40 Music Idioms in English + 55 Songs with Idioms

Music Idioms in English. Some people say that music makes the world go round, they say that music is to the soul what words are to the mind…..

Well, music and words go hand in hand when it comes to certain aspects of English! There are so many idioms based on music or instruments that are used in everyday speech!

Here are some examples, these might help you to hit the right note when talking in English!

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1. HIT THE RIGHT NOTE / STRIKE THE RIGHT NOTE

If you hit the right note, you speak or act in a way that has a positive effect on people.

• I don’t know how he managed to do it, but he just struck the right note and the meeting ended really positively, even the boss looked pleased!

2. BLOW YOUR OWN TRUMPET / BLOW YOUR OWN HORN / TOOT YOUR OWN HORN

When someone boasts about their own talents, abilities and achievements.

• Well, you’re very good at blowing your own trumpet, you just never seem to prove it!

3. IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO

This is used to suggest that when things go wrong, both sides are involved and neither party is completely innocent.

• I know you saw what he did, but it takes two to tango, they are both equally to blame.

4. FIT AS A FIDDLE

This is used to describe someone who is in perfect health.

• It’s unbelievable. He must be at least 80 but he’s as fit as a fiddle!

5. WITH BELLS ON

This means to arrive somewhere happy and delighted to attend.

• Yes, I’m going to the party too, I’ll be there with bells on!

6. LIKE A BROKEN RECORD

Used to describe someone who keeps talking about the same story over and over again.

• Would you please stop going on about her boyfriend, you sound like a broken record!

7. AND ALL THAT JAZZ

This means that everything related to or similar is included.

• Celebrities definitely seem to be starting all the latest trends with fashion, hair and all that jazz.

8. MUSIC TO MY EARS

When you hear exactly what you wanted to hear.

• When they read out the results and everyone heard that I got top marks, it was like music to my ears!!

9. YOU CAN’T UNRING A BELL

This means that once something has been done, it cannot be changed and you have to live with the consequences.

• I’m afraid you can’t unring the bell now, everyone heard what you said.

10. MARCH TO THE BEAT OF YOUR OWN DRUM

When someone does things the way they want to, without taking anybody else or anything else into consideration.

• I’ve tried talking to him but he won’t listen. All he knows is how to march to the beat of his own drum! Why don’t you try?

11. SWAN SONG

This expression is used to describe a final act before dying or ending something

• I am going to resign tomorrow. This project was my swan song and now that it has been completed, I will leave.

12. RING A BELL

If something rings a bell, it sounds familiar, but you can’t remember the exact details.

• Harry Bertram? That name rings a bell, but I’m not sure if it was definitely him.

13. STRIKE A CHORD

Used to describe something that is familiar to you, reminds you of something or is connected to you somehow.

• That poem really struck a chord in me, it reminded me of my youth so much.

14. CHANGE YOUR TUNE / SING A DIFFERENT TUNE

When someone changes their opinion or their idea of something particular.

• You’ve definitely changed your tune since the last time I saw you! You used to hate this town!

15. FACE THE MUSIC

You say this when someone has to accept the negative consequences of something that has happened.

• I’m not ready to face the music. I need to figure it out for myself before I speak to them.

16. FOR A SONG

If you buy or sell something for a song, it means it is very cheap.

• I can’t believe I managed to buy all of this for a song, maybe the shopkeeper didn’t know what they’re really worth!

17. PLAY BY EAR

This means to deal with something in an impromptu manner, without guidelines or rules. It refers to playing music without using written connotation.

• I don’t know what I’m going to say when she gets here, I’ll just play it by ear.

18. SEE YOU ON THE BIG DRUM

A goodnight phrase used for children.

• Okay, get some sleep now. See you on the big drum.

19. AS CLEAN AS A WHISTLE

Used to describe something that is extremely clean.

• He may come across as someone who could’ve been involved in that robbery, but I have checked his records and they’re as clean as a whistle.

20. BLOW THE WHISTLE / WHISTLE BLOWER

If you report an illegal or harmful activity to the authorities and give information about those responsible, then you are blowing the whistle and would be referred to as a whistle blower.

• John refused to make a statement for the police. He was afraid of losing his job if he blew the whistle on his boss.

21. CALL THE TUNE

This is used to describe the person who makes the important decisions about something.

