Idioms beginning with H

Idioms beginning with H

English idioms, proverbs, and expressions are an important part of everyday English. They come up all the time in both written and spoken English. Because idioms don’t always make sense literally, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the meaning and usage of each idiom. That may seem like a lot of work, but learning idioms is fun, especially when you compare English idioms to the idioms in your own language.

Idioms beginning with H with Meaning and Example

Here’s a list of “Idioms beginning with H” in English:

Hair of the dog

• Meaning: A small amount of alcohol taken to cure a hangover.
• Example: After the party, he had a hair of the dog to feel better.

Hand in glove

• Meaning: In close cooperation.
• Example: The detective worked hand in glove with the police.

Hand over fist

• Meaning: Rapidly and in large amounts.
• Example: They made money hand over fist during the sale.

Handle with kid gloves

• Meaning: Treat very gently or carefully.
• Example: The antique vase was handled with kid gloves.

Hang in the balance

• Meaning: Be in an uncertain state.
• Example: The outcome of the match hung in the balance.

Hang on by a thread

• Meaning: Be in a very precarious situation.
• Example: Their relationship is hanging on by a thread.

Hang out to dry

• Meaning: Leave someone in a difficult situation.
• Example: He was left hanging out to dry when his team didn’t show up.

Happy as a clam

• Meaning: Very happy and content.
• Example: She was happy as a clam on her vacation.

Happy as a lark

• Meaning: Very happy.
• Example: He felt happy as a lark after getting the job.

Hard nut to crack

• Meaning: A difficult problem or person to deal with.
• Example: The new project is a hard nut to crack.

Have a bone to pick

• Meaning: Have a grievance or complaint to discuss.
• Example: I have a bone to pick with you about last night.

Have a chip on your shoulder

• Meaning: Be resentful or angry about something.
• Example: He’s had a chip on his shoulder ever since the argument.

Have a heart

• Meaning: Be compassionate or generous.
• Example: Have a heart and help me carry these bags.

Have a lot on your plate

• Meaning: Be very busy.
• Example: She has a lot on her plate with work and school.

Have a screw loose

• Meaning: Be slightly crazy or eccentric.
• Example: I think that guy has a screw loose.

Have a soft spot for

• Meaning: Feel affection for someone or something.
• Example: She has a soft spot for stray animals.

Have cold feet

• Meaning: Feel nervous or unsure about something.
• Example: He got cold feet before the wedding.

Have eyes in the back of your head

• Meaning: Be very aware of everything around you.
• Example: Teachers seem to have eyes in the back of their heads.

Have one’s head in the clouds

• Meaning: Be daydreaming or not paying attention.
• Example: He always has his head in the clouds during meetings.

Have other fish to fry

• Meaning: Have other things to do or deal with.
• Example: I can’t help you right now; I have other fish to fry.

Have the last laugh

• Meaning: Ultimately be successful after others doubted you.
• Example: He had the last laugh when his invention became a hit.

Head and shoulders above

• Meaning: Much better than others.
• Example: Her performance was head and shoulders above the rest.

Head in the clouds

• Meaning: Be daydreaming or not paying attention.
• Example: She always has her head in the clouds.

Head over heels

• Meaning: Deeply in love.
• Example: He’s head over heels for his new girlfriend.

Hear it on the grapevine

• Meaning: Hear rumors or unofficial information.
• Example: I heard it on the grapevine that she’s getting married.

Heart and soul

• Meaning: With all one’s energy and enthusiasm.
• Example: He put his heart and soul into the project.

Heart of gold

• Meaning: Be very kind and generous.
• Example: She has a heart of gold and always helps others.

Heavy heart

• Meaning: Feel sad or sorrowful.
• Example: He left with a heavy heart after saying goodbye.

Hell in a handbasket

• Meaning: Deteriorating rapidly.
• Example: The economy is going to hell in a handbasket.

Hit the books

• Meaning: Study hard.
• Example: I need to hit the books before my exams.

Hit the ground running

• Meaning: Start a task with enthusiasm and energy.
• Example: She hit the ground running on her first day at work.

Hit the hay

• Meaning: Go to bed.
• Example: I’m tired; I’m going to hit the hay.

Hit the nail on the head

• Meaning: Get something exactly right.
• Example: You hit the nail on the head with your analysis.

Hit the sack

• Meaning: Go to bed.
• Example: I’m exhausted; time to hit the sack.

