Idioms on Science and Technology – Most Used Phrases in Daily Communication

Science and Technology Idioms: Science and technology are responsible for bringing us to a better world in the 21st century. Therefore, it is essential that you have at least a basic understanding of terms like the Internet, astronomy, and smartphones. There are more nuances related to science and technology that can be used in your daily communication, including – idioms on science and technology. Here we have provided some of the commonly used idioms and phrases on science and technology.

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Why learning Idioms on Science and Technology is Important?

Following is the list of idioms about science and technology. We have followed the approach of making the context clear for a particular science idiom which is followed by an example to give you an idea of how to use science and tech idioms in sentences. Learning these idioms would add to your bucket of vocabulary and you would sound more like a native speaker and more than that inclined toward science. Here are 19 idioms on science and technology that will be helpful in everyday language – not just scientific ones!

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Below is the list of Idioms on Science and Technology.

Acid test

Over a century ago, a test involving acid was used to verify whether a metal that looked like gold was, or was not, gold. Likewise, acid tests are used to determine a person’s true worth and value. 

Using “acid test” in a sentence

Although she has been doing well at training and in practice matches, her first actual match will be the acid test!

Not rocket science

Next on our list of idioms on science and technology is a very popular one, rocket science. Studying rocket science is a difficult subject that requires years of education. Adding the phrase “not rocket science” to something means that it is not complicated or difficult to do.

Using “not rocket science” in a sentence

I don’t know why Jeff is struggling to grasp this basic concept, after all, it is not rocket science!

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Run out of steam

The concept of running out of steam refers to losing energy, enthusiasm, or motivation to continue doing something as you have been doing this thing continuously. If you are in such a situation and are running out of words the science idioms and phrases provided in this article can come to your rescue!

How to use “run out of steam” in a sentence?

Can we take a break now? I’ve spent hours working on this project; I’ve run out of steam!

Cutting edge

This one is a new age idiom on science and technology! It is innovative and advanced if something is called cutting edge. Something new is being introduced, something that appears to be ahead of others. Smartphones with cutting-edge technology, for example, may not exist in other smartphones at the time. Apple’s iPhone was at the cutting edge of technology when it launched in 2007.

Using “cutting age” in a sentence

I am getting good vibes from the idea of investing my money in this new startup, their product is cutting edge!

On the same wavelength

While learning Physics you must have encountered a chapter named Sound. Indeed, a very interesting topic in science! Our next science and technology idiom is related to this fascinating concept. Sound waves and electromagnetic waves are measured by their wavelengths, which is the distance between successive crests. The wavelength, however, can be regarded as a way of expressing a person’s ideas and perspectives. 

Whenever you say that you are “on the same wavelength” with someone, you mean that you think very similarly, so that you understand each other very well. As a result, people who are not on the same wavelength often have different viewpoints and may not be able to communicate effectively.

Using “on the same wavelength” in a sentence

Growing up, she and her brother often argued because they were never on the same wavelength!

A cog in the machine

Next on our list of idioms for science and technology is related to mechanics. There are many different parts to machines, making them extremely complex pieces of technology. While every part and component is important, some are overlooked, such as the cogs, which are the wheels or bars that facilitate the motion of other cogs. In a large organization or system, the term – cog in the machine – is used to describe individuals who are insignificant (or feel insignificant or do unimportant work).

Using “a cog in the machine” in a sentence

Her job made her feel like a cog in the machine, so she decided to start her own business!

To reinvent the wheel

This is one of the idioms on science and technology that reminds us of ancient history when the wheel was the most awesome discovery! The act of reinventing the wheel can mean wasting time by doing something that’s already been done. Let’s know how to use this one of the widely used technology idioms and phrases, in a statement.

Using “reinvent the wheel” in a sentence

This issue has already been solved by the other team, so don’t reinvent the wheel!

Well-oiled machine

This is one of the well known idioms about technology. An oiled machine works as it should without any problems because it has been lubricated with oil. Likewise, any operation that runs smoothly without issues can be described in this way.

Using “well-oiled machine” in a sentence

Playing like a well-oiled machine, they have won all their games so far this season!

