Thanksgiving is a special time to celebrate gratitude, family, and togetherness. Using idioms can make your messages and conversations more lively and memorable.
This article explains over 60 popular idioms about Thanksgiving with their meanings, example sentences, and easy alternatives. Each idiom is numbered, includes practical usage, and offers other ways to say it, helping you express yourself naturally during the holiday season.
Why Learn Idioms about Thanksgiving ?
Idioms are an essential part of any language, adding color and depth to communication. Thanksgiving idioms specifically help you:
- Express gratitude in creative ways
- Understand holiday-themed conversations
- Connect with American culture and traditions
- Make your writing more engaging and authentic
- Participate more confidently in holiday gatherings
Let’s dive into these festive expressions!
Food-Related Thanksgiving Idioms
1. Talk Turkey
Meaning: To discuss something seriously or get down to business; to speak frankly about important matters.
In a Sentence:
- After the small talk, it was time to talk turkey about the family’s holiday plans.
- The business partners decided to talk turkey about the merger before Thanksgiving dinner.
Other Ways to Say:
- Get down to brass tacks
- Speak plainly
2. Cold Turkey
Meaning: To stop doing something abruptly and completely, without gradual reduction.
In a Sentence:
- After years of unhealthy eating, he quit junk food cold turkey right before Thanksgiving.
- She decided to give up social media cold turkey to focus on family time during the holidays.
Other Ways to Say:
- Stop suddenly
- Quit completely
3. A Piece of Cake
Meaning: Something that is very easy to do or accomplish.
In a Sentence:
- Cooking the Thanksgiving turkey was a piece of cake with my grandmother’s recipe.
- After years of practice, making pumpkin pie became a piece of cake for her.
Other Ways to Say:
- Easy as pie
- A walk in the park
4. The Icing on the Cake
Meaning: An additional benefit or positive aspect that makes something already good even better.
In a Sentence:
- The family reunion was wonderful, and my cousin’s surprise visit was the icing on the cake.
- Having everyone together for Thanksgiving was great, but the homemade desserts were the icing on the cake.
Other Ways to Say:
- The cherry on top
- An added bonus
5. Bring Home the Bacon
Meaning: To earn money for one’s family; to achieve success or win something.
In a Sentence:
- My father worked hard all year to bring home the bacon for our Thanksgiving feast.
- She brought home the bacon by winning the cooking competition just before the holiday.
Other Ways to Say:
- Earn a living
- Make money
6. Have Your Cake and Eat It Too
Meaning: To want to enjoy two desirable but mutually exclusive things; to have everything both ways.
In a Sentence:
- You can’t have your cake and eat it too—either host Thanksgiving or travel for the holiday.
- He wanted to have his cake and eat it too by attending two Thanksgiving dinners in one day.
Other Ways to Say:
- Want it all
- Have the best of both worlds
7. Like Taking Candy from a Baby
Meaning: Extremely easy to do; requiring no effort at all.
In a Sentence:
- Getting my nephew to help set the Thanksgiving table was like taking candy from a baby—he loves helping.
- Winning the family game night was like taking candy from a baby since I had practiced.
Other Ways to Say:
- Very simple
- Effortless
8. Spill the Beans
Meaning: To reveal a secret or disclose information that was meant to be kept private.
In a Sentence:
- My sister accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise Thanksgiving guest.
- Don’t spill the beans about the special dessert we’re preparing for dinner.
Other Ways to Say:
- Let the cat out of the bag
- Reveal a secret
9. In a Nutshell
Meaning: In a few words; briefly; to summarize something concisely.
In a Sentence:
- In a nutshell, Thanksgiving is about expressing gratitude for our blessings.
- The history of the holiday, in a nutshell, involves Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a feast.
Other Ways to Say:
- To put it briefly
- In summary
10. Full of Beans
Meaning: Full of energy and enthusiasm; lively and spirited.
In a Sentence:
- The children were full of beans on Thanksgiving morning, excited about the family gathering.
- My grandmother is 85 but still full of beans, especially during the holidays.
Other Ways to Say:
- Energetic
- Full of life
Gratitude and Blessing Idioms
11. Count Your Blessings
Meaning: To be grateful for the good things in your life; to focus on positive aspects.
In a Sentence:
- During Thanksgiving dinner, we take time to count our blessings as a family.
- Instead of complaining about what you don’t have, count your blessings.
Other Ways to Say:
- Be thankful
- Appreciate what you have
12. Blessing in Disguise
Meaning: Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good; a hidden advantage.
In a Sentence:
- Missing my flight turned out to be a blessing in disguise because I got to spend Thanksgiving with my family.
