English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Get a life
Meaning
The idiom "get a life" is an expression used to tell someone to stop being negative or whiny. It suggests that the person's problem is not worth worrying about or that they should take action and solve their own problems instead of complaining.
Usage
- "She needs to get a life and stop moaning about her job all the time." - This sentence suggests that the person is complaining too much about their job and needs to see things from a different perspective.
- "He's been stuck in his same routine for years, he needs to get a life and try something new." - In this context, the idiom suggests that the person has become stuck in their habits and should make an effort to change things up.
- "She's always so negative and brings everyone else down with her. She really needs to get a life." - This sentence implies that the person is bringing others down with their negative attitude and needs to work on their mindset.
- "He keeps complaining about his health issues but hasn't done anything to improve them. He needs to get a life and take action." - The idiom suggests that the person should stop complaining and take charge of improving their health instead of waiting for someone else to solve the problem.
- "She's always so self-pitying and needs to get a life and focus on her own problems instead of blaming others." - This sentence suggests that the person needs to take responsibility for their own problems and stop complaining about things outside of their control.
Roots and History
The idiom "get a life" first appeared in print in the 1930s, but its origins are unclear. It is possible that it originated as a suggestion for someone to get out of their current situation and try something new or different. Over time, it has come to be used more generally as a way to tell someone to stop complaining or whining and focus on their own problems instead.
Synonyms in English
- "Get over it"
- "Move on"
- "Suck it up"
- "Buckle down"
- "Toughen up"
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish - "Respira un poco" (Take a breath)
- French - "Arrête de mourir" (Stop dying)
- German - "Schluck dein Schlammstück" (Suck it up)
- Italian - "Vivi, vai alla mangiar bene e divertiti" (Live, go eat well and have fun)
- Russian - "Счастливейтесь!" (Be happy!)