English Idioms for Body Parts – Dr TEFL Guides

A lesson on idiomatic phrases for body parts

Hello, everyone I’m Dr. TEFL, here once again to help you learn idiomatic phrases for body parts. Enjoy!

Resources for learning English Idioms related to body parts English level: B2 – C1 Aim To have fun and learn the meaning of some idioms

Introduction

Most languages have idioms and sayings, and some of them are similar. For example, some of them are called similes and often begin with “as,” e.g., as blind as a bat. Others relate to body parts, such as those shown below.

Activity 1: Presentation

These are some expressions:

1. That is a bit CHEEKY.
2. I feel bad for her; she has a real chip on her SHOULDER.
3. You must give him some ELBOW ROOM.
4. She was back on her FEET in no time.
5. You are a sight for sore EYES.
6. No skin off my NOSE.
7. She was born with a silver spoon in her MOUTH.
8. I need to get something off my CHEST.
9. I must HAND it to you; that was an excellent presentation.
10. Keep him at ARM’S length.
11. She found out about the company Director’s Achilles’ HEEL.
12. The pandemic brought the company to its KNEES.
13. Management makes regular checks to keep everyone on their TOES.

Now determine the meaning of each English idiom.

You should also be aware that there are differences in the meanings of body parts in some English-speaking countries. For example, the United States may use FANNY when they teach idioms for body parts, but the UK and Australia will not.

Activity 2: Matching

Find a drawing of a body online or in books. Use the appropriate idioms for the body parts. Find out if you have any similar expressions in your native language. Do the idioms relate to the same body parts, or are they unrelated?

Activity 3: Oral activities

Using idioms, write about family members, friends, colleagues, classmates, or situations. Find a learning buddy and compare your exercises. Another activity could be guessing the language. Again, with a learning partner or a group of other people learning English, organize a meeting to practice English. In this activity, you must imitate the language. Speaking is not allowed. The person or group will guess the answer. Whoever answers correctly wins the point.