Spending time outside can be fun and relaxing. People enjoy walking in the park, hiking in the woods, or just sitting in the sun. Because nature is such a big part of life, people have created sayings, or idioms, to talk about outdoor things in creative ways. These idioms use nature words like “sky,” “forest,” and “weather” to express ideas or feelings.
In this lesson, you will learn some common idioms related to the outdoors. You will see what they mean and how to use them in regular conversation. Understanding these idioms will help you describe things more clearly and make your speaking or writing more interesting.
Idioms for Outdoors
1. Break the ice
Meaning: To start a conversation or activity and make people feel comfortable.
Sample Sentences: We played a game to break the ice at the camp. / She told a joke to break the ice during the hike.
Other Way to Say: Start talking / Make friends
2. On thin ice
Meaning: In a risky or dangerous situation.
Sample Sentences: You’re on thin ice if you don’t wear a helmet while biking. / He was on thin ice when he climbed the slippery rocks.
Other Way to Say: Taking a risk / In trouble
3. Hit the trail
Meaning: To start a journey or go hiking outdoors.
Sample Sentences: We packed our bags and hit the trail early in the morning. / Let’s hit the trail before it gets too hot.
Other Way to Say: Start hiking / Begin a trip
4. Off the beaten path
Meaning: A place that is not usual or popular, often quiet and natural.
Sample Sentences: We found a cabin off the beaten path in the forest. / The lake is off the beaten path, so it’s peaceful.
Other Way to Say: Away from crowds / Hidden place
5. Blow off steam
Meaning: To release stress or energy by doing something active.
Sample Sentences: After school, I went outside to blow off steam by playing soccer. / Hiking helped her blow off steam after a tough day.
Other Way to Say: Relax / Let out energy
6. Take a hike
Meaning: To go for a walk or to leave somewhere.
Sample Sentences: We decided to take a hike up the mountain. / When he was rude, I told him to take a hike.
Other Way to Say: Go walk / Go away
7. Hit the sack
Meaning: To go to bed or rest after a long day outdoors.
Sample Sentences: After our long hike, we hit the sack early. / She was tired and ready to hit the sack.
Other Way to Say: Go to sleep / Rest
8. In the same boat
Meaning: To be in the same situation as someone else.
Sample Sentences: We were all in the same boat during the rainy camping trip. / Everyone forgot their jackets—we were in the same boat!
Other Way to Say: Together / Same situation
9. Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working or stop an activity.
Sample Sentences: After five miles, we called it a day and went home. / The campers decided to call it a day because it got dark.
Other Way to Say: Stop / Finish
10. Get wind of something
Meaning: To hear about something, often a secret.
Sample Sentences: I got wind of a new hiking trail opening soon. / She got wind of the surprise party at the camp.
Other Way to Say: Hear about it / Find out
11. Down to earth
Meaning: Being practical and realistic.
Sample Sentences: She’s down to earth and loves camping without fancy gear. / Our guide was down to earth and gave simple tips.
Other Way to Say: Practical / Realistic
12. Make waves
Meaning: To cause trouble or create change.
Sample Sentences: The new campers made waves by trying to change the rules. / Don’t make waves during the outdoor trip.
Other Way to Say: Cause trouble / Stir things up
13. Go off the rails
Meaning: To lose control or act wildly.
Sample Sentences: He went off the rails when he ran too fast on the trail. / The group went off the rails after the fun hike.
Other Way to Say: Lose control / Act crazy
14. At the drop of a hat
Meaning: To do something immediately without planning.
Sample Sentences: She went camping at the drop of a hat when her friends invited her. / They started the bonfire at the drop of a hat.
Other Way to Say: Right away / Without waiting
15. Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: To make a wrong guess or blame the wrong person.
Sample Sentences: If you think I lost the map, you’re barking up the wrong tree. / He was barking up the wrong tree when he blamed me for the fire.
Other Way to Say: Wrong guess / Mistaken idea
16. Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To stay up late working or studying.
Sample Sentences: We burned the midnight oil planning our camping trip. / He burned the midnight oil finishing his nature project.
Other Way to Say: Stay up late / Work late
17. By the skin of your teeth
Meaning: To just barely succeed or avoid failure.
Sample Sentences: I caught the bus by the skin of my teeth after hiking all day. / She finished the trail by the skin of her teeth before dark.
Other Way to Say: Just in time / Barely
18. The ball is in your court
Meaning: It’s your turn to make a decision or act.
Sample Sentences: We found two paths, so the ball is in your court to choose. / The leader said, “The ball is in your court” about setting up camp.
Other Way to Say: Your turn / You decide
19. Get your feet wet
Meaning: To try something for the first time.
Sample Sentences: She got her feet wet with fishing on the lake. / It’s good to get your feet wet before a big hike.
Other Way to Say: Try something new / Start
20. Go the extra mile
Meaning: To try harder than usual.
Sample Sentences: Our guide went the extra mile to make the hike fun. / She went the extra mile by bringing snacks for everyone.
Other Way to Say: Try harder / Do more
21. On cloud nine
Meaning: Very happy or excited.
