Idioms for Describing Unfortunate Events

Idioms are an essential part of the English language, adding color and depth to our communication. Understanding idioms, especially those related to unfortunate events, allows you to express yourself more vividly and comprehend nuanced meanings in conversations and literature. This article explores a variety of idioms used to describe bad things happening, providing definitions, examples, and practice exercises to help you master their usage. This guide will be particularly beneficial for English language learners, writers, and anyone looking to enhance their understanding of idiomatic expressions.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What are Idioms?
• Structural Breakdown of Idioms
• Types of Idioms About Bad Things
• Examples of Idioms About Bad Things
• Usage Rules for Idioms
• Common Mistakes When Using Idioms
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

What are Idioms?

An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of the words in it. In other words, it’s a figurative expression where the overall meaning is different from the literal meaning of the individual words. Idioms are a vital part of everyday English and understanding them is crucial for effective communication. They add color, emotion, and nuance to language, making it more engaging and expressive.

Idioms often evolve over time and are culturally specific, meaning that the same idiom might not exist or have the same meaning in different languages or cultures. They can be classified based on their function, such as describing emotions, situations, or actions. Understanding the context in which an idiom is used is essential for interpreting its meaning correctly.

Structural Breakdown of Idioms

Idioms, while seemingly simple, can have varied structures. Some are straightforward phrases, while others are more complex clauses or sentences. They often employ metaphors, similes, or other figures of speech to convey their meaning. The structure of an idiom is fixed, meaning you cannot change the words or their order without altering or losing the idiom’s meaning.

For example, the idiom “hit the nail on the head” means to be exactly right about something. Changing it to “strike the nail on its head” would not convey the same idiomatic meaning. Understanding the fixed nature of idiomatic expressions is crucial for using them correctly.

Types of Idioms About Bad Things

Idioms related to bad things happening can be broadly categorized based on the type of misfortune they describe. Here are a few common categories:

Idioms Describing General Misfortune

These idioms cover general bad luck, setbacks, and unfortunate circumstances.

Idioms Describing Financial Problems

These idioms relate to money troubles, losses, and economic hardship.

Idioms Describing Health Issues

These idioms describe sickness, injury, or other health-related problems.

Idioms Describing Relationship Problems

These idioms refer to conflicts, breakups, and other difficulties in relationships.

Idioms Describing Failure or Setbacks

These idioms describe unsuccessful attempts, disappointments, and obstacles.

Idioms Describing Betrayal or Deception

These idioms refer to acts of treachery, deceit, and broken trust.

Examples of Idioms About Bad Things

Here are several examples of idioms related to bad things happening, categorized for clarity. Each table provides the idiom, its meaning, and example sentences.

