Science Idioms (With Meaning and Examples)

In this post, we’ll explore fun phrases related to science. These are called idioms, and they make talking and writing more interesting!

Science Idioms

Here are 20 science idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.

Rocket science

Meaning: Very complex or difficult

Example: Fixing cars isn’t rocket science for Lara.

Not rocket science

Meaning: Not complicated

Example: Baking this cake is not rocket science.

Bright as a button

Meaning: Very intelligent

Example: She’s as bright as a button in math.

On the same wavelength

Meaning: Agreeing or understanding each other

Example: We are often on the same wavelength about movies.

Reinvent the wheel

Meaning: To do something that’s already done

Example: Designing a new app shouldn’t mean reinventing the wheel.

Under the microscope

Meaning: Examined very closely

Example: His project was under the microscope during review.

A lightbulb moment

Meaning: A sudden great idea

Example: She had a lightbulb moment in the meeting.

To have chemistry

Meaning: To get along well

Example: They have chemistry; it’s fun to watch them together.

Pushing the envelope

Meaning: Going beyond the usual limits

Example: Their research is pushing the envelope in genetics.

A drop in the bucket

Meaning: A very small amount

Example: His savings were just a drop in the bucket.

Full steam ahead

Meaning: Proceed energetically

Example: Once approved, it was full steam ahead on the project.

Circuit breaker

Meaning: Something that stops a process

Example: The new rule acted as a circuit breaker for expenses.

Quantum leap

Meaning: A significant advancement

Example: The cure was a quantum leap in medicine.

Chain reaction

Meaning: A series of events triggered by an initial one

Example: The new policy caused a chain reaction of changes.

In one’s element

Meaning: Comfortable in a situation

Example: He’s really in his element in the lab.

Out of one’s element

Meaning: Uncomfortable in a situation

Example: I was out of my element at the dance class.

Hot air

Meaning: Meaningless talk

Example: His promises are just hot air.

The acid test

Meaning: A test of effectiveness or value

Example: The trial is the acid test for the new drug.

Splitting the atom

Meaning: Performing a very difficult task

Example: Solving that puzzle was like splitting the atom.

Blow a fuse

Meaning: Lose one’s temper

Example: He tends to blow a fuse when rushed.

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