Idioms about Age
Ever felt like you’re “past your prime” or just a “kid in a candy store”? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! Age is a curious thing, and English idioms have a hilarious way of capturing its ups and downs. So grab your “golden years” and dive into this playful exploration of how language reflects the ever-changing landscape of life.
act one’s age
Meaning: to behave in a way that is appropriate for a particular age
age before beauty
Meaning: A phrase said to allow older people to go before younger ones. Now most often used humorously or lightheartedly, and usually said by a younger person to an older friend or relative out of mock pity for being so much older and unattractive.
age out of something
Meaning: The phrase age out of something means to reach an age at which one is no longer eligible for the system of care designed to provide services, such as education or protection, for people below a certain age level.
come of age
Meaning: The phrase come of age means to reach adulthood.
coon’s age
Meaning: The idiom a coon’s age refers to a very long period of time.
dog’s age
Meaning: The idiom dog’s age refers to a long period of time.
feel your age
Meaning: The phrase feel your age means to realize that you are growing old.
get on in years
Meaning: advanced in age.
golden age
Meaning: Period of prosperity.
I wasn’t born yesterday
Meaning: If you say you ‘I wasn’t born yesterday’ you mean that you are not stupid enough to believe anything said to you.
in a coon’s age
Meaning: The phrase in a coon’s age means in a very long time.
in this day and age
Meaning: In the present.
leave the nest
Meaning: The phrase leave the nest means to move from one’s parents’ home. Such a move is mainly motivated by a desire for independence.
life begins at 40
Meaning: The phrase life begins at 40 means that when one reaches the age of forty, life becomes better, maybe because one has the skills, experiences, and means necessary for an enjoyable life.
long in the tooth
Meaning: very old.; Getting on in years
of a certain age
Meaning: no longer young; Said about people who are not young.
of advanced age
Meaning: The phrase of advanced age or advanced years describes someone as old.
of age
Meaning: Old enough to be considered an adult.
on in years
Meaning: Old; advanced in age.
over the hill
Meaning: too old to perform as well as before.
put years on
Meaning: If something puts years on somebody, it makes them look or feel much older.
Ripe old age
Meaning: Very old age.
tender age
Meaning: A young age.
under age
Meaning: The phrase under age means to be too young to be eligible for something.
young at hear
Meaning: To be young at heart means to have a youthful spirit in spite of being old.