Idioms Describing General Misfortune

This section provides idioms that describe general misfortune, bad luck, or unlucky situations. Learning these idioms will help you express a sense of general dismay or disappointment.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
A perfect storm	A particularly bad situation created when a number of unfortunate events all happen at the same time.	The company’s bankruptcy was a perfect storm of bad management, economic recession, and unforeseen lawsuits.
Down on your luck	Experiencing a period of misfortune or poverty.	After losing his job and his apartment, he was really down on his luck.
When it rains, it pours	Bad things tend to happen all at once.	First, I lost my keys, then I missed the bus, and now it’s starting to rain. When it rains, it pours!
Bite the dust	To die or be destroyed; to fail.	The old laptop finally bit the dust after ten years of faithful service.
Go to pot	To deteriorate; to go to ruin.	Since the factory closed, the whole town has gone to pot.
The bottom fell out	To suddenly fail or collapse.	The deal seemed promising, but then the bottom fell out when their funding was withdrawn.
Go south	To decline or deteriorate.	The negotiations started well, but things quickly went south when they couldn’t agree on the terms.
Hit rock bottom	To reach the lowest possible point in a bad situation.	After losing everything, he finally hit rock bottom and decided to seek help.
In deep water	In serious trouble or difficulty.	He’s in deep water with the IRS because he hasn’t paid his taxes in years.
Out of the frying pan, into the fire	To go from a bad situation to a worse one.	He thought leaving his old job would solve his problems, but it was just a case of out of the frying pan, into the fire.
Run into trouble	To encounter difficulties or problems.	They ran into trouble when their funding was cut unexpectedly.
Sink or swim	To fail or succeed entirely by one’s own efforts.	The company gave the new employees little training; it was sink or swim.
That’s the last straw	The final problem in a series of problems that makes you lose your patience.	First the car broke down, then I lost my wallet, and now I’ve spilled coffee on my shirt. That’s the last straw!
The writing is on the wall	There are clear signs that something bad is going to happen.	With declining sales and increasing debt, the writing is on the wall for that company.
Turn sour	To become unpleasant or unsuccessful.	The relationship turned sour after they started arguing about money.
A recipe for disaster	A situation that is likely to end badly.	Mixing alcohol and driving is a recipe for disaster.
Come to grief	To experience trouble or misfortune.	Those who ignore the safety rules are likely to come to grief.
In a bind	In a difficult situation; in trouble.	I’m in a bind because I need to finish this project by tomorrow, but I have no data.
On the rocks	Likely to fail or end.	Their marriage is on the rocks after the recent arguments.
Take a turn for the worse	To become worse.	His health took a turn for the worse after the surgery.
Fall on hard times	To experience a period of poverty or difficulty.	Many families fell on hard times during the recession.
Get the short end of the stick	To receive less than a fair share or treatment.	In the reorganization, the sales team got the short end of the stick.
Have a bad run	To experience a period of bad luck or misfortune.	The team has had a bad run of injuries this season.
Hit a snag	To encounter an unexpected problem or obstacle.	The project hit a snag when they ran out of funding.
In a bad way	In a poor or difficult situation.	After the accident, he was in a bad way.
On its last legs	Near the end of its life or usefulness.	The old car is on its last legs, and we need to replace it soon.
Up the creek without a paddle	In a difficult situation without the means to resolve it.	If we miss the deadline, we’ll be up the creek without a paddle.
When it rains, it pours	Bad things tend to happen all at once.	First, I lost my keys, then I missed the bus, and now it’s starting to rain. When it rains, it pours!

Idioms Describing Financial Problems

This section focuses on idioms used to describe financial difficulties, monetary losses, and economic downturns. These expressions can help you convey the severity of financial situations.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Broke	Having no money.	I’m completely broke after paying all my bills this month.
In the red	Operating at a loss; in debt.	The company has been in the red for the last three quarters.
Tighten your belt	To reduce expenses; to economize.	We need to tighten our belts and cut back on unnecessary spending.
Hard up	Having very little money.	They were hard up after the factory closed down.
Strap for cash	Short of money.	I’m a little strapped for cash right now, so I can’t go out to dinner.
Made of money	Very rich.	I wish I was made of money so I could travel the world.
Living hand to mouth	Spending all your income on basic needs with nothing left over.	They are living hand to mouth, barely able to afford food and rent.
Pennies from heaven	Unexpected money or good fortune.	The inheritance was like pennies from heaven for the struggling family.
Go belly up	To go bankrupt or fail financially.	Many businesses went belly up during the economic crisis.
Worthless	Having no financial value.	The stock became worthless after the company’s scandal.
On the breadline	Very poor; needing charity.	During the Depression, many families were on the breadline.
In Queer Street	In financial difficulty.	The business is in Queer Street after the recent losses.
Skint	Having no money (British slang).	I’m completely skint until payday.
Feel the pinch	To suffer from a shortage of money.	With rising inflation, many families are starting to feel the pinch.
Flat broke	Completely without money.	I was flat broke after my vacation.
Insolvent	Unable to pay debts.	The company was declared insolvent by the court.
Lacking funds	Not having enough money.	The project was delayed due to lacking funds.
Short of funds	Having less money than needed.	We are short of funds to complete the renovation.
On a shoestring budget	Operating with very little money.	The film was made on a shoestring budget, but it turned out great.
Be down to your last penny	To have almost no money left.	He was down to his last penny before he got a job.
Go for a Burton	To be ruined financially (British slang).	The company went for a Burton after the scandal.
Living on borrowed time	Continuing to exist despite being in a risky situation.	The company is living on borrowed time, and it’s likely to close soon.
On the verge of bankruptcy	About to go bankrupt.	The business is on the verge of bankruptcy due to poor sales.
Raining money	Earning a lot of money.	The company is not raining money, but it is managing to stay afloat.
The cupboard is bare	There is no money available.	The cupboard is bare, so we can’t afford to invest in new equipment.
Treading water	Making no progress, especially financially.	The company is just treading water and not making any profit.
Under the cosh	Under financial pressure.	Many families are under the cosh due to the rising cost of living.
Be up to your ears in debt	To owe a large amount of money.	They are up to their ears in debt after taking out a large loan.

