Idioms for Strong: Mastering Figurative Language in English

Idioms are an integral part of the English language, adding color, depth, and nuance to our communication. Understanding and using idioms correctly can significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension.

This article focuses specifically on idioms that convey the concept of “strength,” both physical and metaphorical. Whether you’re an English language learner or a native speaker looking to refine your vocabulary, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of idioms for “strong,” complete with definitions, examples, and practice exercises to solidify your understanding.

This article will benefit English language learners aiming to improve their conversational skills, students preparing for English proficiency exams, and professionals seeking to enhance their communication in a business setting. By mastering these idioms, you’ll be able to express yourself with greater precision and impact.

Contents

Definition of Idioms for “Strong”

An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal meanings of its individual words. Instead, the idiom has a figurative meaning that is known through common usage.

Idioms for “strong” are phrases that convey the idea of resilience, power, robustness, or fortitude, either physically, mentally, or emotionally. They often paint a vivid picture and add emphasis to the concept of strength.

These idioms are classified as figurative language and function as adjectives, adverbs, or verbs, depending on the specific idiom and its context. They are used to describe people, situations, or things that possess a significant degree of strength. The contexts in which these idioms are used vary widely, ranging from everyday conversations to formal writing.

Understanding idioms for “strong” involves recognizing that the combined meaning of the words differs from their individual definitions. For example, “to have nerves of steel” doesn’t literally mean possessing nerves made of steel; it signifies having exceptional courage and composure in the face of adversity.

Structural Breakdown of Idioms

Idioms are not constructed according to standard grammatical rules. Their structure is fixed, and altering the words or word order can change the meaning or render the idiom nonsensical.

Idioms often contain a combination of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and prepositions that, when put together, create a unique figurative meaning.

Here are some common structural patterns found in idioms for “strong”:

Verb + Preposition: Hold one’s ground (to maintain a position despite opposition)
Adjective + Noun: Rock solid (unwavering, dependable)
Noun + Verb + Noun: A pillar of strength (someone who provides support)
Similes: As strong as an ox (very physically strong)

It’s essential to recognize these patterns, but more importantly, understand the idiom as a whole unit. The meaning is derived from the entire phrase, not the individual components.

Types and Categories of Idioms for “Strong”

Idioms for “strong” can be categorized based on the type of strength they represent:

Idioms for Physical Strength

These idioms describe brute force, stamina, and physical power.

Idioms for Mental Strength

These idioms refer to intellectual resilience, sharp wit, and the ability to think clearly under pressure.

Idioms for Emotional Strength

These idioms describe the capacity to cope with stress, overcome adversity, and maintain composure.

Idioms for Strength of Character

These idioms represent moral fortitude, integrity, and unwavering principles.

Idioms for Strength in Numbers

These idioms convey the idea that a group is more powerful than an individual.

Examples of Idioms for “Strong”

The following sections provide examples of idioms for “strong,” categorized by the type of strength they represent. Each table contains a definition and example sentences to illustrate the idiom’s usage.

Examples for Physical Strength

The table below showcases idioms related to physical strength, defining each idiom and providing example sentences to illustrate its usage in context.

