15 English expressions for Spring

Are you filled with the joys of spring?

Learn English expressions for Spring

[Last updated on 03/05/2023]

In spring, the weather starts to warm up, the days get longer, and flowers and trees begin to bloom. Spring is often associated with new beginnings, growth, and renewal. It is the season that comes after winter, and the spring months in the Northern Hemisphere are March, April and May. Let’s look at some idioms and wonderful English expressions for Spring. 

Our 15 English expressions for spring include the meaning and examples. These are great for describing the fresh start to the year. However, most of these idioms and expressions are not limited to speaking about spring and can be used to describe events or changes at other times too. So, great news! You have lots of opportunities to practise using English expressions for spring throughout the year!

full of the joys of spring

Meaning
to feel happy and joyful, similar to how people tend to feel in the springtime.

Examples
After a long, dreary winter, I’m full of the joys of spring now that the sun is shining and the flowers are blooming.

Despite the early morning hour, the birds were chirping and the air was fresh, making me feel full of the joys of spring.

Seeing her grandchildren playing in the park, the old woman felt filled with the joys of spring and had a renewed sense of energy.

busy as a bee / a busy bee

Meaning
to be very busy and active, similar to how bees are busy pollinating flowers in the spring.

Examples
My grandfather is always busy as a bee, tending to his garden, taking care of his grandchildren and meeting friends.

In spring, my wife is as busy as a bee because of all the new clients and special offers at work.

He’s a busy bee working on the farm, because they need to get the soil ready and prepare to plant the new vegetables.

to start anew

Meaning
to begin again or to make a fresh start, similar to how nature begins again in the spring.

Examples
With the arrival of spring, it’s a great opportunity to start anew and begin a new exercise routine.

After a long winter, it’s time to start anew and plant some fresh flowers in the garden.

Spring is the perfect time to start anew and set fresh goals for yourself.

spring fever

Meaning
a feeling of restlessness after winter and excitement for the new season.

Examples
After a long, cold winter, some people experience spring fever and have a sudden burst of energy and enthusiasm.

I always get spring fever around this time of year, and start planning the outdoor activities I want to do once the weather gets nicer.

Although I love winter sports, by the end of March I usually have a serious case of spring fever and can’t wait to start hiking and biking instead.

to shake off the winter blues

Meaning
to overcome the feeling of being down or depressed during the winter months, and to feel more upbeat and positive in the spring.

Examples
Starting a new hobby in spring, such as painting or gardening, can help you shake off the winter blues and add a fresh change to your routine.

Now that spring is here, it’s time to shake off the winter blues and enjoy the sunshine!

Going for a walk in the countryside in spring can help you shake off the winter blues.

English expressions for Spring

spring cleaning

Meaning
refers to the act of deep cleaning and decluttering your home in preparation for the new season.

Examples
Every year, as the weather starts to warm up, my mum goes into full spring cleaning mode and spends a weekend scrubbing, dusting, and organising the house.

Even though I don’t enjoy spring cleaning, I try to get into the spirit of spring by putting on some music and thinking about the warmer weather to come.

My wife likes to make a checklist of all the spring cleaning tasks she wants us to tackle, from washing the windows to deep-cleaning the kitchen.

to turn (over) a new leaf

Meaning
to make a fresh start or to change one’s ways, similar to how trees grow new leaves in the spring.

Examples
With the arrival of spring, I’m going to turn a new leaf and start spending more time outside in nature.

Tom realised he was neglecting his health, so he decided to turn over a new leaf and start exercising regularly.

Sarah used to be a troublemaker in school, but now she’s turned a new leaf and become an excellent student.

a breath of fresh air

Meaning
used to describe something new and refreshing, similar to saying “a welcome change.”

Examples
After being stuck inside for days due to bad weather, going outside and feeling the cool breeze was a breath of fresh air.

Starting a new job was a breath of fresh air for me, as it gave me the opportunity to learn and grow professionally.

Going on a vacation to a tropical island was a much-needed breath of fresh air from my busy work schedule.

spring chicken

Meaning
refers to someone who is young or inexperienced (because a spring chicken is a young chicken).

Examples
When my grandma told me she was too old to try skydiving, I told her she was still a spring chicken and had plenty of adventure left in her.

