list of English idioms
13 English idioms related to relaxation
Harry
Hi there, this is Harry and welcome back to my advanced English lessons.
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.
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take it easy
Meaning: to relax and not work too hard or worry too much
Example:
I’m not going to do much, I’m just going to take it easy. I’ve been working hard recently.
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.
Why don’t you take it easy for a couple of days? Just rest up, catch up on some sleep, or read a book.
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 responsibilities and take it easy at work, otherwise, you will burn out.
to slow down
Meaning: to relax, take time to rest, enjoy the moment without rushing
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?
Last night, we let our hair down—dinner, nightclub, karaoke, and dancing till the early hours.
Now that exams are over, it’s time to let our hair down and celebrate!
to switch off
Meaning: to stop thinking about work or problems and 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.
Oh, I’m looking forward to the holiday. We’ve got two weeks. We’re going to switch off and relax.
Looking forward to the break. Time to switch off, unwind, and explore what the local kitchens have to offer.
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.
I was hanging out with my friends during the summer holidays, just chilling and having fun.
In the summer holidays, I hang out with my friends and we play a lot outside.
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unwind /ʌnˈwaɪnd/
Meaning: to relax and start to feel calm after being busy or stressed
Example:
When you go on holidays, it always takes a couple of days to unwind and find your way around.
A great way to unwind is to start your evening with a nice massage.
to take your mind off something
Meaning: to distract yourself or think about something else, so you don’t worry about a problem or stress
Example:
A quick walk in the mountains helps me to take my mind off the difficult problem in the office.
Let’s go away for the weekend and take our minds off work.
Let’s go out for the evening. Try that new restaurant, and take your mind off all the problems.
take a breather
Meaning: to rest for a little while
Example:
You’re working too hard. Why don’t you take a breather and meet me for coffee?
It was definitely time to take a breather and step away from the charts and graphs for a bit.
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?
We don’t have any plans or worries, just footloose and fancy-free. Let’s find something fun to do!
to have a blast
Meaning: to go out there and really enjoy yourself, have a lot of fun
Example:
Enjoy your trip to Venice, and have a blast!
We had a blast at the party, dancing and laughing all night.
We had a blast at the school reunion, catching up with old friends and sharing memories.
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.
I’m going to spend the next three or four days just recharging 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.
speak better English with Harry podcast- episode 477
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.