Hold a candle to

• Meaning: Compare poorly to someone or something.
• Example: No one can hold a candle to her cooking skills.

Hold one’s tongue

• Meaning: Refrain from speaking.
• Example: He wanted to criticize but held his tongue.

Hold your horses

• Meaning: Wait a moment; be patient.
• Example: Hold your horses, we’ll leave in a minute.

Home is where the heart is

• Meaning: Your true home is with the people you love.
• Example: No matter where I travel, home is where the heart is.

Honesty is the best policy

• Meaning: It’s best to always tell the truth.
• Example: Remember, honesty is the best policy.

Hook, line, and sinker

• Meaning: Completely and without reservation.
• Example: He fell for the scam hook, line, and sinker.

Hope against hope

• Meaning: Continue to hope even when there is little chance of success.
• Example: She hoped against hope that he would recover.

Hornet’s nest

• Meaning: A situation fraught with difficulties.
• Example: His comments stirred up a hornet’s nest.

Horse of a different color

• Meaning: Something completely different.
• Example: That issue is a horse of a different color.

Hot under the collar

• Meaning: Angry or upset.
• Example: He gets hot under the collar whenever his team loses.

House of cards

• Meaning: A structure or argument that is unstable or likely to collapse.
• Example: The plan fell apart like a house of cards.

Hungry as a bear

• Meaning: Very hungry.
• Example: After the hike, we were hungry as bears.

Hurry up and wait

• Meaning: Hurry to complete a task and then wait for the next step.
• Example: The military is all about hurry up and wait.

Hush-hush

• Meaning: Secret.
• Example: The meeting was kept hush-hush.

Hitting the ceiling

• Meaning: Becoming very angry.
• Example: She hit the ceiling when she found out about the mistake.

Hold the fort

• Meaning: Take responsibility or remain in charge.
• Example: I’ll hold the fort while you’re away.

Hold water

• Meaning: Be valid or sound.
• Example: His argument doesn’t hold water.

Home stretch

• Meaning: The final phase of a task.
• Example: We’re in the home stretch of the project.

Hot potato

• Meaning: A controversial or difficult issue.
• Example: The topic of taxes is a hot potato.

Have your cake and eat it too

• Meaning: Want more than is reasonable.
• Example: You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

Hindsight is 20/20

• Meaning: It’s easy to know the right thing to do after something has happened.
• Example: Hindsight is 20/20; we should have done things differently.

Hold your head high

• Meaning: Maintain dignity and pride.
• Example: Despite the loss, he held his head high.

Hail Mary pass

• Meaning: A desperate, last-ditch effort.
• Example: The team threw a Hail Mary pass in the final seconds.

Hit the jackpot

• Meaning: Achieve great success or make a lot of money.
• Example: She hit the jackpot with her new business.

High and dry

• Meaning: Abandoned and helpless.
• Example: The sailors were left high and dry when the boat sank.

High on the hog

• Meaning: Living luxuriously.
• Example: Since his promotion, he’s been living high on the hog.

Hail Mary

• Meaning: A final attempt, often one that is unlikely to succeed.
• Example: The project was a Hail Mary to save the company.

Hair of the Dog

• Meaning: A small amount of alcohol taken to cure a hangover.
• Example: He had a hair of the dog after the party.

Hands are Tied

• Meaning: Unable to act freely.
• Example: I’d love to help, but my hands are tied.

Hands Down

• Meaning: Without a doubt; easily.
• Example: He won the race hands down.

Hang It Up

• Meaning: Quit or stop doing something.
• Example: After years of working, he’s decided to hang it up.

Hang Tough

• Meaning: Remain determined in a difficult situation.
• Example: Hang tough, things will get better.

Hanging by a Thread

• Meaning: In a very precarious or risky situation.
• Example: His career is hanging by a thread after the scandal.

Happy-Go-Lucky

• Meaning: Cheerful and unconcerned about the future.
• Example: She’s always happy-go-lucky, never worried.

Hard Nut to Crack

• Meaning: A difficult problem or person to deal with.
• Example: The puzzle was a hard nut to crack.

Has the Cat Got Your Tongue?

• Meaning: Why are you not speaking?
• Example: Why so quiet? Has the cat got your tongue?

Hat Trick

• Meaning: Three successes of the same kind, especially in sports.
• Example: He scored a hat trick in the soccer match.

