Life can get really busy, and sometimes we all need a moment to slow down and take a deep breath. That’s why people use gentle and fun idioms to talk about relaxing. In this article, I’m sharing 23 idioms for relax that are super easy to understand and use in everyday conversations.
From my own experience, when things feel overwhelming, saying something kind or playful about relaxing can remind people (and myself!) to slow down and enjoy the moment. These idioms can help you sound caring, thoughtful, and fun when talking about taking it easy. Let’s dive into these peaceful phrases together!
1. Kick back
Meaning:
To sit down and relax.
In a sentence:
Let’s kick back and watch a movie tonight.
Best use:
When you finally get to rest.
Other ways to say:
- Chill out
- Take it easy
2. Take it easy
Meaning:
Don’t work too hard or worry.
In a sentence:
You’ve been busy—take it easy today!
Best use:
To remind someone to rest.
Other ways to say:
- Slow down
- Rest up
3. Chill out
Meaning:
Calm down and relax.
In a sentence:
We’re just chilling out by the pool.
Best use:
For laid-back moments.
Other ways to say:
- Relax
- Unwind
4. Put your feet up
Meaning:
Rest and do nothing for a while.
In a sentence:
Come home and put your feet up.
Best use:
After a long day.
Other ways to say:
- Rest
- Take a break
5. Take a breather
Meaning:
Stop for a short rest.
In a sentence:
Let’s take a breather before we finish.
Best use:
During busy times.
Other ways to say:
- Pause
- Rest
6. Unwind
Meaning:
Relax after something stressful.
In a sentence:
I like to unwind with a good book.
Best use:
At the end of the day.
Other ways to say:
- De-stress
- Calm down
7. Rest easy
Meaning:
Relax without worrying.
In a sentence:
You can rest easy knowing it’s done.
Best use:
When something is solved.
Other ways to say:
- Stop worrying
- Feel calm
8. Take a load off
Meaning:
Sit down and relax.
In a sentence:
Come in and take a load off.
Best use:
Welcoming someone to rest.
Other ways to say:
- Have a seat
- Relax
9. Let your hair down
Meaning:
Be yourself and relax.
In a sentence:
It’s time to let your hair down and have fun.
Best use:
At parties or fun times.
Other ways to say:
- Be free
- Loosen up
10. Laid-back
Meaning:
Easygoing and relaxed.
In a sentence:
She has a laid-back attitude.
Best use:
To describe someone chill.
Other ways to say:
- Easygoing
- Calm
11. Take five
Meaning:
Pause for a short rest.
In a sentence:
Let’s take five before we continue.
Best use:
During work or play.
Other ways to say:
- Take a break
- Pause
12. At ease
Meaning:
Feeling calm and comfortable.
In a sentence:
I felt at ease on vacation.
Best use:
When you’re peaceful.
Other ways to say:
- Comfortable
- Calm
13. Slow down
Meaning:
Take things easy.
In a sentence:
Slow down and enjoy the day.
Best use:
When life is too fast.
Other ways to say:
- Take it slow
- Relax
14. Cool as a cucumber
Meaning:
Very calm.
In a sentence:
She stayed cool as a cucumber.
Best use:
During stressful times.
Other ways to say:
- Calm
- Peaceful
15. Easy does it
Meaning:
Go slowly and carefully.
In a sentence:
Easy does it when lifting that box.
Best use:
When reminding someone to be gentle.
Other ways to say:
- Take it slow
- Be careful
16. Hang loose
Meaning:
Relax and have fun.
In a sentence:
Just hang loose and enjoy the ride.
Best use:
When you want to chill.
Other ways to say:
- Stay calm
- Be cool
17. On cloud nine
Meaning:
Feeling very happy and peaceful.
In a sentence:
She was on cloud nine after the trip.
Best use:
For joyful relaxing times.
Other ways to say:
- Super happy
- Blissful
18. Sit back
Meaning:
Relax and watch.
In a sentence:
Sit back and enjoy the show.
Best use:
When you don’t have to do anything.
Other ways to say:
- Rest
- Watch
19. Clear your mind
Meaning:
Stop worrying and feel peaceful.
In a sentence:
Take a walk to clear your mind.
Best use:
After stress.
Other ways to say:
- Refresh
- Calm down
20. Recharge your batteries
Meaning:
Rest to get energy back.
In a sentence:
I need the weekend to recharge my batteries.
Best use:
After busy weeks.
Other ways to say:
- Rest up
- Refuel
21. Lighten up
Meaning:
Stop being so serious and relax.
In a sentence:
Come on, lighten up!
Best use:
When someone is too tense.
Other ways to say:
- Cheer up
- Relax
22. Call it a day
Meaning:
Stop working and rest.
In a sentence:
It’s late—let’s call it a day.
Best use:
After a long day.
Other ways to say:
- Wrap up
- Finish up
23. Go with the flow
Meaning:
Relax and follow along easily.
In a sentence:
Just go with the flow at the party.
Best use:
When plans change.
Other ways to say:
- Adapt
- Follow along
Conclusion
These 23 idioms for relax are perfect for helping you and others take a break and breathe a little easier. Life can feel busy, but these simple, friendly phrases remind us all to slow down, let go, and enjoy the quiet moments. Use these idioms whenever you want to add some peace and kindness to your conversations.
