7 Advanced English Idioms About Age
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What is an idiom?
An idiom is a phrase or expression with a figurative or non-literal meaning, often different from the literal meaning of the individual words that make up the phrase. Idioms are a common part of language and culture and are often used to convey a specific message, feeling, or idea more colourfully or vividly. They can confuse people learning a new language because the meaning of an idiom must be deduced from the literal meanings of its words.
For example, the English idiom "kick the bucket" means to die, but it has nothing to do with literally kicking a bucket. Similarly, the idiom "break a leg" is used to wish someone good luck, even though it doesn't relate to breaking a leg in a literal sense.
Idioms are a form of linguistic expression that adds richness and depth to a language and is often used in everyday communication, literature, and various forms of art and media. Different languages and cultures have unique idioms; understanding these expressions can be important for effective communication and cultural understanding.
(to be) over the hill
Meaning
The phrase "over the hill" is an idiomatic expression that typically refers to someone who has reached middle age and is past their prime in terms of youth and physical vitality. It suggests that the person is on the downward slope of life, having crossed the metaphorical hill that represents the peak of their youth and energy.
Examples
Despite being over the hill, John continues to lead an active and fulfilling life.
She may be over the hill in terms of her professional career, but her wisdom and experience are invaluable to the company.
Turning fifty didn't stop him from pursuing his dreams; he believes he's not over the hill yet.
(to be) wet behind the ears
Meaning
The phrase "wet behind the ears" is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is inexperienced, naive, or lacking in maturity.
Examples
"She's a talented musician, but she's still wet behind the ears when it comes to performing live on stage."
"Don't expect him to lead the team effectively just yet; he's still wet behind the ears when it comes to managing a project of this size."
"The new interns are eager to learn, but they're definitely wet behind the ears in the corporate world."
(to be) of age
Meaning
The phrase "of age" typically means that someone has reached the age at which they are legally considered an adult and are granted certain rights and responsibilities.
Examples
"In the United States, you must be of age, which is typically 18, to vote in federal elections."
"She inherited the family estate when she came of age at 21."
"You can't sign a legally binding contract until you are of age in most places."
To rob the cradle
Meaning
"To rob the cradle" is an idiomatic expression that means to engage in a romantic or sexual relationship with someone significantly younger than you, typically implying a significant age difference.
Examples
It's a bit concerning that he's dating someone half his age; it feels like he's robbing the cradle.
Sarah is in her 40s, but her new boyfriend is only 22. She's really robbing the cradle with that relationship.
I can't believe my boss is marrying his intern, who's 20 years younger. He's definitely robbing the cradle!
(to have) a senior moment
Meaning
The phrase "to have a senior moment" is a colloquial expression often used to describe a temporary lapse in memory or a brief mental lapse, particularly in older individuals.
Examples
"I can't believe I forgot where I put my keys again. I must be having a senior moment."
"During the meeting, John had a senior moment and couldn't remember the client's name, even though they've been working together for years."
"She had a senior moment at the grocery store and couldn't recall what she went there to buy."
(to be) green
Meaning
In some contexts, "green" can describe someone who is inexperienced, naive, or lacking knowledge or expertise in a particular area. For example, someone new to a job or task might be referred to as "green" because they are still learning and gaining experience.
Examples
"He's still quite green when it comes to managing a team, but he's eager to learn."
"Don't take advantage of her greenness in the business world; she's a quick learner."
May-December relationship
Meaning
A "May-December relationship" is a phrase used to represent a romantic or sexual relationship between two people with a significant age difference. In such relationships, one partner is considerably younger (the "May" part) while the other is significantly older (the "December" part). The terms "May" and "December" are often used metaphorically to represent the months at the beginning and end of the calendar year, symbolising the difference in age between the two individuals.
Examples
Despite the significant age difference, Sarah and Tom's May-December relationship has been going strong for five years.
The tabloids were abuzz with rumours about the famous actor's new May-December romance with a much younger model.
In the world of politics, it's not uncommon to see May-December marriages between experienced politicians and their much younger spouses.
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