Navigating through stress can be like trying to find your way out of a maze. We all face moments when tension and pressure seem to engulf us, but sometimes, the right words can help lighten the load. Idioms are a powerful tool in our language arsenal that can provide a fresh perspective and a bit of comfort when dealing with stress.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 35 common idioms related to stress, break down their meanings, and provide you with practical examples on how to use them effectively.
Whether you’re looking for a way to express your feelings or just want to enhance your vocabulary, these idioms can be a valuable addition to your linguistic toolkit.
1. Burn the Candle at Both Ends
Meaning: To overextend oneself by doing too many things, often leading to exhaustion.
Example 1: She’s been burning the candle at both ends with her demanding job and evening classes.
Example 2: After burning the candle at both ends for weeks, he finally took a day off to recharge.
Explanation: This idiom reflects the concept of overworking oneself, similar to how a candle would burn out faster if lit at both ends. It’s useful for describing situations where someone is pushing themselves too hard, which can lead to stress and burnout.
2. Under the Weather
Meaning: Feeling ill or unwell, often related to stress or fatigue.
Example 1: I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’ll need to take a break.
Example 2: She was under the weather for a few days due to the stress of the project.
Explanation: This idiom metaphorically suggests that one’s health is being affected by unfavorable conditions. It’s a subtle way to indicate that stress or illness is impacting one’s well-being.
3. At the End of One’s Rope
Meaning: Reaching the limit of one’s patience or endurance.
Example 1: After working late nights for months, he was at the end of his rope and needed a vacation.
Example 2: She felt she was at the end of her rope with the constant demands from her supervisor.
Explanation: This idiom paints a vivid picture of someone who is metaphorically running out of slack in their rope, symbolizing their dwindling patience or energy. It’s often used to express that someone is overwhelmed by stress.
4. To Have a Lot on One’s Plate
Meaning: To have many responsibilities or tasks to manage.
Example 1: With the upcoming deadline and her personal commitments, she has a lot on her plate.
Example 2: He’s really stressed because he has a lot on his plate at work and home.
Explanation: This idiom uses the metaphor of a full plate to convey the idea of having numerous tasks or responsibilities. It’s useful for expressing how a busy schedule can contribute to stress.
5. Take It Easy
Meaning: To relax and not stress too much.
Example 1: You’ve been working so hard; make sure to take it easy this weekend.
Example 2: She told him to take it easy and not worry too much about the presentation.
Explanation: This idiom is a gentle reminder to relax and not let stress take over. It’s often used to advise someone to slow down and prioritize their well-being.
6. Blow off Steam
Meaning: To release pent-up emotions or stress.
Example 1: After a stressful day, he went for a run to blow off steam.
Example 2: She needed to blow off steam, so she talked to her friends about the stressful week.
Explanation: This idiom likens emotional release to letting steam escape from a pressure cooker. It’s a great way to describe how someone might alleviate stress through various activities or conversations.
7. Keep One’s Head Above Water
Meaning: To manage to survive or keep going despite difficulties.
Example 1: With all the new projects, she’s just trying to keep her head above water.
Example 2: During the financial crisis, the company managed to keep its head above water.
Explanation: This idiom uses the metaphor of staying afloat to represent managing stress and challenges. It implies making an effort to maintain stability despite overwhelming circumstances.
8. Get Cold Feet
Meaning: To become nervous or apprehensive about something.
Example 1: He got cold feet before the big presentation and was worried he wouldn’t perform well.
Example 2: She had planned the trip but got cold feet at the last moment due to stress.
Explanation: This idiom describes a sudden loss of confidence or fear, often related to stressful situations. It’s useful for expressing hesitation or anxiety.
9. On Edge
Meaning: Feeling nervous or stressed.
Example 1: She’s been on edge all week with the upcoming exams.
Example 2: His constant phone calls have put everyone on edge in the office.
Explanation: Being “on edge” conveys a heightened state of tension or anxiety. It’s a useful way to describe someone who is feeling particularly stressed or jittery.
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10. A Weight Off One’s Shoulders
Meaning: Feeling relieved after a problem is resolved.
Example 1: Finishing the project was a huge weight off her shoulders.
Example 2: When he heard the news that the issue was resolved, it was a weight off his shoulders.
Explanation: This idiom uses the imagery of carrying a heavy weight to symbolize the relief felt when a burden is lifted. It’s a positive way to express the relief from stress.
11. Run Around in Circles
Meaning: To be busy but unproductive, leading to frustration.
Example 1: I felt like I was running around in circles trying to get everything done before the deadline.
Example 2: They were running around in circles with all the conflicting instructions from management.
Explanation: This idiom illustrates the frustration of putting in a lot of effort without making progress. It’s a way to describe feeling overwhelmed and stressed by inefficiency.
12. Hit the Roof
Meaning: To become extremely angry or stressed.
Example 1: When he found out about the mistake, he hit the roof.
Example 2: The boss hit the roof over the missed deadline, causing a lot of stress in the office.
