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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 dont 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 / BLOW YOUR OWN HORN / TOOT YOUR OWN HORN

When someone boasts about their own talents, abilities and achievements.
Well, youre very good at blowing your own trumpet, you just never seem to prove it!

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.

FIT AS A FIDDLE
This is used to describe someone who is in perfect health.
Its unbelievable. He must be at least 80 but hes as fit as a fiddle!

WITH BELLS ON
This means to arrive somewhere happy and delighted to attend.
Yes, Im going to the party too, Ill be there with bells on!

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!

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.

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!!

YOU CANT UNRING A BELL

This means that once something has been done, it cannot be changed and you have to live with
the consequences.
Im afraid you cant unring the bell now, everyone heard what you said.

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.
Ive tried talking to him but he wont listen. All he knows is how to march to the beat of his own
drum! Why dont you try?

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.

RING A BELL

If something rings a bell, it sounds familiar, but you cant remember the exact details.
Harry Bertram? That name rings a bell, but Im not sure if it was definitely him.
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.

CHANGE YOUR TUNE / SING A DIFFERENT TUNE

When someone changes their opinion or their idea of something particular.
Youve definitely changed your tune since the last time I saw you! You used to hate this town!

FACE THE MUSIC

You say this when someone has to accept the negative consequences of something that has
happened.
Im not ready to face the music. I need to figure it out for myself before I speak to them.

FOR A SONG

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

I cant believe I managed to buy all of this for a song, maybe the shopkeeper didnt know what
theyre really worth!

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 dont know what Im going to say when she gets here, Ill just play it by ear.

SEE YOU ON THE BIG DRUM

A goodnight phrase used for children.
Okay, get some sleep now. See you on the big drum.

AS CLEAN AS A WHISTLE
Used to describe something that is extremely clean.
He may come across as someone who couldve been involved in that robbery, but I have
checked his records and theyre as clean as a whistle.

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.

CALL THE TUNE

This is used to describe the person who makes the important decisions about something.
Im afraid I cant help you sir. Barbara calls the tune around here, so youd have to speak to her.

PLAY SECOND FIDDLE

This is used to describe the person who takes a subordinate role behind someone more
important.
Youre much more experienced than he is, I dont understand why you continue to play second
fiddle. You deserve a higher position in the company!

WHISTLE FOR IT
If someone says this to you, it means they are determined to ensure that you dont 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!

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.

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 havent shown any
signs of taking immediate action.

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.

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 couldnt hear what I was saying!

DRUM INTO ONES 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.

TICKLE THE IVORY

This is a humorous way of talking about playing the piano.
My mother used to love playing the piano. Shed tickle the ivory whenever she had a chance.

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!
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.

WHISTLE-STOP TOUR
When someone visits a number of places quickly, only stopping at each for a short period of time.
Were going to visit my family up North for the weekend, but its only going to be a whistle-stop
tour, as we have so many relatives to visit there!

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 hes going to win the race, but judging from who he is up
against, I think hes only whistling in the dark.

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.

MAKE A SONG AND DANCE ABOUT SOMETHING

When someone makes a big deal out of, or a fuss over, something that isnt that important.
I wish shed stop making such a song and dance about me moving out, its not a big deal.

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!

DRUM UP SUPPORT / BUSINESS / INTEREST

Try to get extra support/business/interest by various means.
Ive been trying to drum up support for the local Womens Rights campaign by speaking to
people in the neighbourhood.
We need to try and drum up some interest from the local residents, otherwise well never be
able to go ahead with our building plans!

WET YOUR WHISTLE

To drink something alcoholic
Why dont you join us tonight and wet your whistle? Its been a long time since we went out
together!

TRUMPET SOMETHING
To deliberately broadcast some news so everyone can hear, with the intent to boast about
something.
He hasnt stopped trumpeting his promotion ever since he got it last month! Its very annoying.

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. Ive never heard him come up with
his own original idea!

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
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT3HrrrHzII
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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVzJIrpharU
Reach for the stars meaning aspire to something and set your goals high.

Always on Time by Ja Rule and Ashanti

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tcDXJfAFVw
Always on time meaning never late.

Dont Get Me Wrong by The Pretenders

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_Bj8wrXslk
Dont get me wrong meaning dont misunderstand me.

Somewhere Only We Know by Keane

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oextk-If8HQ#aid=P-E5W0SRluE
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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hajBdDM2qdg
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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08DjMT-qR9g
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 Heavens Door by Guns N Roses

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tmc8rJgxUI

 Knocking on heavens door meaning to be waiting to die or being very close to death.

Down and Out by Genesis

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tmc8rJgxUI
I dont want to beat around the bush meaning lets just get straight to the point ortheres no
need to procrastinate.

