3/19/23, 11:54 AM 8 common idioms inspired by science - ABC Education

8 common idioms inspired by science

ABC Education

Posted Mon 13 Aug 2018 at 8:42am

DNA. (Pixabay CC)

Take a look at eight common idioms we use in our daily life that are inspired by science.

1. It's not rocket science

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3/19/23, 11:54 AM 8 common idioms inspired by science - ABC Education

A rocket takes off. (Unsplash CC: SpaceX)

When someone says that something is not rocket science, it means it's not difficult. In other
words, it's easy to do or understand. This idiom is probably inspired by the study of rocket
science which isn't exactly easy.

"Have you solved that math problem? It's not rocket science you know."

"Just watch and learn the steps. This isn't rocket science."

2. To be on the same wavelength

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Waves. (Pixabay CC)

In science, a wavelength is the distance between two waves of energy. But the expression to be
on the same wavelength has a different meaning. This idiom is used when people think in a
similar way and understand each other well.

"It's good when everyone's on the same wavelength. We can move forward
with the plans."

3. Push one's buttons

When it comes to machines, there are lots of buttons you need to push to switch devices on and
off. To push one's buttons means to deliberately provoke someone.

"Even though I had briefed them clearly, they did not follow the instructions.
They really know how to push my buttons."

If someone is getting annoyed with you, they may say it directly to you:

"Don't push my buttons!"

4. To pull the plug

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Pulling a plug. (Pixabay CC)

To pull the plug means to stop or prevent something from happening.

"The company had to shut down because the investor pulled the plug."

5. A cog in the machine

Spinning gears. (Pixabay CC)

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A cog in the machine is an idiom. It is used to talk about people who feels like they are
insignificant in a large organisation.

"He felt like he was a cog in the machine so he quit his job and decided to do
something different."

6. Once in a blue moon

The moon in the sky. (Pixabay CC)

Once in a blue moon is used to talk about something that happens very infrequently. Just like a
blue moon which is not an everyday occurrence.

"We meet once in a blue moon so we have lots to catch up on when we meet."

7. To blow a fuse

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A fused lightbulb. (Pixabay CC)

To blow a fuse can mean to become very angry and lose one's temper.

"If the kids spend all their pocket money without saving, their parents will
blow a fuse."

8. To reinvent the wheel

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Spinning wheel. (Pexels CC)

To reinvent the wheel can mean to waste time by trying to create something that's already been
done.

"Don't bother reinventing the wheel with that issue. The other team has
already solved the problem."

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Posted Mon 13 Aug 2018 at 8:42am

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