Idioms are special phrases where the words together have a different meaning than what they say separately. People use them to make conversation more colorful, fun, and easy to picture in the mind. Today, you are going to learn fifty great idioms that relate to the topic of relax.
In this lesson, we will look at idioms that mean taking a break and letting go of stress. Let us get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.
Idioms for Relax
1. Kick up your heels
Definition: To celebrate and have a good time after working hard.
Used in a Sentence: After finishing all his chores, Sam decided to kick up his heels and watch a fun movie. / The team won the big championship game, so they kicked up their heels at the party.
Similar Expressions: Cut loose / Paint the town red
2. Put your feet up
Definition: To sit down and rest in a comfortable position.
Used in a Sentence: Mom worked in the garden all morning, so she sat on the porch to put her feet up. / Grab a soft blanket and put your feet up after a long day at school.
Similar Expressions: Take a load off / Kick back
3. Let your hair down
Definition: To relax completely and act naturally without worrying about rules.
Used in a Sentence: Grandma is usually very quiet, but she loves to let her hair down when playing games with her grandchildren. / At the end of the school year, the students finally let their hair down during the class picnic.
Similar Expressions: Unwind / Chill out
4. Take a breather
Definition: To pause for a short time to catch your breath and rest.
Used in a Sentence: We ran around the playground so fast that we had to take a breather near the water fountain. / The teacher told everyone to take a breather for five minutes before starting the next math lesson.
Similar Expressions: Take five / Catch your breath
5. Wind down
Definition: To slowly relax after a period of excitement or hard work.
Used in a Sentence: Leo likes to read a quiet storybook to wind down before going to sleep at night. / Soft music plays in the classroom to help the children wind down after recess.
Similar Expressions: Calm down / Ease off
6. Float on air
Definition: To feel extremely happy, peaceful, and carefree.
Used in a Sentence: Mia felt like she was floating on air when she found out her painting won first place. / Hearing the good news put a smile on his face that made him feel like he was floating on air.
Similar Expressions: On cloud nine / Walking on sunshine
7. Hang loose
Definition: To stay calm and relaxed and not worry about small problems.
Used in a Sentence: There is no need to panic about the pop quiz, just hang loose and do your best. / My older brother always stays cool and tells everyone to hang loose when plans change.
Similar Expressions: Take it easy / Roll with the punches
8. Stretch your legs
Definition: To go for a short walk after sitting for a long time.
Used in a Sentence: On the long car ride, the family stopped at a park so the kids could stretch their legs. / The movie was very long, so I got up during the intermission to stretch my legs.
Similar Expressions: Walk around / Move about
9. Breathe easy
Definition: To stop feeling worried because a problem is finally solved.
Used in a Sentence: Once the science project was turned in, Sarah could finally breathe easy. / We can all breathe easy now that the stormy weather has passed safely.
Similar Expressions: Rest easy / Relax your mind
10. Ease your mind
Definition: To stop worrying and feel peaceful about a situation.
Used in a Sentence: Talking to his guidance counselor helped ease his mind before the big test. / Mom gave me a hug to ease my mind about starting at a brand new school.
Similar Expressions: Clear your head / Calm your nerves
11. Chill out
Definition: To calm down and spend time relaxing without stress.
Used in a Sentence: On a hot summer afternoon, the best thing to do is chill out in the shade with a cold drink. / Liam likes to listen to instrumental music in his room to chill out after practice.
Similar Expressions: Take a chill pill / Loosen up
12. Lay low
Definition: To stay quiet and out of sight to rest and avoid trouble.
Used in a Sentence: After catching a bad cold, Toby decided to lay low at home for a few days. / The puppy was too tired from playing fetch, so it decided to lay low under the couch.
Similar Expressions: Stay under the radar / Keep quiet
13. Soak up the sun
Definition: To sit or lie outside and enjoy the warm sunshine.
Used in a Sentence: The family went to the beach to swim in the ocean and soak up the sun. / My cat loves to find a warm spot on the rug to soak up the sun coming through the window.
Similar Expressions: Catch some rays / Bask in the warmth
14. Smooth sailing
Definition: A calm, easy time with no problems or difficulties.
