Explore the rich language of music through idioms that capture its essence and impact. This post dives into 20 colorful expressions, offering meanings and concise examples, enhancing your linguistic repertoire and understanding of musical metaphors.
Idioms That Describe Music
1. Music to my ears
Meaning: Something very pleasant to hear.
Example: “Your acceptance is music to my ears.”
2. Face the music
Meaning: Accept the consequences.
Example: “He lied, now he must face the music.”
3. Change your tune
Meaning: Alter your opinion or attitude.
Example: “He quickly changed his tune when he saw the boss.”
4. Strike a chord
Meaning: Evoke a strong emotional response.
Example: “Her speech really struck a chord.”
5. Play it by ear
Meaning: Improvise or go with the flow.
Example: “Let’s play it by ear for our trip.”
6. Fine-tune
Meaning: Make small adjustments to improve something.
Example: “Fine-tune your resume for the job.”
7. Blow your own trumpet
Meaning: Boast about one’s own talents.
Example: “He loves to blow his own trumpet.”
8. Ring out
Meaning: To sound loudly and clearly.
Example: “Freedom bells ring out joyously.”
9. Set the tone
Meaning: Establish a specific mood or atmosphere.
Example: “Her smile set the tone for the evening.”
10. On a different note
Meaning: Changing the subject in conversation.
Example: “On a different note, how are you?”
11. In tune with
Meaning: In agreement or harmony.
Example: “She is in tune with modern trends.”
12. Out of tune
Meaning: Not in agreement; discordant.
Example: “His remarks were out of tune with the mood.”
13. Drum up
Meaning: Try to increase business activity or interest.
Example: “We need to drum up some new clients.”
14. Harp on
Meaning: Talk or write about persistently.
Example: “He harps on about past mistakes.”
15. Hit the right note
Meaning: Do or say something suitable or fitting.
Example: “Her apology hit the right note.”
16. Jazz up
Meaning: Make something more lively or exciting.
Example: “Jazz up your outfit with a scarf.”
17. Make a song and dance about
Meaning: Make a big fuss or deal about something.
Example: “She made a song and dance about the delay.”
18. March to the beat of your own drum
Meaning: Do things the way you think is best.
Example: “He marches to his own drum.”
19. Tune out
Meaning: Stop listening or paying attention.
Example: “I just tune out during long meetings.”
20. Banging on about
Meaning: Keep talking about something not of interest.
Example: “She’s always banging on about her cat.”
