40 Music Idioms in English + 55 Songs with Idioms

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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 mindโ€ฆ..

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!

music idioms

The โ€œMusic Idiomsโ€ image was created by Kaplan International.ย Click hereย to see the original article or to discover how you can study English abroad.

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 donโ€™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!

blow your own trumpet - music idioms

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

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

  • Well, youโ€™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.

  • Itโ€™s unbelievable. He must be at least 80 but heโ€™s as fit as a fiddle!

5. WITH BELLS ON

This means to arrive somewhere happy and delighted to attend.

  • Yes, Iโ€™m going to the party too, Iโ€™ll be there with bells on!

like a broken record - music idioms

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 CANโ€™T UNRING A BELL

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

  • Iโ€™m afraid you canโ€™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.

  • Iโ€™ve tried talking to him but he wonโ€™t listen. All he knows is how to march to the beat of his own drum! Why donโ€™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 songย and now that it has been completed, I will leave.

ring a bell - music idioms

12. RING A BELL

If something rings a bell, it sounds familiar, but you canโ€™t remember the exact details.

  • Harry Bertram? That nameย rings a bell, but Iโ€™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.

  • Youโ€™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.

  • Iโ€™m not ready to face the music. I need to figure it out for myselfย before I speak to them.

for a song - music idioms

16. FOR A SONG

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

  • I canโ€™t believe I managed to buy all of this for a song, maybe the shopkeeper didnโ€™t know what theyโ€™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 donโ€™t know what Iโ€™m going to say when she gets here, Iโ€™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 couldโ€™ve been involved in that robbery, but I have checked his records and theyโ€™re as clean as a whistle.

blow the whistle - music idioms

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 whistleย 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.

call the tune - music idioms

21. CALL THE TUNE

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

  • Iโ€™m afraid I canโ€™t help you sir. Barbara calls the tune around here, so youโ€™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.

  • Youโ€™re much more experienced than he is, I donโ€™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 donโ€™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 havenโ€™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 couldnโ€™t hear what I was saying!

28. DRUM INTO ONEโ€™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. Sheโ€™d tickle the ivory whenever she had a chance.

jam session - music idioms

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 amazingย jam session.
  • We wereย jammingย 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.

  • Weโ€™re going to visit my family up North for the weekend, but itโ€™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 heโ€™s going to win the race, but judging from who he is up against, I think heโ€™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 isnโ€™t that important.

  • I wish sheโ€™d stop making such a song and dance about me moving out, itโ€™s not a big deal.

elevator music - music idioms

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.

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

38. WET YOUR WHISTLE

To drink something alcoholic

  • Why donโ€™t you join us tonight and wet your whistle? Itโ€™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 hasnโ€™t stopped trumpeting his promotion ever since he got it last month! Itโ€™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. Iโ€™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:

โ€˜Mountain Soundโ€™ by Monsters of Men
โ€˜Hold your horses nowโ€™ meaning wait or hold on. Typically used when someone is rushing into something.

โ€˜Reach for the Starsโ€™ by S Club 7
โ€˜Reach for the starsโ€™ meaning aspire to something and set your goals high.

โ€˜Always on Timeโ€™ by Ja Rule and Ashanti
โ€˜Always on timeโ€™ meaning never late.

โ€˜Donโ€™t Get Me Wrongโ€™ by The Pretenders
โ€˜Donโ€™t get me wrongโ€™ meaning donโ€™t misunderstand me.

โ€˜Somewhere Only We Knowโ€™ by Keane
I knew the pathway like the back of my handโ€™ meaning to know something really well.

โ€˜I Heard it Through the Grapevineโ€™ by Marvin Gaye
โ€˜I heard it through the grapevineโ€™ meaning to hear information from someone who heard it from someone else, i.e. not directly from the source.

โ€˜Chasing Pavementsโ€™ by Adele
โ€˜Even if I knew my placeโ€™ (know your place) meaning to be aware of your position in society, family or a relationship and comfortable with it.

โ€˜Knocking on Heavenโ€™s Doorโ€™ by Guns โ€˜Nโ€™ Roses
โ€˜Knocking on heavenโ€™s doorโ€™ meaning to be waiting to die or being very close to death.

โ€˜Down and Outโ€™ by Genesis
I donโ€™t want to beat around the bushโ€™ meaning letโ€™s just get straight to the point or thereโ€™s no need to procrastinate.

