18 Spring Idioms: Fresh Phrases You Should Know • 7ESL

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With the arrival of spring, nature reawakens, and our conversations often reflect this season of renewal. We find ourselves using phrases that have blossomed from the very essence of this transformative period. Spring idioms are a fascinating aspect of the English language, rich with imagery and meaning rooted in the cycles of the earth.

What Are Spring Idioms?

Spring idioms are phrases that have become a part of our language, often used to describe situations, feelings, or actions metaphorically. These idioms are inspired by the qualities and elements associated with the spring season. Let’s take a closer look.

18 Spring Idioms: Fresh Phrases You Should Know

Spring Into Action: When someone springs into action, they begin to move quickly or start a task with energy and purpose. Just as spring brings about new life and activity, this idiom conveys a sudden start of motion or activity.
A Spring in One’s Step: Having a spring in one’s step implies that a person is walking energetically and happily. The season’s vibrancy and growth are likened to a person’s buoyant mood.
No Spring Chicken: We use no spring chicken to refer to someone who is no longer young, playing on the idea that chickens born in the spring are considered young.

Spring idioms add color and vigor to our conversations, reflecting the rejuvenation and hope the season symbolizes. We use them to breathe life and freshness into our everyday language, drawing parallels between the natural world and our human experiences.

List of Spring Idioms

Idioms	Meaning and Example Sentence
A spring in one’s step	To walk energetically or with liveliness. Example: Having a spring in his step, Tom whistled on his way to work, excited about his promotion.
To spring into action	To start doing something quickly or suddenly. Example: Once the alarm sounded, the firefighters sprang into action* to control the blaze.*
No spring chicken	Someone who is no longer young. Example: Despite being no spring chicken,* Helen still runs marathons and competes with athletes half her age.*
Spring fever	A feeling of restlessness or excitement felt at the beginning of spring. Example: With the warmer weather and longer days, I’ve definitely got spring fever* and can’t wait to spend more time outdoors.*
Spring to life	To become lively or active. Example: The town sprang to life* as the festival began, with music and colors everywhere.*
To spring a leak	To start leaking suddenly. Example: Our old water heater finally sprang a leak,* so now we have to replace it.*
Full of the joys of spring	To be very happy and energetic. Example: After getting the job offer, she was full of the joys of spring,* smiling from ear to ear all day.*
Spring to mind	To come quickly to mind. Example: When asked about a holiday destination, the beaches of Spain immediately sprang to mind.
Hope springs eternal	The belief that hope never dies. Example: Despite the team’s losing streak, for the fans, hope springs eternal* that they’ll make a comeback.*
Springboard to success	Something that helps you start an activity or process that will lead to success. Example: His internship at the prestigious law firm was a springboard to success* in his legal career.*
Spring from	To originate from. Example: Many of today’s technological advances spring from* the innovations made in the early 2000s.*
Spring to someone’s defense	To quickly defend someone. Example: She sprang to her friend’s defense* during the argument.*
Spring a surprise	To surprise someone unexpectedly. Example: They decided to spring a surprise* party for her 30th birthday.*
To spring for something	To pay for something, usually as a treat or gift. Example: He offered to spring for dinner* at an expensive restaurant.*
To spring back	To recover from a setback. Example: The community sprang back quickly after the floods.
To spring a question	To ask a question unexpectedly. Example: During the interview, they sprang a question* on her that she wasn’t prepared for.*
To spring forth	To emerge suddenly. Example: Flowers began to spring forth across the meadows.
To spring up	To appear or develop quickly and/or suddenly. Example: New coffee shops seem to spring up on every corner.

Spring Idioms in Different Contexts

A Spring In One’s Step

The idiom “a spring in one’s step” refers to walking energetically in a way that shows one is feeling happy and lively. It suggests a person has a positive, upbeat attitude and is often used to indicate that someone is in a good mood or feeling particularly enthusiastic.

After Receiving Good News:

Situation: Someone has just been informed they got a job promotion.
Example: “Ever since he heard about his promotion, Mark has had a spring in his step. He’s been whistling all day long.”

