When learning English, it’s not just grammar and vocabulary that make you sound fluent — idioms play a big role too. Idioms are colorful expressions that don’t mean exactly what the words say, but instead carry a deeper or symbolic meaning.
They add creativity, personality, and emotion to conversations. When you want to describe something as “amazing,” instead of just using the same word over and over, idioms help you say it in a more fun and expressive way.
For example, instead of saying, “That performance was amazing,” you could say, “That performance blew me away.” Both express admiration, but the second version feels more natural and impactful.
Idioms for “amazing” make your English richer, more interesting, and help you connect better in both casual chats and professional communication.
Did You Know?
The word “amazing” has roots in the 15th century, originally meaning “confusing or bewildering.” Over time, it shifted to mean “extraordinary, wonderful.” That’s why many idioms for amazement often come from old ideas of surprise, shock, or wonder!
Idioms for Expressing Awe and Surprise
Blow Someone Away
Meaning: To greatly impress or astonish someone.
Example: The magician’s tricks completely blew me away.
Similar Idiom: “Knock your socks off.”
Note: Common in casual speech, especially after an impressive performance or experience.
Knock Your Socks Off
Meaning: To surprise or impress in a big way.
Example: The fireworks show will knock your socks off tonight.
Similar Idiom: “Blow your mind.”
Note: Informal and playful, often used when recommending something exciting.
Out of This World
Meaning: Extremely impressive or wonderful.
Example: Her chocolate cake is out of this world.
Similar Idiom: “Second to none.”
Note: Everyday English, often used for food, experiences, or performances.
Take Your Breath Away
Meaning: To be so beautiful or impressive that you’re speechless.
Example: The view from the mountain took my breath away.
Similar Idiom: “Leave you speechless.”
Note: Often used for landscapes, beauty, or emotional experiences.
Mind-Blowing
Meaning: Extremely surprising or incredible.
Example: The technology at the new expo was mind-blowing.
Similar Idiom: “Beyond belief.”
Note: Informal but popular in both casual and media contexts.
Beyond Words
Meaning: So amazing it can’t be described.
Example: The kindness of strangers was beyond words.
Similar Idiom: “Indescribable.”
Note: Suitable for both casual and heartfelt formal situations.
Like Nothing Else on Earth
Meaning: Unique and extraordinary.
Example: That safari experience was like nothing else on earth.
Similar Idiom: “One of a kind.”
Note: Common in travel writing and storytelling.
Idioms for Excitement and Joy
On Cloud Nine
Meaning: Extremely happy and amazed.
Example: She’s been on cloud nine since getting the award.
Similar Idiom: “Over the moon.”
Note: Everyday English, usually connected to happiness.
Over the Moon
Meaning: Extremely pleased or excited.
Example: He was over the moon when he passed the exam.
Similar Idiom: “In seventh heaven.”
Note: Informal but widely used in both UK and US English.
In Seventh Heaven
Meaning: Feeling ultimate joy and amazement.
Example: The kids were in seventh heaven at the amusement park.
Similar Idiom: “On top of the world.”
Note: A little poetic, often used in writing.
On Top of the World
Meaning: Feeling extremely happy and amazed by life.
Example: She felt on top of the world after winning the competition.
Similar Idiom: “Walking on air.”
Note: Informal and cheerful, often for personal success.
Walking on Air
Meaning: Feeling so happy it’s like floating.
Example: After the proposal, she was walking on air.
Similar Idiom: “Overjoyed.”
Note: Romantic or joyful situations.
Jump for Joy
Meaning: To be very happy and amazed by good news.
Example: He jumped for joy when he heard about the promotion.
Similar Idiom: “Ecstatic.”
Note: Informal, everyday use.
Overjoyed
Meaning: Extremely happy, delighted.
Example: They were overjoyed to see their friend succeed.
Similar Idiom: “On cloud nine.”
Note: Suitable for both casual and formal speech.
Idioms for Unique and Impressive Things
One of a Kind
Meaning: Completely unique and amazing.
Example: Her style is truly one of a kind.
Similar Idiom: “Like nothing else.”
Note: Casual or professional — good for compliments.
Second to None
Meaning: The best, better than all others.
Example: His piano skills are second to none.
Similar Idiom: “Top-notch.”
Note: Slightly formal, excellent for professional praise.
Cut Above the Rest
Meaning: Better than others.
Example: This restaurant is a cut above the rest.
Similar Idiom: “Head and shoulders above.”
Note: Used in reviews or recommendations.
Head and Shoulders Above
Meaning: Far better than others.
Example: She stands head and shoulders above her peers.
Similar Idiom: “A cut above.”
Note: Common in both formal and informal English.
Best Thing Since Sliced Bread
Meaning: Something considered amazing or highly useful.
Example: This app is the best thing since sliced bread.