Idiom	Definition	Example Sentence
As strong as an ox	Very physically strong.	He’s as strong as an ox; he can lift that entire stack of boxes without any help.
Built like a brick house	Having a strong, sturdy physique.	The linebacker was built like a brick house, making him nearly impossible to block.
Muscle through	To use physical strength to overcome an obstacle.	We had to muscle through the heavy door to get it open.
Carry the weight	To bear the main burden or responsibility.	She carried the weight of the entire team on her shoulders during the project.
Have a strong back	To be able to handle a lot of physical work or pressure.	He has a strong back; he’s been working in construction his whole life.
Be a powerhouse	To be a source of great strength or energy.	The new engine made the car a powerhouse on the racetrack.
In good shape	To be physically fit and healthy.	He’s in good shape for his age; he still runs marathons.
Be in fighting trim	To be in excellent physical condition, ready for competition.	After weeks of training, the boxer was in fighting trim.
Be a force to be reckoned with	To be someone or something that cannot be ignored due to strength or power.	The company is a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
Be a human dynamo	A person with great energy, enthusiasm, and drive.	She’s a human dynamo, always working on multiple projects at once.
Brawn over brains	Using physical strength rather than intelligence to solve a problem.	Sometimes, it takes brawn over brains to get the job done, like lifting that heavy equipment.
Fit as a fiddle	In very good health and physically fit.	Despite his age, he’s fit as a fiddle and still enjoys hiking.
Have the stamina of a horse	To have great endurance and energy.	She has the stamina of a horse; she can work for hours without getting tired.
Be a strapping lad/lass	A tall, strong, and healthy young person.	He grew into a strapping lad, towering over his peers.
Be as tough as nails	Strong, resilient, and uncompromising.	The old sergeant was as tough as nails, having survived many battles.
Be as hard as iron	Very strong and unyielding, both physically and mentally.	His muscles were as hard as iron from years of training.
Have a body of steel	To have a strong and resilient body.	The athlete seemed to have a body of steel, enduring intense physical strain.
Be able to lift a finger	To be able to do something physically, often used in the negative to mean being unable to help.	He was so weak he couldn’t lift a finger to help move the furniture.
Put one’s shoulder to the wheel	To apply oneself with energy and determination to a task.	We all need to put our shoulder to the wheel if we want to finish this project on time.
Be full of vim and vigor	To be full of energy, enthusiasm, and good health.	Even in his old age, he was full of vim and vigor.
Keep in tip-top shape	To maintain excellent physical condition through exercise and diet.	She works hard to keep in tip-top shape by going to the gym regularly.
Be a picture of health	To look very healthy and vibrant.	After her vacation, she was a picture of health.
Have strong legs	To have the physical strength and endurance to walk or run for long periods.	He has strong legs from years of hiking in the mountains.
Be able to break a horse	To be very strong and capable of handling tough tasks.	That rancher is so strong, he could break a horse.
Be as sturdy as an oak	To be strong, robust, and resilient.	The old table was as sturdy as an oak, having lasted for generations.

Idioms for Strong

Examples for Mental Strength

This table provides idioms that describe mental strength, along with their definitions and example sentences for better understanding.

Idiom	Definition	Example Sentence
Have a sharp mind	To be intelligent and quick-witted.	She has a sharp mind and always comes up with creative solutions.
Keep one’s wits about them	To stay alert and think clearly in a difficult situation.	He managed to keep his wits about him and escape the burning building.
Have a steel-trap mind	To have an excellent memory and ability to recall information accurately.	The professor has a steel-trap mind; he remembers every detail from his research.
Be on the ball	To be alert, competent, and quick to understand things.	The new employee is really on the ball; she’s already mastered the system.
Have a good head on one’s shoulders	To be intelligent, sensible, and practical.	She has a good head on her shoulders; she’ll make a great leader.
Be quick on the uptake	To understand things quickly and easily.	He’s quick on the uptake and learns new skills very fast.
Be a bright spark	To be intelligent and full of ideas.	She is a bright spark in the team, always coming up with innovative solutions.
Be mentally sharp	To have a clear and active mind.	Even in his old age, he remained mentally sharp.
Have one’s thinking cap on	To be concentrating and thinking hard about something.	I need to have my thinking cap on to solve this complex problem.
Be a whiz kid	A young person who is very skilled or successful at something.	He’s a whiz kid in computer programming.
Be able to think on one’s feet	To be able to react quickly and effectively to unexpected situations.	The negotiator had to think on his feet to close the deal.
Have a mind like a steel trap	To have an excellent memory and ability to recall information accurately.	She has a mind like a steel trap; she never forgets a name or date.
Be intellectually gifted	To have exceptional mental abilities.	He was recognized as intellectually gifted from a young age.
Be a font of knowledge	To be a person who has a great deal of knowledge about a particular subject.	The professor is a font of knowledge on ancient history.
Have the mental fortitude	To have the mental strength to face challenges and difficulties.	She has the mental fortitude to overcome any obstacle.
Be resourceful	To be able to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.	He’s very resourceful and always finds a solution to any problem.
Be a quick study	To learn something new quickly and easily.	She’s a quick study and picked up the new software in no time.
Have a strategic mind	To be able to plan and think ahead effectively.	The general has a strategic mind and always anticipates the enemy’s moves.
Be a deep thinker	To be someone who thinks seriously and profoundly about things.	He’s known as a deep thinker and often contemplates the meaning of life.
Be mentally resilient	To be able to recover quickly from difficulties and setbacks.	She’s mentally resilient and always bounces back from challenges.
Keep a clear head	To remain calm and think logically in a crisis.	It’s important to keep a clear head in emergency situations.
Have a brainwave	To have a sudden clever idea.	He had a brainwave and came up with a brilliant solution to the problem.
Be a master strategist	To be highly skilled in planning and executing strategies.	The CEO is a master strategist and has transformed the company.
Be able to see the big picture	To understand the overall context and implications of a situation.	She can see the big picture and always makes informed decisions.
Have an analytical mind	To be able to examine and analyze information in a logical and systematic way.	He has an analytical mind and excels at problem-solving.