Idioms Describing Health Issues

This section contains idioms used to describe health problems, illnesses, and injuries. These idioms can help you express concern or sympathy.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Under the weather	Feeling slightly ill.	I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’m staying home from work.
Kick the bucket	To die (informal).	He finally kicked the bucket after a long illness.
At death’s door	Very close to death.	He was at death’s door after the serious accident.
Run-down	In poor health; exhausted.	I’ve been feeling really run-down lately, so I need to get more rest.
As sick as a dog	Very ill.	I was as sick as a dog after eating that bad seafood.
Not long for this world	Not expected to live much longer.	The doctor said he was not long for this world.
On your last legs	Near death or collapse.	The old man was on his last legs.
Come down with something	To become ill with a particular disease.	I think I’m coming down with something; I have a sore throat and a fever.
Aches and pains	Minor pains and discomforts.	As you get older, you start to experience more aches and pains.
Out of sorts	Slightly unwell or unhappy.	I’ve been feeling a bit out of sorts all day.
Bedridden	Confined to bed because of illness or infirmity.	She has been bedridden since her stroke.
Breathe your last	To die.	He breathed his last surrounded by his family.
Carry a torch for someone	To be in love with someone who does not love you back.	She’s been carrying a torch for someone for years, but he doesn’t feel the same way.
Drop like flies	To die or become ill in large numbers.	During the epidemic, people were dropping like flies.
Gone to a better place	Dead.	He has gone to a better place after his long illness.
Have a frog in your throat	To have difficulty speaking because your throat is irritated.	I have a frog in my throat, so please excuse my hoarse voice.
In poor health	Not in good physical condition.	The elderly man was in poor health.
On the mend	Recovering after an illness or injury.	He is on the mend after his surgery.
Rest in peace (RIP)	A phrase used to wish eternal rest and peace to someone who has died.	Rest in peace, dear friend.
Six feet under	Dead and buried.	He’s been six feet under for many years now.
Catch your death of cold	To become very ill with a cold.	You’ll catch your death of cold if you go outside without a coat.
Full of vitality	Lacking energy and enthusiasm.	The disease left her feeling full of vitality.
Have one foot in the grave	To be very old or ill and likely to die soon.	At his age, he has one foot in the grave.
Run its course	To develop fully and then end naturally (illness).	The doctor said the illness just needs to run its course.
Shake off a cold	To recover from a cold.	I hope I can shake off this cold before my vacation.
Take a turn for the worse	To become more ill.	His condition took a turn for the worse overnight.
Turn up your toes	To die (informal).	He turned up his toes peacefully in his sleep.
Under the knife	Undergoing surgery.	She will be under the knife next week for her knee surgery.

