Ever think about how many idioms come from articles of clothing? Probably not, but you have likely used many of them.
At the drop of a hat – without delay or good reason
Feather in one’s cap – something someone can be proud of
That’s old hat – old fashioned; outdated
Take your hat off to someone – praise them for something
Put on your thinking cap – think seriously about something; use your brain
Hot under the collar – angry
Give someone the shirt off your back – give someone anything they need
Off the cuff – without preparation
Wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve – clearly show emotions
Ride one’s coattails – to have one’s success dependent on that of someone else
Trick up one’s sleeve – a secret method to use when you need it
Roll up your sleeves – get to work
Lose one’s shirt – to lose all your money
To hit below the belt – to say something unfair or uncalled for to someone
Tighten one’s belt – spend less money
Bursting at the seams – full to overflowing; very crowded
Fall apart at the seams – be in a state of decline
Buckle down – get serious; get to work
Line your own pockets – make money in a dishonest way
Money burns a hole in my pocket – I spend everything I have
Keep it zipped – keep quiet; don’t admit anything or tell anything
Caught with your pants down – something happens that someone isn’t prepared for that embarrasses them
Fly by the seat of your pants – use your instincts to tell you what to do in an unfamiliar situation
To wear the pants – to be the boss
To have ants in your pants – to be restless or anxious
Fits like a glove – fits perfectly
Handle with kid gloves – be very careful with
Put a sock in it – tell someone to be quiet
Walk in someone else’s shoes – have someone else’s life and problems for a while
Birthday suit – nudity
Dirty laundry – embarrassing things in one’s life
Cut from the same cloth – alike
Wolf in sheep’s clothing – a person or thing that appears harmless, but is really hostile
If the shoe fits – something that is said or thought about someone is true, and they should accept it
Get along on a shoestring – get by with very little money
Quake in one’s boots – be very nervous or afraid
Knock one’s socks off – strongly impress someone
