Idioms

16 idioms for sex

16 Idioms for Sex

Introduction

Understanding idioms can be a fun and engaging way to enhance your English vocabulary. Among the many themes idioms explore, sexuality is one that brings humor, culture, and even a bit of blush. In this article, we will unpack 16 idioms related to sex to help you express yourself in various contexts—whether playful, serious, or somewhere in between.

Hook with a Relatable Example

Imagine you’re in a casual conversation, and your friend says, "They really tied the knot." Instantly, you realize this isn’t about a wedding but something much more playful. Such idiomatic expressions can enrich your conversations, making them lively and more relatable.

Explain What Idioms Are

Idioms are phrases where the meaning isn’t directly linked to the words used. Instead, they convey meanings through cultural or contextual nuances. For example, saying someone "kicked the bucket" means they’ve died, not that they literally kicked a bucket.

Focus on Idioms Related to “16 Idioms for Sex”

This article will focus on idioms related to sex, exploring their meanings, using them in sentences, and preparing exercises to reinforce your learning. You’ll find 16 idioms, complete with examples and engaging quizzes.

16 Idioms Related to Sex

1. Get lucky

Meaning: To have sexual intercourse, often implied to involve good fortune.
In a Sentence: If you want to get lucky tonight, you might need to dress to impress.
Example 1: She went out hoping to get lucky at the party.
Example 2: He always thinks he’s going to get lucky on the first date.
Other ways to say it: Score, hook up.


2. Do the deed

Meaning: To have sexual intercourse.
In a Sentence: They finally decided it was time to do the deed.
Example 1: After months of dating, they did the deed during their weekend trip.
Example 2: It was a memorable night when they did the deed for the first time.
Other ways to say it: Go all the way, seal the deal.


3. Get it on

Meaning: To engage in sexual activity.
In a Sentence: They were really in the mood and decided to get it on.
Example 1: The atmosphere was perfect for them to get it on.
Example 2: After the romantic dinner, they couldn’t wait to get it on.
Other ways to say it: Make love, hook up.


4. Jump someone’s bones

Meaning: To have sex with someone.
In a Sentence: He was so attracted to her that he just wanted to jump her bones.
Example 1: After a few drinks, they both felt the urge to jump each other’s bones.
Example 2: It didn’t take long for them to realize they wanted to jump each other’s bones.
Other ways to say it: Get busy, sleep with.


5. Get some action

Meaning: To engage in sexual activity.
In a Sentence: He was happy to finally get some action after all this time.
Example 1: She’s been looking for a date to get some action.
Example 2: After a long drought, he was eager to get some action on vacation.
Other ways to say it: Have a fling, get laid.


6. Fooling around

Meaning: To engage in casual sexual activity or playfulness.
In a Sentence: They were just fooling around, nothing serious.
Example 1: It was just a summer fling of fooling around at the beach.
Example 2: They had fun, but they were fooling around without any commitment.
Other ways to say it: Messing around, playing around.


7. Fifty shades of grey

Meaning: A phrase describing a range of sexual experiences or interests, often with an emphasis on BDSM.
In a Sentence: They explored fifty shades of grey in their relationship.
Example 1: The book opened her eyes to the fascinating world of fifty shades of grey.
Example 2: He claimed he wasn’t ready for fifty shades of grey just yet.
Other ways to say it: Exploratory experiences, diverse preferences.


8. Hit it off

Meaning: To form a good connection, often leading to romantic or sexual interest.
In a Sentence: They hit it off at the party and ended up spending the night together.
Example 1: I knew they would hit it off the moment they started talking.
Example 2: They hit it off so well that their friends knew it would lead to something more.
Other ways to say it: Connect, spark.


9. Love-making

Meaning: The act of engaging in sexual intercourse with affection.
In a Sentence: They cherished every moment of love-making.
Example 1: Their love-making was always passionate and genuine.
Example 2: After a romantic dinner, they enjoyed love-making until dawn.
Other ways to say it: Intimacy, making love.


10. Play the field

Meaning: To date multiple people without commitment.
In a Sentence: He’s not ready for a serious relationship and prefers to play the field.
Example 1: After her breakup, she decided to play the field for a while.
Example 2: He’s been playing the field since his last relationship ended.
Other ways to say it: Date around, keep options open.


11. On the prowl

Meaning: Actively looking for sexual partners.
In a Sentence: After his divorce, he was often on the prowl.
Example 1: She was on the prowl and eager to meet new people.
Example 2: He admitted to being on the prowl ever since he became single.
Other ways to say it: Searching for love, hunting.


12. Get in on the action

Meaning: To participate in a sexual encounter.
In a Sentence: He wanted to get in on the action when he heard they were dating.
Example 1: She was eager to get in on the action after the party.
Example 2: Everyone seemed to be having fun, and he wanted to get in on the action.
Other ways to say it: Join in, participate.


