When it comes to discussing homework, most people think of long hours spent in front of textbooks, assignments, and deadlines. But instead of using the same repetitive words, why not spice up your language with a variety of idioms? Idioms are not only fun to use but can also help to express the experience of homework and studying in a more vivid, creative manner.
In this article, we will explore 30 idiomatic expressions related to “homework” and learning. Each idiom is explained in detail with examples to help you incorporate them into your everyday conversations and writing.
1. Burn the Midnight Oil
This idiom means to stay up late, often working hard on a task such as homework or studying.
- Example: “I had to burn the midnight oil last night to finish my essay for tomorrow’s class.”
2. Hit the Books
To study hard or begin working on assignments and schoolwork.
- Example: “I need to hit the books tonight if I’m going to ace that test tomorrow.”
3. Pull an All-Nighter
To stay up all night in order to complete homework or study for an exam, usually because of procrastination.
- Example: “I had to pull an all-nighter before the exam because I procrastinated all week.”
4. Get Down to Business
To start working seriously on a task or assignment, such as homework.
- Example: “Let’s stop chatting and get down to business with our homework.”
5. Crack the Books
To begin studying or reviewing material for homework or an exam.
- Example: “It’s time to crack the books if I want to do well in this semester’s final exams.”
6. Burn the Candle at Both Ends
To work or study late into the night and wake up early, often due to trying to complete too many tasks.
- Example: “She’s burning the candle at both ends with her homework and extracurricular activities.”
7. Hit the Ground Running
To begin a task, such as homework, with great enthusiasm and energy, usually without delay.
- Example: “I need to hit the ground running if I’m going to finish this homework before the deadline.”
8. Be in the Weeds
This idiom refers to being overwhelmed or caught up in the details of a task, often used when dealing with an excessive amount of homework.
- Example: “I’m really in the weeds with this homework; it’s taking forever to finish.”
9. Under the Gun
To be under pressure to complete something, such as homework, in a limited time.
- Example: “I’m under the gun to finish this assignment before the class starts.”
10. Sweat It Out
To endure a difficult or stressful situation, such as struggling through challenging homework or studying.
- Example: “I’ll have to sweat it out this weekend to finish all the assignments I’ve been putting off.”
11. In the Home Stretch
The final part of a task or homework assignment, when you are almost finished but need to push through the last bit.
- Example: “I’ve done most of the homework; I’m just in the home stretch now with the last few questions.”
12. A Piece of Cake
An idiom used to describe a task that is very easy, which can apply to an easy homework assignment.
- Example: “That math homework was a piece of cake—I finished it in no time.”
13. Call It a Day
To stop working on something, such as homework, because you’ve completed it or because you’ve reached a limit.
- Example: “I’ve been working on this paper for hours, I think I’ll call it a day and finish the rest tomorrow.”
14. By the Skin of One’s Teeth
This expression refers to completing something, like homework, just in time or barely managing to meet a deadline.
- Example: “I turned in my assignment by the skin of my teeth, but I’m just glad I finished it.”
15. Put Your Nose to the Grindstone
This idiom means to work hard and stay focused on a task, like homework, for an extended period of time.
- Example: “I need to put my nose to the grindstone and finish this essay before the deadline.”
16. Put the Pedal to the Metal
This expression refers to putting in maximum effort or speeding up to finish a task, like homework, quickly.
- Example: “I have to put the pedal to the metal if I’m going to finish this project on time.”
17. Get a Jump Start
To begin working on something, such as homework, ahead of time to make progress and get ahead.
- Example: “I decided to get a jump start on my homework so I wouldn’t feel rushed later.”
18. Throw in the Towel
To give up on a task or assignment when it becomes too difficult or overwhelming, often after trying hard for a while.
- Example: “After hours of trying to solve that calculus problem, I finally had to throw in the towel.”
19. Keep Your Nose to the Grindstone
To remain focused and work hard for a prolonged period, particularly on tasks like homework.
- Example: “I’ll have to keep my nose to the grindstone all weekend if I want to finish this research paper.”
20. The Early Bird Gets the Worm
This idiom emphasizes the benefits of starting work early, including homework, to get ahead of others.
- Example: “I’m trying to get my homework done early this week because the early bird gets the worm.”
21. Do One’s Homework
This phrase means to prepare or research something thoroughly, often applied to assignments or schoolwork.
- Example: “I made sure to do my homework before the meeting so I could answer all the questions.”
22. Under the Microscope
When something is being scrutinized closely, often referring to assignments, exams, or homework being checked thoroughly.
- Example: “My final project is under the microscope now; the professor is examining every detail.”
23. In the Driver’s Seat
This idiom means to be in control of a situation, such as managing your homework and deadlines efficiently.
- Example: “Once I organized my schedule, I felt like I was in the driver’s seat and could handle all my homework.”
24. Do a 180
To change direction or approach, often used when shifting your mindset or approach to completing homework.
- Example: “I was struggling with the essay, but after a break, I did a 180 and came up with a whole new perspective.”
25. A Hard Nut to Crack
This expression refers to something that is difficult to solve, such as challenging homework or a tough subject.
- Example: “That physics assignment was a hard nut to crack, but I finally understood it after some extra research.”
26. Get the Ball Rolling
To begin a task or start working on something, like homework, to keep things moving forward.
- Example: “Let’s get the ball rolling on this research project so we don’t run out of time.”
27. A Shot in the Dark
A guess or attempt made with little or no knowledge, often used when working on an assignment with uncertain answers.
- Example: “I had no idea how to answer that question, so I just took a shot in the dark and hoped it was right.”
28. Take a Breather
To take a short break from work, especially during a long homework session.
- Example: “I’ve been studying for hours; it’s time to take a breather and relax for a few minutes.”
29. Get One’s Act Together
To organize oneself and get focused, often used when procrastination is affecting homework completion.
- Example: “I need to get my act together and start working on my final paper before the deadline.”
30. Not the Sharpest Tool in the Shed
A self-deprecating way to express that something may not be your strongest subject, often used when struggling with difficult homework.
- Example: “I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to history, but I’ll try my best to get the assignment done.”