Examples for Emotional Strength

This table provides idioms that describe emotional strength, along with their definitions and example sentences for better understanding.

Idiom	Definition	Example Sentence
Have nerves of steel	To be extremely brave and composed, especially in a dangerous situation.	The bomb disposal expert had nerves of steel as he defused the device.
Be emotionally resilient	To be able to recover quickly from emotional difficulties.	She’s emotionally resilient and always bounces back from setbacks.
Have a thick skin	To be insensitive to criticism or insults.	You need to have a thick skin to work in politics.
Keep a stiff upper lip	To remain brave and unemotional in the face of adversity.	During the crisis, he kept a stiff upper lip and remained calm.
Be able to weather the storm	To survive a difficult period or situation.	The company managed to weather the storm of the economic recession.
Have the heart of a lion	To be very brave and courageous.	The firefighter had the heart of a lion as he rushed into the burning building.
Stand tall	To face a difficult situation with courage and dignity.	Despite the challenges, she continued to stand tall.
Be made of stern stuff	To have a strong and determined character.	The pioneers were made of stern stuff.
Have the courage of one’s convictions	To be brave enough to do what one believes is right, even if it is unpopular.	She had the courage of her convictions and spoke out against the injustice.
Be tough as old boots	To be strong and resilient, both physically and emotionally.	My grandmother is tough as old boots; she’s been through a lot.
Be able to take a punch	To be able to withstand criticism or setbacks.	He can take a punch and always comes back stronger.
Have a strong spirit	To have a resilient and determined character.	She has a strong spirit and never gives up.
Be unflappable	To remain calm and composed, especially in a crisis.	The pilot was unflappable even when the engine failed.
Have a strong will	To have a determined and resolute character.	She has a strong will and always achieves her goals.
Be able to rise above	To overcome difficulties and challenges.	He managed to rise above his difficult circumstances and achieve success.
Have inner fortitude	To have the inner strength to face challenges and difficulties.	She has inner fortitude that helps her cope with adversity.
Be a pillar of strength	To be someone who provides support and stability to others.	She was a pillar of strength to her family during the crisis.
Be able to hold one’s own	To be able to defend oneself or maintain one’s position in a difficult situation.	She can hold her own in any debate.
Have staying power	To have the ability to endure and persist.	The company has staying power and has been in business for over a century.
Be able to keep one’s chin up	To remain cheerful and optimistic in a difficult situation.	Even when things get tough, it’s important to keep your chin up.
Have the stomach for something	To have the courage or determination to do something unpleasant or difficult.	He didn’t have the stomach for the gruesome details of the crime scene.
Be able to grin and bear it	To endure something unpleasant with good humor and without complaining.	She had to grin and bear it during the long and difficult meeting.
Be a rock	To be someone who is dependable and provides stability and support.	She’s been a rock for me throughout this difficult time.
Have the moral fiber	To possess strong moral principles and integrity.	He has the moral fiber to do what is right, even when it’s difficult.
Be able to bounce back	To recover quickly from a setback or difficulty.	She’s always been able to bounce back from adversity.

Idioms for Strong

Examples for Strength of Character

This table provides idioms that describe strength of character, along with their definitions and example sentences for better understanding.