- The cancelled restaurant reservation was a blessing in disguise—our home-cooked meal was better.
Other Ways to Say:
- A silver lining
- A fortunate misfortune
13. Thank One’s Lucky Stars
Meaning: To be grateful for good fortune; to feel thankful for avoiding something bad.
In a Sentence:
- We thanked our lucky stars that everyone made it safely to Thanksgiving dinner despite the storm.
- You should thank your lucky stars you have such a loving family to celebrate with.
Other Ways to Say:
- Count oneself fortunate
- Be grateful for good luck
14. A Heart of Gold
Meaning: A kind and generous nature; someone who is genuinely good-hearted.
In a Sentence:
- My aunt has a heart of gold—she always invites everyone to her Thanksgiving table.
- Volunteers at the soup kitchen serving Thanksgiving meals truly have hearts of gold.
Other Ways to Say:
- Kind-hearted
- Generous spirit
15. Give Thanks
Meaning: To express gratitude; to show appreciation for blessings and kindness.
In a Sentence:
- We gather every Thanksgiving to give thanks for our health and happiness.
- It’s important to give thanks not just during holidays but every day.
Other Ways to Say:
- Show gratitude
- Express appreciation
Family and Togetherness Idioms
16. Blood is Thicker than Water
Meaning: Family relationships are stronger and more important than other relationships.
In a Sentence:
- Despite our differences, blood is thicker than water, so we always gather for Thanksgiving.
- The saying “blood is thicker than water” reminds us why family time matters during the holidays.
Other Ways to Say:
- Family comes first
- Family bonds are strongest
17. Like Two Peas in a Pod
Meaning: Very similar; almost identical in appearance, behavior, or thinking.
In a Sentence:
- My twin cousins are like two peas in a pod, always wearing matching outfits to Thanksgiving dinner.
- Those siblings are like two peas in a pod—they even order the same dishes.
Other Ways to Say:
- Very alike
- Identical
18. Home is Where the Heart Is
Meaning: One’s true home is wherever they feel most loved and comfortable, regardless of location.
In a Sentence:
- No matter where we travel, home is where the heart is, which is why Thanksgiving at grandma’s is special.
- For many people, home is where the heart is—surrounded by family during the holidays.
Other Ways to Say:
- Home means family
- True home is with loved ones
19. The More, the Merrier
Meaning: The more people who participate, the more enjoyable an event will be.
In a Sentence:
- We invited our neighbors to Thanksgiving dinner because the more, the merrier.
- When planning holiday celebrations, remember that the more, the merrier.
Other Ways to Say:
- Everyone’s welcome
- Bigger is better
20. A Chip Off the Old Block
Meaning: Someone who closely resembles their parent in appearance, behavior, or character.
In a Sentence:
- Little Tommy is a chip off the old block—he cooks just like his father during Thanksgiving.
- She’s definitely a chip off the old block, sharing her mother’s love for hosting holiday gatherings.
Other Ways to Say:
- Just like their parent
- Following in footsteps
21. Flesh and Blood
Meaning: A close relative; family members connected by birth.
In a Sentence:
- How could I not invite my own flesh and blood to Thanksgiving dinner?
- They’re your flesh and blood, so be patient with them during the holiday gathering.
Other Ways to Say:
- Family members
- Close relatives
22. Nest Egg
Meaning: A sum of money saved for the future; savings set aside for emergencies or retirement.
In a Sentence:
- They used part of their nest egg to host a grand Thanksgiving celebration for the entire family.
- Building a nest egg helps ensure you can afford holiday gatherings in the future.
Other Ways to Say:
- Savings
- Rainy day fund
Harvest and Abundance Idioms
23. Reap What You Sow
Meaning: To experience the consequences of one’s actions; to get what you deserve based on what you’ve done.
In a Sentence:
- The farmer’s hard work paid off at harvest time—you reap what you sow.
- If you plant seeds of kindness, you’ll reap what you sow at Thanksgiving and beyond.
Other Ways to Say:
- Get what you deserve
- Face the consequences
24. A Bumper Crop
Meaning: An unusually abundant harvest; a large yield or production.
In a Sentence:
- This year’s vegetable garden produced a bumper crop, perfect for Thanksgiving recipes.
- The farmer celebrated a bumper crop, ensuring plenty of fresh produce for the holiday market.
Other Ways to Say:
- Abundant harvest
- Large yield
25. Make Hay While the Sun Shines
Meaning: To take advantage of favorable conditions; to act while the opportunity is available.
In a Sentence:
- The farmers made hay while the sun shines, finishing their harvest before Thanksgiving.
