Life is full of expressions that capture our experiences, challenges, and journeys. I share 20 idioms about life, each with its meaning and example.
From “life is a bowl of cherries,” symbolizing the joy of living, to “breathe one’s last,” reflecting the end of life, these idioms offer insights into personal growth, overcoming challenges, and the unpredictable nature of existence.
These idioms are categorized into best idioms, short idioms, deep idioms, positive idioms, and idioms about life and death. Each idiom reflects a different aspect of life, providing a rich, varied perspective on our shared human experience.
List Of 20 Idioms For Life
- Life is a bowl of cherries
- Live and learn
- Life is what you make it
- Life is but a dream
- Seize the day
- Life goes on
- Easy come, easy go
- Time flies
- Life is a journey
- Life is fragile
- Life is an open book
- Life is a puzzle
- Light at the end of the tunnel
- Blessing in disguise
- Every cloud has a silver lining
- Best of both worlds
- At death’s door
- Cheating death
- On one’s last legs
- Breathe one’s last
Best Idioms for Life
1. Life is a bowl of cherries
Meaning: Life is good.
Example: With good friends and family, life is a bowl of cherries.

2. Live and learn
Meaning: Learn from experiences.
Example: I made a mistake at work, but you live and learn.
3. Life is what you make it
Meaning: Create your own destiny.
Example: Despite challenges, life is what you make it.
4. Life is but a dream
Meaning: Life is surreal.
Example: Traveling the world felt like life is but a dream.
Short Idioms for Life
5. Seize the day
Meaning: Take the opportunity.
Example: I decided to seize the day and start my own business.
6. Life goes on
Meaning: Life continues despite challenges.
Example: After the setback, I reminded myself that life goes on.
7. Easy come, easy go
Meaning: Easy gains are easily lost.
Example: I lost the bonus quickly; easy come, easy go.
8. Time flies
Meaning: Time passes quickly.
Example: Watching my children grow, I realize time flies.
Deep Idioms for Life
9. Life is a journey
Meaning: Life is an ongoing experience.
Example: Every step taught me that life is a journey.
10. Life is fragile
Meaning: Life is delicate.
Example: The sudden news reminded me that life is fragile.
11. Life is an open book
Meaning: Life is transparent.
Example: With honesty, my life is an open book.

12. Life is a puzzle
Meaning: Life is complex.
Example: Finding my path felt like solving a puzzle; life is a puzzle.
Positive Idioms for Life Journey
13. Light at the end of the tunnel
Meaning: Hope after difficulty.
Example: After months of hard work, I saw light at the end of the tunnel.
14. Blessing in disguise
Meaning: Good outcome from a bad situation.
Example: Losing my job was a blessing in disguise; it led to a better opportunity.
15. Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: Positive aspect in negative situations.
Example: Despite the setback, I believed every cloud has a silver lining.
16. Best of both worlds
Meaning: All the advantages.
Example: Working from home gave me the best of both worlds.

Idioms for Life and Death
17. At death’s door
Meaning: Near death.
Example: After the accident, he was at death’s door but survived.
18. Cheating death
Meaning: Avoiding death narrowly.
Example: Surviving the storm felt like cheating death.
19. On one’s last legs
Meaning: Near the end of life.
Example: The old car was on its last legs.
20. Breathe one’s last
Meaning: To die.
Example: The soldier bravely breathed his last on the battlefield.
These idioms reflect various aspects of life, emphasizing personal growth, challenges, and the journey from birth to death.
What are some idioms that reflect the unpredictability of life?
Idioms like “life is a box of chocolates” and “life is but a dream” capture life’s surprises and surreal moments. They remind us that each day brings new experiences and uncertainties.
How do idioms convey the journey of life?
Idioms examples such as “life is a journey” and “light at the end of the tunnel” illustrate life’s progression and the hope that follows challenges. These expressions highlight personal growth and resilience.
Which idioms emphasize the delicate nature of life?
Idioms like “life is fragile” and “at death’s door” underscore life’s vulnerability. They remind us to cherish each moment and the transient nature of existence.
How do you describe “life is good” with idioms?
Idioms such as “life is a bowl of cherries” and “best of both worlds” convey the joy and satisfaction that life can bring. They reflect the positive aspects and blessings found in our daily lives.