Idiom	Definition	Example Sentence
Stand up for what you believe in	To defend your principles and values, even when it’s difficult.	She always stands up for what she believes in, no matter the consequences.
Have a moral compass	To have a strong sense of right and wrong.	He has a strong moral compass and always makes ethical decisions.
Be a person of integrity	To be honest and have strong moral principles.	She is a person of integrity and is respected by everyone.
Stick to your guns	To maintain your position or opinion firmly, even when opposed.	He stuck to his guns and refused to compromise his principles.
Have the courage of your convictions	To be brave enough to do what you believe is right, even if it is unpopular.	She had the courage of her convictions and spoke out against injustice.
Be true to yourself	To act in accordance with your beliefs and values.	It’s important to be true to yourself and not compromise your integrity.
Walk the talk	To act in accordance with your words and promises.	He walks the talk and always follows through on his commitments.
Be a beacon of hope	To be a source of inspiration and encouragement to others.	She was a beacon of hope for the refugees.
Be a role model	To be someone whose behavior serves as an example for others to follow.	He is a role model for young people in the community.
Have a heart of gold	To be kind, generous, and compassionate.	She has a heart of gold and always helps those in need.
Be a good egg	To be a kind and reliable person.	He’s a good egg and always willing to lend a hand.
Have a strong sense of justice	To have a deep commitment to fairness and equality.	She has a strong sense of justice and fights for the rights of others.
Be able to do the right thing	To make ethical and moral choices.	He always tries to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult.
Be a person of principle	To have strong moral beliefs that guide your actions.	She is a person of principle and always stands up for what’s right.
Be a man/woman of his/her word	To be someone who keeps their promises.	He’s a man of his word and always follows through on his commitments.
Be a straight shooter	To be honest and direct in your dealings with others.	She’s a straight shooter and always tells it like it is.
Have unwavering resolve	To have a firm determination to achieve your goals.	She has unwavering resolve and never gives up on her dreams.
Be able to rise above temptation	To resist the urge to do something wrong or unethical.	He was able to rise above temptation and make the right decision.
Have the moral courage	To be brave enough to do what is right, even when it’s difficult.	She had the moral courage to report the wrongdoing.
Be a person of substance	To be someone who is reliable, honest, and has strong moral values.	He is a person of substance and is respected by his peers.
Be a true grit	To be someone who is courageous, determined, and resilient.	She’s a true grit and never gives up, no matter the challenges.
Have unyielding integrity	To have unwavering honesty and strong moral principles.	He has unyielding integrity and always acts ethically.
Be a champion of justice	To be someone who actively promotes and defends fairness and equality.	She is a champion of justice and fights for the rights of the marginalized.
Be a standard-bearer of values	To be someone who embodies and promotes important principles and beliefs.	He is a standard-bearer of values and inspires others to do the same.
Have a steadfast character	To have a firm, resolute, and unwavering nature.	She has a steadfast character and is always reliable.

Examples for Strength in Numbers

This table provides idioms that describe strength in numbers, along with their definitions and example sentences for better understanding.

Idiom	Definition	Example Sentence
There’s strength in numbers	The idea that a group is more powerful than an individual.	We should approach the problem as a team; there’s strength in numbers.
Many hands make light work	A task is easier to complete if many people help.	Let’s get everyone involved; many hands make light work.
A united front	A situation in which people are working together and supporting each other.	The employees presented a united front to management during the negotiations.
Band together	To unite as a group for a common purpose.	The community decided to band together to fight the proposed development.
In unity, there is strength	The idea that being united makes a group stronger.	The team believed that in unity, there is strength, and they worked together to achieve their goal.
Two heads are better than one	Two people working together can come up with better ideas than one person working alone.	Let’s collaborate on this project; two heads are better than one.
The more, the merrier	The more people involved, the better the situation will be.	Invite everyone you know; the more, the merrier.
Be a force multiplier	Something that increases the effectiveness of a group or organization.	Technology can be a force multiplier for the sales team.
Together we stand, divided we fall	Unity provides strength, while division leads to failure.	The organization stressed that together we stand, divided we fall.
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link	A group is only as strong as its least capable member.	We need to train the new recruits; a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
Strength lies in numbers	The idea that a group is more powerful than an individual.	The activists knew that strength lies in numbers, so they organized a large protest.
Collective effort	A joint effort by a group of people.	The project succeeded because of the collective effort of the team.
Join forces	To combine efforts or resources to achieve a common goal.	The two companies decided to join forces to develop the new technology.
Power in numbers	The idea that a group is more powerful than an individual.	The protesters demonstrated the power in numbers as they marched through the city.
Solidarity forever	A phrase expressing the importance of unity and mutual support.	The workers chanted “Solidarity forever” as they stood together on the picket line.
Work in concert	To work together harmoniously to achieve a common goal.	The departments need to work in concert to ensure the project’s success.
Pool resources	To combine resources for a common purpose.	The small businesses decided to pool resources to launch a joint marketing campaign.
Form a coalition	To create an alliance for a common goal.	The political parties decided to form a coalition to challenge the ruling party.
Stand shoulder to shoulder	To support each other in a united way.	The community stood shoulder to shoulder to help the victims of the disaster.
Many voices, one message	The idea that a group can amplify its message through collective action.	The activists used many voices, one message to raise awareness about the issue.
Be a team player	To work well with others and contribute to the success of a group.	He’s a great team player and always supports his colleagues.
Communal strength	The power that comes from a community working together.	The village demonstrated communal strength in rebuilding after the earthquake.
Amplify the voice	To increase the impact and reach of a message through collective action.	The organization sought to amplify the voice of the marginalized communities.
Cooperative spirit	A willingness to work together with others to achieve a common goal.	The project succeeded thanks to the cooperative spirit of the team members.
United we conquer	The idea that unity leads to success.	The team believed that united we conquer, and they worked together to win the championship.

