After a cold winter, everyone is waiting for longer days to return with the start of spring. Here are eight English idioms that have blossomed out of spring, from a way to describe excitement to a term for youth.
1. Spring back
Meaning: to recover quickly from illness or injury
Example: I'm sorry to hear about your injury, but I hope you can spring back and start playing sports again soon!
2. Spring chicken
Meaning: someone young
Example: My grandma is no spring chicken, but she still tries to get some exercise every day.
3. Spring fever
Meaning: a feeling of excitement that often comes with the start of spring
Example: After the long cold winter, the students had spring fever and felt little desire to study.
4. A spring in your step
Meaning: a cheerful and enthusiastic attitude
Example: Tommy has walked with a spring in his step ever since he got that new job.
5. Spring to mind
Meaning: to come quickly into your thoughts
Example: When tourists plan a trip to Hong Kong, shopping and tasty food are the activities that usually spring to mind!
6. Spring to your feet
Meaning: to quickly stand up
Example: When the pop star walked onto the stage, the audience sprang to their feet, waved their arms and cheered.
7. Spring to action
Meaning: to suddenly start working or become very active
Example: As soon as the teacher entered the classroom, the students sprang to action, scribbling with their pens to make it look like they had been doing their classwork the whole time.
8. Spring something on someone
Meaning: to tell someone something when they are not expecting it
Example: I hate to spring such news on you during the exam, but your house is on fire!
Fun facts
Spring happens at different times around the world. In the northern hemisphere, where we are, it starts in March. But in the southern hemisphere, where Australia is, spring starts in September!
Quick questions
- What usually puts a spring in your step?
- What could you do to help yourself spring back from injury?
- Has anyone ever sprung something on you?
