What Are Examples of Science Idioms?

Have you been wondering, "What are examples of science idioms?" Well, wonder no longer. You're covered with this healthy list of scientific idiom expressions. A good example of a science-related idiom would be “to have something down to a science,” which means that it's totally understood and well-managed. Discover some other idioms related to science that add a touch of chemistry and biology to the English language.

science idiom blow a fuse

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a word or a phrase that has a meaning other than what one would interpret based on the literal definition of the word (or words). It's a common expression or saying that has shared meaning within a language, region or culture. The interpreted meaning of an idiom is based on how the term is commonly used by the people who use it. Idioms are figures of speech.

General Scientific and Technology Idioms

Since science is such a broad field, the opportunities for idioms abound. Enjoy these examples of general idioms and phrases related to science and technology.

bells and whistles - all the features of a product plus extra
bent out of shape - needlessly stressed or worried about something
big brother is watching - technology is keeping track of what humans are doing
blind with science - confused with highly technical language
cog in the machine - a person or thing that is a small part of a much larger system
cutting edge - advanced and innovative; the latest technology
fire on all cylinders - everything is working well
grease the wheels - pave the way for things to go smoothly
in layman’s terms - describe something technical or complex in a simple way
reinvent the wheel - do something again that’s already been done in an effective way
silver surfer - an older person who knows how to use the internet
the bottom line - key or essential information
to push one's buttons - to bring up things that will irritate a person
up and running - ready for use
well-oiled machine - anything that functions as it should

Chemistry, Physics and Geology Idioms

Chemistry, physics and geology focus on reactions, mechanics and physical science. Incorporate some great idioms about each of these topics into your writing.

a rolling stone gathers no moss - keep moving and you'll be fine
acid test - a conclusive test to establish quality
at boiling point - reached one’s limit in patience or temper
blow a fuse - get very angry
can you dig it - inquiry regarding whether one likes something
dig in your heels - to stubbornly refuse to compromise or give in
don't rock the boat - don't cause things to be unsettled
dumb as a bag of rocks - someone who is not smart at all
get your wires crossed - being confused or not understanding someone
gut reaction - intuition; one's initial feelings about a situation
on the same wavelength - to have the same ideas and opinions
quantum leap - to make a major breakthrough or advancement
run out of steam - lose motivation or enthusiasm
to have chemistry - when there is an attraction or spark between people
to pull the plug - to stop something from moving forward; to put an end to something

Biology, Zoology and Botany Idioms

Biology, zoology and botany focus on the study of living things, including humans, animals and plants. Quite a few idioms touch upon these elements.

apple of one's eye - someone that a person loves or otherwise holds in high regard
after my own heart - someone who is very similar to you
barking up the wrong tree - mistaken about your beliefs about a person
bleeding heart - one who is softhearted and empathetic towards others
blood is thicker than water - family ties are stronger than those with friends or acquaintances
bull-headed - stubborn or inflexible
biological clock is ticking - moving toward the end of the time that a woman can bear children
can't see the forest for the trees - so focused on details that you can't see what's really happening
cat's got your tongue - silent; will not speak up
eat your heart out - be jealous or envious of what another person has
fresh as a daisy - renewed and refreshed
to bleed someone dry - to take or use up all of a person's money or resources
to eat crow - to admit you made a mistake
to have ants in one's pants - to be restless or otherwise unable to stay still
what makes one tick - information about what motivates a person to act the way they do

Astronomy and Space Science Idioms

Idioms aren't just for earthbound science. Outer space and astronomy terms are often used to form cool figurative expressions and sayings.

a waste of space - something that serves no purpose
everything under the sun - has everything one could possibly need
failure to launch - something that never actually gets started
it’s not rocket science - easy to do or understand
light-years ahead - out in front with new developments or successes
many moons ago - a long time ago
on another planet - not paying attention, acting strangely
out of this world - extraordinary, very impressive
once in a blue moon - a very infrequent occurrence
over the moon - extremely happy or excited
reach for the moon - set your goals very high
space cadet - someone who is goofy or ditzy
space out - to become unaware of what is going on
Sputnik moment - when you realize you need to work harder to catch up
thank your lucky stars - to express gratitude for experiencing good luck

Beyond Science Idioms

For as long as people put pen to paper, phrases related to science and nature will be a great tool to help us express our feelings. Let these idiomatic expressions help your writing fire on all cylinders. Get even more creative by letting some funny quotes about science add fuel to your fire. Then, get even more figurative with some examples of onomatopoeia in nature. You'll be on your way to mastering the art of using figurative language.

Mary Gormandy White

Staff Writer