Sample Sentences: He was on cloud nine after catching his first fish. / We were on cloud nine when we saw the beautiful view.
Other Way to Say: Very happy / Excited
22. Off the hook
Meaning: Freed from a difficult situation.
Sample Sentences: I forgot my tent, but my friend let me off the hook. / She was off the hook because it rained and canceled the hike.
Other Way to Say: Free / Excused
23. Keep your eyes peeled
Meaning: To watch carefully.
Sample Sentences: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife on the trail. / He kept his eyes peeled for the best campsite.
Other Way to Say: Watch closely / Stay alert
24. Bend over backwards
Meaning: To try very hard to help.
Sample Sentences: Our guide bent over backwards to fix our broken gear. / She bent over backwards to make sure everyone was safe.
Other Way to Say: Try hard / Help a lot
25. In the same boat
Meaning: Sharing the same situation.
Sample Sentences: We were all in the same boat when the rain started. / The team was in the same boat without a map.
Other Way to Say: Together / Same situation
26. Call the shots
Meaning: To be the person who makes decisions.
Sample Sentences: Our guide called the shots on where to camp. / She likes to call the shots during our hikes.
Other Way to Say: Be the boss / Make decisions
27. A breath of fresh air
Meaning: Something new and refreshing.
Sample Sentences: The mountain view was a breath of fresh air after the city. / The cool breeze was a breath of fresh air on a hot day.
Other Way to Say: Something new / Refreshing
28. Go with the flow
Meaning: To accept things as they come without stress.
Sample Sentences: We didn’t plan much and just went with the flow on our trip. / Sometimes it’s best to go with the flow when hiking.
Other Way to Say: Be easygoing / Take it easy
29. In hot water
Meaning: In trouble or a difficult situation.
Sample Sentences: He was in hot water for forgetting to bring water on the hike. / We got in hot water when we went off the trail.
Other Way to Say: In trouble / Facing problems
30. Take a rain check
Meaning: To delay or postpone something.
Sample Sentences: The rain started, so we took a rain check on the hike. / I’ll take a rain check on fishing and go another day.
Other Way to Say: Postpone / Do later
31. Blow someone away
Meaning: To impress someone a lot.
Sample Sentences: The sunset blew me away on the mountain top. / His camping skills blew everyone away.
Other Way to Say: Impress / Amaze
32. Step up your game
Meaning: To try harder or improve.
Sample Sentences: You need to step up your game if you want to finish the hike. / She stepped up her game and caught more fish.
Other Way to Say: Improve / Try harder
33. On the ball
Meaning: To be alert and ready.
Sample Sentences: You need to be on the ball during the climb. / The team was on the ball and set up camp quickly.
Other Way to Say: Alert / Ready
34. Pull yourself together
Meaning: To calm down and get control of your feelings.
Sample Sentences: After getting lost, he pulled himself together and found the way. / She pulled herself together after a scary moment.
Other Way to Say: Calm down / Get control
35. Back to square one
Meaning: To start over after a failure.
Sample Sentences: We lost the map, so we were back to square one. / After the storm, the trip was back to square one.
Other Way to Say: Start again / Begin over
36. Hit the jackpot
Meaning: To get something very good or lucky.
Sample Sentences: We hit the jackpot with great weather for our hike. / Finding the perfect campsite was hitting the jackpot.
Other Way to Say: Get lucky / Find the best
37. Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling sick or not well.
Sample Sentences: I felt under the weather and couldn’t hike today. / She was under the weather during the camping trip.
Other Way to Say: Sick / Not feeling good
38. Water under the bridge
Meaning: Something in the past that is forgotten or forgiven.
Sample Sentences: We had a fight, but that’s water under the bridge now. / The lost gear was water under the bridge after the trip.
Other Way to Say: Forget it / Let it go
39. Keep your head above water
Meaning: To manage and survive a hard situation.
Sample Sentences: We kept our heads above water despite the bad weather. / She kept her head above water during the long hike.
Other Way to Say: Manage / Survive
40. Off the hook
Meaning: Freed from a difficult task or trouble.
Sample Sentences: I forgot the tent, but my friend let me off the hook. / He was off the hook when the event was canceled.
Other Way to Say: Excused / Freed
41. Throw in the towel
Meaning: To give up or stop trying.
Sample Sentences: After many failed attempts, he threw in the towel. / We almost threw in the towel because of the rain.
Other Way to Say: Give up / Quit
42. Keep your cool
Meaning: Stay calm under pressure.
Sample Sentences: She kept her cool during the difficult climb. / It’s important to keep your cool if it starts raining.
Other Way to Say: Stay calm / Don’t panic
43. Cut corners
Meaning: To do something in the easiest or quickest way, often badly.
Sample Sentences: Don’t cut corners when setting up your tent. / He cut corners and forgot some important gear.
Other Way to Say: Do it quickly / Skip steps
44. Up in the air
Meaning: Not decided or uncertain.
Sample Sentences: Our plans for the hike are still up in the air. / It’s up in the air whether we will camp or go home.
