- After a cold winter, everyone is itching for longer days to return with the start of spring
- Dubbed a time of new beginnings, this season’s vibrancy has inspired a number of lively phrases
Fresh air and lush greenery would put a spring in anyone’s step. Photo: ShutterstockHere are 10 English idioms that have blossomed out of spring, from a phrase to describe excitement to a term for youth.
1. Spring back
Meaning: to recover quickly from illness or injury
Example: I’m sorry to hear about your injury, but I hope you can spring back and resume sports soon!
2. Spring chicken
Meaning: refers to someone young
Example: My grandparents are no spring chickens, but they still try to get some exercise every day.
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3. Spring fever
Meaning: a feeling of restlessness or excitement often associated with the onset of spring
Example: After the long cold winter, the students had spring fever and felt little motivation to study.
4. Spring in one’s step
Meaning: a cheerful and enthusiastic attitude
Example: Edan has walked with a spring in his step ever since he got promoted.
5. Spring to mind
Meaning: to come quickly into your thoughts
Example: When planning a trip to Hong Kong, shopping and tasty food are the activities that typically spring to mind.
6. Spring to life
Meaning: to start moving and become very active or busy
Example: The island springs to life during summer as visitors flock to the holiday hotspot.
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7. Spring to your foot
Meaning: to quickly or abruptly assume a standing position
Example: At the sight of the singer, the audience sprang to their feet, waved their hands and cheered at the top of their lungs.
8. Spring into action
Meaning: to suddenly start working or becoming very active and energetic
Example: As soon as the teacher entered the classroom, students sprang into action, scribbling furiously with their pens to make it seem as if they had been doing their classwork the whole time.
9. Spring something on someone
Meaning: to suddenly tell or ask someone something when they are not expecting it
Example: I hate to spring such news on you during class, but your mother is in the emergency ward.
10. Spring up like mushrooms
Meaning: to increase in number suddenly and rapidly. Mushrooms are one of the fastest-growing things in nature.
Example: After Hong Kong lifted restrictions on arrivals, tourists have been springing up like mushrooms at Star Ferry Pier and Causeway Bay.