Explanation: This idiom uses the metaphor of a roof being blown off to convey extreme anger or stress. It’s a vivid way to describe an intense reaction to a stressful situation.
13. Have a Meltdown
Meaning: To experience a severe emotional breakdown or stress.
Example 1: She had a meltdown after the presentation didn’t go as planned.
Example 2: The pressure from multiple deadlines caused him to have a meltdown.
Explanation: This idiom describes a situation where stress leads to a dramatic emotional breakdown. It’s often used to illustrate the intensity of someone’s stress or frustration.
14. Be on the Verge of
Meaning: To be very close to experiencing something, usually stress or an emotional breakdown.
Example 1: She was on the verge of tears after the stressful meeting.
Example 2: He was on the verge of a nervous breakdown with all the pressure from work.
Explanation: This idiom signifies being close to a significant emotional state or event. It’s used to convey that someone is almost at their breaking point due to stress.
15. Have a Lot of Nerve
Meaning: To be very bold or audacious, often in stressful situations.
Example 1: It takes a lot of nerve to ask for a raise during such tough economic times.
Example 2: She showed a lot of nerve by standing up to her demanding boss.
Explanation: This idiom reflects the courage or boldness required to handle stressful situations. It’s a positive way to acknowledge someone’s bravery in facing challenges.
16. In a Funk
Meaning: Feeling down or depressed, often due to stress.
Example 1: He’s been in a funk since the project failed.
Example 2: She was in a funk for days after hearing the disappointing news.
Explanation: This idiom describes a state of unhappiness or low spirits, typically caused by stress. It’s a useful way to express emotional downturns.
17. A Tough Nut to Crack
Meaning: A difficult problem or situation to solve.
Example 1: Finding a solution to the budget issues was a tough nut to crack.
Example 2: The client’s demands proved to be a tough nut to crack for the team.
Explanation: This idiom uses the metaphor of cracking a hard nut to describe challenging problems. It’s a positive way to frame difficulties as opportunities for problem-solving.
18. In the Same Boat
Meaning: Experiencing the same situation or problems as others.
Example 1: We’re all in the same boat with the tight deadline, so let’s work together.
Example 2: Being in the same boat with the rest of the team made it easier to handle the stress.
Explanation: This idiom suggests solidarity in facing challenges. It’s a positive way to express shared experiences and support among individuals dealing with stress.
19. Keep One’s Cool
Meaning: To remain calm and composed under pressure.
Example 1: Even during the crisis, she managed to keep her cool and handle the situation effectively.
Example 2: It’s important to keep your cool when faced with unexpected problems at work.
Explanation: This idiom emphasizes maintaining calmness and composure, even in stressful situations. It’s a valuable reminder to stay grounded despite challenges.
20. Out of Steam
Meaning: To lose energy or enthusiasm, often after a period of stress.
Example 1: After the intense workweek, he was completely out of steam.
Example 2: The project team ran out of steam towards the end of the deadline.
Explanation: This idiom reflects the idea of running out of energy or motivation, similar to a machine losing steam. It’s a way to describe feeling exhausted after prolonged stress.
21. In Hot Water
Meaning: In trouble or facing difficulties, often due to stress.
Example 1: She found herself in hot water after missing an important meeting.
Example 2: Being late on the project put him in hot water with his manager.
Explanation: This idiom uses the metaphor of hot water to represent being in trouble. It’s a way to describe the stress associated with problematic situations.
22. Under the Gun
Meaning: Facing pressure to complete a task or meet a deadline.
Example 1: With the project deadline approaching, he’s really under the gun.
Example 2: She was under the gun to deliver the report on time.
Explanation: This idiom describes being pressured to perform or complete tasks, similar to being under a gun. It’s useful for expressing high-stress situations related to deadlines or expectations.
23. Break the Ice
Meaning: To initiate conversation or interaction, often to relieve tension.
Example 1: To break the ice at the meeting, he started with a light-hearted joke.
Example 2: She used an icebreaker game to help the team relax before the stressful brainstorming session.
Explanation: This idiom uses the metaphor of breaking ice to ease initial awkwardness or tension. It’s a positive way to reduce stress and foster interaction in challenging situations.
24. Get a Grip
Meaning: To take control of a situation or one’s emotions.
Example 1: He needed to get a grip on his emotions before the big presentation.
Example 2: She told him to get a grip and focus on solving the problem rather than stressing out.
Explanation: This idiom advises taking control and managing one’s feelings or situation. It’s a positive reminder to regain composure and address stress constructively.
25. Hang in There
Meaning: To persevere through difficult times.
Example 1: The project is tough, but hang in there; things will get better.
Example 2: She kept telling herself to hang in there despite the overwhelming workload.
Explanation: This idiom encourages persistence and resilience, even in stressful situations. It’s a positive way to support someone going through challenges.
26. Face the Music
Meaning: To confront the consequences of one’s actions, often under stress.
Example 1: After missing the deadline, he had to face the music and explain the delay.
Example 2: She knew she had to face the music after the mistake was discovered.
