English speakers love to use idioms but it’s not always clear what they mean. Let’s take a look at some frequently used music idioms you may hear. Once you get the hang of them and understand them, why not try using a few?
Not all of these idioms about music are used in a positive way, but with our clear descriptions and examples you’ll soon understand how and when to use them. Plus, when you hear them you’ll know if the person is being kind or mean to you, which is important as you strengthen your English!
Idioms about music and musical themes
Music to my ears
This in-tune musical idiom applies when you’ve heard something pleasing. Something you like.
“After months of waiting, hearing the house had sold was music to my ears.”
Of course, you can change the ‘my’ in music to my ears as needed. Perhaps it’s music to her ears or their ears, for example.
Face the music
Perhaps not the most popular expression, as if you need to face the music you’re probably in trouble or going to get in trouble. It means you have to own up, or confess, to something you did.
“I knew this would not work out well! Guess we’ll have to face the music.”
This is just one of many idioms you can use to describe bad things happening.
Elevator music
Describing a distinctive type of music, elevator music may be used when you hear dull, boring music. This simply comes from the fact that the music played in elevators (British English – lifts) isn’t normally very interesting. It’s mostly used in a negative, mocking manner.
“WOW! This band is about as good as elevator music.”
You can listen to some elevator music here, if you want a better idea of what it sounds like. Some people even find it helps them relax or concentrate on work!
Making beautiful music
Of course, the phrase make beautiful music together may be taken literally – an actual band making wonderful music as a group. When we refer to it as an idiom about music it has a more romantic feel. It would be used to describe a very positive and strong romantic relationship.
“The popular band made beautiful music together.”
“My two friends have been making beautiful music together for years. I hope they get married soon.”
For the over 18’s out there, it could also be used in reference to an intimate relationship! You can discover some more ‘beautiful’ idioms here.
Sound like a broken record
Try to use this phrase when someone is saying the same thing over and over and over again. Especially in an annoying fashion (way).
“Oh! They just wouldn’t stop! They sounded like a broken record.”
To sound like a broken record dates back to when people used to play vinyl records on an old-fashioned record player. If the vinyl was scratched or broken, the record would skip and replay itself over and over again.
Blow your own trumpet
This interesting music idiom can be used in both a positive and negative manner. To blow your own trumpet is to say something good about a personal accomplishment or achievement. As you’ll see below, it can be used in a boastful or encouraging way.
“Wow, talk about blowing your own trumpet. He wouldn’t stop talking about the game he won.”
“I’m not surprised you’re blowing your own trumpet, you should be proud of yourself.”
Play it by ear
Here’s another musical idiom that can have two meanings. Firstly, when you are making arrangements with someone but you haven’t confirmed the exact details (like the time or location) yet, you might decide to play it by ear. This means you will make firm plans nearer the time.
“I’m really not sure what time we’ll be free tomorrow. Let’s play it by ear.”
Secondly, if someone can play music well without having to follow the notes on a page, we say they can play music by ear.
“So you can’t read music? WOW! Did you play it by ear?”
If you’re interested in idioms related to body parts, take a look here.
Ring a bell
You might know the literal meaning of this one: you actually ring a bell when you arrive at someone’s house or an office to let them know you are there.
But when using it in relation to idioms about music, this applies when you’re trying to recall something familiar but can’t remember every detail. It can also be used in a negative sense if you don’t recall or remember something.
“What you’re saying is ringing a bell but I just can’t remember.”
“Sorry, that name doesn’t ring a bell.”
Check out some more idioms for describing memories in the past if you want to learn more like this!
If you’re a boxing or mixed martial arts (MMA) fan you may hear something slightly similar. To ring his or her bell normally refers to the final blow, punch, or kick to win the competition.
Blow the whistle
News presenters mention this a lot on TV and you may read about it in a newspaper. To blow the whistle or be a whistle-blower is to report wrongdoings and expose corruption in a public forum (a public way like on social media or on TV).
“This is shocking – we have to blow the whistle and let everyone know what happened!”
Time for some singing music idioms
Singing a different tune
This cheerful musical idiom, singing a different tune, is used to describe the changing of someone’s opinion or point of view.
“I know he wants this car but he’ll be singing a different tune when he sees the cost.”
A variation of this is to change your tune, which is featured on our list of idioms about change.
All singing, all dancing
When we describe people, objects, or experiences as all singing, all dancing it’s a very big compliment. We’re not referring to their musical talent, but in fact saying that they (or it) can do everything.
“I love my new phone with all these cool features. It’s really all singing, all dancing.”
“We’ve booked the all singing, all dancing cruise package. I can’t wait!”
Discover some more dance idioms here.
Sing like a birdie
To sing like a birdie may sound like a nice musical expression but in fact it’s normally used in a negative way. This idiom refers to someone informing the police or authorities of illegal, criminal behavior.
“He may look like a tough guy, but he’s now singing like a birdie to the officer.”
We have some more idioms with birds in a separate post.
Stop the music
If you want to make a statement with full impact and really get everyone’s attention, try saying stop the music first. This will let everyone know to stop what they are doing as you’re going to say something really important.
“OK everyone, you won’t believe this. Stop the music, I have something to say.”
So, how are you going to use these toe-tapping musical idioms? Leave a comment and let everyone know what situation you said them in. Or perhaps there are some others that you have heard?
