外に出かけるのが気持ちいい季節になった今日この頃。休日には山でハイキングをしたり、川で遊んだり、アウトドアを楽しんでいる人も多いのではないでしょうか。

そんなアウトドア派の皆さんに、今回ご紹介したいのは自然にまつわる単語を使った英語イディオム。 例えば、「In hot water」（直訳：熱い水の中）も実は立派なイディオムだったりします。

ぜひ情景をイメージしながら、本記事で出てくるイディオムを覚えてみてくださいね。

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For most of us, life has been quite different over the past few months. Many people have been going outdoors more than usual to enjoy activities while social distancing. Others have been stuck inside, just dreaming of going to a park or a beach.

Whatever you’ve been doing lately, the outside world has probably been on your mind in one way or another.

On that note, let’s have a look at some idioms that have been inspired by nature!

Common Nature Idioms
1. Out of the woods

→ Out of difficulties, danger, or trouble

My daughter was really sick, but she seems much better today. I think we’re finally out of the woods.

2. To offer/extend an olive branch

→ To say or do something to show that you want to end a disagreement

I’m tired of arguing with my neighbour about their barking dog; I want to offer an olive branch. Maybe I’ll bring them some cookies.

3. A needle in a haystack

→ Something that’s almost impossible to find because it’s hidden among other things

I lost my car keys somewhere in my house. It’s such a mess that it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack!

4. To beat around the bush

→ To avoid answering a question or speaking directly

If you want to ask your boss for a raise, stop beating around the bush—just ask!

5. To have a green thumb

→ To have a natural talent for growing plants

Wow, your vegetable garden looks amazing! You obviously have a green thumb.

6. To hit the hay

→ To go to bed

Sorry, I’m too tired to join you for a drink after work. I just want to go home and hit the hay.

7. Over the moon

→ Extremely happy

My brother got a fantastic new job. He’s over the moon!

8. To go with the flow

→ To relax and accept a situation rather than try to fight it

I wanted to go to the beach this weekend but everyone else wanted to go hiking. I guess I’ll just go with the flow!

9. To hear (something) through the grapevine

→ To get information about something through gossip

She heard through the grapevine that her teacher had gotten fired for stealing.

10. A bed of roses

→ An easy or comfortable situation

Marriage isn’t always a bed of roses; it takes hard work!

11. A breath of fresh air

→ A refreshing, pleasant change from the typical situation

After being in quarantine for so long, gathering with friends will be a breath of fresh air!

12. In hot water

→ To be in a difficult situation where you’re likely to get punished

The president is in hot water for the comments he made at the press conference.

13. To make a mountain out of a molehill

→ To make a minor difficulty seem like a serious problem

You only failed one small test; it’s not that important. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill!

Conclusion

These are some of the idioms about nature that we like best. Which ones are your favourites?

引用：13 Idioms About Nature / Andrea Byaruhanga