Creative Inspiration: 15 Popular Phrases

There are popular phrases we have heard through the years, whether or not we choose to use them ourselves. I am referring to clever little comments that say a lot in just a few words. They're known as idioms.

Idioms are unique phrases that don’t mean exactly what they are saying, if you were to look at the meaning behind each of their individual parts. But, they create a picture, concept, or idea when those words come together to create a meaning all their own.

Idioms, with their unique phrasing, seem to be an ideal way to spark creative inspiration. Here’s a list of 15 phrases to play with. See what ideas arise, and what you might create around one or more of them. And please share whatever you develop.

Many of these may be familiar to you. Others may be less common in our world today.

Sayings idioms

1. You are What You Eat

2. It’s in the Bag

3. There's a Method to My Madness

4. Variety is the Spice of Life

5. A Blessing in Disguise

6. A Picture Paints a Thousand Words

7. Actions Speak Louder than Words

8. Back to Square One

9. He's Got a Chip on His Shoulder

10. A Flash in the Pan

11. Getting Off on the Wrong Foot

12. On Pins and Needles

13. Running Out of Steam

14. The Rule of Thumb

15. Starting From Scratch