Alcohol is often talked about in everyday language, and many idioms are used to describe experiences related to it. These idioms have been around for a long time and are commonly used in both casual and formal conversations. Understanding these expressions can help you communicate better and also understand how people talk about alcohol in different situations.
In this article, you will learn about some of the most common idioms related to alcohol. Each idiom has a specific meaning, and we’ll provide examples to help you understand how they’re used. Whether it’s to describe feeling tipsy, having a drink to relax, or even using alcohol in a figurative way, these idioms are a fun and helpful way to talk about alcohol.
Idioms for Alcohol
1. Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: To be upset about something that cannot be undone or changed.
For Example: I know you’re upset about breaking the glass, but don’t cry over spilled milk. It’s already done.
Alternatively: Worrying about the past is useless.
2. On the wagon
Meaning: To stop drinking alcohol, often after a period of heavy drinking.
For Example: After years of drinking too much, Mike decided to go on the wagon.
Alternatively: He’s been on the wagon for six months now.
3. Under the table
Meaning: Drinking alcohol secretly or in a way that is hidden from others.
For Example: He drank so much at the party that he was under the table by the end of the night.
Alternatively: She hid her drinks under the table to avoid getting caught.
4. Hit the bottle
Meaning: To drink alcohol, often in excess.
For Example: After losing his job, he really hit the bottle hard.
Alternatively: She hit the bottle after the breakup, but now she’s better.
5. Wet your whistle
Meaning: To drink something, usually alcohol.
For Example: Let’s head to the bar and wet our whistle after work.
Alternatively: It’s been a long day, I think it’s time to wet my whistle.
6. In the bag
Meaning: Something is certain or already won, often used in reference to an easy victory.
For Example: After winning the first three rounds, I felt like the game was in the bag.
Alternatively: With the last goal, the championship was in the bag.
7. Not by a long shot
Meaning: Far from it, or not even close.
For Example: He didn’t win by a long shot, especially after such a slow start.
Alternatively: That wasn’t the best performance, not by a long shot.
8. A shot in the arm
Meaning: Something that boosts energy or encourages progress.
For Example: A little vacation was just the shot in the arm I needed.
Alternatively: The new project gave our team a real shot in the arm.
9. Drowned in your sorrows
Meaning: To drink alcohol in order to forget your problems.
For Example: After his breakup, he drowned his sorrows at the bar all night.
Alternatively: She was drowning her sorrows over a glass of wine.
10. Bite the bullet
Meaning: To face a difficult or unpleasant situation, especially with courage.
For Example: He had to bite the bullet and stop drinking alcohol for good.
Alternatively: It’s time to bite the bullet and deal with the consequences.
11. A cold one
Meaning: A cold alcoholic drink, usually beer.
For Example: After work, we went to grab a cold one.
Alternatively: Let’s meet up for a cold one at the pub later.
12. Pop the cork
Meaning: To open a bottle of champagne or wine.
For Example: Let’s pop the cork and celebrate the good news!
Alternatively: We should pop the cork at the party to make it more special.
13. Chug a beer
Meaning: To drink a beer quickly, often in one go.
For Example: He could chug a beer faster than anyone at the party.
Alternatively: Let’s see who can chug a beer the fastest.
14. Drink like a fish
Meaning: To drink alcohol excessively.
For Example: Ever since he moved to the city, he’s been drinking like a fish.
Alternatively: She drinks like a fish whenever we go out.
15. Pour yourself a drink
Meaning: To prepare an alcoholic beverage for oneself.
For Example: You look like you need to pour yourself a drink after that stressful day.
Alternatively: Pour yourself a drink and take a break.
16. The life of the party
Meaning: A person who is lively and entertaining at social gatherings, often associated with drinking.
For Example: John is always the life of the party with his funny stories and jokes.
Alternatively: She was definitely the life of the party last night.
17. On the rocks
Meaning: A drink served over ice, usually referring to whiskey or other spirits.
For Example: I’ll have my whiskey on the rocks, please.
Alternatively: He prefers his scotch on the rocks after a long day.
18. In your cups
Meaning: Drunk or tipsy.
For Example: By the time the party ended, he was well in his cups.
Alternatively: She was already in her cups when we arrived.
19. Pour one out
Meaning: To pour some of a drink onto the ground, often as a tribute to someone.
For Example: We poured one out for our friend who just moved away.
Alternatively: We should pour one out for the team we lost to.
20. Let’s get hammered
Meaning: Let’s drink a lot of alcohol and get drunk.
For Example: After a long week of work, let’s get hammered tonight.
Alternatively: We plan to get hammered at the concert.
21. Hit the sauce
Meaning: To drink alcohol, especially in excess.
For Example: He’s been hitting the sauce pretty hard lately.
Alternatively: Stop hitting the sauce and get some rest.
22. Sober as a judge
Meaning: Completely sober; not drinking any alcohol.
For Example: Despite all the drinks around him, he stayed sober as a judge.
Alternatively: She’s always sober as a judge when it’s time to work.
23. Under the influence
Meaning: A state of being drunk or affected by alcohol.
For Example: He was arrested for driving under the influence last night.
Alternatively: She was clearly under the influence at the party.
