21 Winter Idioms + Snow Idioms: Better English Speaking

Let’s improve our English speaking and cultural knowledge by practicing 21 fun winter idioms and snow idioms! Read and repeat all of these winter phrases to not only get a better understanding of English but to also be able to sound closer to a native speaker. Are you snug as a bug in a rug? If so, let’s jump into today’s expressions!

Winter idioms

Here are the first of our general winter idioms, and next we shall check out some snow idioms! Feeling cold yet?

Winter Idiom	Idiom definitions
Under the weather	Feeling unwell or not in good health. It usually refers to a mild illness or a temporary condition that may cause fatigue or a slight fever.
In cold blood	To do something intentionally and without any remorse or empathy. It typically refers to a cruel or violent action carried out with premeditation.
Cold shoulder	To intentionally ignore or show indifference towards someone; to give someone the silent treatment or dismiss them without any explanation.
Cold turkey	To abruptly stop or quit something, usually a habit or an addiction, without any gradual reduction or preparation beforehand.
Dead of winter	The coldest and most severe part of winter; it refers to the middle of winter when the temperatures are at their lowest and the weather is harsh.

Try to use each winter idiom in a sentence! You can do it!

Snow Idioms

Here are some snow idioms to practice English with next:

Snow Idioms	Snow Idioms meanings
Snowed in	When someone is unable to leave their home due to excessive snowfall.
Blanket of snow	A thick and uniform layer of snow covering the ground or landscape. Looks pretty I think!
The snowball effect	A situation where something starts small and gradually becomes larger or more significant over time, just like how a snowball rolls down a hill.
Snowed under	Overwhelmed or burdened with a large amount of work or responsibilities.
Snow day	A day off from work or school due to heavy snowfall or hazardous winter conditions. Kids are happy on these days!
Pure as the driven snow	This snow idiom refers to a person who is very innocent.

Try to make your own sentences with each and every one of these snow idioms!

Idioms for winter

Here are another 5 idioms for winter:

Idioms for winter	Idiom definitions
Run hot and cold	When someone’s feelings or opinions towards something constantly change or are inconsistent. It’s like a fluctuating temperature. For example, one day they might love a particular band, and the next day they can’t stand them!
On thin ice	Being in a risky or uncertain situation where one wrong move could have negative consequences. Imagine walking on a frozen pond that’s not completely frozen – very dangerous!
Put something on ice	To postpone or delay something for later. It’s like putting a drink in the freezer to chill it; you’re setting it aside temporarily until the right time comes.
Cold comfort	Receiving consolation or support that doesn’t really make you feel better. It’s like someone giving you a small cup of lukewarm tea when you were hoping for a cozy blanket and a warm fire!
Cold hands, warm heart	A charming way to describe someone who may seem aloof or reserved on the outside but is genuinely kind and caring on the inside. Just because their hands are cold doesn’t mean their heart isn’t full of warmth and compassion.

Try and use these idioms for winter in your conversations!

Winter phrases

Here are some winter phrases:

Winter phrases	Idiom definitions
Out cold	The idiom “out cold” means to be unconscious or completely asleep. It is often used to describe someone who is deeply and soundly asleep or has lost consciousness due to a physical injury or exhaustion. So, if someone is “out cold,” they are in a state of deep sleep or unconsciousness.
Catch your death	To become extremely cold or ill due to exposure to cold weather. Remember, it’s all about staying snug and warm to avoid catching any chilly bugs!
Cold snap	A sudden and short period of extremely cold weather. Picture this: Mother Nature’s icy wink, reminding us to bundle up and enjoy the brisk winter air!
Wrap up / Bundle up	To dress warmly, usually by wearing multiple layers of clothing. Think of it as putting on a stylish winter armor to stay toasty and fashionable at the same time!
Tip of the iceberg	A small visible part of a much larger problem or situation. Imagine an iceberg floating gracefully, hiding its massive size beneath the water’s surface. Similarly, there’s always more to discover below the surface!

