English That Adds Up: 10 Number-Based Idioms to Share with Students
For students whose level is strong enough, idioms can often be a fun lesson topic. They are practical and useful while avoiding the boringness that can come from learning things like grammar.
There are so many idioms, however, that it’s helpful to categorize them into more manageable groups. We’ll use this article to focus on those based on numbers. Hopefully, this format will also make it a bit easier for students to remember these idioms, either when attempting to use them themselves or when encountering them in a real conversation.
Number-based idioms
One-on-one
This refers to a meeting or competition between two individuals.
Simple explanation: person against person
He challenged me to a one-on-one basketball game.
(To have) Two left feet
If a person "has two left feet,” it means they are awkward or unskilled at using them, particularly for dancing.
Simple explanation: to be a bad dancer
Ballroom dancing looks fun, but I have two left feet, so I never tried.
Third wheel
This is a negative term for someone who is or feels like they are an unnecessary addition to a pair or group.
Simple explanation: someone who is not needed
I didn’t want to be the third wheel, so I turned down their invitation to join them for dinner.
Break the fourth wall
When discussing movies, plays, books, etc., the fourth wall represents the “wall” that separates the characters in the story from the viewer/reader. Anytime a character speaks to the audience, we say they are “breaking the fourth wall.”
Famous examples of movie characters who do this are Ferris Bueller and Deadpool. In television, the main character of the British comedy series Fleabag frequently speaks to the audience.
Simple explanation: characters talking to the audience
The audience loved it when the main character broke the fourth wall to tell a joke.
High five
You perform a "high five" by raising your open hand in order to slap another person’s hand. It’s a gesture for showing team spirit or for celebration that began in America but is understood in other countries as well.
Though you can simply raise your hand to initiate a high five, it is often accompanied by phrases like “Give me five,” "Up top” or just “High five!”
Though you obviously cannot physically interact with students, introducing “virtual” high fives with younger students could be a fun way to praise them and keep them motivated.
The players high-fived each other after scoring a goal in the opening minutes of the game.
Six-pack
"Six-pack" actually has two different meanings.
The first refers to a way to buy canned drinks — six cans packaged together. Though it can refer to any type of drink, it is most often used to talk about beer.
I’m going to the grocery store to get a six-pack. Do you want anything?
The other use is a reference to the abdominal muscles (or “abs”) near the belly. Someone in good physical shape will have a “six-pack” — six muscles in their mid-section that are well defined and easy to see.
I’m doing sit-ups every day to work on my six-pack.
Seventh heaven
This expression refers to a state of extreme happiness.
Our vacation was amazing — beautiful beaches, delicious food and friendly people. We were in seventh heaven the entire time.
Behind the eight ball
This expression comes from pool (also called “billiards”). If you are "behind the eight ball," it means you are in a difficult situation.
Simple explanation: to be in trouble
Our competitors really have us behind the eight ball after announcing their new product. What’s our strategy?
The whole nine yards
This refers to everything that is possible or available. Be sure to mention that it is often shortened to just "the whole nine."
Simple explanation: everything
We're having a party with food, live music, dancing — the whole nine yards.
Wouldn’t touch something/someone with a 10-foot pole
We use this expression to refer to a person or thing that we want to stay far away from or not get involved with.
Simple explanation: to avoid
Those stocks are a very risky investment; I wouldn’t touch them with a 10-foot pole.
Discussion questions
Here are some suggestions for follow-up questions or for use in free conversation:
- Are there any similar number-based expressions in your native language?
- Do you have two left feet?
- Can you think of any piece of media in which a character breaks the fourth wall?
- Do you prefer one-on-one sports or team sports?
- Is high-fiving common in your country?
- When was the last time you felt like you were in seventh heaven?
Wrap-up
What we've presented here is only a small sample of all of the number-based idioms in the English language. Introducing them can be a fun way to add some variety to your lessons, particularly if the idioms reference concepts that are foreign to your students.
Take advantage of the opportunities for discussion these expressions create and give your students a reason to keep talking.
