The Language of Summer: 15 Expressions to Light Up Your Vocabulary
- Zoe Ford
- Jul 26
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 30
As the golden rays of the sun stretch across the horizon and daylight lingers into the evening, summer unveils a treasure trove of outdoor delights eagerly awaited during the colder months. From sun-soaked beach days to smoky barbecues to thrilling holiday adventures, this vibrant season is synonymous with happiness and excitement.
To help you capture the essence of summer, we’ve compiled a list of 15 summer idioms and expressions that perfectly describe the joys, adventures, and quirks of summertime. Get ready to immerse yourself in the language of sunshine and expand your English vocabulary with these memorable expressions!
Summer Expressions
Summer idioms are expressions that capture the essence of the season’s activities and atmosphere, reflecting the unique experiences and opportunities that summer brings. Let’s explore some idioms that you can use to describe your summer adventures.
1. To Make Hay While the Sun Shines
Meaning: To take advantage of favourable conditions while they last.
Example: “We have a week of sunny weather ahead, so let’s make hay while the sun shines and get the garden sorted."
In summer, opportunities for outdoor activities increase, so it's wise to make the most of the good weather while it lasts.
It’s an ancient expression and can be traced back to medieval English farmers who needed days of sunshine to cut and dry their hay.
2. Come Rain or Shine
Meaning: Regardless of the weather or circumstances.
Example: "The summer fair will take place on Saturday, come rain or shine."
This idiom emphasises commitment and determination, highlighting the unpredictable nature of British summer weather.
3. To Swim Against the Tide
Meaning: To go against the popular or accepted opinion or tendency.
Example: "While everyone else is heading to the beach, she’s swimming against the tide and planning a mountain hike."
If you swim against the tide, you do or say the opposite of what most people are doing or saying. The term originates from sailing and literally means to go in the opposite direction to the flow of the water.
4. It’s Like a Sauna in Here
Meaning: It’s very hot and humid.
Example: "Can we open a window? It’s like a sauna in here!"
Describing those sweltering summer days when the heat feels almost unbearable.
5. In the Heat of the Moment
Meaning: Acting impulsively due to strong emotions often without stopping to think.
Example: "He didn’t mean what he said, it was just in the heat of the moment."
Summer can be a time of intense emotions, whether from excitement or frustration. If something is said or decided in the heat of the moment, it’s likely to be led by emotions and often regretted afterwards.
6. Catch Some Rays / Soak Up the Sun
Meaning: To spend time in the sun.
Example: "I’m heading to the park to catch some rays this afternoon."
A quintessential summer activity, enjoying the sun is something many look forward to.
In English, a sun ray is how we describe the beam of light from the sun that shines through a cloud.
The expression became popular in the 20th century and can be used to describe a range of activities that include spending time absorbing the sunshine and has a similar meaning to sunbathing.
Despite the literal image the term creates, there is no need to run around with a net trying to catch sun rays!!
Describing People
Summer often brings out different sides of people, from relaxed attitudes to sunny dispositions. Here are some idioms and expressions that describe people’s characteristics and behaviours during this lively season.
7. A Fair-Weather Friend
Meaning: Someone who is only around during good times.
Example: "He’s a fair-weather friend who disappears when things get tough."
Summer often reveals who your true friends are, as some people only stick around for the fun times.
The expression can also describe someone who is only supportive when it’s easy or convenient for them.
8. To Take a Shine to Someone
Meaning: To develop a liking or affection for someone.
Example: "She immediately took a shine to her new neighbour."
Summer gatherings and social events are perfect for meeting new people and forming new connections.
Sometimes we meet people who we develop an instant rapport with even though we’ve only known them for a short time. Summer provides plenty of social occasions and we tend to spend more time outside at this time of year, certainly in the UK!
9. As cool as a Cucumber
Meaning: Very calm and composed.
Example: "Even during the chaotic picnic, she remained as cool as a cucumber."
Some people handle the summer heat and activity with impressive calmness and ease.
Although this expression is a bit dated now, it’s still one of the most well-known idioms.
10. A Ray of Sunshine
Meaning: Someone who brings happiness and positivity to others.
Example: "Her cheerful attitude makes her a real ray of sunshine in the office."
This expression is perfect for describing those who brighten up your day, much like the summer sun.