• I’m afraid I can’t help you sir. Barbara calls the tune around here, so you’d have to speak to her.

22. PLAY SECOND FIDDLE

This is used to describe the person who takes a subordinate role behind someone more important.

• You’re much more experienced than he is, I don’t understand why you continue to play second fiddle. You deserve a higher position in the company!

23. WHISTLE FOR IT

If someone says this to you, it means they are determined to ensure that you don’t get what you are after.

• You can whistle for it as much as you like, this is an heirloom of our family and will stay with us!

24. CLEAR AS A BELL

If something is as clear as a bell, it is very clear or easy to understand.

• His instructions were as clear as a bell, everyone knew exactly what they were supposed to do.

25. FIDDLE WHILE ROME BURNS

This is used when people are procrastinating or wasting their time on unimportant matters while there are more serious problems to be dealt with.

• The management committee seems to be fiddling while Rome burns, they haven’t shown any signs of taking immediate action.

26. JAZZ SOMETHING UP

Used when someone is trying to improve something or add more style to it.

• This dress looks so dull on its own, maybe I should jazz it up a bit with this scarf.

27. CHIME IN

Used when someone interrupts or joins in a conversation, especially to repeat or agree with something.

• I was telling the police officer what had happened, but everyone chimed in and started giving their versions of the story, and he couldn’t hear what I was saying!

28. DRUM INTO ONE’S HEAD

When you teach someone how to do something through constant repetition.

• Our teacher drummed into our heads how important it is to understand the history of our own country.

29. TICKLE THE IVORY

This is a humorous way of talking about playing the piano.

• My mother used to love playing the piano. She’d tickle the ivory whenever she had a chance.

30. JAM SESSION / JAMMING

Playing music with various instruments in an improvised and informal setting.

• A few of my friends came over to my house yesterday, and we had the most amazing jam session.
• We were jamming last night, and I came up with a brilliant idea for a new song!

31. FINE TUNING

Used to describe small adjustments made to improve something or to make it work better.

• My motorbike is almost ready. My dad is quite happy with it, but I think it needs a little more fine tuning.

32. WHISTLE-STOP TOUR

When someone visits a number of places quickly, only stopping at each for a short period of time.

• We’re going to visit my family up North for the weekend, but it’s only going to be a whistle-stop tour, as we have so many relatives to visit there!

33. WHISTLING IN THE DARK

When someone believes in a positive result, even though everybody else is sure it will not happen.

• He seems pretty determined that he’s going to win the race, but judging from who he is up against, I think he’s only whistling in the dark.

34. WHISTLING DIXIE

If someone is whistling Dixie, they talk about things in a more positive way than the reality. Mainly used in the US.

• He heard what the doctor had to say, but he still seems to be whistling Dixie.

35. MAKE A SONG AND DANCE ABOUT SOMETHING

When someone makes a big deal out of, or a fuss over, something that isn’t that important.

• I wish she’d stop making such a song and dance about me moving out, it’s not a big deal.

36. ELEVATOR MUSIC

Pleasant but boring pre-recorded music that is usually played in public places.

• I usually like his songs, but his new album just sounds like elevator music!

37. DRUM UP SUPPORT / BUSINESS / INTEREST

Try to get extra support/business/interest by various means.

• I’ve been trying to drum up support for the local Women’s Rights campaign by speaking to people in the neighborhood.
• We need to try and drum up some interest from the local residents, otherwise we’ll never be able to go ahead with our building plans!

38. WET YOUR WHISTLE

To drink something alcoholic

• Why don’t you join us tonight and wet your whistle? It’s been a long time since we went out together!

39. TRUMPET SOMETHING

To deliberately broadcast some news so everyone can hear, with the intent to boast about something.

• He hasn’t stopped trumpeting his promotion ever since he got it last month! It’s very annoying.

40. MARCH TO THE SAME TUNE / SING FROM THE SAME SONGSHEET

When everyone follows the same plan, or says the same thing (can be used in the negative form too)

• I would say the reason why our business is failing is because everyone is not marching to the same tune!
• He is always singing from the same songsheet as others. I’ve never heard him come up with his own original idea!

More for you:
1000+ Most Popular English Idioms and Their Meanings
50 Popular English Idioms to Sound Like a Native Speaker

SONGS WITH IDIOMS

Music is constantly evolving, and so is the English language! So it comes as no surprise that they affect each other so much.