Used in a Sentence: Once we learned the rules of the board game, playing it was smooth sailing. / Getting through the first week of middle school was smooth sailing for the friendly twins.
Similar Expressions: Clear skies / Plain sailing
15. Take a time out
Definition: To stop what you are doing to take a short break and relax.
Used in a Sentence: The basketball coach called a time out to let the players catch their breath. / If you feel frustrated with your puzzle, take a time out and get a glass of water.
Similar Expressions: Pause the action / Step back
16. Go with the flow
Definition: To relax and accept whatever happens without trying to control everything.
Used in a Sentence: When our picnic plans got rained on, we just went with the flow and ate inside on the living room floor. / Instead of getting upset when the bus was late, she decided to go with the flow and read a book.
Similar Expressions: Roll with it / Take things as they come
17. Lounge around
Definition: To spend time sitting or lying in a lazy, relaxed way.
Used in a Sentence: Sundays are my favorite days to lounge around in my pajamas and read comic books. / The lazy cat spent the entire afternoon lounging around on the warm porch chair.
Similar Expressions: Laze about / Hang out
18. Clear your head
Definition: To stop thinking about stressful things by resting or doing something fun.
Used in a Sentence: Going for a bike ride around the neighborhood is a great way to clear your head after studying. / Ben took a walk in the garden to clear his head before making a tough choice.
Similar Expressions: Freshen your mind / Empty your thoughts
19. Sits like a rock
Definition: To remain completely still and peaceful without moving or stressing.
Used in a Sentence: During meditation class, Noah sits like a rock and focuses on his breathing. / The sleepy turtle sits like a rock on the warm log by the pond.
Similar Expressions: Stay still / Remain calm
20. Out of the woods
Definition: To be safe and relaxed after passing through a difficult time.
Used in a Sentence: Grandma was sick with the flu, but now that her fever is gone, she is out of the woods. / We had a hard time starting our car engine in the cold, but once it roared to life, we were out of the woods.
Similar Expressions: Out of danger / In the clear
21. Take it easy
Definition: To relax, rest, and not work too hard or rush.
Used in a Sentence: The doctor told me to take it easy for a few days while my sprained wrist heals. / We have no plans this weekend, so we can just stay home and take it easy.
Similar Expressions: Slow down / Take things slow
22. In seventh heaven
Definition: A state of deep happiness and absolute relaxation.
Used in a Sentence: Eating a giant bowl of homemade vanilla ice cream put Leo in seventh heaven. / Getting a new set of colored pencils left the young artist feeling like she was in seventh heaven.
Similar Expressions: Over the moon / Pure bliss
23. Let sleeping dogs lie
Definition: To leave a peaceful situation alone instead of starting trouble or stress.
Used in a Sentence: We decided not to bring up the old argument and just let sleeping dogs lie so everyone could enjoy dinner. / It is best to let sleeping dogs lie rather than ask questions about the surprise party.
Similar Expressions: Leave well enough alone / Don’t rock the boat
24. Calm waters
Definition: A peaceful and relaxing time after a stressful situation.
Used in a Sentence: After weeks of hard tests, the end of the school year brought calm waters for the students. / The family finally reached calm waters after fixing their broken refrigerator.
Similar Expressions: Smooth seas / Peaceful times
25. Kick back
Definition: To lean back and relax comfortably.
Used in a Sentence: Dad loves to kick back in his favorite armchair and listen to jazz music. / After the big soccer match, the players kicked back on the grass and drank juice.
Similar Expressions: Kick your feet up / Relax your posture
26. Drift off
Definition: To slowly fall asleep and relax deeply.
Used in a Sentence: The soft hum of the fan helped the sleepy baby drift off to sleep. / Listening to the bedtime story made Lily drift off quickly.
Similar Expressions: Nod off / Fall asleep
27. On cloud nine
Definition: To feel wonderful, relaxed, and extremely happy.
Used in a Sentence: When she scored the winning goal, Mia was on cloud nine all evening. / Getting his puppy adoption papers signed left Ethan on cloud nine.
Similar Expressions: Overjoyed / Delighted
28. Catch your breath
Definition: To pause and rest until you can breathe normally again.
Used in a Sentence: After sprinting across the soccer field, I sat on the bench to catch my breath. / Stop running for a moment and catch your breath before you speak.