-Beat Itโ€™ by Michael Jackson
โ€˜Just beat itโ€™ meaning leave immediatelyย (usually used as an order).

โ€“ โ€˜Cat Got Your Tongueโ€™ by Fujiya and Miyagi
โ€˜Has the cat got your tongue?โ€™ meaning to be speechless or unable to speak. (In other words: โ€˜Why wonโ€™t you say anything?โ€™)

โ€˜Cry Me a Riverโ€™ by Justin Timberlake
โ€˜Cry me a riverโ€™ meaning to cry excessively in someoneโ€™s presence in order to obtain sympathy.

โ€˜By Myselfโ€™ by Linkin Park
โ€˜Do I try to catch them red-handed?โ€™ meaning to catch someone in the act of doing something wrong.

โ€˜White Flagโ€™ by Dido
โ€˜There will be no white flag above my doorโ€™ (raise a white flag) meaning to show sign of surrender or truce.

โ€˜Time after Timeโ€™ by Cyndi Lauper
โ€˜Time after timeโ€™ meaning again and again, repeatedly.

โ€˜Louiseโ€™ by The Human League
โ€˜Itโ€™s not true that time heals all woundsโ€™ meaning feelings of emotional hurt will leave as time passes.

โ€˜Funny How Time Flies (When Youโ€™re Having Fun)โ€™ by Janet Jackson
Ainโ€™t it funny how time fliesโ€™ meaning how quickly time passes by.

โ€˜Because of Youโ€™ by Kelly Clarkson
I learnt to play on the safe sideโ€™ meaning to be extremely cautious in order to stay safe.

โ€˜Hit The Road Jackโ€™ by Ray Charles
โ€˜Hit the road Jackโ€™ meaning to leave immediately without the intention of returning (usually used as an order).

โ€˜Right Place, Wrong Timeโ€™ by Dr. John
โ€˜In the right place at the wrong timeโ€™ โ€“ this is a combination of two idioms, which are โ€˜in the right place at the right timeโ€™ (when something good happens by luck) and โ€˜in the wrong place at the wrong timeโ€™ (when something bad happens by chance/unlucky).

โ€˜Wrongโ€™ by Depeche Mode
โ€˜I was in the wrong place at the wrong timeโ€™ โ€“ meaning when something bad happens by chance or something unlucky that would not have normally happened.

โ€˜Lost out over Youโ€™ by Novastar
โ€˜We have other fish to fryโ€™ โ€“ meaning we have other/more important things to do.

โ€˜Lingerโ€™ by The Cranberries
โ€˜Youโ€™ve got me wrapped around your little fingerโ€™ meaning to manipulate and control someone.

โ€˜Canโ€™t Have Your Cake and Eat Itโ€™ by Brenda Taylor
โ€˜You canโ€™t have your cake and eat it tooโ€™ meaning you canโ€™t have or do two good things at the same time that are impossible or unfair to have or do at the same time.

โ€˜If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Timeโ€™ by R Kelly
โ€˜If I could turn back the hands of timeโ€™ meaning to go back in the past. Usually used in moments of reminiscence or regret.

โ€˜I Had the Time of My Lifeโ€™ by Patrick Swayze (Dirty Dancing)
โ€˜I had the time of my lifeโ€™ meaning to enjoy yourself thoroughly, have the best time ever.

โ€˜When itโ€™s Raining Cats and Dogsโ€™ by PM Dawn
โ€˜When itโ€™s raining cats and dogsโ€™ when there isย torrential rainย or raining very heavily.

โ€˜Itโ€™s Raining Menโ€™ by The Weather Girls (originally) also by Gerri Halliwell
โ€˜Itโ€™s raining menโ€™ โ€“ used in a situation when there are many attractive men around.

โ€˜Leave No Stone Unturnedโ€™ by Europe
โ€˜Leave no stone unturnedโ€™ meaning to search in every possible way for evidence or the truth.

โ€˜Taking Care of Businessโ€™ by Bachman-Turner Overdrive
โ€˜Taking care of businessโ€™ meaning to do what needs to be done.

โ€˜Water Under the Bridgeโ€™ by Olivia Newton-John
โ€˜Itโ€™s all water under the bridgeโ€™ meaning itโ€™s all in the past, long gone and forgotten about.

