Enjoying life is something we all love to do, and language plays a big role in expressing that joy. One of the most colorful parts of English is idioms—phrases whose meanings are different from their literal words.
Instead of saying “I had fun,” you can use idioms like “I had a blast” or “I was over the moon” to make your speech more lively and natural. Learning idioms for having a good time not only makes conversations more engaging but also helps you sound more fluent and closer to native speakers.
Whether you’re writing a story, chatting with friends, or even presenting at work, these expressions help you describe happiness, fun, and memorable moments in creative ways.
In this guide, we’ll explore over 37 idioms grouped into different themes, so you can use them with confidence in daily conversations.
Did You Know?
The phrase “to paint the town red” has its roots in the 1800s. It’s said that a group of noblemen in England literally painted buildings red during a night of wild partying! Over time, the expression became a popular idiom for going out and having a great time.
Idioms About Partying and Celebrations
Paint the Town Red
Meaning: Go out and celebrate in a lively, fun way.
Example: After finishing their exams, the students decided to paint the town red.
Similar Idiom: Live it up
Note: Mostly used in informal conversations about nightlife or big celebrations.
Have a Blast
Meaning: To enjoy yourself a lot.
Example: We had a blast at Sarah’s birthday party last night.
Similar Idiom: Have the time of your life
Note: Very common in daily life; informal and friendly.
Live It Up
Meaning: Enjoy life to the fullest, especially by spending money or partying.
Example: During their holiday in Paris, they really lived it up.
Similar Idiom: Paint the town red
Note: Used when people indulge in luxuries or celebrations.
Let Your Hair Down
Meaning: Relax and enjoy yourself without worrying about rules or stress.
Example: After a long week, it’s time to let your hair down this weekend.
Similar Idiom: Chill out
Note: Informal, often about breaking away from routine.
Have a Whale of a Time
Meaning: To enjoy something greatly.
Example: The kids had a whale of a time at the amusement park.
Similar Idiom: Have a ball
Note: Common in British English, cheerful and informal.
Cut Loose
Meaning: To behave freely and enjoy yourself.
Example: He rarely goes out, but when he does, he really cuts loose.
Similar Idiom: Let loose
Note: Informal, often about parties or fun events.
Kick Up Your Heels
Meaning: Celebrate or enjoy yourself energetically.
Example: The whole office kicked up their heels after the project was completed.
Similar Idiom: Party hard
Note: Mostly used in casual conversations.
Idioms About Fun and Enjoyment
Have the Time of Your Life
Meaning: To experience something extremely enjoyable.
Example: She had the time of her life at the concert.
Similar Idiom: Have a blast
Note: Used for special or memorable experiences.
Over the Moon
Meaning: Extremely happy and excited.
Example: He was over the moon when his team won the match.
Similar Idiom: On cloud nine
Note: Used in both casual and semi-formal situations.
On Cloud Nine
Meaning: Very happy or joyful.
Example: After hearing the good news, she was on cloud nine.
Similar Idiom: In seventh heaven
Note: Common in daily life, often about good news.
In Seventh Heaven
Meaning: To be extremely happy.
Example: Winning the scholarship put him in seventh heaven.
Similar Idiom: On top of the world
Note: More poetic, but widely understood.
Like a Kid in a Candy Store
Meaning: Excited and happy like a child.
Example: He was like a kid in a candy store at the car showroom.
Similar Idiom: Jump for joy
Note: Informal, often used for strong excitement.
Jump for Joy
Meaning: To be very happy and show it.
Example: She jumped for joy when she got the promotion.
Similar Idiom: Over the moon
Note: Simple and common in spoken English.
Grinning from Ear to Ear
Meaning: Smiling very happily.
Example: He was grinning from ear to ear after winning the award.
Similar Idiom: Beam with happiness
Note: Informal, often used for visual happiness.
Be All Smiles
Meaning: To be very cheerful and happy.
Example: The children were all smiles at the fair.
Similar Idiom: Beaming with joy
Note: Informal, but useful in everyday speech.
Idioms About Relaxation and Free Time
Chill Out
Meaning: Relax and take it easy.
Example: We chilled out by the beach all afternoon.
Similar Idiom: Take it easy
Note: Informal, often used with friends.
Take It Easy
Meaning: Relax and not stress.
Example: It’s the weekend—just take it easy.
Similar Idiom: Chill out
Note: Very common in daily conversations.