Similar Expressions: Rest a moment / Pause for air
29. Sweet dreams
Definition: A peaceful state of restful sleep with happy thoughts.
Used in a Sentence: Mom tucked me into bed, kissed my forehead, and whispered sweet dreams. / The sleeping kitten looked so peaceful dreaming about chasing butterflies with sweet dreams.
Similar Expressions: Sleep tight / Rest well
30. Find your groove
Definition: To relax and start doing something smoothly and easily.
Used in a Sentence: It took me a few tries, but I finally found my groove while painting the pottery vase. / Once the band found their groove, the music sounded amazing and effortless.
Similar Expressions: Get into the swing / Hit your stride
31. Free and easy
Definition: Relaxed, casual, and without any worries or stress.
Used in a Sentence: Camping in the mountains is a wonderful way to enjoy a free and easy weekend. / The summer camp had a free and easy schedule where kids could choose their favorite games.
Similar Expressions: Carefree / Laid-back
32. Off the hook
Definition: Free from a difficult obligation or stressful duty.
Used in a Sentence: When the teacher canceled the homework assignment, the whole class felt off the hook. / Since my brother washed the dishes, I was off the hook for kitchen duty tonight.
Similar Expressions: Let off / Relieved of duty
33. Take a load off
Definition: To sit down and relax after carrying something heavy or feeling stressed.
Used in a Sentence: Come on inside and take a load off your feet after walking all day in the city. / Dropping my heavy school backpack on the floor really helped me take a load off.
Similar Expressions: Unload / Sit down and rest
34. Peace and quiet
Definition: A calm environment free from loud noises and stressful distractions.
Used in a Sentence: Sometimes on Saturday mornings, I just want some peace and quiet to read my favorite book. / The library is a great place to find peace and quiet while studying.
Similar Expressions: Tranquility / Serenity
35. Soft pedal
Definition: To act in a calm, gentle, and relaxed way instead of being pushy.
Used in a Sentence: The camp counselor decided to soft pedal the rules so the new campers would not feel nervous. / When asking to borrow the bicycle, he used a soft pedal voice.
Similar Expressions: Tone it down / Play it gentle
36. Clear the air
Definition: To remove tension and arguments so everyone can relax and feel good.
Used in a Sentence: The two friends talked out their misunderstanding to clear the air before playing together. / An apology helped clear the air after the silly argument in the playground.
Similar Expressions: Clear the tension / Resolve the issue
37. On autopilot
Definition: Doing familiar tasks in a relaxed way without having to think hard.
Used in a Sentence: After making breakfast every morning for years, Dad does it almost on autopilot. / Walking home from school became second nature, and I did it on autopilot.
Similar Expressions: On routine / Naturally
38. Slow down
Definition: To reduce speed and take things more calmly.
Used in a Sentence: You are eating your lunch too fast, so please slow down and chew your food. / The car ahead of us was driving fast, but eventually, it began to slow down.
Similar Expressions: Ease up / Take your time
39. Lay back
Definition: To lean backward in a relaxed posture.
Used in a Sentence: The dentist asked me to lay back in the comfy chair while she checked my teeth. / We laid back on the grass to look at the shapes of the fluffy clouds in the sky.
Similar Expressions: Recline / Lean back
40. Keep your cool
Definition: To stay calm and relaxed even when something frustrating happens.
Used in a Sentence: Even when the puzzle pieces got mixed up, Sarah kept her cool and started over. / It is important to keep your cool when playing a competitive board game.
Similar Expressions: Stay calm / Remain collected
41. At ease
Definition: Feeling comfortable, relaxed, and free from worry.
Used in a Sentence: The friendly music teacher made all the new students feel at ease during auditions. / Petting the soft bunny put the little girl completely at ease.
Similar Expressions: Comfortable / Relaxed
42. Cool as a cucumber
Definition: Very calm and relaxed, even in a stressful situation.
Used in a Sentence: While everyone else was rushing to finish their projects, Leo stayed cool as a cucumber. / The pilot remained cool as a cucumber during the bumpy flight.
Similar Expressions: Calm and collected / Unfazed
43. Safe and sound
Definition: Completely safe, protected, and relaxed from harm.
