Idioms for Making Things Better: A Comprehensive Guide

English is rich with idioms, and understanding them is crucial for mastering the language. Among these, idioms that express the idea of ‘making things better’ are particularly useful in everyday conversation and writing. This article delves into a variety of such idioms, providing definitions, examples, and usage tips. Whether you’re an ESL learner or a native speaker looking to refine your language skills, this guide will enhance your understanding and use of these colorful expressions.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition of Idioms for Making Things Better
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories
  • Fixing Problems
  • Improving Situations
  • Easing Tension
  • Providing Solutions
• Examples
  • Fixing Problems Examples
  • Improving Situations Examples
  • Easing Tension Examples
  • Providing Solutions Examples
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Introduction

Idioms are phrases or expressions whose meanings cannot be understood from the literal meanings of the individual words. They add color and depth to the English language, making communication more engaging and nuanced. Mastering idioms, especially those related to improving situations, is invaluable for effective communication and understanding of native English speakers. This article focuses on idioms that convey the notion of making things better, covering various aspects from their definitions and structures to their practical usage and common pitfalls. Understanding and using these idioms correctly will significantly enhance your English proficiency, allowing you to express yourself more accurately and vividly.

Definition of Idioms for Making Things Better

Idioms for “making things better” are expressions that describe actions or processes aimed at improving a situation, resolving a problem, or alleviating a negative condition. These idioms often provide a more vivid and concise way of expressing improvement or resolution than literal language. They are crucial for understanding the nuances of English and for communicating effectively in both formal and informal contexts. The key characteristic of these idioms is their non-literal meaning; understanding them requires familiarity with the specific cultural and linguistic context in which they are used. The function of these idioms is to add color, emphasis, and cultural context to your language, making your communication more engaging and relatable.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of idioms varies widely. Some idioms are verb phrases, while others are prepositional phrases or even complete sentences. Understanding the structure can sometimes help in grasping the meaning, but often the meaning is entirely separate from the literal interpretation of the words. Many of these idioms involve verbs like “mend,” “fix,” “improve,” or “ease,” combined with prepositions or nouns to create a unique meaning. For example, “patch things up” uses the verb “patch” and the noun “things” to describe repairing a relationship. The structural complexity of idioms is part of what makes them challenging but also rewarding to learn. Recognizing patterns and understanding how the words interact can aid in memorization and correct usage. The structural breakdown also includes understanding the grammatical roles of the words within the idiom, such as whether a noun is functioning as a subject or object, and how the verb is conjugated to fit the context of the sentence.

Types and Categories

Idioms for making things better can be categorized based on the specific type of improvement they describe. Here are some key categories:

Fixing Problems

These idioms refer to actions taken to correct a specific issue or malfunction. They often involve repairing something that is broken or malfunctioning. These idioms are commonly used in situations where there is a clear problem that needs to be addressed. For example, “to fix a leak” or “to repair a broken appliance.”

Improving Situations

These idioms describe actions that enhance or upgrade a general condition or state. They go beyond simply fixing a problem and aim to make things better overall. These idioms are often used in contexts where there is a desire to make something better than it currently is, such as “to improve one’s health” or “to enhance a product.”

Easing Tension

These idioms focus on reducing stress, conflict, or anxiety in a situation. They aim to create a more relaxed and harmonious environment. These idioms are particularly useful in interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution. Examples include “to smooth things over” or “to clear the air.”

Providing Solutions

These idioms refer to offering or implementing a way to resolve a problem or meet a need. They emphasize the act of finding and implementing a solution. These idioms are frequently used in professional settings and problem-solving scenarios. For example, “to come up with a solution” or “to offer a remedy.”