- We should make hay while the sun shines and prepare everything before the guests arrive.
Other Ways to Say:
- Seize the opportunity
- Strike while the iron is hot
26. Bear Fruit
Meaning: To produce positive results; to yield success after effort.
In a Sentence:
- Years of family traditions finally bore fruit when everyone attended Thanksgiving dinner.
- The community garden project bore fruit just in time for the holiday harvest festival.
Other Ways to Say:
- Produce results
- Yield success
27. Low-Hanging Fruit
Meaning: The easiest tasks or opportunities; things that require minimal effort to achieve.
In a Sentence:
- Setting the Thanksgiving table is low-hanging fruit—let’s tackle the cooking next.
- Buying pre-made desserts is the low-hanging fruit if you’re short on preparation time.
Other Ways to Say:
- Easy tasks
- Simple opportunities
28. The Cream of the Crop
Meaning: The best of a group; the highest quality or most excellent.
In a Sentence:
- My grandmother’s stuffing recipe is the cream of the crop among all Thanksgiving dishes.
- These locally grown turkeys are the cream of the crop for holiday dinners.
Other Ways to Say:
- The best
- Top quality
Weather and Season Idioms
29. Under the Weather
Meaning: Feeling ill or sick; not in good health.
In a Sentence:
- Unfortunately, my uncle felt under the weather and couldn’t make it to Thanksgiving dinner.
- If you’re feeling under the weather, it’s best to rest before the holiday festivities.
Other Ways to Say:
- Feeling sick
- Not well
30. Weather the Storm
Meaning: To survive a difficult situation; to endure hardship until things improve.
In a Sentence:
- Our family weathered the storm of a challenging year and still gathered for Thanksgiving.
- Despite financial difficulties, they weathered the storm and hosted a beautiful holiday dinner.
Other Ways to Say:
- Survive difficulties
- Endure hardship
31. A Breath of Fresh Air
Meaning: Something refreshingly new or different; a welcome change.
In a Sentence:
- Having my college friends at Thanksgiving was a breath of fresh air from usual family dinners.
- The new Thanksgiving tradition we started was a breath of fresh air for everyone.
Other Ways to Say:
- A welcome change
- Something refreshing
32. Come Rain or Shine
Meaning: No matter what happens; regardless of circumstances or difficulties.
In a Sentence:
- Our family gathers for Thanksgiving, come rain or shine.
- Come rain or shine, the annual Turkey Trot race takes place every Thanksgiving morning.
Other Ways to Say:
- No matter what
- Regardless of conditions
33. Snowed Under
Meaning: Overwhelmed with work or responsibilities; having too much to do.
In a Sentence:
- I’m snowed under with Thanksgiving preparations and need help with the cooking.
- The restaurant was snowed under with reservation requests for Thanksgiving dinner.
Other Ways to Say:
- Overwhelmed
- Buried in work
Cooking and Preparation Idioms
34. Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth
Meaning: When too many people are involved in a task, it can be ruined; too much help can be harmful.
In a Sentence:
- Let’s divide the cooking tasks because too many cooks spoil the broth on Thanksgiving.
- We had a kitchen disaster when too many cooks spoiled the broth trying to help with dinner.
Other Ways to Say:
- Too much help is harmful
- Too many helpers
35. Out of the Frying Pan into the Fire
Meaning: Going from a bad situation to an even worse one.
In a Sentence:
- I left the chaotic store only to get stuck in traffic—out of the frying pan into the fire on Thanksgiving Eve.
- Switching from one stressful cooking task to another felt like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.
Other Ways to Say:
- From bad to worse
- Worse situation
36. A Recipe for Disaster
Meaning: A situation or combination of factors that will likely lead to failure or problems.
In a Sentence:
- Hosting 30 people without planning is a recipe for disaster on Thanksgiving.
- Mixing inexperienced cooks with complicated recipes is a recipe for disaster.
Other Ways to Say:
- Headed for trouble
- Bound to fail
37. Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
Meaning: To take on more responsibility than you can handle; to be overly ambitious.
In a Sentence:
- I bit off more than I could chew by volunteering to cook the entire Thanksgiving meal alone.
- Don’t bite off more than you can chew—ask for help with holiday preparations.
Other Ways to Say:
- Take on too much
- Overcommit
38. Stir the Pot
Meaning: To cause trouble or make a situation more tense; to instigate conflict.
In a Sentence:
- Uncle Jerry always stirs the pot by bringing up politics at Thanksgiving dinner.
- Try not to stir the pot during family gatherings by mentioning sensitive topics.
