From Head to Toe (or Hat to Shoe)

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

Ever think about how many idioms come from articles of clothing? Probably not, but you have likely used many of them.

At the drop of a hat – without delay or good reason

Feather in one’s cap – something someone can be proud of

That’s old hat – old fashioned; outdated

Take your hat off to someone – praise them for something

Put on your thinking cap – think seriously about something; use your brain

Hot under the collar – angry

Give someone the shirt off your back – give someone anything they need

Off the cuff – without preparation

Wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve – clearly show emotions

Ride one’s coattails – to have one’s success dependent on that of someone else

Trick up one’s sleeve – a secret method to use when you need it

Roll up your sleeves – get to work

Lose one’s shirt – to lose all your money

To hit below the belt –  to say something unfair or uncalled for to someone

Tighten one’s belt – spend less money

Bursting at the seams – full to overflowing; very crowded

Fall apart at the seams – be in a state of decline

Buckle down – get serious; get to work

Line your own pockets – make money in a dishonest way

Money burns a hole in my pocket – I spend everything I have

Keep it zipped – keep quiet; don’t admit anything or tell anything

Caught with your pants down – something happens that someone isn’t prepared for that embarrasses them

Fly by the seat of your pants – use your instincts to tell you what to do in an unfamiliar situation

To wear the pants – to be the boss

To have ants in your pants –  to be restless or anxious

Fits like a glove – fits perfectly

Handle with kid gloves – be very careful with

Put a sock in it – tell someone to be quiet

Walk in someone else’s shoes – have someone else’s life and problems for a while

Birthday suit – nudity

Dirty laundry – embarrassing things in one’s life

Cut from the same cloth – alike

Wolf in sheep’s clothing – a person or thing that appears harmless, but is really hostile

If the shoe fits – something that is said or thought about someone is true, and they should accept it

Get along on a shoestring – get by with very little money

Quake in one’s boots – be very nervous or afraid

Knock one’s socks off – strongly impress someone