Idioms/Music

Idioms based on music and song. Select an idiom for more details. Also try Music Idioms Quiz.

a jam session

If musicians play in a jam session, they play whatever they feel like playing in an informal setting.

blow your own horn | blow your own trumpet

If you blow your own horn, or blow your own trumpet, you proudly boast about your own talents and successes.

change your tune

If you change your tune, you change your opinion about something or your attitude towards someone.

face the music

If someone has to face the music, they have to accept the consequences of doing something wrong.

for a song

If you buy or sell something for a song, you buy or sell it at a very cheap price.

make a song and dance about something British English

If you make a song and dance about something, you make a big deal out of, or a fuss over, something that isn't very important.

music to your ears

If something is music to your ears, it's just what you want to hear.

play it by ear

If you play it by ear, you don't plan ahead but you do whatever seems best at the time depending on the situation.

pull out all the stops

If you pull out all the stops, you do everything you can to make sure something is successful.

ring a bell INFORMAL

If something rings a bell, it sounds familiar or you think you've heard it before.
Also try Music Idioms Quiz.

Contributor: Matt Errey