-Beat It by Michael Jackson

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRdxUFDoQe0
Just beat it meaning leave immediately (usually used as an order).

Cat Got Your Tongue by Fujiya and Miyagi

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_mRrJALtCs
Has the cat got your tongue? meaning to be speechless or unable to speak. (In other words:
Why wont you say anything?)

Cry Me a River by Justin Timberlake

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DksSPZTZES0
Cry me a river meaning to cry excessively in someones presence in order to obtain
sympathy.

By Myself by Linkin Park

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnLxzNL3x-I
Do I try to catch them red-handed? meaning to catch someone in the act of doing something
wrong.

White Flag by Dido

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-fWDrZSiZs
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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdQY7BusJNU
Time after time meaning again and again, repeatedly.

Louise by The Human League

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdQY7BusJNU
Its not true that time heals all wounds meaning feelings of emotional hurt will leave as time
passes.

Funny How Time Flies (When Youre Having Fun) by Janet Jackson
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLmxKSdjiZQ
Aint it funny how time flies meaning how quickly time passes by.

Because of You by Kelly Clarkson

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra-Om7UMSJc#aid=P7orKfoohwA
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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKvhxapM5zo

 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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5zPqgQ67yo
In the right place at the wrong time this is a combination of two idioms, which arein 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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrtydD2u1N0
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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR2atd_s2xo
We have other fish to fry meaning we have other/more important things to do.

Linger by The Cranberries

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6Kspj3OO0s
Youve got me wrapped around your little finger meaning to manipulate and control
someone.

Cant Have Your Cake and Eat It by Brenda Taylor

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZza_lSGW5A
You cant have your cake and eat it too meaning you cant 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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsOPVCK745I
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)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpmILPAcRQo
I had the time of my life meaning to enjoy yourself thoroughly, have the best time ever.

When its Raining Cats and Dogs by PM Dawn

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV8PiPfOGYk
When its raining cats and dogs when there is torrential rain or raining very heavily.

Its Raining Men by The Weather Girls (originally) also by Gerri Halliwell
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5aZJBLAu1E
Its raining men used in a situation when there are many attractive men around.

Leave No Stone Unturned by Europe

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhJo4BfZYgQ
Leave no stone unturned meaning to search in every possible way for evidence or the truth.

Taking Care of Business by Bachman-Turner Overdrive

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmwic9kFx2c

 Taking care of business meaning to do what needs to be done.

Water Under the Bridge by Olivia Newton-John

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DrAtdz_xtY
Its all water under the bridge meaning its all in the past, long gone and forgotten about.

Take it Easy by The Eagles

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEzTdBJUHO8
Take it easy meaning relax and stay calm.

Im gonna wash that man right outta my hair by South Pacific

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNXIOKYxk_4
Im 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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OShhejAa3h0
Youve become a shooting star referring to someone who is rapidly rising to fame.

Alejandro by Lady Gaga

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niqrrmev4mA
Nothing to lose meaning to take a risk because things could not possibly get any worse.

Fancy Pants by Lady Gaga

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnHAlqAQPFg
Fancy pants referring to someone who acts in a manner which others think is overly elaborate
or pretentious.

Poker Face by Lady Gaga

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcioXWfioa4
Poker face meaning when someones 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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP2srT6hh2Y
Hes 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 sheeps
clothing, and the childrens story Little Red Riding Hood.

Red and Blue by Lady Gaga

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZQ8-nZs0IM
Im 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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_VxMatc9uE
Starstruck meaning to be completely in awe of someones celebrity status.

Wonderful by Lady Gaga

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWDmGrfDYzc
Im talking in circles meaning to talk a lot and not really say anything of meaning.

Jammin by Bob Marley

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFRbZJXjWIA
Were jammin or jam session refers to an informal session where musicians play together.

Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQPp-cWumJM
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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiI1LK1nd4A
Working for peanuts meaning working for a very small amount of money, not earning very
much.

Yesterday by The Beatles

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WQAl5nJWHs
Theres 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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B-snqUaBOU

 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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPHDmKZrCbI
His heads in a cloud meaning not living in reality, (mentally) living in a dream land in ones
own imagination.

The Magical Mystery Tour by The Beatles

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4_TXuU9ars
Dying to take you away meaning to be in desperate eagerness to do something.

With a Little Help from My Friends by The Beatles

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBDF04fQKtQ
Lend me your ears meaning to ask someone to listen to you.

Nowhere Man by The Beatles

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1BVzNfqP0U
Lends you a hand meaning to offer help or assistance with something.

Genius in France by Weird Al Malkovic

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV-T8uQU0GQ
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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWst-r26whI
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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQEIYjS1ePY
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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XplOk3Do9Gg
Wild horses couldnt drag me away meaning nothing could persuade me to do or not do
something, impossible to change your mind.