Examples

Here are examples of idioms for making things better, categorized by type:

Fixing Problems Examples

The following table provides examples of idioms related to fixing problems, along with their meanings and example sentences. These idioms are useful for describing situations where something is broken or malfunctioning and needs to be repaired.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Patch things up	To repair a relationship after a disagreement.	After their argument, they decided to patch things up and move forward.
Mend fences	To restore friendly relations after a dispute.	He tried to mend fences with his neighbor after their long-standing feud.
Put right	To correct something that is wrong or incorrect.	The accountant worked late to put right the errors in the financial report.
Set straight	To correct a misunderstanding or misconception.	Let me set you straight – I never said that.
Iron out	To resolve small problems or difficulties.	We need to iron out the details of the contract before signing it.
Straighten out	To resolve a problem or difficulty.	The manager helped straighten out the issues with the project timeline.
Get it sorted	To resolve or organize something effectively.	I’ll get it sorted by tomorrow morning.
Fix up	To repair or improve something.	They plan to fix up the old house and sell it.
Sort out	To resolve a problem or difficulty.	We need to sort out these conflicting schedules.
Unsnag	To remove an obstacle or solve a problem.	The team worked to unsnag the project from its delays.
Smooth out	To make something even or without difficulties.	They tried to smooth out the wrinkles in the new policy.
Work through	To deal with a problem until it is resolved.	The couple is committed to working through their issues.
Clear up	To resolve a misunderstanding or confusion.	Let’s clear up any confusion about the new rules.
Hammer out	To negotiate and reach an agreement after a long discussion.	The diplomats are trying to hammer out a peace treaty.
Remedy the situation	To correct or improve a bad situation.	The company took steps to remedy the situation after the negative feedback.
Correct the course	To make adjustments to achieve a desired outcome.	We need to correct the course of the project to meet the deadline.
Right the wrong	To correct an injustice or mistake.	He dedicated his life to righting the wrong done to his community.
Turn around	To improve a failing situation.	The new CEO managed to turn around the struggling company.
Find a fix	To discover a solution to a problem.	The engineers worked tirelessly to find a fix for the software bug.
Get something back on track	To return something to its intended course or plan.	The team worked hard to get the project back on track after the initial setbacks.
Set to rights	To correct something that is wrong or unfair.	The government is working to set to rights the historical injustices.
Remediate	To provide a remedy for something, often used in environmental or educational contexts.	The company agreed to remediate the polluted site.
Rectify	To correct something that is wrong.	The manager promised to rectify the error in the invoice.
Ameliorate	To make something bad or unsatisfactory better.	New policies helped to ameliorate the working conditions.
Resolve	To find a solution to a problem.	The mediator helped them resolve their dispute.
Address	To deal with a problem or issue.	The president plans to address the concerns of the citizens.

Improving Situations Examples

This table showcases idioms used to describe improving general situations, enhancing conditions, or making things better overall. These idioms are applicable in scenarios where the goal is to elevate the quality or state of something.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Turn over a new leaf	To start behaving in a better way.	After his illness, he decided to turn over a new leaf and live a healthier lifestyle.
Make strides	To make significant progress.	The company has been making strides in developing new technology.
Raise the bar	To set higher standards or expectations.	The new manager decided to raise the bar for employee performance.
Step up one’s game	To improve one’s performance or effort.	If he wants to win the competition, he needs to step up his game.
Go the extra mile	To do more than what is expected.	She always goes the extra mile to help her colleagues.
Add value	To enhance or improve something.	The new features will add value to the product.
Enhance	To improve the quality, value, or extent of something.	The lighting was designed to enhance the beauty of the artwork.
Boost	To increase or improve something.	The new marketing campaign should boost sales.
Lift up	To improve someone’s mood or situation.	Her kind words really lifted me up when I was feeling down.
Take to the next level	To improve something to a higher standard.	The coach is helping the team take their skills to the next level.
Fine-tune	To make small adjustments to improve something.	We need to fine-tune the presentation before the meeting.
Polish up	To improve the appearance or quality of something.	She spent the afternoon polishing up her resume.
Refine	To improve something by making small changes.	The chef is constantly working to refine his recipes.
Upgrade	To improve something by replacing it with a newer or better version.	I decided to upgrade my computer to the latest model.
Advance	To move forward or improve.	Technology continues to advance at a rapid pace.
Elevate	To raise something to a higher level or standard.	The company aims to elevate the customer experience.
Flesh out	To add more details to improve something.	We need to flesh out the plan with more specific actions.
Touch up	To make small improvements to something.	She decided to touch up the painting before the exhibition.
Build upon	To use something as a base for further improvement.	The new strategy will build upon the successes of the previous one.
Better oneself	To improve one’s skills, knowledge, or character.	He is taking classes to better himself professionally.
Move onward and upward	To continue to improve and progress.	With hard work and dedication, we can move onward and upward.
Gain ground	To make progress or become more successful.	The new product is gaining ground in the market.
Come along	To improve or develop.	Her English skills are coming along nicely.
Look up	To improve, especially after a period of difficulty.	Things are finally starting to look up for the company.
Perk up	To become or make more cheerful, active, or interesting.	A cup of coffee always helps me perk up in the morning.
Brighten up	To make something more cheerful or attractive.	Adding some flowers can brighten up the room.

