Language is a powerful way to share culture, beliefs, and identity. Many English idioms come from religion and ethnicity, carrying deep meanings and rich history. These idioms help us express thoughts, feelings, and values in a more colorful and meaningful way. In this article, you will learn common religion and ethnicity idioms with their easy meanings. This will help you understand the cultural background of the language and use these expressions naturally in your daily conversations.
Explore Religion and Ethnicity Idioms with Meaning
Religion and Ethnicity Idiom | Meaning |
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Holy cow | An expression of surprise or amazement |
Baptism by fire | A difficult first experience |
Cross to bear | A difficult responsibility or burden |
Turn the other cheek | To forgive someone instead of retaliating |
Wolf in sheep’s clothing | Someone who hides harmful intentions |
Pilgrimage of faith | A personal journey of belief or spirituality |
At the altar | Committing fully to a decision or cause |
Man of the cloth | A religious leader or clergyman |
The promised land | A place of peace or happiness |
Leap of faith | Believing without proof |
God’s own country | A place considered beautiful or blessed |
Born again | Experiencing a spiritual renewal |
Keep the faith | Continue to believe despite difficulties |
Preach to the choir | Tell people something they already agree with |
The writing on the wall | A sign that something bad will happen |
Raise Cain | Cause trouble or disturbance |
Scapegoat | Someone blamed for others’ mistakes |
Judgment day | The time when actions are judged |
Take something with a grain of salt | Don’t take something too seriously |
House of worship | A place where people practice religion |

Explore Religion and Ethnicity Idioms with Meaning
Religion and Ethnicity Idioms in English
Religion and Ethnicity Idiom | Meaning |
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Cast the first stone | Be the first to criticize or blame |
Devil’s advocate | Argue against something for debate purposes |
Sacred cow | Something regarded as beyond criticism |
Godsend | Something very helpful that happens unexpectedly |
Salt of the earth | A good and humble person |
Holy grail | Something highly sought after |
Sin of omission | Failing to act when one should |
Pillar of the community | A respected person who helps society |
Keep one’s Sabbath | Resting or refraining from work |
Turn to stone | Be emotionally unresponsive |
Judas kiss | A betrayal disguised as kindness |
Mount Sinai moment | A moment of revelation or instruction |
The meek shall inherit the earth | Humble people will be rewarded |
Fall from grace | Lose respect or favor |
Altar ego | A person’s alternative identity (wordplay) |
By the book | Following strict religious or moral rules |
Crossroads of faith | A major decision in life |
Lay down one’s cross | Stop carrying one’s burdens |
Feeding the flock | Caring for one’s group or followers |
Trial by fire | A difficult test or challenge |

Religion and Ethnicity Idioms in English
Essential Religion and Ethnicity Idioms with Pictures
Religion and Ethnicity Idiom | Meaning |
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Holy rollers | Very enthusiastic religious people |
Heaven forbid | An expression of hope that something bad won’t happen |
Turn over a new leaf | Change behavior for the better |
Walk on holy ground | Be in a sacred or deeply respected place |
Beyond the pale | Outside accepted behavior or beliefs |
Church mouse | A very quiet person |
By the grace of God | Because of divine help |
God works in mysterious ways | Events happen for reasons we may not understand |
Lay hands on | To help or heal someone |
On bended knee | In deep humility or prayer |
Rock of ages | Something or someone that is strong and dependable |
Body and soul | Completely devoted or committed |
Bread and butter | A basic necessity for life |
Casting pearls before swine | Giving something valuable to someone who won’t appreciate it |
Good Samaritan | A person who helps strangers |
House of God | Another term for a place of worship |
Keep holy | Treat something as sacred |
Lamb to the slaughter | Someone going into danger without knowing |
Sanctimonious | Pretending to be morally better than others |
Way of the cross | A journey full of challenges |

Essential Religion and Ethnicity Idioms with Pictures
100 Simple Religion and Ethnicity Idiom with Meanings
Religion and Ethnicity Idiom | Meaning |
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All things to all people | Trying to please everyone |
Fall on deaf ears | Advice or warning ignored |
Give one’s blessing | Approve or support something |
God’s gift | A very special talent or blessing |
Holy of holies | The most sacred place or thing |
Kiss of peace | A friendly greeting in religious context |
No rest for the wicked | Hard work or trouble never stops |
Out of the mouths of babes | Truth spoken by children |
Path to salvation | A way to achieve peace or redemption |
Pillar of faith | Someone strong in belief |
Prayer in motion | Putting beliefs into action |
Sacred ground | Respectable or important place |
Salt and light | Positive influence on others |
Sheep among wolves | Being vulnerable in a dangerous situation |
Stepping into the breach | Taking action when needed |
Temple of the soul | One’s body as sacred |
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak | Good intentions hindered by physical limits |
To err is human | Everyone makes mistakes |
Under the cross | Enduring suffering |
Walk the talk | Act according to one’s beliefs |

100 Simple Religion and Ethnicity Idiom with Meanings
Popular Idiom in English with Images
Religion and Ethnicity Idiom | Meaning |
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A blessing in disguise | Something good that seemed bad at first |
Casting lots | Making a decision by chance |
Heaven on earth | A perfect situation |
To bear one’s cross | Accept one’s troubles |
House divided | A group or family with strong disagreements |
In the name of | Doing something for a cause or belief |
Knock on wood | Hoping for good luck |
Lamb of God | A sacrificial person or figure |
Leap of faith | Believing without evidence |
Man of God | A religious leader |
Narrow path | A difficult moral or spiritual choice |
On sacred ground | In a respected or holy place |
Pray for guidance | Ask for help in decision-making |
Put one’s house in order | Organize or fix things before a major task |
Reading the tea leaves | Trying to predict the future |
The golden rule | Treat others as you want to be treated |
The powers that be | Those in authority |
Under one’s breath | Quietly or secretly |
Wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve | Show feelings openly |
Written in the stars | Destined to happen |

Popular Religion and Ethnicity Idioms with Images
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