Idioms Describing Relationship Problems

This section includes idioms that describe difficulties, conflicts, and breakups in relationships. Use these idioms to express the challenges and emotional turmoil that can arise in human connections.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
On the rocks	A relationship that is experiencing difficulties and is likely to fail.	Their marriage has been on the rocks since he lost his job.
Fall out	To have an argument and stop being friends.	They fell out over a business disagreement and haven’t spoken since.
Break up	To end a romantic relationship.	They decided to break up after five years together.
At each other’s throats	Constantly arguing or fighting.	The siblings are always at each other’s throats.
Bad blood	Feelings of hatred caused by a past conflict.	There’s a lot of bad blood between the two families.
Give someone the cold shoulder	To deliberately ignore someone.	She’s been giving me the cold shoulder ever since I disagreed with her.
A bitter pill to swallow	A difficult or unpleasant situation that must be accepted.	Losing the election was a bitter pill to swallow for the candidate.
Call it quits	To end a relationship or activity.	After years of struggling, they decided to call it quits on their business.
Clear the air	To resolve misunderstandings or tension.	They needed to clear the air after their argument.
Drive a wedge between	To cause a division between people.	The scandal drove a wedge between the partners.
A broken home	A family in which the parents are divorced or separated.	He came from a broken home and had a difficult childhood.
Burn bridges	To damage relationships beyond repair.	He burned bridges when he left the company on bad terms.
Come to blows	To have a physical fight.	The argument came to blows, and the police had to intervene.
Cross swords	To argue or disagree strongly.	The two politicians often cross swords on policy issues.
Drift apart	To gradually become less close to someone.	They drifted apart after going to different colleges.
Fight like cat and dog	To argue frequently and fiercely.	The siblings fight like cat and dog.
Get off on the wrong foot	To start a relationship badly.	They got off on the wrong foot during their first meeting.
Go separate ways	To end a relationship or partnership.	After working together for years, they decided to go separate ways.
Have a falling out	To have a serious argument with someone.	They had a falling out over money.
In the doghouse	In disgrace or out of favor with someone.	He’s in the doghouse with his wife after forgetting their anniversary.
Lead someone on	To deceive someone into believing you have romantic interest in them.	She accused him of leading her on.
On the outs	Not on friendly terms.	They’ve been on the outs since their argument.
Part ways	To end a relationship or partnership.	They decided to part ways amicably.
Put someone in their place	To humiliate someone by showing they are less important or intelligent than they think.	She put him in his place after his arrogant remarks.
Rub someone the wrong way	To irritate or annoy someone unintentionally.	He tends to rub people the wrong way with his bluntness.
See eye to eye	To agree with someone.	They rarely see eye to eye on political issues.
Split up	To end a relationship.	They decided to split up after a trial separation.
Wear the trousers	To be the dominant partner in a relationship.	She wears the trousers in their marriage.
At loggerheads	In a state of disagreement.	The two companies are at loggerheads over the contract terms.

Usage Rules for Idioms

Using idioms correctly requires understanding their specific meaning and context. Here are some important rules to keep in mind:

• Fixed Structure: Idioms have a fixed structure, and changing the words or their order can alter or destroy their meaning.
• Context Matters: The meaning of an idiom depends on the context in which it is used.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Idioms are often culturally specific, so be mindful of your audience.
• Appropriate Tone: Consider the tone of your communication when using idioms, as some may be informal.
• Avoid Overuse: Using too many idioms can make your writing or speech sound unnatural or forced.

Common Mistakes When Using Idioms

One of the most common mistakes is mistranslating idioms literally, which can lead to confusion. Another mistake is altering the structure of an idiom, which changes its meaning. Here are some examples of correct and incorrect usage:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
It’s raining cats and dogs literally.	It’s raining cats and dogs.	The idiom should not be interpreted or described literally.
He kicked the bucket of water.	He kicked the bucket.	The idiom “kick the bucket” means to die, not to literally kick a bucket.
She is under the weather a little.	She is under the weather.	The idiom “under the weather” means feeling slightly ill. The phrase “a little” is redundant.
They fell out the friendship.	They fell out.	“Fell out” means to have an argument and stop being friends.
He is in the red color.	He is in the red.	“In the red” means operating at a loss or in debt.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of idioms with these practice exercises. Choose the correct idiom to complete each sentence.