Easing Tension Examples

The following table presents idioms that describe actions taken to reduce stress, conflict, or anxiety. These idioms are useful in interpersonal situations and conflict resolution scenarios.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Smooth things over	To resolve a disagreement or conflict.	He tried to smooth things over between his friends after their argument.
Clear the air	To resolve misunderstandings and tensions.	They decided to have a meeting to clear the air and discuss their concerns.
Break the ice	To make people feel more comfortable and relaxed.	The comedian’s jokes helped to break the ice at the party.
Pour oil on troubled waters	To calm a difficult situation.	The mediator tried to pour oil on troubled waters during the negotiation.
Let things lie	To avoid stirring up conflict by not addressing an issue.	Sometimes it’s best to let things lie and not bring up old arguments.
Take the edge off	To reduce the intensity of a feeling or situation.	A relaxing bath can take the edge off after a stressful day.
Defuse the situation	To reduce the tension in a potentially explosive situation.	The police officer managed to defuse the situation before it escalated.
Settle down	To become calm and relaxed.	After the excitement, the children started to settle down.
Lighten up	To become less serious or stressed.	He needs to lighten up and not take everything so seriously.
Tone down	To make something less forceful or intense.	The editor asked the writer to tone down the language in the article.
Ease up	To reduce pressure or intensity.	The teacher told the students to ease up on their studying for a while.
Cool off	To become calmer after being angry or excited.	They needed some time to cool off after the heated debate.
Take a chill pill	To relax and calm down.	You need to take a chill pill and stop worrying so much.
Mellow out	To become more relaxed and easy-going.	Listening to music helps me mellow out after work.
Soften the blow	To make bad news or a negative situation less upsetting.	The manager tried to soften the blow by offering a severance package.
Bury the hatchet	To make peace after a conflict.	They decided to bury the hatchet and become friends again.
Patch up differences	To resolve disagreements and restore harmony.	The siblings worked to patch up their differences after years of estrangement.
Take the heat off	To reduce pressure or criticism on someone.	The lawyer tried to take the heat off his client by presenting new evidence.
Let off steam	To release pent-up emotions or energy.	Going for a run helps me let off steam after a long day.
Keep the peace	To maintain calm and avoid conflict.	The security guards were there to keep the peace at the event.
Paper over the cracks	To hide problems temporarily rather than solving them.	The company’s actions only papered over the cracks, and the underlying issues remained.
Pour balm on	To soothe or alleviate distress.	Her kind words poured balm on his wounded ego.
Diffuse	To make a situation less tense or dangerous.	His calm demeanor helped to diffuse the argument.
Mitigate	To lessen the severity of something.	The new safety measures aim to mitigate the risk of accidents.
Alleviate	To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe.	The medicine helped to alleviate his pain.

