In the English language, we call the four seasons spring, summer, fall (autumn), and winter. This list will focus on summer idioms about the season itself, as well as some phrases about activities you may enjoy during summer and things associated with the season.
For example, because summer is the hottest season it’s a great time to enjoy a vacation (holiday).
As English idioms can be a little hard to understand, you’ll find each phrase is explained here and used in an example sentence.
Summer idioms about the season
Indian Summer
Most summer idioms are about the glorious hot weather associated with this season. However, an Indian summer is actually referring to late fall/autumn when there is a spell of unusually dry and warm weather.
“I went to the beach last weekend. Thought we’d better enjoy the Indian Summer while it lasts!”
Some may consider this phrase not politically correct because of how it originated, so why not learn more about it and decide whether you’d like to use it yourself?
Summer fling
A short romance or relationship during the summer months would be called a summer fling.
“I had a lovely time in Greece and even enjoyed a short summer fling!”
Learn more ways to describe relationships – not just the fleeting ones.
One swallow does not make a summer
Should this be on our list of summer idioms or is it more of a proverb? You can find out the difference between idioms and proverbs here. Either way, it’s a useful saying to know.
The phrase one swallow does not make a summer is a fun way of saying that just because you have one thing go well or one positive event, more may not follow. Seeing swallows may be lovely and a sign the season is changing, but they do not guarantee that glorious summer weather is on its way.
“Yes I’m happy that you finally got a pass mark, but as they say, ‘one swallow does not make a summer’. You still have a way to go.”
Discover some more idioms about weather here.
The dog days of summer
Normally all of summer is warmer than the rest of the year. However, in the northern hemisphere, the hottest period is between the end of July and the start of September. These days are known as the dog days of summer.
“We had to cancel the hike yesterday due to the dog days of summer.”
Whether you’re talking about dog days or summer swallows, there are plenty of other fun animal idioms to learn.
Summer idioms associated with summer activities and feelings
Soak up some sun
When you go on your summer holidays it’s likely you’ll want to soak up some sun. This is a common way of saying you want to sunbathe and get a tan.
“I can’t wait to start my holiday and soak up some sun by the pool.”
Hot and bothered
When you are feeling hot and bothered you may well be physically hot, sweaty, and flustered. It could also mean that you are having a strong romantic embarrassed feeling if you are around some you have a crush on. Or perhaps you are feeling worried, angry, or anxious about an event. All of these would be covered by this saying.
“I’ve been rushing around all day and I’m all hot and bothered. I need to cool off.”
Idioms are a great way to express how you are feeling. Perhaps you are angry, crying, or sad? We’ve got you covered with some phrases to express your emotions.
A drop in the ocean
Sitting on a beach and watching the ocean is a perfect way to spend summer.
Since the ocean is so big and vast and a tiny drop of water is so small, it makes sense when someone comments that something is a drop in the ocean. They are implying that it is a small amount which doesn’t really make much of a difference to the bigger picture.
“I’m so happy the bake sale made $50, but it’s a drop in the ocean when you think about our overall target.”
To make hay while (while) the sun shines
As mentioned before, a lot of summer idioms have an easy-going feel, but this one is actually about working hard. When you work hard and make the most of a situation it is an example of making hay while/whilst the sun shines.
“We’ve got a busy day ahead of us so we’d better make hay whilst the sun shines.”
Check out some more idioms for working hard.
Like watching grass grow
A lot of these summer idioms have a laid-back, lazy feel and this one is no exception. As you chill out and relax, some people may consider this time wasted or boring. In fact, just as boring as watching grass grow.
“I’m glad that show is over. It was like watching grass grow.”
Another similar expression showing that you find something boring would be “like watching paint dry”.
Travel on a shoestring
Summer is the time to enjoy a holiday but to travel on a shoestring means you’re doing so on a tight or small budget.
“I’m planning a trip across Europe this summer, but due to budgets I’m having to travel on a shoe string”
Discover some more great idioms about travel if you’re planning an adventure.
Full of hot air
You may think that an idiom talking about hot air is all about the hot weather enjoyed during summer. In this case, you’d be wrong though; not all summer idioms are that obvious.
In fact, to be full of hot air sadly means you talk a lot but have nothing of great value to add to the conversation. Your comments may be exaggerated or without meaning.
“Honestly, I wouldn’t listen to a word the prime minster says. He’s always full of hot air.”
We have some more hot idioms for you to check out if you like!
Well, that’s the summer idioms covered but that’s only one season. Don’t forget we have winter idioms, autumn idioms and spring idioms too. Which is your favorite season, and why?
