Idioms/Plants

Idioms based on plants and the vegetable world. Select an idiom for more details. Also try Plants Idioms Quiz.

bark up the wrong tree INFORMAL

If you're barking up the wrong tree, you're looking for something in the wrong place or going about something in the wrong way.

beat around the bush | beat about the bush

If you beat around the bush, or beat about the bush, you don't say something directly, usually because you don't want to upset the person you're talking to.

can't see the wood for the trees British English

If you can't see the wood for the trees, you can't see the whole situation clearly because you're looking too closely at small details, or because you're too closely involved.

Everything's coming up roses.

you can say "everything's coming up roses" if everything is turning out very well for someone or for something.

fresh as a daisy

If you feel as fresh as a daisy, you feel energetic and lively.

go out on a limb

If you go out on a limb, you put yourself in a risky position in order to support someone or something.

make hay while the sun shines

If you make hay while the sun shines, you make good use of the chance to do something while it lasts.

nip it in the bud

If you nip something in the bud, you stop a problem from becoming serious by dealing with it as soon as you notice it.

the cream of the crop

If something or someone is in the cream of the crop, they are among the best of a class of things or people.

up a gum tree Australian English

If you're up a gum tree, you're in trouble or have a serious problem.
Also try Plants Idioms Quiz.

Contributor: Matt Errey