Exercise 1

Choose the correct idiom to complete each sentence.

Question	Options	Answer
After losing his job and his house, he really __________.	a) hit the books b) hit rock bottom c) hit the road	b) hit rock bottom
The company’s financial situation is __________, they might have to close down.	a) on cloud nine b) on the mend c) on the rocks	c) on the rocks
I’m feeling a bit __________ today, so I won’t be going to work.	a) over the moon b) under the weather c) on top of the world	b) under the weather
Mixing business with pleasure is often __________.	a) a piece of cake b) a recipe for disaster c) a walk in the park	b) a recipe for disaster
They __________ over a minor disagreement and haven’t spoken since.	a) fell out b) hit it off c) patched things up	a) fell out
The old car finally __________ after years of faithful service.	a) kicked the bucket b) hit the road c) turned over a new leaf	a) kicked the bucket
With rising inflation, many families are starting to __________.	a) feel the pinch b) break a leg c) call it a day	a) feel the pinch
They are __________ after taking out a large loan.	a) up to their ears in debt b) in the black c) rolling in money	a) up to their ears in debt
The negotiations started well, but things quickly __________ when they couldn’t agree on the terms.	a) went north b) went south c) went west	b) went south
He’s __________ with the IRS because he hasn’t paid his taxes in years.	a) in deep water b) in the clear c) in good spirits	a) in deep water

Exercise 2

Fill in the blanks with the correct idiom from the list below:

(a) on its last legs, (b) up the creek without a paddle, (c) the writing is on the wall, (d) a perfect storm, (e) out of the frying pan, into the fire

Question	Answer
The old computer is __________; we need to replace it soon.	(a) on its last legs
If we miss the deadline, we’ll be __________.	(b) up the creek without a paddle
With declining sales and increasing debt, __________ for that company.	(c) the writing is on the wall
The company’s bankruptcy was __________ of bad management, economic recession, and unforeseen lawsuits.	(d) a perfect storm
He thought leaving his old job would solve his problems, but it was just a case of __________.	(e) out of the frying pan, into the fire

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, understanding the etymology and historical context of idioms can provide deeper insights into their meanings and usages. Additionally, exploring how idioms are translated and adapted in different languages can be a fascinating area of study. Consider researching the origins of specific idioms that interest you to enhance your understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about idioms:

1. What is the difference between an idiom and a proverb?

   An idiom is a phrase whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal meanings of its constituent words. A proverb, on the other hand, is a short, well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice. Proverbs are often more universally understood, while idioms can be culturally specific.

2. How can I improve my understanding of idioms?

   The best way to improve your understanding of idioms is through exposure and practice. Read widely, listen to native speakers, and make a conscious effort to learn new idioms in context. Keeping a notebook of idioms and their meanings can also be helpful.

3. Are idioms used in formal writing?

   While idioms are more common in spoken English and informal writing, they can be used in formal writing when appropriate. However, it’s important to choose idioms that are suitable for the tone and audience of your writing.

4. Can I create my own idioms?

   While it’s technically possible to create new idioms, they are unlikely to be widely adopted unless they catch on organically. Idioms usually evolve over time through common usage.

5. Why are idioms so difficult to learn?

   Idioms are difficult to learn because their meanings are not literal and often culturally
   specific. This requires learners to understand not just the words themselves, but also the cultural and historical context in which the idiom developed.

Conclusion

Idioms are a colorful and essential part of the English language. Mastering idioms about bad things happening allows you to express yourself more vividly and understand nuanced meanings in conversations and literature. By understanding their structure, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can confidently incorporate idioms into your everyday communication. Continue practicing and exploring new idioms to further enhance your language skills.