Usage Rules for Idioms

Using idioms correctly requires an understanding of their specific meaning and context. Here are some key rules to follow:

Understand the Meaning: Ensure you fully grasp the figurative meaning of the idiom before using it.
Context is Key: Idioms are context-dependent. Use them in situations where their figurative meaning is appropriate.
Word Order: Do not change the word order of the idiom. Idioms have a fixed structure, and altering it can change the meaning or make it nonsensical.
Verb Tense: Adjust the verb tense within the idiom to match the context of your sentence. For example, change “keep a stiff upper lip” to “kept a stiff upper lip” when talking about a past event.
Audience Awareness: Be mindful of your audience. Some idioms may not be universally understood, especially by non-native speakers.

Common Mistakes When Using Idioms

Misusing idioms can lead to confusion or miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Literal Interpretation: Avoid interpreting idioms literally. Remember that idioms have a figurative meaning.
Incorrect Word Order: Do not change the word order of an idiom. This can alter the meaning or make the idiom nonsensical.
Using the Wrong Idiom: Ensure you choose an idiom that accurately reflects the meaning you intend to convey.
Overusing Idioms: While idioms can add color to your language, overusing them can make your communication sound unnatural or forced.
Ignoring Context: Use idioms in appropriate contexts. An idiom that works in one situation may not be suitable in another.

Practice Exercises: Idioms for Strong

Test your understanding of idioms for “strong” with the following exercises:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences with the appropriate idiom from the list below:

Despite the challenges, she continued to __________.
The negotiator had to __________ to close the deal.
The company managed to __________ of the economic recession.

Idiom Choices:

Weather the storm
Think on his feet
Stand tall

Answers:

Despite the challenges, she continued to stand tall.
The negotiator had to think on his feet to close the deal.
The company managed to weather the storm of the economic recession.

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom in the following sentences:

He has nerves of steel. What does this idiom mean?
1. He is very nervous.
2. He is extremely brave and composed.
3. He is insensitive to criticism.
They decided to band together. What does this idiom mean?
1. They decided to play music together.
2. They decided to travel together.
3. They decided to unite as a group for a common purpose.

Answers:

He has nerves of steel. What does this idiom mean?
1. He is very nervous.
2. He is extremely brave and composed.
3. He is insensitive to criticism.
They decided to band together. What does this idiom mean?
1. They decided to play music together.
2. They decided to travel together.
3. They decided to unite as a group for a common purpose.

Exercise 3: Correct the Mistake

Identify and correct the mistake in the following sentences:

She has a high skin. She has a high skin. She has a thick skin.
Two heads are better than three. Two heads are better than three. Two heads are better than one.

Advanced Topics: Nuances in Idiom Usage

Mastering idioms involves understanding their subtle nuances and variations. Here are some advanced topics to consider:

Regional Variations: Some idioms may have regional variations in meaning or usage. Be aware of these differences when communicating with people from different regions.
Historical Context: Understanding the historical context of an idiom can provide deeper insight into its meaning and usage.
Connotations: Idioms can carry different connotations depending on the context. Pay attention to the emotional tone and implications of the idiom.
Combining Idioms: While it’s generally best to avoid overusing idioms, skilled speakers can sometimes combine idioms creatively to add emphasis or humor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an idiom and a proverb?

An idiom is a phrase whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements, while a proverb is a short, popular saying that expresses a common truth or belief.

How can I improve my understanding of idioms?

Read widely, listen to native speakers, and practice using idioms in your own communication. Use online resources and language learning apps to expand your idiom vocabulary.

Are idioms used in formal writing?

While idioms are more common in informal speech, they can be used sparingly in formal writing to add emphasis or color, but it’s important to ensure they are appropriate for the audience and context.

Is it okay to mix idioms from different languages?

No, it is generally not advisable to mix idioms from different languages, as this can lead to confusion or miscommunication. Each language has its own unique set of idioms with specific meanings and cultural contexts.

Conclusion: Idioms for Strong

Mastering idioms for “strong” can significantly enhance your English language skills, allowing you to express yourself with greater precision and impact. By understanding the definitions, usage rules, and common mistakes associated with these idioms, you can effectively incorporate them into your communication.

Continue practicing and expanding your idiom vocabulary to become a more fluent and confident English speaker. Remember that consistent effort and exposure to the language are key to mastering the nuances of idiom usage.

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