Talking about health often feels repetitive when you rely on the same simple words. That’s why idioms can make such a difference—adding variety, energy, and personality to the way you speak. With idioms for healthy, you’ll discover expressions that capture vitality, balance, and well-being more vividly. This article will guide you through some of the most useful idioms and show you how to use them naturally in daily conversations.
Best for Healthy
1. Fit as a Fiddle
Meaning: In excellent physical health and condition.
In a Sentence:
She’s fit as a fiddle after months of training.
He’s fit as a fiddle, running marathons at 60.
Other Ways to Say: In top shape, Healthy as a horse, Physically fit
2. Clean Bill of Health
Meaning: Official confirmation of good health or no issues.
In a Sentence:
The doctor gave her a clean bill of health.
After the checkup, he received a clean bill of health.
Other Ways to Say: All clear, Healthy status, No health issues
3. In the Pink
Meaning: In very good health, often with a rosy complexion.
In a Sentence:
She’s in the pink after her new diet.
He’s in the pink, full of energy and health.
Other Ways to Say: In great health, Feeling great, Vibrantly healthy
4. Under the Weather
Meaning: Feeling unwell or not in good health.
In a Sentence:
She’s under the weather with a bad cold.
He felt under the weather after the long trip.
Other Ways to Say: Feeling off, Not well, Out of sorts
5. An Apple a Day
Meaning: Short for “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” promoting healthy habits.
In a Sentence:
An apple a day keeps her feeling healthy.
He swears by an apple a day for good health.
Other Ways to Say: Healthy diet, Preventive care, Eat well
6. On the Mend
Meaning: Recovering or improving in health after illness.
In a Sentence:
She’s on the mend after the flu.
He’s on the mend, regaining his healthy glow.
Other Ways to Say: Getting better, Recovering, Healing up
7. In Good Shape
Meaning: In excellent physical or mental condition.
In a Sentence:
He’s in good shape from regular workouts.
Her healthy lifestyle keeps her in good shape.
Other Ways to Say: Fit, Healthy, In top form
8. A Picture of Health
Meaning: Appearing very healthy and vibrant.
In a Sentence:
She’s a picture of health with her active lifestyle.
He looks like a picture of health after his recovery.
Other Ways to Say: Radiantly healthy, Healthy glow, Vibrant
9. Green Around the Gills
Meaning: Looking sick or pale, often due to nausea.
In a Sentence:
He was green around the gills after the rough flight.
She looked green around the gills from the bad food.
Other Ways to Say: Pale and sick, Unwell, Queasy
10. Bitter Pill to Swallow
Meaning: A difficult or unpleasant health truth to accept.
In a Sentence:
The diagnosis was a bitter pill to swallow.
Quitting sugar was a bitter pill to swallow for health.
Other Ways to Say: Hard truth, Tough to accept, Painful reality
11. Health Is Wealth
Meaning: Good health is as valuable as or more than money.
In a Sentence:
She believes health is wealth, prioritizing fitness.
Health is wealth, so he invests in wellness.
Other Ways to Say: Wellness is riches, Health over wealth, Vitality matters
12. On One’s Last Legs
Meaning: In very poor health or near the end of life.
In a Sentence:
He felt on his last legs before the surgery.
The old dog is on its last legs but still loved.
Other Ways to Say: Near the end, Failing health, Barely hanging on
13. Right as Rain
Meaning: In perfect health or condition after recovery.
In a Sentence:
She’s right as rain after a week of rest.
He’s right as rain, back to his healthy self.
Other Ways to Say: Fully recovered, In great shape, All better
14. Under the Knife
Meaning: Undergoing surgery, often for health reasons.
In a Sentence:
He’s going under the knife to fix his knee.
She was under the knife for a health procedure.
Other Ways to Say: In surgery, Having an operation, Getting fixed
15. Frog in One’s Throat
Meaning: A hoarse or scratchy voice, often due to minor illness.
In a Sentence:
She had a frog in her throat during the speech.
He’s got a frog in his throat from the cold.
Other Ways to Say: Hoarse voice, Scratchy throat, Voice trouble
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16. Like Death Warmed Up
Meaning: Looking or feeling very ill or unhealthy.
In a Sentence:
She looked like death warmed up with the flu.
He felt like death warmed up after the bad night.
Other Ways to Say: Terribly sick, Awful condition, Unwell
17. Break a Sweat
Meaning: To exert physical effort, often for health or fitness.
In a Sentence:
She breaks a sweat every morning for health.
He loves to break a sweat at the gym daily.
Other Ways to Say: Work out, Get active, Exercise hard
18. Cast-Iron Stomach
Meaning: The ability to eat anything without health issues.
In a Sentence:
He has a cast-iron stomach, and eats spicy food easily.
Her cast-iron stomach handles any cuisine.
Other Ways to Say: Strong stomach, Iron gut, Resilient digestion
19. Catch a Chill
Meaning: To become slightly ill, often from cold exposure.