Even though I’m in my 60s, I still feel like a spring chicken – I have plenty of energy and love to stay active.

Compared to some of my coworkers, who have been with the company for decades, I’m definitely a spring chicken – I’m still learning the ropes and getting up to speed.

to feel like a new person

Meaning
to feel refreshed and revitalised.

Examples
With the warmer weather and longer days, many people feel like a new person in spring, eager to start new projects and try new things.

Starting a new exercise routine can make you feel like a new person, improving your physical and mental health.

For some people, getting a new haircut or wardrobe can make them feel like a new person, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.

Springtime swan chicks

to come out of hibernation

Meaning
to emerge from a period of inactivity or withdrawal, similar to how animals come out of hibernation in the spring.

Examples
After months of staying indoors during the winter, it’s great to see my neighbours come out of hibernation and enjoy the sunshine.

The pandemic forced many of us to work from home and avoid socialising, but with the vaccine rollout, we could come out of hibernation and reconnect with our friends and colleagues.

Some people find it difficult to come out of hibernation after a long winter, but a bit of fresh air and exercise can do wonders for the mood.

as fresh as a daisy

Meaning
to be full of energy and vitality, similar to saying “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.”

Examples
After a good night’s sleep, I woke up feeling as fresh as a daisy.

Despite her busy schedule, Jane always manages to look as fresh as a daisy.

Even after running a marathon, Sarah seemed as fresh as a daisy and full of energy.

to be a ray of sunshine

Meaning
to bring happiness and positivity to others, similar to how the sun brings warmth and light to the world in the spring.

Examples
As the trees and flowers start to bloom, it’s easy to feel like a ray of sunshine yourself, full of energy and joy.

My friend Sarah is always a ray of sunshine in spring, bringing a smile to everyone’s face with her cheerful personality.

Whenever I’m feeling stressed out, my friend’s sense of humour is like a ray of sunshine that helps me see the brighter side of things.

the promise of new beginnings

Meaning
refers to the hope and possibility that spring brings, similar to the idea of a fresh start.

Examples
Every new year brings the promise of new beginnings, a chance to start fresh and pursue our goals.

Graduating from college is a promise of new beginnings, as young adults enter the workforce and embark on their careers.

The first day of a new job can feel like the promise of new beginnings, a chance to learn new skills and take on new challenges.

to blossom into something

Meaning
to develop into something greater, similar to how a flower blooms into its full form.

Examples
The small business I started a few years ago has blossomed into a successful company.

Through hard work and dedication, the young writer has blossomed into a bestselling author.

With the right training, she has the potential to blossom into a world-class athlete.

Spring blossom

Start using English expressions for spring!

The best way to develop your English vocabulary is through practice. This includes idioms and expressions that are commonly used by native speakers. Here are some suggestions to help you remember and use these delightful English expressions for spring.

Self-study options

There are numerous options to develop your English skills in your own time. This includes self-study exercise books, language learning apps and more. These can be advantageous in price and variety, but also require a lot of self-discipline to study regularly and improve your language skills.

Read books, watch movies, listen to music

Reading, watching television, and listening to music gives an enormous variety and examples of English language in use. This way, you experience a wide range of grammar, vocabulary, idioms and expressions. You can choose topics that you are interested in and decide when, where and how much time you have available. For example, if you don’t have too much time, you can download a news app on your phone and read a couple of articles once a day. Alternatively, you could watch programmes with short episodes, or part of an English or American film that you have already seen in your own language. This can be a great way to develop your English reading and listening skills, and your vocabulary too.

Take an English course

There are numerous benefits in taking an English course with a qualified English teacher. They can focus on topics relevant for your needs, provide study targets and valuable feedback. We specialise in one-to-one training both online and face-to-face, and our trainers have internationally-recognised teaching qualifications. Our goal is to help you ‘learn by doing’ so that you can practise your English. Together, we can take your skills to the next level. Maybe you can even use some catchy idioms and English expressions for spring!

Prepare for an English certificate

One great way to improve your English level is to set targets and prepare for an English examination. This gives you an extra reason to study and a deadline too. You can try our free online English test to discover your level. You will then have the option to order your English certificate to display on your resume.

We hope that you’re full of the joys of spring and wish you a great start to the year.

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