Providing Solutions Examples

This table provides idioms related to offering or implementing solutions to problems or meeting needs. These idioms are useful in professional and problem-solving contexts.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Come up with a solution	To find an answer to a problem.	The team worked together to come up with a solution to the technical issue.
Offer a remedy	To provide a way to fix a problem.	The doctor was able to offer a remedy for her illness.
Find a way out	To discover a means of escaping a difficult situation.	They were determined to find a way out of their financial troubles.
Provide an answer	To give a solution to a question or problem.	The expert was able to provide an answer to the complex question.
Present a fix	To offer a solution to a problem.	The engineer presented a fix for the malfunctioning machine.
Address the issue	To deal with a problem or concern.	The manager promised to address the issue at the next meeting.
Tackle the problem	To confront and deal with a difficult situation.	The government is working to tackle the problem of unemployment.
Resolve the matter	To settle or find a solution to a problem.	The mediator helped them resolve the matter amicably.
Work it out	To find a solution through discussion or effort.	They were able to work it out and reach an agreement.
Figure out	To find a solution or understand something.	I need to figure out how to fix this computer.
Devise a plan	To create a strategy to solve a problem.	They had to devise a plan to overcome the challenges.
Formulate a response	To develop a detailed and structured answer or solution.	The company needed to formulate a response to the public criticism.
Implement a solution	To put a plan or idea into effect.	The new manager decided to implement a solution to improve efficiency.
Offer a suggestion	To provide an idea or proposal.	She decided to offer a suggestion to help the team.
Propose a method	To suggest a particular way of doing something.	The scientist proposed a method for conducting the experiment.
Chart a course	To plan a route or strategy.	The leader charted a course for the company’s future.
Forge a path	To create a new way of doing something.	The entrepreneur forged a path in the tech industry.
Pave the way	To make a situation possible or easier.	The new law will pave the way for economic growth.
Open the door	To create an opportunity.	Her hard work opened the door to new possibilities.
Unlock the potential	To reveal or realize hidden possibilities.	Education can unlock the potential of young people.
Present an alternative	To offer a different option or solution.	He presented an alternative plan that was more cost-effective.
Find common ground	To discover shared interests or opinions.	The diplomats tried to find common ground to reach an agreement.
Bridge the gap	To connect two different things or groups.	The new program aims to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Fill the void	To provide something that is lacking.	The charity works to fill the void in the community.
Furnish a solution	To supply or provide a solution.	The consultant was hired to furnish a solution to the company’s problems.

Usage Rules

When using idioms, it’s essential to consider the context and audience. Idioms are often informal and may not be appropriate in formal writing or professional settings. Here are some general rules to follow:

• Know your audience: Consider whether your audience will understand the idiom. If you’re writing for an international audience, it’s best to avoid idioms that are specific to one culture or region.
• Context is key: Ensure that the idiom fits the context of your sentence. Using an idiom inappropriately can confuse your reader or listener.
• Don’t overuse idioms: While idioms can add color to your language, using too many can make your writing sound unnatural or forced.
• Use the correct form: Some idioms have a fixed structure, while others can be modified to fit the grammatical structure of your sentence. Be sure to use the correct form of the idiom.
• Understand the nuances: Idioms can have subtle differences in meaning. Make sure you understand the specific meaning of the idiom before using it.

For example, while “patch things up” and “mend fences” both refer to repairing relationships, “patch things up” often implies a quick fix, while “mend fences” suggests a deeper reconciliation. Similarly, “smooth things over” and “clear the air” both aim to ease tension, but “smooth things over” might involve avoiding the core issue, while “clear the air” implies addressing it directly.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is taking idioms literally, which can lead to confusion and miscommunication. For instance, someone unfamiliar with the idiom “break the ice” might imagine someone physically breaking ice. Another common mistake is misusing or altering the idiom, which can change its meaning or make it nonsensical. Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
He tried to smooth the water over.	He tried to smooth things over.	The correct idiom is “smooth things over,” not “smooth the water over.”
Let’s clear the sky.	Let’s clear the air.	The correct idiom is “clear the air,” which means to resolve misunderstandings.
She decided to turn a new page.	She decided to turn over a new leaf.	The correct idiom is “turn over a new leaf,” not “turn a new page.”
They raised the bar high.	They raised the bar.	The idiom is simply “raise the bar,” without adding “high.”
He went the extra kilometer.	He went the extra mile.	The correct idiom is “go the extra mile,” not “go the extra kilometer.”
Fix the problem up.	Fix up the problem.	The correct order is “fix up the problem” rather than “fix the problem up.”
Sort the problem outly.	Sort out the problem.	The correct form is “sort out,” not “sort outly.”