Similar Idiom: “Game changer.”
Note: Casual, humorous, popular in modern speech.
Next Level
Meaning: Something so amazing it’s beyond ordinary standards.
Example: That performance was next level.
Similar Idiom: “Out of this world.”
Note: Informal, trendy.
A Game Changer
Meaning: Something that completely changes the situation in an amazing way.
Example: The new software is a real game changer for businesses.
Similar Idiom: “Revolutionary.”
Note: Popular in business and technology.
A Sight to Behold
Meaning: Something beautiful or amazing to look at.
Example: The sunrise over the desert was a sight to behold.
Similar Idiom: “Breathtaking.”
Note: More literary or descriptive writing.
Beyond Compare
Meaning: So amazing that nothing can be compared to it.
Example: Her singing talent is beyond compare.
Similar Idiom: “Unmatched.”
Note: Formal and poetic, often in admiration.
Idioms for Shock and Amazement
Lost for Words
Meaning: So amazed or surprised that you can’t speak.
Example: I was lost for words when I saw the surprise party.
Similar Idiom: “Speechless.”
Note: Used in everyday emotional moments.
Left Me Speechless
Meaning: So amazing it makes you silent.
Example: The generosity of the community left me speechless.
Similar Idiom: “Beyond words.”
Note: Emotional and heartfelt use.
Can’t Believe My Eyes
Meaning: Shocked or amazed at what you see.
Example: I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the giant rainbow.
Similar Idiom: “Hard to believe.”
Note: Informal, visual amazement.
Hard to Believe
Meaning: Difficult to accept because it’s so amazing or surprising.
Example: It’s hard to believe how fast technology is advancing.
Similar Idiom: “Unbelievable.”
Note: Neutral, both casual and formal.
Blown Out of the Water
Meaning: Completely amazed or defeated in comparison.
Example: The new phone blew the competition out of the water.
Similar Idiom: “Blew me away.”
Note: Often used in comparisons.
Stop You in Your Tracks
Meaning: To surprise or amaze so much you pause.
Example: Her beauty stopped him in his tracks.
Similar Idiom: “Take your breath away.”
Note: Romantic or descriptive.
Unreal
Meaning: Something so amazing it feels impossible.
Example: The view was unreal.
Similar Idiom: “Surreal.”
Note: Very common in casual speech today.
Out of the Blue
Meaning: Amazingly unexpected.
Example: He called me out of the blue after years.
Similar Idiom: “Came from nowhere.”
Note: Everyday English for surprise events.
Beyond Belief
Meaning: So amazing it’s almost impossible to accept.
Example: The rescue mission was beyond belief.
Similar Idiom: “Incredible.”
Note: Suitable for emotional or dramatic contexts.
A Marvel to See
Meaning: Something astonishing or wonderful.
Example: The old cathedral is truly a marvel to see.
Similar Idiom: “Spectacular.”
Note: Formal, often in writing or descriptions.
How to Use These Idioms in Daily Life
- In Speaking: Use idioms to sound more natural. For example, instead of saying, “That food was good,” say, “That food was out of this world.”
- In Writing: Use idioms to add personality. Travel blogs, reviews, or storytelling sound more engaging with idioms like “a sight to behold.”
- In Professional Use: Some idioms fit business well, such as “game changer” or “second to none.” Avoid overly casual ones in formal emails.
Common Mistakes Learners Make With Idioms
- Wrong Context
❌ The meeting was mind-blowing (sounds too casual).
✔ The concert was mind-blowing. - Mixing Idioms
❌ She was on cloud ten.
✔ She was on cloud nine. - Taking Literally
❌ I thought he really lost his socks when you said knock your socks off.
✔ It’s just a way of saying something is very impressive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are idioms for “amazing” formal or informal?
Most are informal, but some like “second to none” or “beyond compare” work in professional and formal settings.
Q2: Can I use idioms in academic writing?
Generally, no. Academic writing prefers direct, clear language. Save idioms for creative, casual, or business communication.
Q3: Which idioms are most common in daily English?
Popular ones include “blow your mind,” “out of this world,” and “on cloud nine.”
Q4: Do idioms change between American and British English?
Yes, some are more common in one region. For example, “over the moon” is more British, while “knock your socks off” is very American.
Q5: How can I practice idioms?
Start by using one new idiom in conversation each day. Listen to TV shows, movies, and songs to hear them in real life.
Conclusion
Idioms for “amazing” are powerful tools to make your English sound natural, colorful, and expressive. From “out of this world” to “game changer,” these phrases let you describe awe, joy, and wonder in ways that simple words can’t.
Whether you’re praising someone, writing a review, or sharing an experience, idioms help you stand out as a confident English speaker.
Keep practicing them, and soon your conversations will be as amazing as the idioms themselves!