Other Ways to Say:
- Cause trouble
- Instigate conflict
39. Half-Baked
Meaning: Not fully thought through; incomplete or poorly planned.
In a Sentence:
- Their half-baked Thanksgiving plan left everyone confused about timing and dishes.
- Don’t show up with a half-baked dish—make sure it’s fully cooked and ready.
Other Ways to Say:
- Poorly planned
- Incomplete
40. In Hot Water
Meaning: In trouble; facing difficulties or criticism.
In a Sentence:
- I was in hot water when I forgot to thaw the Thanksgiving turkey.
- He found himself in hot water after accidentally ruining the pumpkin pie.
Other Ways to Say:
- In trouble
- Facing difficulties
Time and Tradition Idioms
41. Time Flies
Meaning: Time passes very quickly; periods seem to go by faster than expected.
In a Sentence:
- Time flies when you’re enjoying Thanksgiving with family—the day goes by so fast.
- Time flies, and suddenly it’s Thanksgiving again before we know it.
Other Ways to Say:
- Time passes quickly
- Time goes fast
42. Once in a Blue Moon
Meaning: Very rarely; almost never; happening infrequently.
In a Sentence:
- We only see our distant relatives once in a blue moon, usually at Thanksgiving.
- She makes her famous cranberry sauce once in a blue moon, so we savor it at the holiday.
Other Ways to Say:
- Rarely
- Very seldom
43. Year In, Year Out
Meaning: Continuously; every year without exception; repeatedly over time.
In a Sentence:
- Year in, year out, our family follows the same Thanksgiving traditions.
- The local charity serves Thanksgiving meals to those in need, year in, year out.
Other Ways to Say:
- Every year
- Consistently
44. Turn Over a New Leaf
Meaning: To make a fresh start; to change one’s behavior for the better.
In a Sentence:
- After Thanksgiving, many people turn over a new leaf with healthier eating habits.
- This holiday season, I’m turning over a new leaf and being more grateful.
Other Ways to Say:
- Start fresh
- Make a change
45. The Calm Before the Storm
Meaning: A peaceful period just before a busy or chaotic time.
In a Sentence:
- Thanksgiving morning is the calm before the storm of cooking and hosting.
- Enjoy the calm before the storm—once relatives arrive, it’ll be chaos.
Other Ways to Say:
- Quiet before busy time
- Peace before chaos
46. Better Late Than Never
Meaning: It’s better for something to happen late than not at all.
In a Sentence:
- My brother arrived two hours late for Thanksgiving dinner, but better late than never.
- If you can’t contribute to the meal preparation, better late than never to help with cleanup.
Other Ways to Say:
- Late but acceptable
- Still worthwhile
Celebration and Joy Idioms
47. Paint the Town Red
Meaning: To go out and celebrate enthusiastically; to party and have a great time.
In a Sentence:
- After the big Thanksgiving meal, the young adults went out to paint the town red.
- On Thanksgiving Eve, many people paint the town red at local bars and restaurants.
Other Ways to Say:
- Celebrate wildly
- Party hard
48. Have a Ball
Meaning: To enjoy oneself immensely; to have a wonderful time.
In a Sentence:
- The children had a ball playing games after Thanksgiving dinner.
- We always have a ball at our annual Thanksgiving gathering.
Other Ways to Say:
- Have great fun
- Enjoy yourself
49. In High Spirits
Meaning: Very happy and cheerful; in an excellent mood.
In a Sentence:
- Everyone was in high spirits during our Thanksgiving celebration.
- The successful harvest left the farmers in high spirits for the holiday.
Other Ways to Say:
- Very happy
- Cheerful
50. On Cloud Nine
Meaning: Extremely happy; in a state of bliss or great joy.
In a Sentence:
- She was on cloud nine after receiving compliments on her Thanksgiving cooking.
- The family was on cloud nine having everyone together for the first time in years.
Other Ways to Say:
- Extremely happy
- Overjoyed
51. A Whale of a Time
Meaning: An extremely enjoyable experience; a wonderful time.
In a Sentence:
- We had a whale of a time at the Thanksgiving parade downtown.
- Everyone had a whale of a time at our unconventional potluck Thanksgiving.
Other Ways to Say:
- Great time
- Wonderful experience
52. Living It Up
Meaning: Enjoying life to the fullest; celebrating extravagantly.
In a Sentence:
- During Thanksgiving week, the tourists were living it up in the city.
- We’re living it up this Thanksgiving with an elaborate feast and decorations.
Other Ways to Say:
- Enjoying life
- Celebrating fully
Conflict and Resolution Idioms
53. Bury the Hatchet
Meaning: To make peace; to end a disagreement or conflict.
