speak better English with Harry podcast- episode 226
Harry
13 English idioms related to relaxation

Hi there, this is Harry and welcome to Speak Better English with Harry podcast for English learners.
I try to help you to get a better understanding of the English language and how you can use it. Business English or conversational English. I do that by helping you with some English grammar constructions, useful idioms, new phrasal verbs and all other aspects. And of course, English pronunciation.
Today, we’re going to look at idioms related to relaxation and rest. So what sort of idioms can we use when we’re talking about relaxing or relaxation in English? As always, I’m going to give you a list of what they are and then I’ll give you some examples that will give you a better understanding of how you can use these English idioms.
take it easy
Meaning: to relax, not do very much
Example:
I’m just going to lie on a beach put my feet up, enjoy the sunsets and the sun and take it easy for a week.
Meaning: to give someone an instruction or a piece of advice to avoid working at a very hectic pace or to avoid strain
Example:
You will need to take it easy at home for 5-7 after your surgery.
Narrow down your responsibility and take it easy at work, otherwise, you will burn out.
to slow down
Meaning: to relax, to not rush
Examples:
I think I need to slow down a little bit perhaps it’ll get a little easier after month-end when I’ve done all the reporting.
Michael wasn’t feeling so well. He went to the doctor and the doctor told him to slow down a bit and take a break.
Why don’t you try to slow down? Stop working at a reasonable hour and get home early for a few weeks.
13 English idioms related to relaxation

to let your hair down
Meaning: to relax and enjoy yourself, or even go a little bit wild
Example:
Should we go out and let our hair down for a few hours at a karaoke bar?
to switch off
Meaning: to totally relax
Example:
My weekend was amazing. I just switched off completely on Friday evening, got away from everything and didn’t pick up my mobile phone.
hang out (with)
Meaning: to not do anything in particular but to be with people you like being with
Example:
We’ll probably go to the movies, we’ll probably go and kick a ball or play a bit of basketball, we’ll just hang out.
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unwind /ʌnˈwaɪnd/
Meaning: to become less stressed, to take your mind off something
Example:
When you go on holidays, it always takes a couple of days to unwind and find your way around.
to take your mind off something
Meaning: to de-stress
Example:
A quick walk in the mountains helps me to take my mind off the difficult problem in the office.
take a breather
Meaning: to take a short break, a little intermission that gets you feeling good
Example:
You’re working too hard. Why don’t you take a breather and meet me for coffee?
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13 English idioms related to relaxation
take a break
Meaning: to do something different, to relax (it’s slightly longer than a breather)
Example:
I’d love to take a break and go to Scotland for a weekend.
footloose and fancy-free
Meaning: to be free to do anything you want
Example:
I’m footloose and fancy-free this weekend. How about coming to my house for a few beers?
to have a blast
Meaning: to go out there and really enjoy yourself, have a lot of fun
Example:
Enjoy your trip to Venice, have a blast!
And then the very old English idiom that everybody uses and has heard of
to recharge your batteries
Meaning: to have a break and come back feeling fresh and relaxed
Example:
I really needed that mini-break last month to recharge my batteries.
to indulge yourself in something
Meaning: to do things you enjoy the most
Example:
Take a few minutes out of your day and indulge yourself in our special spa treatment.
13 idioms related to relaxation
Well, they’re all idioms related to relaxation or rest. I just to give them to you again:
- take it easy
- slow down
- let your hair down
- switch off
- hang out (with)
- unwind
- take your mind off something
- take a breather
- take a break
- footloose and fancy-free
- have a blast
- recharge your batteries
- indulge yourself in something
As always, I really appreciate you listening. If you want to contact me, then you can do so on www.englishlessonviaskype.com I’m always happy to hear from you happy to include whatever you wish to include in these episodes. Join me again soon.
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more information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
Intermediate English travel vocabulary
English vocabulary related to driving
You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC and British Council Learn English.
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