Explanation: This idiom represents the idea of dealing with the outcomes of one’s actions. It’s a positive way to frame accepting responsibility and handling stress.
27. All in a Day’s Work
Meaning: Something that is part of one’s usual routine or job, including stress.
Example 1: Managing tight deadlines and high expectations is all in a day’s work for her.
Example 2: Handling unexpected issues is all in a day’s work for a project manager.
Explanation: This idiom reflects the idea that challenging tasks or stress are just a normal part of the job. It’s a positive way to acknowledge routine difficulties.
28. Breathe Easy
Meaning: To feel relieved and less stressed.
Example 1: After finishing the report, he could finally breathe easy.
Example 2: She breathed easy when she received confirmation that the project was approved.
Explanation: This idiom uses the metaphor of breathing to express relief from stress. It’s a positive way to convey the feeling of overcoming a challenging situation.
29. Keep One’s Eye on the Ball
Meaning: To stay focused on the task at hand, despite stress.
Example 1: Even with all the distractions, she managed to keep her eye on the ball and complete the project.
Example 2: It’s important to keep your eye on the ball during stressful situations to achieve success.
Explanation: This idiom emphasizes maintaining focus and attention, even when faced with stress. It’s a positive reminder to stay concentrated on goals.
30. Smooth Sailing
Meaning: Experiencing a period of ease and lack of stress.
Example 1: After the hectic start, the rest of the project was smooth sailing.
Example 2: Once the initial issues were resolved, it was smooth sailing for the team.
Explanation: This idiom describes a phase of ease and lack of difficulties, likening it to calm waters. It’s a positive way to express relief and progress after overcoming stress.
31. In the Driver’s Seat
Meaning: Being in control of a situation, despite stress.
Example 1: With the project nearing completion, she was in the driver’s seat and could manage the final details.
Example 2: Taking charge of the situation made him feel more in control, even under stress.
Explanation: This idiom uses the metaphor of driving to represent control and leadership. It’s a positive way to describe having authority and direction in challenging situations.
32. Take the Edge Off
Meaning: To reduce the intensity of stress or discomfort.
Example 1: A quick walk can take the edge off after a stressful day at work.
Example 2: Listening to music helped to take the edge off her anxiety before the meeting.
Explanation: This idiom reflects the idea of easing the severity of stress or discomfort. It’s a positive way to describe methods for alleviating stress.
33. Put Your Feet Up
Meaning: To relax and take a break from stress.
Example 1: After finishing the report, she finally put her feet up and enjoyed a quiet evening.
Example 2: He decided to put his feet up after a long day at work and watch his favorite show.
Explanation: This idiom suggests taking time to relax and unwind. It’s a positive way to encourage taking breaks and managing stress through relaxation.
34. Get Something Off One’s Chest
Meaning: To express and relieve pent-up feelings or stress.
Example 1: Talking to a friend helped him get the stress off his chest.
Example 2: She felt much better after getting her concerns off her chest during the meeting.
Explanation: This idiom uses the idea of unloading a burden to describe expressing feelings. It’s a positive way to handle stress by sharing and discussing concerns.
35. Stay Calm and Carry On
Meaning: To remain composed and continue with tasks despite stress.
Example 1: Despite the unexpected changes, she stayed calm and carried on with the project.
Example 2: He reminded himself to stay calm and carry on even when the workload increased.
Explanation: This idiom encourages maintaining composure and continuing with responsibilities, despite stress. It’s a positive reminder to stay focused and resilient.
Answer To Key Question
- What are some idioms that help express stress effectively?
- Idioms like “burn the candle at both ends” and “under the weather” effectively convey different aspects of stress, from overwork to physical symptoms.
- How can idioms be used to manage stress in conversation?
- Using idioms like “blow off steam” or “take it easy” in conversation can help express feelings of stress and suggest ways to alleviate it.
- What are some positive idioms for dealing with workplace stress?
- Positive idioms such as “keep one’s cool” and “hang in there” offer encouragement and advice for handling workplace stress.
- Can idioms be useful in professional writing about stress?
- Yes, idioms can add color and relatability to professional writing, making it easier to connect with readers on the topic of stress.
- How do idioms like “a weight off one’s shoulders” help in relieving stress?
- Such idioms convey the relief felt after overcoming a stressful situation, helping to express and understand the emotional impact of stress.
- Are there idioms that can help in managing personal stress effectively?
- Idioms like “put your feet up” and “get something off one’s chest” offer practical suggestions for managing personal stress through relaxation and communication.
Conclusion
Idioms are more than just colorful expressions—they’re a way to articulate our experiences with stress in relatable and often comforting terms. From “burning the candle at both ends” to “keeping one’s cool,” these phrases provide both insight and relief.
Understanding and using these idioms can help you navigate through stressful situations with a bit more ease and perhaps even a smile. Whether you’re sharing your own experiences or offering support to others, these idioms offer a linguistic lifeline to better handle stress.
Hi, I’m Lauren Reynolds: I bring creativity to English lessons, mixing fun with learning. My goal is to inspire students to explore and enjoy the language.