Beginning a New Relationship:

Situation: A person has just started dating someone they really like.
Example: “Have you noticed how Julia walks these days? Ever since she met Tom, there’s a definite spring in her step.”

Feeling Refreshed After a Break:

Situation: A person returns to work or daily routine after a rejuvenating vacation.
Example: “Linda came back from her holiday in Hawaii with a spring in her step; she seems so relaxed and ready to take on her projects.”

Spring to One’s Feet

During a Surprise Event:

Situation: Someone is startled by an unexpected knock at the door.
Example: “When the loud knock echoed through the room, Sarah sprang to her feet to see who it was.”

In a Show of Enthusiasm or Support:

Situation: An audience member is deeply moved or excited by a performance.
Example: “As soon as the performance ended, the audience sprang to their feet in a standing ovation.”

Reacting to an Emergency:

Situation: An individual notices someone else in need of immediate help.
Example: “When he saw the child fall into the pool, the lifeguard sprang to his feet and dove into the water without hesitation.”

Spring Fever

“Spring fever” is an idiom that refers to the restlessness, excitement, or the feeling of increased energy and vitality that many people experience with the arrival of spring, especially after a long, cold winter. This term often implies a desire to be outdoors, to be more active, or to start new things.

Increased Social Activity:

Situation: As the weather warms up, someone feels an urge to go out and socialize more than usual.
Example: “Now that the days are longer and warmer, I’ve got that spring fever feeling—I just want to meet up with friends and enjoy the sunshine.”

Desire for Change or New Beginnings:

Situation: A person is motivated to refresh their life with the change of seasons, such as doing a thorough spring cleaning or starting a new hobby.
Example: “This weekend I’m going to repaint the kitchen. I guess you could say I’ve caught spring fever and I’m ready for a change.”

Romantic Impulses:

Situation: Springtime can sometimes stir romantic feelings, leading to the initiation of new relationships or the rekindling of existing ones.
Example: “Ever since spring arrived, I’ve noticed more couples holding hands in the park. Spring fever must be in the air!”

Springboard to Success

The term “springboard to success” is a metaphorical expression that refers to an event, experience, or opportunity that propels someone forward toward achieving success. It suggests a starting point or catalyst that helps a person gain momentum in their career, personal development, or any other aspect of life where they aspire to succeed.

Educational Achievement:

Situation: A student graduates from a prestigious university, which opens up many career opportunities.
Example: “Graduating from the top of her class at Yale served as a springboard to success, landing her a coveted position at a renowned law firm.”

Career Advancement:

Situation: An individual takes on a challenging project at work that leads to recognition and promotion.
Example: “His innovative marketing campaign was not only a hit but also acted as a springboard to success, earning him a promotion to department head.”

Entrepreneurial Venture:

Situation: An entrepreneur’s first successful business venture gives them the capital and confidence to pursue larger and more ambitious projects.
Example: “Starting that tech company was a real springboard to success; it gave her the financial freedom to invest in new startups and become a prominent figure in the industry.”

No Spring Chicken

The idiom “no spring chicken” is a colloquial way of saying that someone is no longer young, often implying that they are past their prime or youthful days. It is sometimes used humorously or affectionately to refer to middle-aged or older individuals.

Discussing Physical Activities:

Situation: An older person is talking about the difficulty they have keeping up with younger people in sports or exercise.
Example: “I tried to keep up with the twenty-somethings in the soccer match, but I’m no spring chicken anymore, and my knees reminded me the next day.”

Career Context:

Situation: An older employee is considering whether to apply for a job that typically attracts much younger applicants.
Example: “I’ve got the experience they’re looking for, but I’m no spring chicken, so I hope they don’t favor someone fresh out of college.”

In Response to Compliments on Youthful Appearance:

Situation: An older individual receives a compliment about looking young for their age.
Example: “Well, thank you for saying I look young, but let’s be honest, I’m no spring chicken. I just take good care of myself.”

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Jim Manheim

Jim Manheim is a highly skilled writer, editor, and teacher from Michigan, with a wealth of experience and expertise in the English language, including slang and idioms. He is widely recognized as a word geek and a music enthusiast, as well as a grammar and writing expert, with a passion for language that shines through in his work.