โ€˜Take it Easyโ€™ by The Eagles
โ€˜Take it easyโ€™ meaning relax and stay calm.

โ€˜Iโ€™m gonna wash that man right outta my hairโ€™ by South Pacific
โ€˜Iโ€™m gonna wash that man right outta my hairโ€™ meaning to finish with someone and want nothing else to do with them.

โ€˜Alienatedโ€™ by Keri Hilson
โ€˜Youโ€™ve become a shooting starโ€™ referring to someone who is rapidly rising to fame.

โ€˜Alejandroโ€™ by Lady Gaga
โ€˜Nothing to loseโ€™ meaning to take a risk because things could not possibly get any worse.

โ€˜Fancy Pantsโ€™ by Lady Gaga
โ€˜Fancy pantsโ€™ referring to someone who acts in a manner which others think is overly elaborate or pretentious.ย 

โ€˜Poker Faceโ€™ by Lady Gaga
โ€˜Poker faceโ€™ meaning when someoneโ€™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.

โ€˜Monsterโ€™ by Lady Gaga
โ€˜Heโ€™s a wolf in disguiseโ€™ referring to someone who is an evil or dangerous person who pretends to be nice and friendly. It comes from an old fable โ€˜about a wolf dressed in sheepโ€™s clothingโ€™, and the childrenโ€™s story โ€˜Little Red Riding Hoodโ€™.

โ€˜Red and Blueโ€™ by Lady Gaga
โ€˜Iโ€™m old schoolโ€™ 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).

โ€˜Star Struckโ€™ by Lady Gaga
โ€˜Starstruckโ€™ meaning to be completely in awe of someoneโ€™s celebrity status.

โ€˜Wonderfulโ€™ by Lady Gaga
โ€˜Iโ€™m talking in circlesโ€™ meaning to talk a lot and not really say anything of meaning.

โ€˜Jamminโ€™ by Bob Marley
โ€˜Weโ€™re jamminโ€™ or โ€˜jam sessionโ€™ refers to an informal session where musicians play together.

โ€˜Total Eclipse of the Heartโ€™ by Bonnie Tyler
โ€˜Every now and then I fall apartโ€™ meaning when something (can be used for objects when they stop working) or someone fails to function properly (mainly emotionally for people).

โ€˜Drive My Carโ€™ by The Beatles
โ€˜Working for peanutsโ€™ meaning working for a very small amount of money, not earning very much.

โ€˜Yesterdayโ€™ by The Beatles
โ€˜Thereโ€™s a shadow hanging over meโ€™ meaning mistakes that were made in the past are / guilt is still following you and lingering close by.

โ€˜Ticket to Rideโ€™ by The Beatles
โ€˜Driving me madโ€™ meaning being forced into insanity, not necessarily in the literal sense, but more in love or anger.ย 

โ€˜The Fool on the Hillโ€™ by The Beatles
โ€˜His headโ€™s in a cloudโ€™ meaning not living in reality, (mentally) living in a dream land in oneโ€™s own imagination.

โ€˜The Magical Mystery Tourโ€™ by The Beatles
โ€˜Dying to take you awayโ€™ meaning to be in desperate eagerness to do something.

โ€˜With a Little Help from My Friendsโ€™ by The Beatles
โ€˜Lend me your earsโ€™ meaning to ask someone to listen to you.

โ€˜Nowhere Manโ€™ by The Beatles
โ€˜Lends you a handโ€™ meaning to offer help or assistance with something.

โ€˜Genius in Franceโ€™ by Weird Al Malkovic
โ€˜Not the brightest crayon in the boxโ€™
โ€˜Not the sharpest chunk of cheeseโ€™

This song uses many different phrases that refer to being very simple-minded, not clever.

โ€˜You are the Sunshine of my Lifeโ€™ by Stevie Wonder
โ€˜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.ย 

โ€˜Canary in a Coal Mineโ€™ by The Police
โ€˜You live your life like a canary in a coalmineโ€™ 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.

โ€˜Wild Horsesโ€™ by The Rolling Stones
โ€˜Wild horses couldnโ€™t drag me awayโ€™ meaning nothing could persuade me to do or not do something, impossible to change your mind.

โ€˜My Wayโ€™ by Frank Sinatra
โ€˜I bit off more than I could chewโ€™ meaning to try to do more than you can comfortably handle.

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