Share Christmas idioms and expressions
Save to Folder
Christmas came early
Something good happened unexpectedly or earlier than expected. “I got my exam results and passed everything - Christmas came early!”
Deck the halls
To decorate for Christmas (from the carol “Deck the Halls”). “We spent the weekend decking the halls with tinsel and fairy lights.”
'Tis the season (to be jolly)
A cheerful way of saying “It’s the festive season.” “Let’s forget our worries - ’tis the season to be jolly!”
The proof is in the pudding
You can only judge the quality of something after you try it. "You say your Christmas cake is amazing, but the proof is in the pudding - let’s taste it!"
Don’t be left out in the cold
Ignored or excluded from something. "All my coworkers got Christmas bonuses, but I was left out in the cold."
Eat, drink and be merry
Enjoy yourself, especially during celebrations. "It’s Christmas — eat, drink and be merry!”
Like turkeys voting for Christmas
Doing something that’s clearly against your own interests. "Teachers asking for more exams is like turkeys voting for Christmas.”
All my Christmases have come together/at once
A situation where everything good happens at the same time. "You got promoted and you’re going on holiday? All your Christmases have come together/at once!”
To trim the tree
To decorate the Christmas tree. “We always trim the tree together on December 1st.”
To ring in the New Year
To celebrate the arrival of the new year. “We’re ringing in the New Year with fireworks and champagne.”
Christmas comes but once a year
An excuse for indulgence - it’s fine to celebrate or spend a little extra. “Go on, have another piece of cake - Christmas comes but once a year!”
Skating on thin ice
Doing something risky or likely to get you in trouble. "You’re skating on thin ice coming late to the family dinner again!"
Giving someone the cold shoulder
To give someone the cold shoulder. “After the argument at Christmas dinner, she gave him the cold shoulder.”
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth
Don’t criticize or question the value of a gift you receive. "He complained about the scarf his aunt gave him - talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth!"
Be there with bells on
Be very eager and enthusiastic to go somewhere. “Are you coming to the Christmas party?” “Of course - I’ll be there with bells on!”
The more, the merrier
The more people join, the better it is. “Sure, invite your friends to dinner - the more, the merrier!”
