Experience shapes who we are and how we navigate the world. Idioms about experience encapsulate wisdom gained through life’s trials and triumphs. These expressions often convey deeper meanings and are commonly used in everyday conversations. Here are 20 idioms that vividly describe various aspects of experience.
1. Been There, Done That
Meaning: Already experienced it.
Example: “I’ve been there, done that with office politics.”
2. Old Hand
Meaning: Experienced person.
Example: “He’s an old hand at sailing.”
3. In the Trenches
Meaning: In the middle of hard work.
Example: “She’s been in the trenches of teaching for years.”
4. Learn the Ropes
Meaning: Understand the basics.
Example: “New employees must learn the ropes.”
5. Put Through the Wringer
Meaning: Undergo a tough experience.
Example: “The project put us through the wringer.”
6. Cut One’s Teeth
Meaning: Gain initial experience.
Example: “She cut her teeth in marketing.”
7. Baptism by Fire
Meaning: First experience is difficult.
Example: “His first day was a baptism by fire.”
8. Trial by Fire
Meaning: Severe test of ability.
Example: “Leading the team was a trial by fire.”
9. Been Around the Block
Meaning: Experienced.
Example: “He’s been around the block in real estate.”
10. Under One’s Belt
Meaning: Achieved or experienced.
Example: “She has five years of experience under her belt.”
11. Put One’s Foot In It
Meaning: Make a mistake due to inexperience.
Example: “He put his foot in it during the meeting.”
12. Knows the Ropes
Meaning: Understands how things work.
Example: “He knows the ropes in this business.”
13. Sink or Swim
Meaning: Succeed or fail without help.
Example: “The new job was sink or swim.”
14. Hard Knocks
Meaning: Difficult life experiences.
Example: “He learned through the school of hard knocks.”
15. Learning Curve
Meaning: Period of learning.
Example: “There’s a steep learning curve in this role.”
16. Wise Beyond Years
Meaning: More experienced than expected.
Example: “She’s wise beyond her years.”
17. Road Less Traveled
Meaning: Unconventional experience.
Example: “She chose the road less traveled in her career.”
18. In Over One’s Head
Meaning: Beyond one’s ability.
Example: “He’s in over his head with this project.”
19. Take the Plunge
Meaning: Commit to a difficult decision.
Example: “They decided to take the plunge and start a business.”
20. Battle-Scarred
Meaning: Experienced and toughened.
Example: “The veteran is battle-scarred but wise.”