Hatchet Job

• Meaning: A strong and unfair criticism.
• Example: The review was a hatchet job on her book.

Haul Over the Coals

• Meaning: Scold severely.
• Example: He was hauled over the coals for missing the deadline.

Have A Ball

• Meaning: Have a great time.
• Example: We had a ball at the party.

Have a Bone to Pick

• Meaning: Have a grievance to discuss.
• Example: I have a bone to pick with you about your work.

Have a Chip on One’s Shoulder

• Meaning: Be resentful or oversensitive.
• Example: He has a chip on his shoulder about the promotion.

Have a Dog in the Hunt

• Meaning: Have an interest or stake in the outcome.
• Example: I don’t have a dog in this hunt, so I’ll stay neutral.

Have a Lead Foot

• Meaning: Drive very fast.
• Example: He got a ticket because he has a lead foot.

Have a Lot on One’s Plate

• Meaning: Be very busy with many responsibilities.
• Example: She’s got a lot on her plate with the new job.

Have a Lot Riding On

• Meaning: Have much at stake.
• Example: He has a lot riding on this deal.

Have a Nose for

• Meaning: Have a natural talent or ability to find something.
• Example: She has a nose for business opportunities.

Have a Screw Loose

• Meaning: Be slightly crazy or eccentric.
• Example: That guy seems to have a screw loose.

Have a Tough Row to Hoe

• Meaning: Face a difficult task or situation.
• Example: She has a tough row to hoe with her illness.

Have A Whale of A Time

• Meaning: Have an excellent time.
• Example: We had a whale of a time at the beach.

Have an Ace Up One’s Sleeve

• Meaning: Have a secret advantage.
• Example: He always has an ace up his sleeve in negotiations.

Have Bigger Fish to Fry

• Meaning: Have more important things to do.
• Example: I can’t deal with this now; I have bigger fish to fry.

Have Egg on Your Face

• Meaning: Be embarrassed or look foolish.
• Example: He had egg on his face after forgetting his speech.

Have Foot-in-Mouth Disease

• Meaning: Frequently say the wrong thing.
• Example: He has foot-in-mouth disease when he’s nervous.

Have Hand of Aces/Hold All the Aces

• Meaning: Be in a very strong position.
• Example: She holds all the aces in this negotiation.

Have It Out with Someone

• Meaning: Confront someone to discuss a problem.
• Example: I need to have it out with him about his behavior.

Have One Foot in The Grave

• Meaning: Be very old or close to death.
• Example: He looks like he has one foot in the grave.

Have One Over the Eight

• Meaning: Be slightly drunk.
• Example: After the party, he definitely had one over the eight.

Have One Too Many

• Meaning: Have drunk too much alcohol.
• Example: He had one too many and needed a ride home.

Have One’s Cake and Eat It, Too

• Meaning: Want more than is reasonable.
• Example: You can’t have your cake and eat it, too.

Have Skin in the Game

• Meaning: Have a personal stake in something.
• Example: He has skin in the game with his investment.

Have Something in the Bag

• Meaning: Have something almost secured or achieved.
• Example: I think I have the job in the bag after that interview.

Have the Hots for

• Meaning: Be very attracted to someone.
• Example: He has the hots for his new neighbor.

Have the Hots for Somebody

• Meaning: Be very attracted to someone.
• Example: She has the hots for her coworker.

Have The Time of Your Life

• – Meaning: Have a very enjoyable experience.
• – Example: We had the time of our lives at the concert.

Have Your Nose in the Air

• – Meaning: Be conceited or arrogant.
• – Example: She always has her nose in the air around us.

Have Your Say

• – Meaning: Express your opinion.
• – Example: Everyone will have their say at the meeting.

Have Your Thumb Up Your Ass

• – Meaning: Be lazy or inactive.
• – Example: He just sits around with his thumb up his ass.

He Who Laughs Last Laughs Best

• – Meaning: The final winner will have the greatest satisfaction.
• – Example: He who laughs last laughs best, so don’t celebrate too soon.

He Would Put Legs Under A Chicken

• – Meaning: Be very persuasive.
• – Example: He would put legs under a chicken with his arguments.

Head and Shoulders Above

• – Meaning: Much better than others.
• – Example: Her work is head and shoulders above the rest.

Head Start

• – Meaning: An advantage at the beginning of something.
• – Example: He got a head start on the project and finished early.

