While Hong Kong summers can be very rainy, we still get moments of sunshine – and for better or worse, plenty of hot weather.
As the warmest season of the year approaches, let’s make hay while the sun shines and learn about these summer-related idioms related to the sun, hot weather, and splashing around in the water.
Weather idioms that will put you on cloud nine
A place in the sun
Meaning: A good or lucky position
Example: After years of hard work, Tim has finally found his place in the sun after being promoted to senior manager.
Take a shine to
Meaning: To develop a liking for
Example: After watching ViuTV’s King Maker show, Tom took a shine to the Canto-pop boy band Mirror.
Like a cat on a hot tin roof
Meaning: Very agitated or anxious
Example: While they waited for their exam results, the students in the classroom were like cats on a hot tin roof.
Make hay while the sun shines
Meaning: To take advantage of a good situation while it lasts
Example: We have two months of summer holiday, so let’s make hay while the sun shines and go travelling.
A drop in the ocean
Meaning: An amount so small that it doesn’t really make a difference
Example: For those who have lost their jobs during the pandemic, the HK$10,000 consumption vouchers are like a drop in the ocean.
Dog days of summer
Meanings: A period of particularly hot and humid summer weather that usually lasts from July to August
Example: The Hong Kong Observatory has warned that the following week will be the dog days of summer, hitting a high of 36 degrees Celsius.
7 English idioms about the environment that set alarm bells ringing
One swallow doesn’t make a summer
Meaning: Although something good has happened, it doesn’t mean the situation will continue to be good, so you shouldn’t count on it
Example: Hong Kong has climbed two places to reclaim the number five spot on the list of the world’s most competitive economies, but one swallow doesn’t make a summer – the city still has a long way to go to improve its economic performance amid the pandemic.
Ray of sunshine
Meaning: A happy person who makes the people around them feel happy too
Example: Mary is a ray of sunshine who always makes people laugh.
Swim against the tide
Meaning: To do or say the opposite of the majority
Example: The designer always swims against the tide, which helps him produce unique pieces.
Test the water with these H20 idioms
Hot air
Meaning: Empty talk that is intended to impress; words that are not sincere and will have no practical results
Example: The president’s election promises turned out to be a lot of hot air and disappointed many of the people who voted for him.
Hot off the press
Meaning: Newly printed or published; newly received
Example: The new Young Post summer edition arrived hot off the press this morning.
Walking on sunshine
Meaning: To be extremely happy
Example: She has been walking on sunshine ever since getting into her dream university last week.
A fish out of water
Meaning: Someone who feels awkward or unhappy because they are not in their usual environment
Example: Since he had no experience acting, the singer was a fish out of water during his film debut.
Make a splash
Meaning: To attract a great deal of attention
Example: Mirror made a huge splash in Hong Kong because people were so excited to have a new Canto-pop band.
Water off a duck’s back
Meaning: A potentially hurtful remark or situation that has no apparent effect on the person involved
Example: Anson’s boss keeps trying to break his spirit with passive aggressive comments, but it’s just water off a duck’s back.