Other Way to Say: Uncertain / Not decided
45. Hit the roof
Meaning: To become very angry.
Sample Sentences: Mom hit the roof when we came home late from hiking. / He hit the roof when someone broke his fishing rod.
Other Way to Say: Get angry / Lose temper
46. Go back to the drawing board
Meaning: To start planning something again.
Sample Sentences: Our campsite was full, so we went back to the drawing board. / The hike was canceled, so it’s back to the drawing board.
Other Way to Say: Start over / Plan again
47. Play it by ear
Meaning: To decide what to do as you go, without planning.
Sample Sentences: We didn’t plan the hike exactly, we decided to play it by ear. / Let’s play it by ear and see if the weather gets better.
Other Way to Say: Decide later / Go with the flow
48. A wild goose chase
Meaning: A useless or pointless search.
Sample Sentences: Looking for the lost hat was a wild goose chase. / We went on a wild goose chase trying to find the hidden trail.
Other Way to Say: Waste of time / Pointless search
49. Throw caution to the wind
Meaning: To take a risk without worrying.
Sample Sentences: We threw caution to the wind and climbed the big rock. / She threw caution to the wind and tried the new trail.
Other Way to Say: Take a risk / Be brave
50. Off the hook
Meaning: No longer in trouble or responsibility.
Sample Sentences: After the rain canceled the hike, we were off the hook. / He was off the hook for missing the meeting.
Other Way to Say: Excused / Free
51. Jump the gun
Meaning: To do something too soon.
Sample Sentences: Don’t jump the gun and start the hike before everyone’s ready. / He jumped the gun and went ahead alone.
Other Way to Say: Start early / Act too soon
52. Take the plunge
Meaning: To decide to do something difficult or scary.
Sample Sentences: She took the plunge and went camping for the first time. / We took the plunge and crossed the river.
Other Way to Say: Try something new / Take a risk
53. Get the show on the road
Meaning: To start something, especially a trip or event.
Sample Sentences: Let’s get the show on the road and start hiking! / After breakfast, we got the show on the road.
Other Way to Say: Start / Begin
54. Blow your own horn
Meaning: To brag or talk about your own achievements.
Sample Sentences: He blew his own horn after catching the biggest fish. / Don’t blow your own horn too much during the trip.
Other Way to Say: Brag / Show off
55. Bend over backwards
Meaning: To try very hard to help or do something.
Sample Sentences: The camp leaders bent over backwards to make the trip fun. / She bent over backwards to help her friends set up tents.
Other Way to Say: Try hard / Help a lot
Multiple Choice Question: Idioms for Outdoors
1. What does “head in the clouds” mean?
A) Watching the sky
B) Not paying attention
C) Flying in an airplane
2. If someone is “down to earth,” what are they like?
A) They love digging in the dirt
B) They are calm and sensible
C) They sleep on the ground
3. What does “take a hike” usually mean in conversation?
A) Go on a walk in nature
B) Leave someone alone
C) Get tired from walking
4. “Come rain or shine” means:
A) You’ll do it no matter the weather
B) You only go outside when it’s sunny
C) Rain and sun will always come
5. When someone says “out of the woods,” what does it mean?
A) You left the forest
B) You found your way home
C) You are safe from trouble
6. If a person is “under the weather,” how do they feel?
A) Sick or unwell
B) Cold because it’s raining
C) Lost during a storm
7. “Go with the flow” means to:
A) Follow the river
B) Stay calm and let things happen
C) Change your path often
8. What does it mean to “shoot the breeze”?
A) Throw something in the wind
B) Talk casually with someone
C) Complain about the weather
9. If you are “on thin ice,” what are you doing?
A) Ice skating
B) About to fall
C) In danger of getting in trouble
10. “Weather the storm” means:
A) Hide during bad weather
B) Get through a hard time
C) Watch the clouds carefully
11. What does “get your feet wet” mean?
A) Try something new
B) Step in a puddle
C) Swim across a river
12. If something is “a breath of fresh air,” it is:
A) Cold and windy
B) A nice, new change
C) Hard to breathe in
Answer Key
- B. Not paying attention
- B. They are calm and sensible
- B. Leave someone alone
- A. You’ll do it no matter the weather
- C. You are safe from trouble
- A. Sick or unwell
- B. Stay calm and let things happen
- B. Talk casually with someone
- C. In danger of getting in trouble
- B. Get through a hard time
- A. Try something new
- B. A nice, new change
Scoring Guide
- 12 Correct Answers: Love Idiom Master!
- 8–11 Correct Answers: Well on your way to understanding love idioms.
- 4–7 Correct Answers: Room for improvement, but you’re getting there!
- 0–3 Correct Answers: Let’s explore the world of love idioms together.
Conclusion
Outdoor idioms help us talk about nature, feelings, and everyday situations in fun ways. These sayings use simple words like wind, rain, and sunshine to share ideas.
By learning these idioms, you can speak and write with more variety. You’ll also understand others better when they use these phrases in real life. Keep listening, reading, and trying out these expressions when you can.