In a Sentence:
She caught a chill after walking in the rain.
He caught a chill, feeling under the weather.
Other Ways to Say: Get a cold, Feel chilly, Catch a bug
20. Full of Beans
Meaning: Energetic and lively, often implying good health.
In a Sentence:
She’s full of beans, running around all day.
He’s full of beans, showing his healthy energy.
Other Ways to Say: Full of energy, Lively, Bursting with vitality
21. Get Cold Feet
Meaning: To become nervous or hesitant, sometimes affecting mental health.
In a Sentence:
She got cold feet before the big health checkup.
He got cold feet about the new fitness plan.
Other Ways to Say: Get nervous, Back out, Feel anxious
22. Have One Foot in the Grave
Meaning: To be in very poor health or near death.
In a Sentence:
He felt like he had one foot in the grave before treatment.
She’s not healthy, like she has one foot in the grave.
Other Ways to Say: Near death, Failing health, On its last legs
23. Hit the Hay
Meaning: To go to bed, often for rest and health.
In a Sentence:
She hit the hay early to stay healthy.
He’s hitting the hay to recover his health.
Other Ways to Say: Go to bed, Get some rest, Catch some Z’s
24. Just What the Doctor Ordered
Meaning: Exactly what’s needed for health or well-being.
In a Sentence:
A vacation was just what the doctor ordered for her health.
This healthy meal is just what the doctor ordered.
Other Ways to Say: Perfect remedy, Exactly needed, Health boost
25. Hale and Hearty
Meaning: In robust and vigorous health.
In a Sentence:
He’s hale and hearty, even in his 70s.
She’s hale and hearty, thanks to her healthy lifestyle.
Other Ways to Say: Strong and healthy, Fit as a fiddle, Vibrantly well
26. In Fine Fettle
Meaning: In excellent physical or mental condition.
In a Sentence:
She’s in fine fettle after her yoga retreat.
He’s in fine fettle, ready for the marathon.
Other Ways to Say: In great shape, Top condition, Healthy and strong
27. Bounce Back
Meaning: To recover quickly from illness or setback.
In a Sentence:
She bounced back from the cold in no time.
He’s bouncing back, regaining his healthy glow.
Other Ways to Say: Recover fast, Spring back, Get better
28. Healthy as a Horse
Meaning: Extremely healthy and strong.
In a Sentence:
He’s healthy as a horse, never missing a workout.
She’s healthy as a horse with her active lifestyle.
Other Ways to Say: Fit as a fiddle, In great shape, Robust
29. Kick the Bucket
Meaning: To die, often implying poor health beforehand.
In a Sentence:
He was sick for years before he kicked the bucket.
She’s not ready to kick the bucket, staying healthy.
Other Ways to Say: Pass away, Meet one’s end, Depart
30. At Death’s Door
Meaning: Extremely ill or close to death.
In a Sentence:
He was at death’s door before the surgery saved him.
She looked at death’s door during her bad illness.
Other Ways to Say: Near death, Critically ill, On last legs
31. Fighting Fit
Meaning: In excellent physical condition, ready for action.
In a Sentence:
She’s fighting fit after months of training.
He’s fighting fit, full of healthy energy.
Other Ways to Say: In top shape, Physically ready, Super fit
32. Run Down
Meaning: Feeling tired or in poor health due to overwork or stress.
In a Sentence:
She’s feeling run down after the long week.
He’s run down, needing a health break.
Other Ways to Say: Exhausted, Worn out, Drained
33. In Tip-Top Shape
Meaning: In excellent health or condition.
In a Sentence:
He’s in tip-top shape for the competition.
Her healthy diet keeps her in tip-top shape.
Other Ways to Say: In great form, Top condition, Perfectly healthy
34. Sick as a Dog
Meaning: Very ill or feeling extremely unwell.
In a Sentence:
She was sick as a dog with the stomach flu.
He felt sick as a dog after eating bad food.
Other Ways to Say: Terribly ill, Really sick, Down and out
35. Back on Your Feet
Meaning: Recovered and healthy again after illness.
In a Sentence:
She’s back on her feet after the surgery.
He’s back on his feet, feeling healthy again.
Other Ways to Say: Recovered, Up and about, Healthy again
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36. Out of Sorts
Meaning: Feeling slightly unwell or not at one’s best.
In a Sentence:
She’s out of sorts with a mild cold.
He’s feeling out of sorts, not his healthy self.
Other Ways to Say: Under the weather, Not quite right, Off form
37. Keep in Shape
Meaning: To maintain good physical health through effort.
In a Sentence:
She keeps in shape with daily yoga.
He keeps in shape to stay healthy and strong.
Other Ways to Say: Stay fit, Maintain health, Keep active
38. A New Lease on Life
Meaning: A fresh start or renewed health and energy.
In a Sentence:
The surgery gave him a new lease on life.
