30 Idioms about Daily Routines

30 Idioms about Daily Routines

Hello English learners! Welcome to a new lesson, all about the little expressions that make everyday English more colourful and natural— 30 idioms about daily routines. Whether you are an early riser who hits the ground running or someone who enjoys a good lie-in on Sunday mornings, there are loads of fun and useful idioms to describe your day. Learning these expressions will not only boost your vocabulary but also help you sound more like a native speaker in real-life conversations. So, grab a cuppa, make yourself comfy, and let’s explore 30 everyday idioms that will brighten your English and bring your daily routine to life!

Bright and early

Meaning: Very early in the morning.

She always gets up bright and early to go for a jog.

Rise and shine

Meaning: Wake up and get out of bed energetically.

Come on, kids! Rise and shine – it’s time for school!

Hit the snooze button

Meaning: Delay waking up by setting your alarm again.

I hit the snooze button three times this morning – rough night!

Crack of dawn

Meaning: Very early in the morning.

We left at the crack of dawn to avoid the traffic.

Wake up on the wrong side of the bed

Meaning: Start the day in a bad mood.

He must’ve woken up on the wrong side of the bed—he’s been grumpy all day.

Get your act together

Meaning: Organise yourself and become more effective.

You’d better get your act together or you’ll miss the bus again.

Run around like a headless chicken

Meaning: Be very busy but not very effective.

I was running around like a headless chicken trying to get everything ready before work.

30 Idioms about daily routines

In a rush

Meaning: Doing something quickly due to limited time.

I had breakfast in a rush this morning and forgot my keys.

Cut it fine

Meaning: Almost be late.

He left the house at 8:25 for his 8:30 train – really cutting it fine.

Push comes to shove

Meaning: When things get difficult and a decision must be made.

If push comes to shove, I’ll skip the gym and just go tomorrow.

Make time for

Meaning: Intentionally find time for something.

I always make time for a proper lunch, no matter how busy I am.

Drag your feet

Meaning: Delay doing something.

He always drags his feet when it’s time to clean his room.

Call it a day

Meaning: Stop working for the day.

After eight hours in the shop, I finally called it a day.

Get cracking

Meaning: Start doing something quickly.

We need to get cracking if we’re going to catch that film!

30 Idioms about daily routines

Hit the ground running

Meaning: Start something energetically and effectively.

She hit the ground running on her first day at the new job.

Have a lie-in

Meaning: Stay in bed later than usual.

Sunday is my lie-in day—I don’t get up before 10.

Call the shots

Meaning: Be in control or make decisions.

At home, Mum calls the shots about what we eat and when.

Go through the motions

Meaning: Do something in a routine, mechanical way.

I was so tired, I just went through the motions all morning.

In the groove

Meaning: In a comfortable routine or rhythm.

Once I’ve had my coffee and morning jog, I’m in the groove.

Drop off

Meaning: Fall asleep (informal).

I dropped off on the sofa after lunch—it was lovely.

Fuel up

Meaning: Eat or drink to get energy.

I always fuel up with porridge before heading to work.

30 Idioms about daily routines

Get stuck in

Meaning: Start doing something with enthusiasm.

Right, let’s get stuck in—this house won’t clean itself!

On autopilot

Meaning: Do something automatically, without thinking.

I brushed my teeth on autopilot this morning—I was half-asleep!

No time to breathe

Meaning: Extremely busy.

Today’s been mad—I’ve barely had time to breathe!

Put your feet up

Meaning: Relax, especially after a busy day.

After work, I love putting my feet up with a cuppa.

Knock off (work)

Meaning: Finish work for the day.

I usually knock off at five and head straight home.

Run errands

Meaning: Do short tasks outside the house (e.g., shopping, post office).

I spent the whole morning running errands around town.

Kick back

Meaning: Relax and take it easy.

After dinner, I just want to kick back with some telly.

30 Idioms about daily routines

Stick to a routine

Meaning: Continue following the same schedule.

If I don’t stick to a routine, I start feeling unproductive.

Wind down

Meaning: Relax at the end of the day.

I usually wind down with a book before bed.

If you really want to learn English but don’t know how to do it and where to start, don’t hesitate to contact us. Book an online English lesson with one of our certified and experienced English teachers and take a test and consultation! Tap the banner to learn more!