20 Idioms that Describe Places

20 Idioms that Describe Places

Hello English learners. Welcome to a new lesson. When we describe places in English, single adjectives are rarely enough. Native speakers rely on idioms to express atmosphere, distance, beauty, comfort, and contrast in a vivid, natural way. These expressions help turn a place from somewhere you’ve been into somewhere you can picture. In today’s lesson, we’ll explore 20 idioms that describe places, from remote villages and bustling cities to cosy corners and tourist hotspots. These idioms are especially useful for travel writing, descriptive essays, and Cambridge speaking exams, where expressive, natural language makes a real difference.

Let’s take a closer look at how to use them confidently and in context.

Back of beyond

Meaning: refers to a very remote or isolated place, far from civilization or any populated areas.

• The old farmhouse was located in the back of beyond, surrounded by miles of open fields and dense forests.
• The research team set up camp in the back of the beyond, far from towns or cities, to study the unique wildlife in its natural habitat.

Black spot

Meaning: a dangerous or problematic place or area, usually because of high accident rates or criminal activity.

• The intersection has become a notorious black spot, with frequent accidents.
• The abandoned building is a black spot in the neighbourhood, attracting vandalism and illegal activities, and residents are urging the authorities to take action.

Diamond in the rough

Meaning: refers to someone or something that has potential or value but requires refinement or development to fully realise it.

• The old house was a diamond in the rough, with its charming architecture just waiting for a renovation to reveal its true beauty.
• The small coastal town, often overlooked by tourists, is a true diamond in the rough.

Ghost town

Meaning: a place that used to be bustling with activity but is now deserted.

• After the mine closed, the once-thriving town became a ghost town, with empty streets and boarded-up shops.
• Walking through the ghost town, we could almost hear the echoes of the past, imagining the lives of those who once called it home.

Idioms that describe places

Hidden gem

Meaning: a place that is outstanding or valuable but not well-known.

• The small, independent bookstore, a hidden gem in the bustling city, offered a unique selection of rare and second-hand books.
• Tucked away in the mountains, the village was a hidden gem, with breathtaking views, friendly locals and a rich cultural heritage that few tourists had discovered.

Hive of activity

Meaning: a place that is very busy and full of people engaged in various tasks.

• The kitchen was a hive of activity as the chefs prepared for the evening’s grand banquet, with everyone moving swiftly to ensure everything was perfect.
• During the holiday season, the shopping mall becomes a hive of activity.

Hole in the wall

Meaning: a small place, such as a restaurant, bar or shop, that is not well-known or fancy but has its own charm and appeal.

• We discovered a delightful little hole-in-the-wall café tucked away in a narrow alley. The coffee was exceptional, and the atmosphere was cosy.
• After a long day of sightseeing, we stumbled upon a hole-in-the-wall bar where the locals gathered, and we enjoyed a few drinks while listening to live music.

Idioms that describe places

Home from home

Meaning: a place where someone feels as comfortable and relaxed as they do in their own home.

• The motel, with its friendly atmosphere, quickly became a home from home for the weary travellers.
• The small café, where she spent countless hours working and socializing, was a home from home, offering a sense of comfort and belonging.

In the middle of nowhere

Meaning: a place that is very remote or isolated, far from any towns, cities or populated areas.

• After driving for hours through winding country roads, we finally arrived at the cabin in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by forest.
• The small village, located in the middle of nowhere, had no access to modern amenities, perfect for those seeking solitude and tranquillity.

Land of milk and honey

Meaning: a place of abundance and prosperity.

• For many immigrants, the new country represented a land of milk and honey, offering the promise of a better life.
• The booming tech industry turned the once-sleepy town into a land of milk and honey, attracting talent and investment from all over the world.

Melting pot

Meaning: a place where people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities come together and blend into a cohesive community.

• The city is often described as a melting pot, where immigrants from all over the world have settled and contributed to its rich cultural tapestry.
• The neighbourhood, known for its vibrant diversity, is a melting pot of languages and cuisines.

No room to swing a cat

Meaning: describes a place as very small or cramped, with little space to move around.

• The tiny apartment was so small that there was no room to swing a cat, with barely enough space for a bed and a small table.
• The storage closet was so packed with boxes and supplies that there was no room to swing a cat.

Off the beaten path

Meaning: a place that is not well-known or frequently visited, often remote or less travelled.

• During our vacation, we decided to explore a small village off the beaten path, where we discovered charming local traditions and untouched natural beauty.
• The travel guide recommended several off-the-beaten-path destinations for tourists seeking adventure and a break from the typical tourist spots.

Idioms that describe places

Picture postcard

Meaning: a place or scene that is exceptionally beautiful and picturesque.

• The coastal town, with its colourful houses, was a picture postcard destination that attracted tourists from all over the world.
• The historic castle, perched on a hilltop and surrounded by lush greenery, looked like a picture postcard from a fairy tale.

Place to call home

Meaning: a location where someone feels comfortable, secure and at ease.

• After years of travelling and living in different cities, she finally found a place to call home in the charming coastal town, where she felt a deep connection to the community and surroundings.
• For many immigrants, finding a place to call home in a new country involves building new relationships and adapting to different cultures.

Put a place on the map

Meaning: refers to a place that was previously unknown but now has gained recognition.

• The local chef’s innovative cuisine put the restaurant on the map, earning it a spot in prestigious food guides and drawing food enthusiasts.
• The annual music festival has put the once quiet village on the map, transforming it into a vibrant cultural hub during the event.

Safe haven

Meaning: a place where someone feels secure, protected and at peace.

• During the storm, the old lighthouse served as a safe haven for the stranded sailors, providing them with shelter and warmth.
• After a long day at work, her cosy apartment was her safe haven, where she could relax and unwind away from the chaos of the city.

Stone throw

Meaning: a very short distance. It is used to describe something that is very close or nearby.

• The quaint little café, just a stone’s throw from the bustling city centre, offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a quiet moment.
• Our new office building is located a stone’s throw from several excellent restaurants, making lunch breaks something to look forward to.

Tourist trap

Meaning: a place that attracts many tourists and tends to be overpriced, offering low-quality goods.

• The crowded market, filled with cheap souvenirs and aggressive vendors, felt like a tourist trap, lacking the authenticity we were hoping for.
• To avoid tourist traps, we asked locals for recommendations on where to eat and explore.

World away

Meaning: a place that is very different or distant, either physically or metaphorically.

• The luxurious resort, with its pristine beaches and lavish amenities, seemed a world away from the hectic and stressful daily routine back home.
• The small, traditional village, with its ancient customs and close-knit community, was a world away from the modern, technology-driven society of the city.

Learn idioms to describe relationships here

Learn idioms that describe a journey here

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