24. In the spirit of
Meaning: Doing something with a particular mood or enthusiasm, often in the context of celebration.
For Example: In the spirit of celebration, let’s toast to a new beginning.
Alternatively: We did everything in the spirit of fun and enjoyment.
25. Take the edge off
Meaning: To reduce stress or discomfort, often by having a drink.
For Example: A cold beer can really take the edge off after a tough day.
Alternatively: I need something strong to take the edge off.
26. Sipping on something
Meaning: Drinking something slowly, often alcohol.
For Example: He was sipping on whiskey all evening.
Alternatively: She’s just sipping on her cocktail, enjoying the night.
27. Spill the drink
Meaning: To accidentally pour or drop your drink.
For Example: I can’t believe I spilled the drink all over the floor!
Alternatively: He spilled the drink on her dress and apologized immediately.
28. Take a swig
Meaning: To take a quick drink, usually of alcohol.
For Example: She took a big swig of beer before getting back to the game.
Alternatively: I took a swig from the bottle while waiting for everyone else.
29. A light drinker
Meaning: Someone who does not drink alcohol much or drinks only small amounts.
For Example: She’s a light drinker, just having a glass of wine now and then.
Alternatively: Being a light drinker is part of her health routine.
30. Drunken stupor
Meaning: Being so drunk that you cannot think clearly or act normally.
For Example: He was in a drunken stupor after the wedding.
Alternatively: I found her in a drunken stupor at the end of the night.
31. Raise your glass
Meaning: To make a toast, usually in celebration.
For Example: Everyone raised their glass to the newlyweds.
Alternatively: Let’s raise our glass to a successful year ahead.
32. Brew up a storm
Meaning: To make a lot of drinks, especially alcoholic ones.
For Example: The bartender brewed up a storm at the party last night.
Alternatively: They brewed up a storm of cocktails for the event.
33. Wet blanket
Meaning: Someone who is negative or spoils the fun, often by avoiding drinking.
For Example: Don’t be a wet blanket; have a drink and join the fun!
Alternatively: He’s such a wet blanket when it comes to parties.
34. A bitter pill
Meaning: Something unpleasant, often after drinking too much.
For Example: The morning after drinking too much was a bitter pill to swallow.
Alternatively: His hangover felt like a bitter pill the next day.
35. Get the party started
Meaning: To begin a celebration or drinking session.
For Example: Let’s get the party started with a round of drinks!
Alternatively: We’re going to get the party started with some music and cocktails.
36. Spiked drink
Meaning: A drink that has had alcohol added to it, usually secretly.
For Example: Her juice was spiked with vodka at the party.
Alternatively: He drank a spiked drink without realizing it.
37. A drinking buddy
Meaning: A friend with whom you drink alcohol.
For Example: She’s my drinking buddy; we always go to the bar together.
Alternatively: Let’s call him, he’s my best drinking buddy.
38. A heavy pour
Meaning: A large amount of alcohol in a drink.
For Example: He always asks for a heavy pour when ordering whiskey.
Alternatively: That’s a heavy pour of rum you’ve got there!
39. Tight as a drum
Meaning: Feeling very drunk or tipsy.
For Example: He was tight as a drum by the end of the night.
Alternatively: She was tight as a drum after two rounds of tequila.
40. The drink is on me
Meaning: Offering to pay for drinks at a bar or gathering.
For Example: Don’t worry, the drink is on me tonight.
Alternatively: The next round is on me!
Idioms for Alcohol: True/False Quiz
- “Cry over spilled milk” means to be upset about something that can’t be changed. True / False
- “On the wagon” means someone is currently drinking alcohol.
True / False - “Hit the bottle” means to avoid drinking alcohol completely.
True / False - “Wet your whistle” means to drink something alcoholic.
True / False - “Drowned in your sorrows” refers to drinking alcohol to feel better.
True / False - “Bite the bullet” means to drink alcohol when you don’t want to.
True / False - “A cold one” refers to a cold drink of soda.
True / False - “Under the influence” refers to someone who is sober and calm.
True / False - “Sober as a judge” means someone is extremely drunk.
True / False - “Take the edge off” refers to drinking something alcoholic to feel relaxed.
True / False
Answer Key
- True
- False (It means to stop drinking alcohol.)
- False (It means to drink alcohol, often excessively.)
- True
- True
- False (It means to face something difficult or unpleasant.)
- False (It refers to a cold beer or alcoholic drink.)
- False (It means being affected by alcohol.)
- False (It means someone is completely sober.)
- True
Scoring Guide
- 10 Correct Answers: Alcohol Idioms Master!
- 7-9 Correct Answers: You really get Alcohol Idioms nice work!
- 4-6 Correct Answers: You’re learning, keep going!
- 0-3 Correct Answers: Let’s learn about Alcohol Idioms together!
Conclusion
Alcohol-related idioms are a fun way to understand how language reflects our experiences. These expressions help describe different aspects of drinking, whether it’s for celebration, relaxation, or even frustration. By learning these idioms, you can communicate better in social settings and understand others’ feelings when they talk about alcohol.
Keep practicing these idioms, and soon you’ll be able to use them in conversations and recognize them when others speak!