In a Sentence:
- Thanksgiving is the perfect time to bury the hatchet with estranged family members.
- The siblings finally buried the hatchet and enjoyed dinner together.
Other Ways to Say:
- Make peace
- End a feud
54. Clear the Air
Meaning: To resolve a misunderstanding; to discuss issues openly to improve relations.
In a Sentence:
- Before Thanksgiving dinner, we cleared the air about last year’s argument.
- It’s important to clear the air before family gatherings to avoid tension.
Other Ways to Say:
- Resolve issues
- Address misunderstandings
55. Smooth Things Over
Meaning: To make a situation better; to reduce tension or resolve a problem diplomatically.
In a Sentence:
- Mom tried to smooth things over when my aunts started arguing at Thanksgiving.
- A sincere apology can help smooth things over before the holiday meal.
Other Ways to Say:
- Resolve conflict
- Make peace
56. Walk on Eggshells
Meaning: To be very cautious about one’s words or actions to avoid upsetting someone.
In a Sentence:
- We had to walk on eggshells around Grandpa during Thanksgiving to avoid controversial topics.
- Nobody wanted to walk on eggshells, so we established ground rules for dinner conversation.
Other Ways to Say:
- Be very careful
- Act cautiously
Food Preparation and Serving Idioms
57. The Proof is in the Pudding
Meaning: The true value or quality of something can only be judged by testing it or seeing results.
In a Sentence:
- She claimed her new turkey recipe was amazing, but the proof is in the pudding.
- We’ll see if the new Thanksgiving traditions work—the proof is in the pudding.
Other Ways to Say:
- Results will tell
- Time will tell
58. Eat Humble Pie
Meaning: To admit one’s mistake and apologize; to accept humiliation.
In a Sentence:
- After criticizing the cook, he had to eat humble pie when his own dish burned.
- I had to eat humble pie when my “improved” cranberry sauce turned out terrible.
Other Ways to Say:
- Admit you’re wrong.
- Apologize humbly
59. Go Whole Hog
Meaning: To do something completely or enthusiastically; to commit fully.
In a Sentence:
- They went whole hog with Thanksgiving decorations, covering every inch of the house.
- If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, you might as well go whole hog and make it memorable.
Other Ways to Say:
- Do it fully
- Go all out
60. Egg on Your Face
Meaning: To be embarrassed by a mistake; to look foolish.
In a Sentence:
- I had egg on my face when I served the turkey completely raw.
- He had egg on his face after bragging about his cooking skills before the disaster.
Other Ways to Say:
- Be embarrassed
- Look foolish
61. Take with a Grain of Salt
Meaning: To view something with skepticism; not to take information too seriously.
In a Sentence:
- Take Uncle Bob’s Thanksgiving stories with a grain of salt—he tends to exaggerate.
- When reading recipe reviews online, take extreme opinions with a grain of salt.
Other Ways to Say:
- Be skeptical
- Don’t believe completely
62. Spice Things Up
Meaning: To make something more interesting or exciting; to add variety.
In a Sentence:
- We decided to spice things up this Thanksgiving by trying international dishes.
- Adding new games and activities can spice things up at traditional holiday gatherings.
Other Ways to Say:
- Make more interesting
- Add excitement
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common Thanksgiving idioms in English?
Common ones include “count your blessings,” “bring home the bacon,” and “eat like a horse,” which express gratitude and celebration.
What are the popular Thanksgiving idioms and phrases?
Idioms and phrases like “full plate,” “feast your eyes,” and “bite off more than you can chew” are often used during Thanksgiving.
What do Thanksgiving idioms mean?
Each idiom has a simple meaning; for example, “count your blessings” means to appreciate what you have, and “bring home the bacon” means to earn for your family.
Where can I find a Thanksgiving idioms worksheet?
Worksheets with idioms, meanings, and example sentences are available online for learning and classroom activities.
What are some funny Thanksgiving idioms?
Funny idioms include “talk turkey” (seriously discuss something) and “turkey trot” (move quickly), which add humor to the holiday.
What are popular Turkey idioms?
Common turkey idioms are “cold turkey” (quit abruptly) and “lame duck turkey” (someone or something ineffective), often used in a lighthearted way.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving idioms add fun and meaning to your conversations and writing. Using them helps you express gratitude naturally while memorably connecting with family and friends. Start including these idioms in your messages today.
Explore all the idioms shared here and try them in your holiday posts, speeches, or casual talks. Practicing them will make your communication lively and relatable. Don’t wait; bring these idioms to your Thanksgiving celebrations and impress everyone around you.