Easy Does It
Meaning: Slow down and relax.
Example: Easy does it, there’s no need to rush.
Similar Idiom: Take your time
Note: Can be both casual and semi-formal.
Hang Loose
Meaning: Stay calm and relaxed.
Example: Just hang loose and enjoy the trip.
Similar Idiom: Chill out
Note: Very informal, used in casual conversations.
Lounge Around
Meaning: Spend time relaxing without doing much.
Example: We lounged around the house all Sunday.
Similar Idiom: Take it easy
Note: Informal, daily use.
Soak Up the Sun
Meaning: Relax and enjoy being in the sun.
Example: Tourists love to soak up the sun on the beach.
Similar Idiom: Bask in the sun
Note: Informal, often about holidays.
Idioms About Memorable Experiences
Make Memories
Meaning: Do enjoyable things that you will remember.
Example: The family trip was a chance to make memories together.
Similar Idiom: Create moments
Note: Often used in friendly or family contexts.
Once in a Blue Moon
Meaning: Something that happens very rarely.
Example: We get together as a family once in a blue moon, but it’s always fun.
Similar Idiom: Rare treat
Note: Casual but widely known.
A Night to Remember
Meaning: An event that will be unforgettable.
Example: Their wedding was truly a night to remember.
Similar Idiom: Memorable evening
Note: Informal, but also used in formal speeches.
Feast for the Eyes
Meaning: Something very enjoyable to look at.
Example: The fireworks show was a feast for the eyes.
Similar Idiom: Visual treat
Note: Works in both casual and formal English.
Music to My Ears
Meaning: Something that makes you feel very happy.
Example: Hearing about the holiday was music to my ears.
Similar Idiom: Sweet sound
Note: Daily use, both formal and informal.
On Top of the World
Meaning: Feeling very happy and proud.
Example: He was on top of the world after completing the marathon.
Similar Idiom: In seventh heaven
Note: Positive, uplifting, used everywhere.
Fun and Games
Meaning: Enjoyable activities.
Example: The summer camp was full of fun and games.
Similar Idiom: Playtime
Note: Simple, easy to use, casual.
Good Times Roll
Meaning: To enjoy a period of fun and happiness.
Example: Let the good times roll at the music festival!
Similar Idiom: Party time
Note: Often used at celebrations.
How to Use These Idioms in Daily Life
- In speaking: Use idioms with friends and family to sound more natural. For example, instead of saying “I was very happy,” you can say “I was on cloud nine.”
- In writing: Idioms make stories, blogs, or even social media posts more engaging. “We had a blast in Spain” sounds more lively than “We enjoyed Spain.”
- In professional settings: Some idioms are suitable for work, like “on top of the world” or “music to my ears”. Just avoid very informal ones like “kick up your heels” in formal emails.
Common Mistakes Learners Make With Idioms
- Using idioms too literally
❌ Wrong: He painted the town red with a brush.
✔ Correct: He painted the town red after winning the lottery. - Mixing idioms together
❌ Wrong: She was on cloud seven of the moon.
✔ Correct: She was on cloud nine. - Overusing idioms in one sentence
❌ Wrong: I had a blast, was on top of the world, over the moon, and in seventh heaven.
✔ Correct: I had the time of my life at the party.
FAQs
1. Can I use idioms in formal writing?
Yes, but carefully. Some idioms like “music to my ears” or “on top of the world” work in formal writing, while very casual ones like “let your hair down” are better for conversations.
2. Are idioms the same in British and American English?
Many are shared, but some are more common in one region. For example, “have a whale of a time” is more British.
3. How can I learn idioms faster?
Practice them in real situations. Try using one new idiom each day in a conversation or journal entry.
4. Do idioms change meaning over time?
Some do. For example, “paint the town red” once had a literal origin but now only means celebrating.
5. Should beginners use idioms?
Yes! They make your English sound natural. Just start with common ones like “have a blast” or “take it easy.”
Conclusion
Idioms for having a good time add flavor, humor, and creativity to your English. From parties and celebrations to relaxation and memorable moments, these expressions help you describe joy in many colorful ways.
By learning them, you not only improve your vocabulary but also sound more confident and fluent. Remember, the key is to use them naturally, not forcefully.
So next time you’re enjoying yourself, let your words shine—whether you’re on cloud nine, having a blast, or letting the good times roll. Keep practicing, and soon idioms will become a natural part of your speech!
