sing idioms

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Common fixed expressions in English that contain the verb 'sing' or the idea of singing.

   Grammar: Used as a heading or topic; the idioms themselves are fixed phrases with their own grammar.

   Patterns

   • sing a different tune
   • sing someone's praises
   • sing like a canary

   After the new boss arrived, he sang a different tune about working late.

   The coach sang the young player's praises to the newspapers.

   The witness sang like a canary as soon as the police questioned him.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   The activity of using songs or singing to teach or remember language.

   Grammar: Used as a noun phrase, often after 'use' or 'through'.

   Patterns

   • learn through sing idioms
   • teach with sing idioms

   The teacher used sing idioms to help students remember English expressions.

   Children often learn new words through songs and sing idioms.

Common combinations

sing a different tune

He sang a different tune after he saw the test results.

sing someone's praises

The critics sang her praises after the concert.

sing like a canary

The suspect sang like a canary to avoid a longer sentence.

sing for your supper

As a young actor, he had to sing for his supper in small clubs.

sing from the same hymn sheet

The team must sing from the same hymn sheet before the meeting.

Synonyms and how they differ

musical expressions

A general phrase, not a set of idioms; use it when you mean any expressions about music.

phrases with 'sing'

A plain description rather than a special term; useful for searching.

Word family

sing verb

To make musical sounds with your voice.

singer noun

A person who sings.

singing noun

The act or sound of singing.

Commonly confused: sing idioms or singing idioms?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “sing idioms”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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