Heads Up

• – Meaning: An advance warning.
• – Example: Just a heads up, the meeting is rescheduled.

Heads Will Roll

• Meaning: Consequences or punishments will occur, especially involving firings or severe actions.
• Example: If the project fails, heads will roll in the management team.

Hear

• Meaning: To receive information, news, or gossip.
• Example: I heard through the grapevine that she’s leaving the company.

Heart and Soul

• Meaning: With complete devotion and enthusiasm.
• Example: She put her heart and soul into organizing the event.

Heavens Open

• Meaning: Heavy rain starts suddenly.
• Example: During the picnic, the heavens opened, and everyone got soaked.

Heavy Hitter

• Meaning: An important or influential person.
• Example: He’s a heavy hitter in the tech industry, with many successful startups.

Helicopter Parenting

• Meaning: Overprotective parenting style.
• Example: His helicopter parenting made it hard for his son to become independent.

Hell for Leather

• Meaning: At full speed or with great intensity.
• Example: He drove hell for leather to get to the hospital on time.

High as a Kite

• Meaning: Intoxicated or euphoric, often from drugs or alcohol.
• Example: After the party, he was high as a kite.

Hightail It

• Meaning: To leave or move quickly.
• Example: When the storm hit, we hightailed it back to the car.

Highways and Byways

• Meaning: Everywhere; all possible places.
• Example: He searched the highways and byways for his lost dog.

Hit a Wall

• Meaning: Encounter an obstacle or reach a point of stagnation.
• Example: The project hit a wall when funding was cut.

Hit It Out of the Park

• Meaning: To achieve great success, especially beyond expectations.
• Example: Her presentation hit it out of the park with the investors.

Hit the Books

• Meaning: To study intensely.
• Example: I need to hit the books for my exams next week.

Hit the Ground Running

• Meaning: To start something with great energy and effort.
• Example: She hit the ground running in her new job, impressing everyone.

Hit the Hay

• Meaning: To go to bed or sleep.
• Example: After a long day, I hit the hay early.

Hit the Jackpot

• Meaning: To achieve great success or make a lot of money.
• Example: He hit the jackpot with his new business idea.

Hit the Nail on the Head

• Meaning: To be exactly right about something.
• Example: She hit the nail on the head with her analysis of the problem.

Hit the Road

• Meaning: To begin a journey or leave.
• Example: We hit the road early to avoid traffic.

Hit the Roof

• Meaning: To become very angry.
• Example: She hit the roof when she saw the mess in the kitchen.

Hit the Sack

• Meaning: To go to bed.
• Example: I’m tired; it’s time to hit the sack.

Hit the Spot

• Meaning: To satisfy a need or desire perfectly.
• Example: That cup of hot chocolate really hit the spot on a cold day.

Hive Mind

• Meaning: A group mentality where individuals think or act in the same way.
• Example: The team operated with a hive mind during the crisis.

Hobson’s Choice

• Meaning: A choice between something or nothing; no real choice at all.
• Example: It’s Hobson’s choice whether to accept the job offer with such low pay.

Hold One’s Liquor

• Meaning: To be able to drink alcohol without becoming drunk.
• Example: He can hold his liquor better than anyone I know.

Hold One’s Peace

• Meaning: To remain silent.
• Example: He decided to hold his peace during the heated argument.

Hold the Phone

• Meaning: Wait a moment; stop what you’re doing.
• Example: Hold the phone, I need to grab my keys before we leave.

Hold Your Horses

• Meaning: Be patient; wait a moment.
• Example: Hold your horses, we’re not ready to start yet.

Home Away from Home

• Meaning: A place where one feels as comfortable as at home.
• Example: The beach house was like a home away from home for us.

Home Truths

• Meaning: Unpleasant truths about oneself or others.
• Example: The therapy session brought out some home truths about their relationship.

Honor System

• Meaning: A system based on trust rather than formal rules.
• Example: The library operates on the honor system for book returns.

Hot Mess

• Meaning: A chaotic or disorganized situation.
• Example: The party turned into a hot mess after the guests arrived.

Hot on the Heels

• Meaning: To follow closely behind someone or something.
• Example: The police were hot on the heels of the suspect.

Hot Potato

• Meaning: A controversial or sensitive issue.
• Example: The debate over taxes is a political hot potato.

List of Idioms beginning with H

Download the Word of the day