A Collection of motivational idioms is a collection of idioms related to motivation.
1. You've got to be kidding
This is used when a true statement is ridiculous."Kidding" is the same as joking. When a person hears something that is true, but it is not expected, the person will use this idiom to express that the statement is ridiculous.
A: "Hey Jared. Mom told me to tell you that you shouldn't stay out too late."
B: "You've got to be kidding me. I'm 30 years old."
I really hope you're wrong.
Please tell me it ain't so.
2. Make up one's mind
Make a decision
This is usually used when someone can't make a decision. Not only does it mean to make a decision, it also implies to do it quickly.
We don't got all day, make up your mind.
Make up your mind, we don't have much time.
I can't make up my mind. Can you help me decide?
"If you don't make up your mind, I'll choose for you."
"Both of them look really good. I can't make up my mind."
I can't decide which one to take.
I don't know if I should get the Volvo or the Ford.
I like both of them too much to decide.
3. Go Dutch
Each person paying for themselves. For example, going Dutch on a date is indicating both guy and girl will pay for themselves instead of one buying for the other.
Why "Dutch" is used in this way is not completely confirmed. One reason is because of Dutch doors that contained two equal parts. Another reason was due to the rivalry between the English and Dutch in the 17th century.
You don't have to pay for me. Let's go dutch today.
I can't believe John didn't pay for me. We ended up going dutch on the whole date.
I actually prefer going dutch because I don't want to feel indebt to anyone.
I'll pay half of it.
Let's pay together.
I didn't pay for her. We paid our own share.
4. Have the guts
Brave; courage
"Guts" is the stomach area. Having "guts" is representing you have a strong stomach. When you have "guts" you are saying you are brave or have a lot of courage.
I don't have the guts to go bungee jumping.
He doesn't have the guts to ask her on a date.
He has a lot of guts to be hunting by himself.
He's very courageous.
He's got balls to be doing that.
He isn't afraid of anything.
5. Rain or Shine
Not allowing the weather to prevent you from doing something.
For outdoor activities, rain can stop someone from doing something. This phrase is used to express determination of doing something no matter what external forces try to stop them.
We're going camping this weekend rain or shine.
Rain or shine, the protesters are out there every day.
I don't care about the weather. I'm going golfing rain or shine.
I'm going to go even if it's a downpour.
Are you still going to go even if it's raining cats and dogs?
Unless it's pouring out, let's meet at seven in the morning.
6. Easier said than done
This is used when something is easy to say but very hard to do.
This phrase is very literal. Often times people tell you to do something that sounds easy, but it is actually hard. So in response, you can say this phrase.
That's easier said than done.
It's a lot tougher than that. It's one of those things that are easier said than done.
Michael thinks everything is so easy. He doesn't realize it's easier said than done.
It's harder than you think.
It's not as easy as you think.
If you think it's that easy, why don't you do it?
7. Give someone a hand
To help someone
A physical task is usually done with the hands. Giving someone a hand is letting them borrow your hands, or in other words, helping them out.
Give a hand also represent applauding, but this section is about helping someone.
Can you give me a hand setting up the dining table?
I'm going to need a hand changing the tire on the car.
Are you going to have time to give me a hand tomorrow?
Let me know if y ou need help. I'll have time all day today to give you a hand.
Can I get your help on this?
Can you help me out?
Do you need any help?
Let me know if you need any help.
8. Put oneself in one's place
To think from another point of view.
To get a better understanding by thinking from the view of the other person. Another way of saying this is to "put yourself in one's shoe."
What was I supposed to do? Try to put yourself in my place.
It's easy to be understanding if you always put yourself in the other person's place.
If you put yourself in my place, you would understand why I did that.
If I were in your shoes, I would have done the same thing.
I can't blame you because I would have done the same thing if I were in your situation.
9. Play it by ear
To decide to do something as the situation develops; choosing to deal with a situation as more events unfold.
The original meaning is to play music without using a score or music sheet to look at. Just as a musician will play something unplanned without looking at something, this idiom is to do something unplanned depending on the situation.
I'll have to play it by ear because I don't know how long they want me to work.
We'll have to play it by ear for next Friday because everything is uncertain.
Should we plan something for this Saturday or should we play it by ear?
I don't have any reservations tonight so let's just wing it.
We'll just do things as they come along.
10. Take it easy
To relax; to stop working so hard; to calm down
Usually used to calm someone down when they are too excited, or when you want to tell someone to relax because they are working too much.
You're pushing yourself too hard. Take it easy.
Take it easy man. You're putting too much pressure on yourself.
