Health Idioms

 

Idioms are phrases that English speakers use in everyday conversation, but don’t always make sense if they are pulled apart, word by word. This week our language students are discussing their health and how to communicate with their doctor! Here are some common idioms that are associated with health to add to your conversational vocabulary.

 

1.    Alive And Kicking

 

This English idiom refers to when someone is in good health even though they are suffering or dealing with health issues. We usually use this phrase when we are trying to put a positive spin on a negative health situation.

 

For example: I had a heart attack a while ago, but I’m alive and kicking!

 

2.    As Pale as a Ghost

 

When we say the phrase, “as pale as a ghost,” it means that someone is extremely pale or looking very sick. We use this phrase because the assumption is that ghosts are white and it is used as a comparison to someone’s white face. A pale or white face means that a person isn’t feeling well.

 

For example: My sister was as pale as a ghost when she entered the doctor’s office.

 

3.    At Death’s Door

 

This English idiom is used when someone is very near death or close to dying. It may not be polite to say it directly to the person, but it is more likely used when talking about someone when they are not around.

 

For example: The CEO was at death’s door after her sudden stroke.

 

4.    Be on the Mend

 

This English idiom is used to describe someone that is improving after an illness or surgery.

 

For example: I was in the hospital for a week after my back surgery, but now I’m back home, and I’m on the mend.

 

5.    Go Under the Knife

 

This English idiom describes someone that is about to undergo surgery. We use this to indicate a future event only!

 

For example: I’m going under the knife next month to get a knee replacement!

 

6.    Just what the Doctor Ordered

 

This English idiom describes someone that has done exactly the thing that is or was needed to help improve something or make one feel better. This phrase isn’t used when the doctor actually ordered something for a patient to do.

 

For example: A cup of coffee is just what the doctor ordered to wake me up!

 

7.    Snake Oil

 

This English idiom describes medicine of unproven value or medicine that doesn’t actually work. It is a term that comes from history where a traveling salesman actually sold a product he called snake oil and claimed that it would cure any and every sickness or disease you could ever have. It didn’t!

 

For example: The Internet is full of people who sell snake oil that won’t help you at all with your medical problems.

 

Interested in learning more idioms and conversational English? Check out our ESL program in Los Angeles and Orange County! We offer both ESL and TOEFL classes. For more information about our ESL program or classes, please visit our website at: AELS ESL Program !