Colorful Illustrations That Literally Explain the Meanings of Idioms Used In the English Language

Hold Your Horses

Artist and animator Roisin Hahessy has created a colorful series of illustrations that visually and literally explain common English idioms that are probably seem a bit puzzling to those who are learning the language.

Having recently moved to Brazil, learning a new language and also teaching English, has made me think more about the English language. When I stopped to think about some English idioms and their literal meaning, I found some of them very funny and thought it would be a nice idea to pick a few of the most common idioms and illustrate them.

A Piece of Cake

Blue in the Face

Bob's Your Uncle

Dead as a Doornail

Storm in a Teacup

images via Roisin Hahessy

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.