English idioms are used in music to express feelings and describe situations, the same way music is used in English!

Here is a list of popular songs that include idioms:

‘Mountain Sound’ by Monsters of Men
‘Hold your horses now’ meaning wait or hold on. Typically used when someone is rushing into something.

‘Reach for the Stars’ by S Club 7
‘Reach for the stars’ meaning aspire to something and set your goals high.

‘Always on Time’ by Ja Rule and Ashanti
‘Always on time’ meaning never late.

‘Don’t Get Me Wrong’ by The Pretenders
‘Don’t get me wrong’ meaning don’t misunderstand me.

‘Somewhere Only We Know’ by Keane
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand’ meaning to know something really well.

‘I Heard it Through the Grapevine’ by Marvin Gaye
‘I heard it through the grapevine’ meaning to hear information from someone who heard it from someone else, i.e. not directly from the source.

‘Chasing Pavements’ by Adele
‘Even if I knew my place’ (know your place) meaning to be aware of your position in society, family or a relationship and comfortable with it.

‘Knocking on Heaven’s Door’ by Guns ‘N’ Roses
‘Knocking on heaven’s door’ meaning to be waiting to die or being very close to death.

‘Down and Out’ by Genesis
I don’t want to beat around the bush’ meaning let’s just get straight to the point or there’s no need to procrastinate.

-Beat It’ by Michael Jackson
‘Just beat it’ meaning leave immediately (usually used as an order).

– ‘Cat Got Your Tongue’ by Fujiya and Miyagi
‘Has the cat got your tongue?’ meaning to be speechless or unable to speak. (In other words: ‘Why won’t you say anything?’)

‘Cry Me a River’ by Justin Timberlake
‘Cry me a river’ meaning to cry excessively in someone’s presence in order to obtain sympathy.

‘By Myself’ by Linkin Park
‘Do I try to catch them red-handed?’ meaning to catch someone in the act of doing something wrong.

‘White Flag’ by Dido
‘There will be no white flag above my door’ (raise a white flag) meaning to show sign of surrender or truce.

‘Time after Time’ by Cyndi Lauper
‘Time after time’ meaning again and again, repeatedly.

‘Louise’ by The Human League
‘It’s not true that time heals all wounds’ meaning feelings of emotional hurt will leave as time passes.

‘Funny How Time Flies (When You’re Having Fun)’ by Janet Jackson
Ain’t it funny how time flies’ meaning how quickly time passes by.

‘Because of You’ by Kelly Clarkson
I learnt to play on the safe side’ meaning to be extremely cautious in order to stay safe.

‘Hit The Road Jack’ by Ray Charles
‘Hit the road Jack’ meaning to leave immediately without the intention of returning (usually used as an order).

‘Right Place, Wrong Time’ by Dr. John
‘In the right place at the wrong time’ – this is a combination of two idioms, which are ‘in the right place at the right time’ (when something good happens by luck) and ‘in the wrong place at the wrong time’ (when something bad happens by chance/unlucky).

‘Wrong’ by Depeche Mode
‘I was in the wrong place at the wrong time’ – meaning when something bad happens by chance or something unlucky that would not have normally happened.

‘Lost out over You’ by Novastar
‘We have other fish to fry’ – meaning we have other/more important things to do.

‘Linger’ by The Cranberries
‘You’ve got me wrapped around your little finger’ meaning to manipulate and control someone.

‘Can’t Have Your Cake and Eat It’ by Brenda Taylor
‘You can’t have your cake and eat it too’ meaning you can’t have or do two good things at the same time that are impossible or unfair to have or do at the same time.

‘If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time’ by R Kelly
‘If I could turn back the hands of time’ meaning to go back in the past. Usually used in moments of reminiscence or regret.

‘I Had the Time of My Life’ by Patrick Swayze (Dirty Dancing)
‘I had the time of my life’ meaning to enjoy yourself thoroughly, have the best time ever.

‘When it’s Raining Cats and Dogs’ by PM Dawn
‘When it’s raining cats and dogs’ when there is torrential rain or raining very heavily.

‘It’s Raining Men’ by The Weather Girls (originally) also by Gerri Halliwell
‘It’s raining men’ – used in a situation when there are many attractive men around.

