September English Expressions: Idioms for the “Ber Months”

September, the ninth month in the calendar, marks the beginning of the “ber months“. (these are the months that end in berDuring this particular time of year, many different changes occur. Summer turns into autumn. People change from beach bums (beach bum back to school or work mode. People have to get back into the rhythm of having a schedule after going on vacation. At the same time, Christmas is just around the corner (Christmas is just around the corner). Wait! Get back into the groove (Get back in the groove). Just around the corner (Just around the corner). Do you know what these expressions mean?

If not, don’t worry, because in this article we’ll go over a list of English expressions that are perfect for September. So, let’s begin.

Back in the Groove (Back in the Groove)

The English expression back in the groove means getting used to something again, or returning to the regular schedule. When something is in the groove, it’s functioning the way it’s supposed to. The same can be said of a person. When someone is back in the groove, it means they’re back to their old selves. In September, many people find themselves getting back into the swing of things, especially with the end of summer.

Example: Alicia gave herself a week to get back in the groove of getting up early every morning to drive to her office. (Alicia gave herself a week to get back in the groove of waking up early every morning to drive to her office.)

Just around the corner (Just around the corner)

In English, the expression just around the corner (just around the corner) is another way of saying that something will arrive soon. It means that something is near. When September arrives, for example, people know that Christmas is just around the corner. After all, “-ber” months tend to go by quickly.

Example: We’ll take advantage of the end-of-summer sales and go shopping for Christmas gifts, since the holidays are just around the corner. (We will take advantage of the end-of-summer sale and go shopping for Christmas presents, since the holidays are just around the corner.)

Feel under the weather (Feel under the weather)

When someone is feeling under the weather (feeling under the weather) it means they’re not feeling well. It can also mean they’re feeling depressed. The changing weather during September can make some people feel unwell. After all, the temperature starts to drop. However, with enough rest and the right clothing, you can enjoy autumn just as much as you enjoy summer.

Example: The moment you feel under the weather because of the change in temperature, make a cup of honey lemon tea. (The moment you feel under the weather because of the change in temperature, make a cup of honey lemon tea.)

Turn over a new leaf (Turn over a new leaf)

September marks the beginning of autumn, the season when leaves dry and fall from the trees. Speaking of leaves, do you know what the expression turn over a new leaf (turn over a new leaf) means? Well, turning over a new leaf means changing for the better. A person who has turned over a new leaf makes a clean break, or a new beginning, and starts making positive changes in their life. September is a good time for people to turn over a new leaf, especially since summer vacation comes with plenty of time for reflection.

Example: Eric decided it was time stop smoking and turn over a new leaf. (Eric decided it was time stop smoking and turn over a new leaf.)

Hit the books (Hit the books)

This is for people who have to go back to studying right after the summer holidays. In English, when someone says it’s time to hit the books (hit the books), they don’t mean it literally, so please don’t hit any books! Hit the books (hit the books) is an idiom that means studying a lot. As you can imagine, after being in relaxation mode during the summer, it can be challenging to get back into the study routine, but balance is key.

Example: Juan stared at the unread books he had left on his desk before going on vacation. “Time to hit the books”, he whispered to himself. (Juan stared at the unread books he had left on his desk before he went on holiday. “Time to hit the books”, he whispered to himself.)

End on a high note (End on a high note)

The English expression end on a high note (end on a high note) means to end something in a happy or successful way. If you think about it, you don’t need to end your summer vacation feeling sad. Instead, you can end it on a high note and use the positive experience to motivate you to return to work.

Example: Irene decided to go surfing on her last day in Hawaii to end her vacation on a high note. (Irene decided to go surfing on her last day in Hawaii to end her holiday on a high note.)

With these expressions, you’re ready to welcome September with new English idioms. See if you can use them in different contexts and watch your English improve!

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