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of idioms for making things better with these exercises:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct idiom from the list to complete each sentence: (patch things up, mend fences, iron out, smooth things over, clear the air)

1. After the argument, they decided to ______________ and move on.
2. He tried to ______________ with his neighbor by offering an apology.
3. We need to ______________ the details of the contract before signing it.
4. The manager attempted to ______________ after the misunderstanding.
5. They had a meeting to ______________ and discuss their concerns openly.

Answer Key:

1. patch things up
2. mend fences
3. iron out
4. smooth things over
5. clear the air

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom in each sentence.

1. The company has been making strides in developing new technology.
   1. a. Making significant progress
   2. b. Facing many obstacles
   3. c. Losing ground
2. He needs to step up his game if he wants to win the competition.
   1. a. Reduce his effort
   2. b. Improve his performance
   3. c. Quit the game
3. She always goes the extra mile to help her colleagues.
   1. a. Does only what is required
   2. b. Does more than what is expected
   3. c. Avoids helping others
4. The doctor was able to offer a remedy for her illness.
   1. a. Provide a way to fix a problem
   2. b. Ignore the problem
   3. c. Make the problem worse
5. The police officer managed to defuse the situation before it escalated.
   1. a. Make the situation worse
   2. b. Reduce the tension in a potentially explosive situation
   3. c. Ignore the situation
6. After a long time, they buried the hatchet. What does “buried the hatchet” mean?
   1. a. Started a war
   2. b. Made peace
   3. c. Forgot about the past
7. The team worked hard to get back on track. What does “get back on track” mean?
   1. a. To start a new project
   2. b. To return to the original plan
   3. c. To find a new path
8. The manager tried to smooth things over after the misunderstanding. What does “smooth things over” mean?
   1. a. To make the problem worse
   2. b. To resolve a disagreement or conflict
   3. c. To ignore the problem
9. What does the idiom “raise the bar” mean?
   1. a. To lower expectations
   2. b. To set higher standards
   3. c. To keep things the same
10. Turning over a new leaf is an idiom. What does “turning over a new leaf” mean?
    1. a. To start behaving in a better way
    2. b. To repeat the same mistakes
    3. c. To make things worse

Answer Key:

1. a
2. b
3. b
4. a
5. b
6. b
7. b
8. b
9. b
10. a

Exercise 3: Sentence Completion

Complete the following sentences using the correct form of an appropriate idiom from the article.

1. To improve his health, he decided to ______________ and start exercising regularly.
2. The company needed to ______________ to the negative feedback.
3. After a stressful day, a relaxing bath can help ______________.
4. The new law will ______________ for economic growth.
5. Education can ______________ of young people.
6. She needs to ______________ and not take everything so seriously.
7. The team is working hard to ______________ the software bug.
8. They had a long and heated discussion, but finally managed to ______________.
9. He is taking extra classes to ______________ professionally.
10. The president promised to ______________ of the citizens.

Answer Key:

1. turn over a
2. new leaf
3. address the issue
4. take the edge off
5. pave the way
6. unlock the potential
7. lighten up
8. find a fix
9. work it out
10. better himself
11. address the concerns

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, exploring the origins and cultural contexts of these idioms can provide deeper insights. Many idioms have historical roots or are derived from specific cultural practices. Understanding these backgrounds can enhance your appreciation and usage of the idioms. Additionally, analyzing how these idioms are used in literature, film, and other forms of media can provide practical examples of their application. Consider researching the etymology of idioms like “bury the hatchet” (which comes from a Native American tradition of burying a hatchet to symbolize peace) or “pour oil on troubled waters” (which refers to the calming effect of oil on rough seas). Such exploration not only enriches your understanding but also makes your communication more nuanced and culturally aware.

FAQ

Conclusion

Mastering idioms for making things better is a valuable skill for anyone looking to improve their English proficiency. By understanding the definitions, structures, and usage rules of these idioms, you can communicate more effectively and expressively. Remember to consider your audience and context when using idioms, and don’t be afraid to practice and experiment with them. With time and effort, you’ll be able to incorporate these colorful expressions into your everyday language, enhancing your ability to convey nuanced meanings and connect with native English speakers.