I share collection of 20 idioms involving the color brown, each with a clear meaning and concise example. Brown idioms offer a unique way to express complex thoughts and emotions.
These idioms range from common phrases like “brown as a berry,” signifying a deep tan, to the more contemplative “brown study,” representing deep thought. You’ll also find humorous idioms and those combining brown with blue to depict different moods and situations.
These idioms are array of idiomatic expressions that enrich the English language, making communication more engaging. Whether you’re a student, a writer, or just a language enthusiast, these idioms will help you convey ideas with more color and flair.
List of 20 idioms for brown
- Brown as a berry
- Brown study
- Brown-nose
- In a brown wrapper
- Brown off
- Brownie points
- Browned off
- Take the brown
- Brown-nose to the gills
- Brown as a nut
- Talk to a brown wall
- Brown off to a tee
- In the brown soup
- Brown as a mouse
- Brown sugar
- Brown and out
- Between the brown and blue
- Feeling brown and blue
- Brown or blue sky thinking
- Brown and blue Monday
Best Idioms for Brown
Brown as a berry
Meaning: Deeply tanned.
Example: After a month at the beach, I came back brown as a berry.
Brown study
Meaning: Deep contemplation.
Example: He was in a brown study, pondering life’s mysteries.
Brown-nose
Meaning: To flatter someone.
Example: He tried to brown-nose the boss by praising her every decision.
In a brown wrapper
Meaning: Secretive or plain.
Example: The gift was delivered in a brown wrapper, hiding its contents.
Brown off
Meaning: To annoy or irritate.
Example: She was browned off by the constant delays.
Brownie points
Meaning: Earned favor.
Example: He earned brownie points by volunteering for extra duties.
Browned off
Meaning: Frustrated or bored.
Example: The team was browned off after the third meeting of the day.
Take the brown
Meaning: Accept blame or responsibility.
Example: He decided to take the brown for the team’s failure.
Brown-nose to the gills
Meaning: Excessive flattery.
Example: He was brown-nosed to the gills trying to get a promotion.
Brown as a nut
Meaning: Perfectly tanned.
Example: After summer, she was as brown as a nut.
Talk to a brown wall
Meaning: Speak without being heard.
Example: Talking to him is like talking to a brown wall.
Brown off to a tee
Meaning: Irritated completely.
Example: The delays browned off the customers to a tee.
Funny Idioms for Brown
In the brown soup
Meaning: In trouble.
Example: After missing the deadline, he was in the brown soup.
Brown as a mouse
Meaning: Unremarkable or plain.
Example: The car was as brown as a mouse, blending into the background.
Brown sugar
Meaning: Sweet person.
Example: She’s such brown sugar, always helping others.
Brown and out
Meaning: Exhausted.
Example: After the marathon, he was brown and out.
Idioms for Brown and Blue
Between the brown and blue
Meaning: Indecisive or unsure.
Example: He’s between the brown and blue about taking the new job.
Feeling brown and blue
Meaning: Sad and gloomy.
Example: After hearing the news, she was feeling brown and blue.
Brown or blue sky thinking
Meaning: Unconventional thinking.
Example: We need some brown or blue sky thinking to solve this issue.
Brown and blue Monday
Meaning: A dull, sad day.
Example: It was a brown and blue Monday after the long weekend.
What are common brown idioms in English?
Common brown idioms include “brown as a berry,” meaning deeply tanned, and “brown study,” which signifies deep contemplation. These expressions are widely used in everyday language to convey specific meanings and are particularly useful for adding color to your conversations.
How do brown idioms add humor to language?
Brown idioms like “in the brown soup,” meaning in trouble, and “brown as a mouse,” indicating something unremarkable, bring humor by using vivid imagery and playful language. They make the conversation light-hearted and engaging, often drawing a smile from the listener.
Can brown idioms be combined with other colors?
Yes, idioms such as “feeling brown and blue,” which describes a sad and gloomy mood, combine brown with other colors to enrich meaning and create more nuanced expressions. This combination allows for more descriptive language and can convey complex emotions effectively.
