12 English Body Idioms for 2026
Say HELLO to 2026 with one new IDIOM every month – all with body parts.
Hello 2026!
Hello 2026, and hello January – the month that starts a brand-new twelve months and gives us the chance to start (or restart!) the resolutions we made for the year ahead.
Why not add a new English mission for 2026? For example:
- Learn one new idiom or phrase every month.
- Use it at least twice in real conversation that month.
Here are 12 idioms and phrases to help you do exactly that – and they all contain a part of the body.
One Idiom for Every Month
January – (to have) a gut feeling
A strong feeling inside you that something will (or will not) happen, even if you can’t explain why.
Example: I didn’t get the job – I had a gut feeling I wasn’t the right person after the interview.
February – a pain in the neck / arse (ass)
Someone or something very annoying and unpleasant.
Example: Please don’t bring Bob to the cinema, he’s a pain in the ass. He always asks questions during the film.
Note: A very common phrase with a similar meaning (but a little stronger) is: “(someone/something) does my head in”. It would also work in the example above.
March – play it by ear
To not make a fixed plan, and to decide what to do at the time.
Example: Monday is OK, but I don’t know what time, so let’s play it by ear.
April – pull your finger out
To start working harder, especially after a long time of not working hard.
Example: If you want to pass those exams, you really need to pull your finger out.
May – keep your eyes peeled
To look carefully for something; to be very aware.
Example: When you go to London, keep your eyes peeled for that supermarket I told you about.
June – off the top of my head
Without thinking too much or checking; a quick guess.
Example: I don’t know exactly, but off the top of my head I’d say about 400 pounds.
July – a no-brainer
A very easy decision; something that is obviously the best choice.
Example: They offered me a job and of course I accepted it. It was a no-brainer.
Note: Recently, I was told that Ukraine is suffering from a brain drain – when talented people leave the country to work abroad. It was very sad to hear.
August – to lend someone a hand
To help someone. Often used in questions.
Example: Do you want a hand with those bags?
September – my hands are tied
When you have no power or control to change something.
Example: I heard about their choice. I’m sorry I couldn’t help – my hands were tied.
October – (to have) a sweet tooth
To really like sweet things like chocolate, sweets and cakes.
Example: I have a sweet tooth, so it’s really hard for me to go a day without some chocolate.
November – (to be) all ears
To give someone your full attention because you want to listen.
Example: Let me finish writing this email, and then I’m all ears.
December – to keep an eye on (someone/something)
To watch something carefully or take care of it for a short time.
Example: I’ll be back in 30 minutes – can you keep an eye on the oven? I’ve just put the chicken in.
Practice: Conversations
Complete the conversations below with idioms from the lesson.
Conversation 1 – The Staff Room
a) How is your class?
b) It's OK. I have Stepan Semenyuk in my class this year, and what a ______ he is!
a) Yeah, I remember him from last year. But he really did ______ towards the end of last year
and got some good marks in the final exam. But you will have to ______ his lateness. He is often late for lessons.
b) Yeah, he was late today.
Conversation 2 – The Street
a) Do you ______ carrying that bag?
b) Yes, please. Be careful. There are lots of chocolate bars in there. My grandson has a ______
and he goes crazy for a Bounty.
Conversation 3
a) I just ______ that he won’t win.
b) Won’t win!? It’s ______. Of course he will. Why are you being so negative?
a) I’m not, it’s just how I feel. When was the last time he won three in a row?
b) ______, maybe three years ago.
a) Exactly, that’s ages ago.
Conversation 4
a) So what time are we meeting?
b) I’m not sure, let’s ______.
a) OK. I’ll be in the centre anyway, so ______ for my new orange jumper.
b) Ha-ha, did you buy it then?
a) Yeah, I was ______ the price because I knew the sales were coming and then it was reduced.
Show Answers
Conversation 1
pain in the ass / pull his finger out / keep an eye on
Conversation 2
want a hand / sweet tooth
Conversation 3
have a gut feeling / a no-brainer / off the top of my head
Conversation 4
play it by ear / keep your eyes peeled / keeping an eye on
Discussion Questions
- Which of these idioms do you already use in your language?
- Which idiom do you want to use this month? How can you use it twice?
- Who was the last real “pain in the neck” in your life, and why?
- When was the last time your “hands were tied” at work?
- Do you have a sweet tooth or do you prefer salty food?
Good luck – and happy 2026!