13. Skinny dipping

Meaning: Swimming naked, often associated with a playful or sexual context.
In a Sentence: They decided to go skinny dipping during their beach trip.
Example 1: Skinny dipping was a wild adventure they both enjoyed.
Example 2: They laughed as they went skinny dipping under the stars.
Other ways to say it: Nude swimming, free swimming.


14. Making out

Meaning: Engaging in kissing and sexual touching.
In a Sentence: They spent the entire night making out on the couch.
Example 1: Making out under the stars was their favorite date night.
Example 2: They couldn’t help but start making out after the movie.
Other ways to say it: Smooching, kissing passionately.


15. Bump uglies

Meaning: A humorous or crude way to refer to sexual intercourse.
In a Sentence: They joked about bumping uglies after a night of drinking.
Example 1: After that event, it was clear they were going to bump uglies.
Example 2: In their relationship, they frequently joked about bumping uglies.
Other ways to say it: Get physical, have sex.


16. Third base

Meaning: A euphemism for sexual touching, typically involving the genitals.
In a Sentence: They skipped straight to third base during their date.
Example 1: I can’t believe they went to third base on their first date!
Example 2: After a few dates, they were comfortable enough to reach third base.
Other ways to say it: Heavy petting, intimate touching.

Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks

  1. I hope to __ tonight at the party.
  2. They decided to __ after months of dating.
  3. It feels great to __ after being single for a while.
  4. He wanted to __ before getting too serious.
  5. They were just __, enjoying each other’s company.
  6. They explored __ during their relationship.
  7. It’s clear they really __ after that first meeting.
  8. They loved __ during their romantic getaway.
  9. She was constantly __ after her breakup.
  10. To him, it was important to __ before committing.
  11. They went __ and felt free at the beach.
  12. They couldn’t stop __ on the couch!
  13. They decided to __ when they started dating.
  14. After a few drinks, they ended up __.
  15. They enjoyed making __ to each other.
  16. I can’t believe they went to __ on their first date!

Answer Key

  1. Get lucky
  2. Do the deed
  3. Get some action
  4. Play the field
  5. Fooling around
  6. Fifty shades of grey
  7. Hit it off
  8. Love-making
  9. On the prowl
  10. Get in on the action
  11. Skinny dipping
  12. Making out
  13. Bump uglies
  14. Get lucky
  15. Third base
  16. Third base

Exercise 2 – Multiple Choice Quiz

  1. What does "get lucky" mean?
    A) To win a game
    B) To have sexual intercourse
    C) To go on an adventure
    D) To find money

  2. "Do the deed" refers to:
    A) Cooking a meal
    B) Engaging in sexual activity
    C) Completing a task
    D) Going to work

  3. What does "jump someone’s bones" imply?
    A) Jumping over someone
    B) Wanting to have sex with someone
    C) Seeking friendship
    D) Playing a game

  4. "Fooling around" typically means:
    A) To joke with friends
    B) To engage in playful behavior or sex
    C) To perform a task
    D) To study

  5. What does "on the prowl" mean?
    A) Looking for food
    B) Searching for sexual partners
    C) Going for a walk
    D) Hunting for treasure

  6. "Get in on the action" means:
    A) To participate in a fun activity
    B) To watch a movie
    C) To play a sport
    D) To eat food

  7. "Making out" refers to:
    A) Cooking together
    B) Having sexual intercourse
    C) Kissing and touching intimately
    D) Doing homework

Correct Answers:

  1. B
  2. B
  3. B
  4. B
  5. B
  6. A
  7. C

7 Tips to Remember Idioms for Sex

  1. Use Them in Context: Try to use new idioms in conversations or writing to remember them better.
  2. Create Flashcards: Make flashcards with the idiom on one side and the meaning and examples on the other.
  3. Listen to Conversations: Pay attention to movies, shows, or conversations that may use these idioms.
  4. Practice Regularly: Regularly revisit the idioms you’ve learned to reinforce your memory.
  5. Share with Friends: Talking about these idioms with friends can help solidify your understanding.
  6. Connect to Emotions: Associating idioms with experiences can help make them more memorable.
  7. Use in Creative Writing: Try incorporating idioms into short stories or dialogues to practice.

Conclusion

In this article, you learned 16 idioms related to sex, their meanings, and practical examples. By incorporating these idioms into your vocabulary, you can enhance your communication skills and navigate conversations more freely. Make it a goal to use 2-3 idioms today in your discussions to practice what you’ve learned!

About the author

Jodi Nathanson

Jodi Nathanson

Jodi Nathanson is a seasoned High School English Teacher with over 24 years of experience. A graduate of Queen’s University and certified English Honours Specialist, she’s passionate about helping others explore English through idioms, metaphors, and creative expression.