toes curl

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiominformalfigurative

   Used to say that something makes you feel extremely embarrassed or uncomfortable.

   Grammar: Usually in the pattern 'make someone's toes curl'; the toes belong to the embarrassed person.

   Patterns

   • make someone's toes curl
   • make your toes curl
   • something makes my toes curl

   His terrible singing made my toes curl.

   It was the kind of speech that makes your toes curl with embarrassment.

   She still remembers the moment her toes curled during that interview.

2. 2phraseidiominformalfigurative

   Used to say that something gives you a strong feeling of pleasure or excitement.

   Grammar: Often used about food, music, or a kiss; the feeling here is pleasant, not embarrassing.

   Patterns

   • make someone's toes curl
   • something makes your toes curl

   That first taste of chocolate made her toes curl.

   The band played a solo that made the whole crowd's toes curl.

Common combinations

make someone's toes curl

The awkward silence made everyone's toes curl.

toes curl with embarrassment

My toes curled with embarrassment when I heard my own voice on the recording.

toes curl with delight

Her toes curled with delight at the first bite of the dessert.

Synonyms and how they differ

cringe

A verb meaning to feel or show embarrassment; it describes your reaction, while 'make your toes curl' describes what something does to you.

excruciating

An adjective for something painfully embarrassing; it describes the situation rather than your physical reaction.

Commonly confused: toes curl or curl your toes?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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