Food Idioms in English to Describe People

English has many idioms related to food, and some of the most useful ones describe people's personalities. In this video, you will see a food word, then the idiom, then its meaning. First, 'salt' becomes 'salt of the earth'. Someone who is the salt of the earth is a very good, honest and kind person. For example: My grandfather was the salt of the earth. Second, 'egg' becomes 'bad egg'. A bad egg is someone who behaves badly or cannot be trusted. For example: Stay away from him, he's a bad egg. Third, 'nut' becomes 'tough nut', sometimes 'a tough nut to crack'. A tough nut is a difficult or stubborn person who is hard to deal with or persuade. For example: Our new manager is a tough nut. These idioms are great for describing friends, family, colleagues or characters in films and books. Notice that 'salt of the earth' is a compliment, while 'bad egg' and 'tough nut' are more negative. Watch the video, repeat each idiom and its definition, and try writing one sentence for each about people you know. Food idioms are fun, memorable and help you sound much more natural in English.