Used in a Sentence: After the long journey, the travelers arrived home safe and sound. / The lost puppy was found and brought back to its owner safe and sound.
Similar Expressions: Secure and protected / Out of harm’s way
44. Breathing room
Definition: Extra space or time to relax and think without being rushed.
Used in a Sentence: Finishing my assignment early gave me some breathing room before dinner time. / The schedule was packed, but Saturday gave us some breathing room to play.
Similar Expressions: Margin for error / Extra time
45. Sink into
Definition: To relax deeply into something soft, like a chair or bed.
Used in a Sentence: After a long hike, I loved to sink into the soft sofa in our living room. / The tired dog liked to sink into the fluffy dog bed and take a long nap.
Similar Expressions: Settle into / Nestle in
46. Let off steam
Definition: To release stored-up energy or stress through fun activities or exercise.
Used in a Sentence: The students ran around the track after class to let off steam. / Playing video games helps my brother let off steam after a tough day.
Similar Expressions: Blow off steam / Release tension
47. Stretch out
Definition: To lie down and extend your arms and legs to relax.
Used in a Sentence: After working at my desk for hours, I stood up to stretch out my back. / The cat found a sunny spot on the rug to stretch out and sleep.
Similar Expressions: Extend yourself / Lie down
48. Lighten up
Definition: To stop being so serious and start relaxing and having fun.
Used in a Sentence: The teacher smiled and told the class to lighten up because it was a party day. / You take your board games too seriously, so please lighten up and enjoy the fun.
Similar Expressions: Cheer up / Relax a bit
49. Put your mind at ease
Definition: To cause someone to stop worrying and feel peaceful.
Used in a Sentence: Seeing her test score on the computer screen put her mind at ease. / Hearing that the flight landed safely put our minds at ease.
Similar Expressions: Calm worries / Reassure someone
50. Unwind
Definition: To relax after working or stressing out.
Used in a Sentence: Listening to ocean sounds on the radio is a great way to unwind before bed. / Dad likes to work in his woodshop to unwind after a busy week at the office.
Similar Expressions: Relax / Chill
Exercise to Practice
- When Sam finished his homework, he decided to kick up his heels and watch a movie.
- Mom was so stressed that she put her feet up by running a marathon in the rain.
- Grandma let her hair down by playing games happily with her grandchildren.
- After sprinting across the yard, Toby took a breather by running even faster without stopping.
- Leo reads a quiet storybook to wind down before going to sleep.
- Mia felt like she was floating on air after winning first place in the art contest.
- Instead of staying calm, Ben decided to hang loose by screaming at his video game console.
- The family stopped at a rest area so the children could stretch their legs.
- Sarah could finally breathe easy once her big science project was turned in.
- Talking to the counselor helped ease his mind before the big spelling test.
- On a hot summer day, Lily liked to chill out in the shade with a cold glass of lemonade.
- Toby decided to lay low at the loudest party in town after catching a cold.
- The cat found a spot on the rug to soak up the sun coming through the window.
- Playing the simple board game turned out to be smooth sailing for everyone.
- The basketball coach called a time out to let the players eat a giant hamburger.
Answer Key
- True
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Conclusion
Learning idioms related to relax helps you express your feelings in fun and colorful ways. These expressions make your writing and speaking much more interesting for everyone who listens.
Try using a few of these fun phrases the next time you talk with your friends or family. You will see how much more engaging your conversations become when you add creative language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common idioms for relax?
Some popular idioms include kick up your heels, put your feet up, chill out, and wind down. These phrases are often used in everyday conversation to describe taking a break from work or stress.
Why do we use idioms in English?
Idioms make our language more vivid and help us express complex feelings in a short, creative way. They add personality and color to stories, chats, and writing.
How can I practice using idioms?
You can practice by using one new idiom each day in a sentence when talking to a friend or family member. Writing stories or playing matching games are also fantastic ways to remember them.
Are idioms difficult to learn?
They can be tricky at first because they do not mean what the individual words say literally. However, learning them in context with simple examples makes them very easy to understand and use.
Can kids use these idioms in schoolwork?
Yes, using idioms correctly in your writing is a wonderful way to show creativity. Teachers love seeing students use expressive language in their stories and assignments.
