Health Idioms
This interactive exercise is designed to help students learn and understand idioms related to health. It is part of a series of resources about idioms. This exercise is part of our free C1 level Advanced English Course.
What Are Idioms and Why Are Health Idioms Important?
Idioms are expressions that don’t have a literal meaning but instead convey a figurative idea that is understood through common usage. They add color, depth, and natural flow to language, making conversations more engaging and expressive.
Health idioms are particularly important because health and well-being are universal topics. Whether discussing feeling unwell, recovering, or maintaining good health, these idioms appear frequently in daily conversations, news reports, and even medical discussions. Understanding them helps improve English fluency, comprehension, and confidence in real-life situations.
For example, if someone says, “I’m under the weather,” they don’t mean they are physically under anything—they mean they feel sick. Similarly, hearing “He got a second wind” during a workout means he regained energy, not that he was affected by the actual wind.
By learning health-related idioms, you’ll be able to speak naturally, understand native speakers more easily, and express yourself more effectively in social and professional settings.
Now, let’s explore some of the most common health idioms and their meanings!
Under the weather
This idiom means to feel ill or unwell.
Example: I’m sorry I can’t come to work today, I’m feeling a bit under the weather.
Get a second wind
This idiom means to regain energy or strength after feeling tired.
Example: I was feeling exhausted halfway through my run, but then I got a second wind and finished strong.
Feel on top of the world
This idiom means to feel very good or extremely happy.
Example: I just got the promotion I’ve been working towards for years. I feel on top of the world!
Take to your bed
This idiom means to stay in bed because of illness.
Example: I think I’m coming down with the flu. I think I’ll take to my bed and sleep it off.
A bitter pill to swallow
This idiom means something that is difficult or unpleasant to accept.
Example: I know it’s not what you wanted to hear, but I’m afraid you didn’t get the job. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but I’m sure there will be other opportunities.
A shot in the arm
This idiom means something that provides a boost or encouragement.
Example: I was feeling really down about my writing, but getting published in that magazine was a real shot in the arm. I feel motivated to keep going.
In good health
This idiom means to be healthy or free from illness.
Example: I’m so glad to hear that your mom is in good health after her surgery.
Not the picture of health
This idiom means to look sick or unhealthy.
Example: I’m sorry I couldn’t come to work yesterday. I wasn’t feeling well and I’m sure I didn’t look the picture of health.
A health nut
This idiom means someone who is very focused on maintaining their health through diet and exercise.
Example: I know it might seem extreme, but I’m a real health nut. I do yoga every morning and I only eat organic food.
A clean bill of health
This idiom means to be declared healthy or fit.
Example: I just got back from the doctor and she gave me a clean bill of health. I guess all those vegetables I’ve been eating are paying off.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
This idiom means that eating healthy foods can help prevent illness.
Example: My grandmother always reminds me to eat fruit because she believes an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
On the mend
This idiom means to be in the process of healing or recovering from an illness or injury.
Example: After a week of rest and medicine, I’m finally on the mend and starting to feel better.
Now that you have learned these animal idioms, it’s time to test your understanding!