Bells and whistles

Continuing our discussion on idioms and phrases on science and technology here is another cool science idiom. Bells and whistles refer to features or additional things added to something to increase its appeal or interest.

Using “bells and whistles” in a sentence

In Linda’s kitchen, there were enough bells and whistles to outfit a fire station!

Also Read: Check the difference between kinetics and kinematics here

Lightyears ahead

This is one of the idioms on science and technology that contain a scientific unit in it i.e., lightyear! There are approximately six trillion miles in a light-year, which is the distance light travels in a year. As a result, when something is described as lightyears ahead, it is extremely advanced in its development or success, and thus appears to be lightyears away from the current times. Let’s be aware of how to use this one of the best physics idioms.

Using “lightyears ahead” in a sentence

The fact that Marianne already has three degrees and a doctorate under her belt put her light years ahead of me in terms of education and experience!

Once in a blue moon

When we say once in a blue moon, we’re talking about something very rare and infrequent, just like a blue moon that does not occur every day.

Using “once in a blue moon” in a sentence

Meeting once in a blue moon gives us plenty of time to catch up!

Pull the plug

For most technology, electricity is the source of its power, so removing its plug from the electric socket will stop it from working. As a result, the phrase – pulling the plug – came about, which refers to stopping something from continuing or happening.

Using “pulling the plug” in a sentence

As a company, they had to close because their biggest investor pulled the plug and grabbed his money back!

At boiling point

Do you love chemistry? If yes, then this idiom related to science and technology is amazing to learn! A liquid’s boiling point is the point at which it changes from liquid to steam or vapour. For example, water’s boiling point is 100°C. Likewise, one’s boiling point is when one has lost control of their emotions because of their lack of patience, temper, or equanimity.

Using “at boiling point” in a sentence

I was at my boiling point with the kids last night. All their fighting and shouting drove me crazy!

Push someone’s buttons

Machines feature many buttons you need to press to turn them on and off. Pushing a button is an intentional act of provocation.

Using “push someone’s buttons” in a sentence

They disobeyed my instructions despite clear instructions from me. They really know how to push my buttons!

Get your wires crossed

This is one of the widely used idioms on science and technology and learning definitely gives you a certain edge in your day-to-day communication. If you get your wires crossed, you won’t understand each other: people are confused because they have different ideas about what is going through or being said.

Using “get your wires crossed” in a sentence

There was a moment when I got our wires crossed – I thought you were asking me something else!

Blow a fuse

When you blow a fuse, you lose your temper and become very angry. Similar to a machine blowing its fuse due to overload or excessive heat (which is similar to the body becoming hot out of anger), it follows the same concept.

Using “blow a fuse” in a sentence

When he discovered that they didn’t follow his instructions properly, he blew a fuse!

Down to a science

This is literally an idiom on Science! Imagine you are so skilled in something that you have become a master of it and for you it requires little to no focus and memory to do it. That is what it means to have it “down to a science.” It becomes like a routine, just like science that is fixed & absolute.

Using “down to a science” in a sentence

My morning routine is down to a science: I wake up, brush my teeth, take a shower, have breakfast, and then head out for the office – all in 30 minutes!

Nuts and bolts

The phrase “nuts and bolts” refers to tiny parts of a machine, such as screws and nails, which hold it together. Thus, nuts and bolts are said to refer to the basic, practical, and factual details of something.

Using “nuts and bolts” in a sentence

My aunt’s niece is always asking about the nuts and bolts of her job. I think she is looking to follow in her footsteps!

On another planet

We live on a planet named the Earth and what if you land on a different planet altogether and you have no idea what is happening! You don’t know their lifestyle, their culture and things like that. To be on another planet is to disregard what goes on around you and to think differently from other people.

Using “on another planet” in a sentence

During today’s lecture, I couldn’t understand what the professor said because I was on another planet!

Final words on idioms about Science and Technology

We hope you found this list of idioms on science and technology useful and interesting. If this is the case, tell us which one is your favourite and you are definitely going to use it. Also, there are many others we haven’t covered, we will make other science phrases and idioms available here only so you can bookmark this page for the future! If you know an idiom related to science and technology then mention it in the comments so that all of us can learn something new today!

Idioms and phrases on science and technology – FAQs