Idioms and figurative language are a common part of everyday communication, but they don’t always mean what they say literally. Therefore they can be difficult to understand, particularly from an autistic perspective where language may be interpreted more directly.
On this page I will be bringing together a range of idioms explored through short stories, reflections, and examples. Each piece will look at how an idiom might first be understood literally, and how its intended meaning becomes clearer through storytelling, context and explanation.
In times to come, you'll be able to explore individual idioms, read collections of stories, and find related content that focuses on how language may be experienced and interpreted in real situations.
In the meantime, if you wish, you can start with a collection of short idiom stories below:
→ Idiom stories pageIf you're interested I've included links to 2 videos, where I explore how idioms, like
"A piece of cake" and
"Walking on eggshells" can be better understood through everyday experiences.
→ A piece of cake→ Walking on eggshells
Idioms that can reflect everyday decisions, challenges, and the need to interpret what's really being said.
→ Between a Rock and a Hard Place
→ Read Between the Lines
→ Safety In NumbersIdioms that can reflect everyday decisions, challenges, and the need to interpret what's really being said.
→ Not Being Left Out In the Cold
→ Safety In NumbersIdioms inspired by weather and changing seasons, and can often be used to describe timing, mood, and change.
→ Saving For a Rainy Day
→ Make Hay While The Sun Shines
→ In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
AutumnFeel free to explore more on a colourful autumn journey with more idioms that capture the spirit of the season. Each link contains 5 short idiom stories based on certain idioms below.
Part 1 -
In the Nick of Time; Reap What You Sow; Under the Weather; Getting Cold Feet; Put it to Bed.
Part 2 -
As Right as Rain; Put on a Brave Face; Hit the Hay; A Bright Spark; Turning Over a New Leaf.
Part 3 - A Blaze of Glory; Harvest the Fruits of Your Labour; A Ghost of a Chance; A Nip in the Air; Lost in the Fog.
Winter→ Stories of Connection and Understanding
Interested in winter and festive idioms? Then why not check out my Christmas idioms explained through short stories below. Each link contains 5 short stories inspired by the season of Christmas, as seen through my perspective on the autism spectrum.
→ Part 1: Christmas Has Come Early; Christmas Comes But Once a Year; Light Up Like a Christmas Tree; Bells Are Ringing; Deck the Halls.→ Part 2: Peace on Earth; Silent Night; Goodwill Towards Men; Make Your Peace; Calm Before the Storm.
→ Part 3: Like a Kid in a Candy Store; Music to One’s Ears; On Cloud Nine; Clara’s Christmas Cheer; Happy Camper
→ Part 4: Don’t Leave One Out in the Cold; All the Trimmings; Good Things Come in Small Packages; The Proof in the Pudding; The Life and Soul of the Party. These Stories feature autistic characters and the power of being included. Spring → In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb→ A Spring In Your Step
