How do you describe an older person? What about a younger one? Are there any lighthearted expressions you know to talk about older or younger folk? Find out here with 20 idioms about age that will help you describe people and communicate in a clear & interesting way!
Idioms about age
Here are the first 5 of our idioms about age. These ones cover both younger and older people:
| Idioms about age | Idiom definition |
|---|---|
| Act your age | Behave in a manner appropriate for your age, rather than behaving childishly or immaturely. |
| Put years on someone | To make someone look or feel older, often due to experiencing a stressful or challenging situation. |
| No spring chicken | Not young anymore; typically used to refer to someone who is no longer in their prime or youthful years. |
| Get on in years | To grow older; to advance in age. |
| An empty nest | Refers to the time when children have grown up and left home, leaving their parents with an empty house or empty feeling. |
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Age idioms
Here are 5 more age idioms! Read and repeat them all to become familiar with them:
| Idioms about age | Idiom definition |
|---|---|
| I am not as young as I used to be | Acknowledging that one is getting older and is not as youthful as they once were. |
| A Grand Old Age | Referring to someone who is enjoying their older years with happiness, wisdom, and contentment. |
| On The Wrong Side Of An Age | Describing someone who is older and may face limitations or challenges due to their age. |
| To Be Young At Heart | Having a youthful and optimistic mindset, regardless of one’s actual age. |
| Long In The Tooth | Suggesting that someone is getting old, especially when referring to physical attributes or abilities. |
Related: 73 Questions About Age For Better English Communication
Idioms for old age
Old age is a tricky thing to actually define, as it is so hard to give it a number. But anyway, here are 5 idioms for old age:
| Idioms about age | Idiom definition |
|---|---|
| I wasn’t born yesterday | Used to express that one is not gullible or easily fooled, suggesting experience or wisdom. |
| Age before beauty | The principle of giving preference to older individuals over younger individuals. |
| Ripe old age | Referring to someone who has reached an advanced or mature age. |
| You can’t teach an old dog new tricks | It is difficult to change or teach new skills to someone who is set in their ways, particularly if they are older. |
| One foot in the grave | Describing someone who is very close to death or in a seriously ill or weakened state. Be careful with this one as it can be offensive! |
Idioms about youth
Seeing as we have just looked at some phrases about old age, let’s now look at some idioms about youth!
| Idioms about age | Idiom definition |
|---|---|
| A spring chicken | A young person. However, it is usually used in the negative: Not young anymore; typically used to refer to someone who is no longer in their prime or youthful years. |
| Knee-high to a grasshopper | Used to describe someone who is very young or small in size. |
| At The Tender Age Of | Used to indicate a young age, often implying that someone has achieved something significant at a young age. |
| Leave The Nest | Refers to the time when children have grown up and left home, leaving their parents with an empty house or empty feeling. |
| To Be Wise Beyond One’s Years | Describing someone who demonstrates wisdom and maturity beyond what is expected for their age. |
Idiom example sentences: sayings about age
Today we have looked at 20 age idioms – let’s now practice some sentences using these phrases! Feel free to use these Idiom example sentences to practice English conversations!
- My dad always tells me to act my age and stop behaving like a child!
- The stress of his job really put years on Jake. He looks much older now.
- Grandma may not be a spring chicken anymore, but she still has a youthful spirit.
- As people get on in years, they tend to value different things in life.
- Now that their children have moved out, Jane and John are experiencing an empty nest.
- I may not be as young as I used to be, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy life!
- Mrs. Simpson is definitely enjoying her grand old age. She’s always happy and content.
- My grandfather is on the wrong side 80, so he needs some extra help with daily tasks.
- Despite her young age, Sarah is wise beyond her years and gives great advice.
- Tom may be a bit long in the tooth, but that doesn’t stop him from being an amazing dancer.
- Trust me, I wasn’t born yesterday. I know when someone is trying to trick me.
- In this competition, age before beauty! Let the older participants go first.
- Mrs. Johnson has reached a ripe old age and still lives a very fulfilling life.
- Sometimes you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. My grandpa refuses to use a smartphone.
- Ever since he got sick, Mr. Anderson has had one foot in the grave, even though I hate to say that. It’s really sad.
- Don’t underestimate Mark just because he’s young. He has an old head on young shoulders.
- Maria is knee-high to a grasshopper and full of energy.
- At the tender age of 19, Sam was already a successful entrepreneur.
- It’s time for our children to leave the nest and explore the world on their own.
- Emma has always been wise beyond her years. She’s a true inspiration to others.
Idioms about age: FAQs
Here are some common questions and extra information regarding age idioms:
Is for ages an idiom or phrasal verb?
The phrase “for ages” is considered an idiom rather than a phrasal verb. It is used to express a long period of time, often emphasizing that something took a very long time to happen or conclude.
Example sentences:
- I waited for ages for the bus to arrive.
- Have you been studying for ages for your exams?
What is the beauty of age?
The beauty of age refers to the unique qualities and positive aspects that come with getting older. It highlights the wisdom, experience, and personal growth that can only be achieved through the passage of time.
Example sentence:
- The beauty of age is that you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Is it rude to say age before beauty?
The phrase “age before beauty” is usually used playfully and not intended to be rude! It is often said in a lighthearted manner to give preference or priority to someone older. However, it is important to consider the context and the individuals involved, as some people may find it offensive or inappropriate.
- Hey, grandma, age before beauty! You should go ahead and have the first slice of cake.
What does it mean to be Young at Heart?
To be young at heart means to have a youthful and optimistic mindset, regardless of one’s actual age. It implies a positive attitude, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace new experiences and adventures, just like a young person would.
Example sentence:
- Despite being in her 70s, my grandmother is still young at heart. She loves trying new things and has a great sense of humor!
What is An Old Head On Young Shoulders?
The phrase “an old head on young shoulders” is used to describe someone who demonstrates wisdom and maturity beyond what is expected for their age. It suggests that the person possesses a level of maturity and insight usually associated with older individuals.
Example sentence:
- Jenny may be only 16, but she handles responsibilities better than most adults. She truly has an old head on young shoulders.
Idioms about age: expanding your vocabulary!
I hope you have enjoyed reading and saying today’s sayings about age! Practicing idioms about age can be beneficial for several reasons:
- Enhances Communication: Using idioms about age in your conversations allows you to express ideas and describe people in a more vivid and engaging way, making your communication more interesting and expressive.
- Cultural Understanding: Idioms are deeply rooted in a particular culture, and learning idioms about age can help you gain insights into how different societies perceive and value certain stages of life, fostering cultural understanding and empathy.
- Adds Nuance: Idioms provide a layer of depth and nuance to language. Learning idioms about age helps you convey complex ideas related to maturity, youthfulness, and wisdom, enabling you to express yourself more precisely and comprehensively.
- Improves Fluency: Regularly practicing age idioms helps reinforce your fluency. As you become more comfortable with using idioms, you’ll have a wider range of expressions at your disposal, boosting your overall language proficiency.
- Connects with Others: Using idioms about age can create a sense of connection with native speakers, as it demonstrates your familiarity with their language and culture. It can also facilitate building rapport and fostering stronger relationships with people from different age groups.