanings and example sentences.
1. Over the hill
Meaning: Past prime
Example: At 50, some say he’s over the hill.
2. In the prime of life
Meaning: At peak age
Example: She’s in the prime of life at 30.
3. Act your age
Meaning: Behave appropriately
Example: It’s time to act your age, not like a kid.
4. Age before beauty
Meaning: Let older go first
Example: Age before beauty, he said, holding the door.
5. Coming of age
Meaning: Reaching adulthood
Example: The story is about a boy coming of age.
6. No spring chicken
Meaning: Not young anymore
Example: He’s no spring chicken, but still active.
7. Wise beyond years
Meaning: Very mature
Example: Her advice shows she’s wise beyond years.
8. To feel one’s age
Meaning: Realize one’s aging
Example: After that hike, I’m feeling my age.
9. Push up daisies
Meaning: Dead and buried
Example: Someday we’ll all be pushing up daisies.
10. Young at heart
Meaning: Feel youthful
Example: Grandma is 80 but young at heart.
11. Golden years
Meaning: Retirement age
Example: They’re enjoying their golden years traveling.
12. Wet behind the ears
Meaning: Inexperienced
Example: He’s still wet behind the ears at this job.
13. Over the hill
Meaning: Past prime
Example: At 50, some say he’s over the hill.
14. In the autumn of life
Meaning: Late in life
Example: He’s in the autumn of life but still active.
15. Age is just a number
Meaning: Age doesn’t matter
Example: She believes age is just a number.
16. Born yesterday
Meaning: Naive or gullible
Example: I wasn’t born yesterday, I know your tricks.
17. In one’s second childhood
Meaning: Acting childish
Example: He’s in his second childhood, playing video games.
18. Past one’s prime
Meaning: Beyond best years
Example: Athletes often retire past their prime.
19. Act your age
Meaning: Behave appropriately
Example: It’s time to act your age, not like a kid.
20. A ripe old age
Meaning: Very old
Example: She lived to a ripe old age of 95.
