shoulder idioms list
Let’s look at some popular body idioms that contain the word ‘shoulder’.
- a shoulder to cry on
meaning – a sympathetic person who listens to your problems
example – I needed a shoulder to cry on, but he was only interested in going out with his friends. - a weight off one’s shoulders
meaning – a problem you don’t need to worry about anymore
example – I’ve finally paid off my student loan. It’s a weight off my shoulders. - carry the weight of the world on one’s shoulders
meaning – behave as though you have lots of worries/problems
example – I feel like I am carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. - give someone the cold shoulder
meaning – ignore someone/be unfriendly on purpose
example – The girlfriend is giving me the cold shoulder. I must have done something wrong. - have a chip on one’s shoulder
meaning – a person with an angry attitude who feels they have been wronged by the world
example – Jamie has had a chip on his shoulder ever since he didn’t get that promotion. - head and shoulders above
meaning – superior, better than
example – We won 7-0, we were head and shoulders above the other team. - look over one’s shoulder
meaning – be afraid that someone might do something bad to you
example – You’d better keep looking over your shoulder, one of these days I’m going to get you. - old head on young shoulders
meaning – a young person who acts/speaks like an older person
example – I trust Calum not to drink and drive, he’s an old head on young shoulders. - rub shoulders with someone
meaning – spend time with someone important or famous
example – We went to the Oscars! We rubbed shoulders with Hollywood’s rich and famous.
shoulder idioms list with pictures
Here’s some real life picture examples.
You can download a table of ‘shoulder’ idioms and expressions below.
If you’ve enjoyed this page, don’t forget to check out some more body idioms by clicking on the links below.
