As yet another fabulous series of Strictly Comes Dancing nears its conclusion (I’m a bit of a fan, in case you were wondering) it seems apt to focus on dancing idioms for the next post in my series.
So, without further ado, put on your dancing shoes and let’s get on with the show…
Hitting the dance floor
All-singing, all-dancing = full of verve and vitality; with many features or attributes
Burn up the dance floor = dance a lot
Dance attendance on someone = do one’s utmost to please someone by obeying their every wish or whim
Dance on air = be very happy; euphoric
Dance to someone’s tune = comply completely with someone’s demands and wishes
Dance up a storm = do something with lots of energy
Dance with death = attempt something that’s very risky
Dancing in the streets = be extremely happy about something that’s happened
Lead someone a merry dance = mislead someone; cause someone a great deal of worry
Make a song and dance out of something = make something seem more important than it really is, so that everyone notices it
Tap dance like mad = get out of a sticky situation; act fast to distract someone
You can’t dance at two weddings = you can’t do two things at once
Footloose!
Catch someone flat-footed = take someone by surprise
Drag one’s feet/heels = be deliberately slow or reluctant to act
Fall/land on one’s feet = achieve a fortunate outcome from a difficult situation
Follow/tread in someone’s footsteps = do as another person did before
Footloose and fancy-free = without any commitments or responsibilities
Get off on the wrong foot = make a bad start to a project or relationship
Have two left feet = be clumsy or awkward, especially when dancing
Have feet of clay = have a fatal flaw in an otherwise admirable character
Have/keep ones feet on the ground = be/remain practical and sensible
Keep someone on their toes = keep someone on the alert
Light on one’s feet = be nimble or quick
Put a foot wrong = make any mistake while performing an action
Put one’s best foot forward = embark on a journey or task with purpose and gusto
Sweep somebody off their feet = cause someone to fall suddenly and completely in love with you
Think on one’s feet = be quick-witted
Tread/step on someone’s toes = offend someone, usually by encroaching on them
Miscellaneous dancing idioms
Be out of step = not as up to date as someone/something
Get into a groove = get used to a routine
Get your groove on = enjoy yourself by dancing
Give it a whirl = give it a try
It takes two to tango = more than one person is involved or at fault
Step out of line = behave inappropriately or disobediently
Strut one’s stuff = display one’s ability
I hope you’ve enjoyed this collection of dancing idioms and have learnt one or two new ones. If I’ve missed out your favourite, do please let me know in the comments below.
(Glitter ball image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono via Freedigitalphotos.net)
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