Try making sentences with each of these winter phrases!

Idiom sentences

Here are some sentences that use today’s wintry idioms! Read and repeat them all for enhanced English fluency!

I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’ll be resting at home.
Liam planned the prank in cold blood, showing no remorse for his actions.
Ava gave him the cold shoulder when he tried to apologize.
Mr. Smith decided to quit smoking cold turkey and has been tobacco-free since!
The temperature dropped drastically during the dead of winter.
Her feelings towards him run hot and cold, making it hard to understand where they stand.
After Jake lost his high-paying job, he had to put his Caribbean holiday plans on ice, unfortunately.
Ben is on thin ice with his boss after missing multiple deadlines.
Getting a small raise was cold comfort when the company announced layoffs.
We are having a bit of a cold snap, of late.

Snow idioms: sentences

Here are some sentences with our snow idioms:

I was snowed in for two days and couldn’t leave my house due to the heavy snowfall.
The entire city woke up to a beautiful blanket of snow covering the streets and parks.
The company’s success started small, but with time, it grew exponentially, just like the snowball effect.
I am completely snowed under with work and don’t have a moment to spare.
The school declared a snow day, and the kids rejoiced, excited to have a day off from classes.
Despite the rumors, she remained pure as the driven snow and was proven innocent.

Winter idioms: FAQs

Here are some additional questions + info about not only winter idioms but idioms in general!

What is a good idiom for snow?

A good idiom for snow is “blanket of snow”, which is also mentioned above in this article! It refers to a heavy layer of snow covering the ground or landscape, just like a big blanket. It creates a beautiful and serene image of the winter landscape.

Example sentences:

Wow, look at that beautiful blanket of snow covering the park!
Have you ever experienced waking up to a blanket of snow outside your window?

How do you use winter idioms in a conversation?

Idioms can add color and expressiveness to conversations. To use idioms effectively in a conversation, it’s important to understand their meanings and consider the context in which they are appropriate. You can integrate idioms into your speech by using them in sentences or responding to situations in which they are relevant. Using idioms can make your conversation more engaging and memorable.

When someone asks “How are you feeling?” you can respond with “I’m feeling a bit under the weather.”
If you want to express disbelief, you can say “That story sounds like a snowball effect, starting small and getting bigger with each retelling.”

What are 3 sentences using winter idioms?

“I haven’t seen my neighbor for days. I think he is snowed under with work.”
“Ophelia always gives me the cold shoulder whenever I try to talk to her.”
“The snowstorm was so intense that we were completely snowed in and couldn’t leave our house! It was scary!”

Here are 3 winter idiom questions

Have you ever been snowed under with work or responsibilities?
How would you feel if someone gave you the cold shoulder?
Can you imagine being snowed in for days without being able to leave your home?

Why do we use idioms?

We use idioms to add color, expressiveness, and cultural richness to our language. Idioms are like shortcuts in communication as they convey meanings that may not be immediately obvious from the words themselves. They can make conversations more interesting and help us connect with others by showing our familiarity with shared cultural expressions.

Winter idioms: speak about the coldest time of year naturally

I hope you have enjoyed reading through, and hopefully repeating today’s winter idioms, and also snow idioms! Learning winter idioms is useful for English learners because:

It enhances vocabulary: Winter idioms introduce new and unique expressions that are specific to the season. Learning these idioms expands one’s vocabulary and allows for more varied and nuanced communication.
Cultural understanding: Winter idioms reflect the traditions, experiences, and feelings associated with the coldest time of the year. Understanding these idioms helps learners gain insight into English-speaking cultures and their winter-related customs.
Effective communication: Idioms add depth and color to language. Knowing winter idioms enables learners to express themselves more creatively and accurately when discussing winter-related topics or experiences.
Fluency development: Using idiomatic expressions increases fluency by allowing learners to speak more naturally and confidently. Incorporating these idioms into conversations helps learners sound more like native speakers and enhances their overall fluency in English.