English That Adds Up: Number-Based Idioms to Share With Students [Updated]

For students whose level is high enough, idioms can often be a fun lesson topic; they're practical while avoiding the dryness that can come from learning things like grammar.

There are so many idioms, however, that it’s helpful to categorize them to make things easier for students. This article will focus on several based on numbers, which refer to everything from muscles to poor dancing skills. Let's go! 🔢

Idioms Based on Numbers

One-on-one

Two brown goats touching their heads together in competition

Meaning: a meeting or competition between two individuals

He challenged me to a one-on-one basketball game.

I have a one-on-one English lesson every afternoon.

One-trick pony

Meaning: someone or something with only one skill or use

He's gaining new skills in order to show everyone that he isn't a one-trick pony.

This software is a one-trick pony, but it does its job very well.

(To have) Two left feet

Meaning: to be a bad dancer

Ballroom dancing looks fun, but I have two left feet, so I never tried.

Two-timer

Meaning: a person who cheats on his/her romantic partner

She accused her boyfriend of being a two-timer.

Third wheel

Meaning: an addition to a group, often extra or unnecessary

I didn’t want to be the third wheel, so I declined their invitation for dinner.

Break the fourth wall

Meaning: when characters in movies, plays, etc. talk directly to the audience

The audience loved it when the story's hero broke the fourth wall to tell a joke.

High five

Meaning: celebrating by hitting someone's raised open hand with your own

The players high-fived each other after scoring a goal.

Although we obviously can't physically interact with students, introducing “virtual” high fives with younger learners could be a fun way to praise them and keep them motivated.

Fiver

Meaning: a casual name for a five-dollar bill in the US or a five-pound note in the UK

This t-shirt only cost me a fiver at the used clothing shop.

Six-pack

Meaning 1: six canned drinks packaged together (usually in reference to beer)

I’m going to the grocery store to get a six-pack. Do you want anything?

Meaning 2: the set of abdominal muscles (or “abs”) near the belly

I do sit-ups every morning to work on my six-pack.

Seventh heaven

Meaning: a state of extreme happiness

We were in seventh heaven on our vacation — nothing but beautiful beaches, great food and friendly people.

Behind the eight ball

Pool balls on a pool table, with the eight ball in the foreground

Meaning: in a difficult situation or position

Our competitor's new product has put us behind the eight ball. How will we respond?

The whole nine yards

Meaning: every possible option

We're having a party with food, live music, dancing — the whole nine yards.

Be sure to mention that this is often shortened to just "the whole nine."

Nine-to-five job

Meaning: a regular, full-time job during normal business hours

People will often omit the “job” and only say “nine-to-five.”

I have a regular nine-to-five to pay the bills while I develop my small business.

Wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole

Meaning: to avoid completely

Those stocks are a risky investment; I wouldn’t touch them with a 10-foot pole.

15 minutes of fame

Meaning: famous for a short period time

Jane had her 15 minutes of fame when her social media post went viral.

24/7

Meaning: “24 hours a day, seven days a week,” all the time

That convenience store is open 24/7.

Bat a thousand

Meaning: to be very successful, to never miss

Jack's been batting a thousand in every sales meeting this month.

Wrap-up

Introducing these number-based idioms can be a fun way to add some variety to your lessons, particularly if your students can share and compare similar ones from their native language.

For more interesting idioms to introduce in your lessons, check out our article on nine idioms based on pictures.