I don't want to take it easy so stop telling me to take it easy.
Relax a little. You're overworked.
Take a little break. You need it.
11. Go with the flow
To do things as other people are doing it because it is easier to do; to not go against the common way of doing things
Rowing up the river is very difficult to do. If you go with the flow, you are following the path of the least resistance.
Why do you do everything differently? You should just go with the flow.
If you don't know where the shuttle is, just go with the flow. Everyone is going in that direction.
If you don't want to stand out, go with the flow.
Do it like everyone else does it.
If you're unsure how to do it, see how everyone else is doing it.
The best way not to stand out is to blend in with everyone.
12. Don't sweat it
To tell someone not to worry
When people worry a lot, they can sweat. This became a popular way to tell someone not to worry.
You can't do anything about it, so don't sweat it.
You tried your best, so stop sweating it.
Don't worry about it.
Nothing you can do about it.
13. Keep Your Cool
To act normal
"Cool" is described as composure and the absence of excitement in a person. To maintain composure, you wouldn't get excited and you would act normally.
I know you're upset but you have to keep your cool.
Here she comes, keep your cool.
Keep your cool. You don't want to mess this up.
You need to stay calm.
Don't let it bother you.
14. Good Thinking
To tell someone they did a good job to avoid a problem
This is fairly straightforward.
I am glad you brought an umbrella. That was good thinking.
Good thinking to call ahead and reserve tickets.
It was good thinking to send out invitations sooner than later.
You did well remembering that.
I'm glad you thought of that.
15. Don't Be a Stranger
Commonly used to tell someone to stay in touch
This is commonly used when you are talking to someone you don't meet or see often.
It was really nice seeing you again. Don't be a stranger.
We need to keep in touch. Don't be a stranger.
Now that we live so close to one another don't be a stranger.
Keep in touch.
Ping me once in awhile.
16. Get a Life
A negative way of telling someone to stop bothering you; to tell someone to stop being a loser
This is a rude statement, so please be careful how you use this. It can be similar to saying "f**k off" to someone.
I wish Terry would get a life.
Would you stop bothering me and get a life!
Come on! Get a life and start taking care of yourself.
Go bother someone else.
Start paying attention to other matters that are more important.
17. Hang In There
Used to tell someone to not give up; to be persistent; to not lose hope
Another term that is often used is "hanging by a thread." In both phrases, the word "hang" is referring to holding to something. If you are holding on to a branch, then letting go indicates that you fall down and fail. Hanging by a thread is barely holding on. So when you tell someone to "hang in there," you are telling them to not let go and keep on fighting even though it is hard.
Hang in there. I am sure things will work out in the end.
I know things are tough right now, just hang in there.
Hang in there. Things will get a lot better.
Be patient.
Don't lose hope.
Keep going, don't give up.
18. Behave Yourself
To tell someone to stay out of trouble
Normally this is used to tell children to behave appropriately. However, friends use it with one another like they use "stay out of trouble."
If you're going to have dinner at their house you'd better behave yourself.
Oh behave yourself, your being naughty.
Behave yourself when you're at school.
Stay out of trouble.
Have good manners.
19. Rise and Shine
Phrase used to wake someone up nicely
"Rise" means to get up and "shine" in this context means to "act lively and do well."
It's time to rise and shine sweetheart.
You'd better rise and shine or you'll be late for work.
Rise and shine sleepy head, it's time for breakfast.
It's time to wake up.
Get out of bed.
20. You Made It Big
Used when someone succeeded financially
Very similar to the idiom "you made it" but includes the word "big" The word "big" is talking about money so it is expressing to someone that they have succeeded financially.
I can't believe you have your own business! You made it big!
I can't believe how nice your house is. You made it big.
You made it big! Your parents will be proud of you.
You've done well.
You really succeeded!
21. In Your Dreams
Used to tell someone that they will not get what they want.
Although the sentences below are used in full sentences, this phrase is commonly used by itself.
Sure you will be a millionaire one day, in your dreams.
You will be as good as me in your dreams.
You think you will beat me? In your dreams.
You wish.
22. Lighten Up
Telling someone to not be depressed
This is very similar to "cheer up." It can also be used to tell someone not to be negative.
Lighten up. Things could be worse.
Lighten up. We can go to the movies another day.
Lighten up. There will be another chance to play.
Cheer up.
Don't be so depressed.
23. Good Point
Used to tell someone that they had a good comment, thought, or suggestion
"Point" can be seen as an idea, a statement, or a thought.
Good point, I should have followed the instructions while building it.
Good point, I will call her to explain what happened.
