House Idioms

I think it’s easier to remember vocabulary words and idioms when they are grouped together with something in common. Here are some idioms with the word house or home in them.

bring the house down – to receive a lot of praise and applause
The Jonas Brothers brought the house down when they sang the American National Anthem.

on the house – something free and paid for by the bar or restaurant.
She flirted with the bartender and got a few drinks on the house.

make yourself at home – to treat the place you’re at like your own home.
“I’m so glad you came to visit me today. Come in, sit on the couch and make yourself at home,” Betty said.

in the doghouse – to be in trouble.
Jim forgot his wife’s birthday, so he’s in the doghouse now.

hit a little too close to home – There is something that you heard or saw that you could really relate to.
I saw an old lady having difficulty breathing, it hit a little too close to home for me.

eat someone out of house and home – To eat a lot of food – pig out.
My son has been eating so much lately, he is going to eat me out of house and home.

nut house – a mental institution.
I think Gloria is insane, she belongs in a nut house.