People like this make the world a better place. When you spend time with them, they boost your energy with their infectious positivity and enthusiasm for life.
11. A Beach Bum
Meaning: Someone who spends a lot of time at the beach, often with little ambition or purpose.
Example: "After retiring, he became a total beach bum, spending every day by the sea doing nothing."
This term affectionately describes those who love to relax by the ocean, embodying the laid-back spirit of summer.
Weather Vocabulary
British summer weather can be famously unpredictable, ranging from scorching heat to sudden rain showers. Here are some key vocabulary words to describe various weather conditions you might encounter.
12. An Indian Summer
Meaning: A period of unusually warm weather in the autumn.
Example: "We’re having an Indian summer this year; it’s so warm for October!"
This phrase captures the unexpected but delightful extension of summer warmth into the autumn. Its origins are unclear and it’s not an official term although it became popular in the early 19th century.
The Met Office Meteorological Glossary first published in 1916, defines it as 'a warm, calm spell of weather occurring in autumn, especially in October and November.'
13. Muggy
Meaning: Warm and humid, often in an uncomfortable way.
Example: "The weather’s so muggy today, it feels like a storm is coming."
This word perfectly captures those sticky, uncomfortable days of summer when the air feels heavy.
It’s the kind of weather that makes you long for air conditioning, especially when you’re commuting on a sweaty train or trying and failing to sleep at night!
14. Parched
Meaning: Very dry or thirsty.
Example: "After the long hike, we were all feeling parched and ready for a cold drink."
Whether describing dry land or a desperate need for water, "parched" is a handy summer term.
If a native speaker tells you that they’re parched, a suggestion of a cold beer will likely follow, particularly after a long day in the office on a hot summer day.
15. Scorching / Sweltering
Meaning: Extremely hot.
Example: "It’s scorching outside; let’s stay in the shade and drink plenty of water."
These words convey the intense heat that can make summer days both challenging and exhilarating.
Ahh, the British summer!
The only reliable thing about the weather is that it will be unreliable. One moment it’s sunny, the next it’s pouring with rain. But that’s part of the charm, isn’t it?
As we wrap up our journey through the vibrant language of summer, we hope you’ve enjoyed exploring these sunny idioms and expressions. Whether you are chatting with friends or writing a holiday postcard (or text message!), integrating these summer phrases will enhance your English. Remember, applying new vocabulary in real-life situations is one of the most effective ways to learn and retain it.
Embrace the Summer and all its opportunities
So, as you soak up the sun and let the good times roll, remember to sprinkle your conversations with these vibrant summer idioms. Happy learning, and may your English journey be as warm and delightful as a perfect summer’s day!
Summer Idioms Quiz: Test Your Sunshine Vocabulary!
How well did you soak up the summer idioms? Let’s find out! Match the idiom to its correct meaning:
To Make Hay While the Sun Shines
To go against the popular opinion
To take advantage of favourable conditions
To spend time in the sun
Come Rain or Shine
Regardless of circumstances
Acting impulsively due to strong emotions
Someone who is only around during good times
A Ray of Sunshine
Very calm and composed
Someone who brings happiness to others
Warm and humid weather
As Cool as a Cucumber
To develop a liking for someone
Extremely hot
Very calm and composed
A Beach Bum
Someone who loves spending time at the beach
A period of unusually warm autumn weather
To go against the flow
Answers:
b) To take advantage of favourable conditions
a) Regardless of circumstances
b) Someone who brings happiness to others
c) Very calm and composed
a) Someone who loves spending time at the beach
Please share
If you've enjoyed what you read, please help us grow the Ford Learning community by sharing with your friends on social media, WhatsApp, email, or whatever method you prefer. Thank you.
Copy this link to whichever platform you prefer: https://www.ford-learning.co.uk/post/the-language-of-summer-15-expressions-to-light-up-your-vocabulary
Subscribe
We would love you to subscribe to our blog and newsletter.
Your Author: Zoe Ford
Zoe is a CELTA-qualified EFL teacher and Ex-Director of Studies at a prestigious private language school in London. She has been teaching English to adults for over 10 years and has helped hundreds of students to reach their learning goals.
When Zoe isn't teaching, you can find her experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Most of the time, they work out well-ish. She also loves sport, travelling, reading and sharing her passion for learning with others.