She got a new lease on life with her healthy habits.
Other Ways to Say: Fresh start, Renewed vigor, Health revival
39. In the Prime of Life
Meaning: At the peak of health and vitality.
In a Sentence:
She’s in the prime of life, full of energy.
He’s in the prime of life, staying healthy.
Other Ways to Say: At one’s peak, Vibrantly healthy, In top form
40. Feeling on Top of the World
Meaning: Feeling extremely healthy, happy, or energetic.
In a Sentence:
She’s feeling on top of the world after her run.
He’s on top of the world, perfectly healthy.
Other Ways to Say: Great health, Full of energy, Vibrant
41. As Fit as a Butcher’s Dog
Meaning: Extremely healthy and well-fed, like a pampered dog.
In a Sentence:
He’s as fit as a butcher’s dog from his workouts.
She’s as fit as a butcher’s dog, always healthy.
Other Ways to Say: Super fit, In great shape, Robustly healthy
42. Over the Hump
Meaning: Past the worst part of an illness or challenge.
In a Sentence:
She’s over the hump and feeling healthier now.
He’s over the hump after his tough recovery.
Other Ways to Say: Past the worst, On the mend, Recovering well
43. Take a Turn for the Worse
Meaning: To experience a decline in health or condition.
In a Sentence:
Her health took a turn for the worse last week.
He took a turn for the worse after the infection.
Other Ways to Say: Get worse, Decline, Deteriorate
44. Alive and Kicking
Meaning: Very healthy, energetic, or active.
In a Sentence:
She’s alive and kicking after her morning jog.
He’s alive and kicking, full of healthy energy.
Other Ways to Say: Full of life, Vibrant, Energetic
45. Recharge Your Batteries
Meaning: To rest or recover to restore health and energy.
In a Sentence:
She recharged her batteries with a healthy nap.
He’s recharging his batteries for better health.
Other Ways to Say: Rest up, Regain energy, Refresh
46. In Poor Health
Meaning: Suffering from bad health or illness.
In a Sentence:
He’s in poor health after neglecting his diet.
She’s been in poor health since the accident.
Other Ways to Say: Unwell, Sickly, Not healthy
47. Fit Like a Glove
Meaning: In perfect health or condition, fitting well.
In a Sentence:
She’s fit like a glove after her training.
His healthy routine keeps him fit like a glove.
Other Ways to Say: Perfectly fit, In great shape, Tailored health
48. Burn the Candle at Both Ends
Meaning: To overwork oneself, harming health.
In a Sentence:
She’s burning the candle at both ends, risking her health.
He burned the candle at both ends and felt unhealthy.
Other Ways to Say: Overdo it, Exhaust oneself, Push too hard
49. Get a Second Wind
Meaning: To regain energy or health after feeling tired.
In a Sentence:
She got a second wind and felt healthy again.
He got a second wind during his healthy workout.
Other Ways to Say: Renewed energy, Bounce back, Regain strength
50. Sound as a Bell
Meaning: In excellent health or perfect condition.
In a Sentence:
He’s as sound as a bell after his checkup.
She’s as sound as a bell, thriving in her healthy life.
Other Ways to Say: In great health, Perfectly fit, Robustly well
Exercise to Practice – Idioms for Healthy
- After a week of being bedridden with the flu, she is finally _________________________ and feeling much better.
- My grandfather is 90 years old, but he’s still as _________________________ as ever, walking every morning.
- She looked so pale and weak that I thought she was going to be sick; she was completely _________________________.
- After the annual physical exam, my doctor said I was _________________________ and had nothing to worry about.
- A good night’s sleep was _________________________ after a long and stressful week.
- He’s training for a marathon and is in _________________________ for the race.
- She had been feeling run down, but a weekend trip to the mountains helped her _________________________.
- My new puppy is full of energy; he’s _________________________ all day long.
- She was a bit _________________________ yesterday, but a little rest has her feeling better today.
- The news of his promotion gave him _________________________ and a renewed sense of purpose.
Answer Key
- on the mend
- hale and hearty
- green around the gills
- fit as a fiddle
- just what the doctor ordered
- tip-top shape
- recharge her batteries
- full of beans
- under the weather
- a new lease on life
Conclusion
Finding fresh ways to talk about wellness doesn’t have to be difficult—idioms can make your language more lively and relatable. By using idioms for healthy, you bring energy and personality into conversations about well-being, food, and lifestyle. Start practicing these expressions today, and let your words reflect the vibrant, healthy life you want to share.
Danny Weber is a language enthusiast and freelance writer with a passion for unpacking the beauty of idioms and metaphors. Through years of research and creative exploration, Danny helps readers understand the deeper meanings behind familiar phrases—making figurative language feel accessible, engaging, and alive. Whether he’s decoding classic sayings or crafting new twists on old expressions, Danny’s work invites you to see language with fresh eyes.