‘Leave No Stone Unturned’ by Europe
‘Leave no stone unturned’ meaning to search in every possible way for evidence or the truth.

‘Taking Care of Business’ by Bachman-Turner Overdrive
‘Taking care of business’ meaning to do what needs to be done.

‘Water Under the Bridge’ by Olivia Newton-John
‘It’s all water under the bridge’ meaning it’s all in the past, long gone and forgotten about.

‘Take it Easy’ by The Eagles
‘Take it easy’ meaning relax and stay calm.

‘I’m gonna wash that man right outta my hair’ by South Pacific
‘I’m gonna wash that man right outta my hair’ meaning to finish with someone and want nothing else to do with them.

‘Alienated’ by Keri Hilson
‘You’ve become a shooting star’ referring to someone who is rapidly rising to fame.

‘Alejandro’ by Lady Gaga
‘Nothing to lose’ meaning to take a risk because things could not possibly get any worse.

‘Fancy Pants’ by Lady Gaga
‘Fancy pants’ referring to someone who acts in a manner which others think is overly elaborate or pretentious. 

‘Poker Face’ by Lady Gaga
‘Poker face’ meaning when someone’s face has no expression and does not give away any sign of emotion. Most commonly used in the context of playing a poker game in order to disguise the true value of your cards.

‘Monster’ by Lady Gaga
‘He’s a wolf in disguise’ referring to someone who is an evil or dangerous person who pretends to be nice and friendly. It comes from an old fable ‘about a wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing’, and the children’s story ‘Little Red Riding Hood’.

‘Red and Blue’ by Lady Gaga
‘I’m old school’ meaning traditional thinking or behaviour. This can be used in a positive (efficient ideas that work) or a negative way (backwards, living in the past).

‘Star Struck’ by Lady Gaga
‘Starstruck’ meaning to be completely in awe of someone’s celebrity status.

‘Wonderful’ by Lady Gaga
‘I’m talking in circles’ meaning to talk a lot and not really say anything of meaning.

‘Jammin’ by Bob Marley
‘We’re jammin’ or ‘jam session’ refers to an informal session where musicians play together.

‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ by Bonnie Tyler
‘Every now and then I fall apart’ meaning when something (can be used for objects when they stop working) or someone fails to function properly (mainly emotionally for people).

‘Drive My Car’ by The Beatles
‘Working for peanuts’ meaning working for a very small amount of money, not earning very much.

‘Yesterday’ by The Beatles
‘There’s a shadow hanging over me’ meaning mistakes that were made in the past are / guilt is still following you and lingering close by.

‘Ticket to Ride’ by The Beatles
‘Driving me mad’ meaning being forced into insanity, not necessarily in the literal sense, but more in love or anger. 

‘The Fool on the Hill’ by The Beatles
‘His head’s in a cloud’ meaning not living in reality, (mentally) living in a dream land in one’s own imagination.

‘The Magical Mystery Tour’ by The Beatles
‘Dying to take you away’ meaning to be in desperate eagerness to do something.

‘With a Little Help from My Friends’ by The Beatles
‘Lend me your ears’ meaning to ask someone to listen to you.

‘Nowhere Man’ by The Beatles
‘Lends you a hand’ meaning to offer help or assistance with something.

‘Genius in France’ by Weird Al Malkovic
‘Not the brightest crayon in the box’
‘Not the sharpest chunk of cheese’
This song uses many different phrases that refer to being very simple-minded, not clever.

‘You are the Sunshine of my Life’ by Stevie Wonder
‘You are the sunshine of my life / You are the apple of my eye both refer to someone or something that makes you very happy. 

‘Canary in a Coal Mine’ by The Police
‘You live your life like a canary in a coalmine’ meaning something whose sensitivity to adverse conditions makes it a useful early indicator of such conditions; something which warns of the coming of a greater danger or trouble by a deterioration of its health. This could be used to describe someone who is very paranoid and lives in constant fear of danger or death.

‘Wild Horses’ by The Rolling Stones
‘Wild horses couldn’t drag me away’ meaning nothing could persuade me to do or not do something, impossible to change your mind.

‘My Way’ by Frank Sinatra
‘I bit off more than I could chew’ meaning to try to do more than you can comfortably handle.