Winter and Christmas Related Idioms and Phrases
On Ice
to delay or to stop following a particular course of action until either further information is
known, or circumstances change or become more favorable.
Example: Their relocation plans were put on ice when Jenny discovered she was pregnant.
Skating on Thin Ice
You are said to be skating on thin ice when you place yourself in a precarious situation that may
have disastrous consequences.
Example: He was skating on thin ice when he accused his wife of cheating.
Giving Someone the Cold Shoulder
To ignore, be disrespectful or indifferent to someone.
Example: She tried to make amends for her mistake, but her boss still gave her the cold
shoulder.
Lit up like a Christmas tree
To become cheerful and happy
Example: The girl lit up like a Christmas tree when her parents gave her a new doll.
Stocking stuffer
a small gift, especially one that is placed in a Christmas stocking
Example: Mary went to the store today to look for some stocking stuffers for the children.
To trim the tree
to decorate the Christmas tree with ribbons, lights, ornaments etc.
Example: My family usually trims the Christmas tree with red lights and wooden ornaments.
White Christmas
a Christmas with snow
Example: In London seldom do we get a white Christmas.
The holiday spirit
excitement about the holiday
Example: December isn’t here yet and I’m already feeling the holiday spirit.
Be my guest
a polite way to let someone know that they should help themselves to something
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Example: Do you mind if I get that last piece of the fruit cake? Be my guest.
Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth
don’t be ungrateful for a gift you received
Example: “Oh no,” Jane said as she opened her present, “I don’t like historical novels.” I told
her, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”
To beat the holiday blues
to overcome the stress and frustration resulting from holiday preparation or resulting from the
need to get back to your usual routine after a holiday
Example: When I want to beat the holiday blues I always think about the fact that soon it will
be over.
Good things come in small packages
a present should not be judged by its size, because sometimes the smallest gifts are the best
Example: At first I was saddened by the size of my gift, but I thought to myself that good things
come in small packages. I was not mistaken, because inside there were keys to a new car!
Christmas comes but once a year
Christmas comes once a year and we should enjoy it to the fullest, often used as an excuse to
spend more or indulge in food
Example: Sue do you want another piece of the cake? Sure, why not? Christmas comes but
once a year.
Christmas came early (this year)
when someone receives some unexpected good news
Example: Did you hear that Janice is pregnant? Christmas came early this year for her and
Matthew.
Be there with bells on
said in response to an invitation and meaning you will happily go
Example: “Mom, will you come to my Christmas play at school?” asked Robbie. “Of course, I
will be there with bells on,” replied his mother.
To Go on a Wild Goose Chase
to pursue or do something that has little chance of success.
Example: He knew he was going on a wild goose chase, looking for the perfect present on
Christmas Eve.
Piece of cake
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Describes something that was easy or quick to accomplish a task or challenge.
Example: Fixing the shelves to the wall was a piece of cake.
The proof is in the pudding
the success of something can only be judged by testing or using it, often firsthand.
Example: Critics claimed his latest movie would be a box office flop; however, the proof is in the
pudding.
(Take it) with a Grain of Salt
to believe the truth is being embellished or exaggerated.
Example: You should always take election promises with a grain of salt.
Be my guest
a polite response to a request for something, letting someone know that they should help
themselves.
Example: "Do you mind if I have the last slice of cake?" "Sure, by all means, be my guest."
The more the merrier
the greater the number of people, the more enjoyable an event or situation will be.
Example: Make sure you invite the entire family to the party. The more the merrier.
Snowball Effect
refers to a relatively insignificant situation that gains momentum and impacts other events.
Example: The impeachment inquiry had a snowball effect.
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