33 Idioms for the Sun

The sun has always been a powerful symbol in cultures around the world, and it is often used in idioms to express a wide range of meanings, from warmth and positivity to the passing of time. Whether it’s used to describe someone who is the center of attention, or to express a bright and hopeful future, sun-related idioms add color and depth to our language.

In this article, you’ll discover 33 idioms for the sun, each reflecting a different aspect of how we relate to the sun and the emotions, ideas, or concepts it evokes.

1. Everything Under the Sun

Meaning: Refers to all things, without exception.
In a Sentence:

• They tried everything under the sun to fix the issue, but nothing worked.
• She’s interested in everything under the sun, from painting to learning new languages.
  Other Ways to Say: Everything imaginable, all things, all possibilities

2. Make Hay While the Sun Shines

Meaning: To take advantage of an opportunity while it lasts.
In a Sentence:

• We should make hay while the sun shines and start the project now before the weather changes.
• The stock market is doing well, so it’s time to make hay while the sun shines.
  Other Ways to Say: Seize the opportunity, take advantage of the moment, act while you can

3. Chasing the Sun

Meaning: To try to achieve something unattainable or chase an ideal that’s out of reach.
In a Sentence:

• He’s been chasing the sun with his dreams of becoming a famous musician.
• She spent years chasing the sun, always hoping for a perfect relationship.
  Other Ways to Say: Pursuing the impossible, chasing dreams, unattainable goal

4. A Sunny Disposition

Meaning: A cheerful and optimistic attitude.
In a Sentence:

• She always has a sunny disposition, no matter how tough things get.
• His sunny disposition makes him the life of the party.
  Other Ways to Say: Cheerful attitude, positive outlook, happy personality

5. Face the Sun

Meaning: To embrace optimism and confront challenges with positivity.
In a Sentence:

• Despite the setbacks, she chose to face the sun and keep moving forward.
• It’s always better to face the sun rather than let negativity cloud your mind.
  Other Ways to Say: Stay positive, be optimistic, confront challenges

6. The Sun is Always Shining Somewhere

Meaning: Even when things seem bad, there is always hope or something positive happening elsewhere.
In a Sentence:

• Don’t worry about the bad weather; remember, the sun is always shining somewhere.
• When life gets tough, I remind myself that the sun is always shining somewhere, and good things will come.
  Other Ways to Say: There’s always hope, brighter days ahead, better times are coming

7. Throw Shade

Meaning: To subtly insult or criticize someone, often in a way that is not immediately obvious.
In a Sentence:

• She threw shade at her coworker during the meeting without him even realizing it.
• He loves to throw shade on social media, but it’s never direct enough to be called out.
  Other Ways to Say: Insult, criticize, make a passive-aggressive remark

8. A Bright Future

Meaning: A hopeful, promising outlook for the future, often associated with success and happiness.
In a Sentence:

• With all her achievements, she has a bright future ahead of her.
• They’re working hard, and their business has a bright future in the industry.
  Other Ways to Say: Promising future, successful prospects, hopeful outlook

9. Chasing the Sun

Meaning: To pursue something elusive or unattainable, often used when referring to chasing dreams or desires.
In a Sentence:

• He’s been chasing the sun with his dream of becoming a famous artist, but it’s been hard.
• She spent her life chasing the sun, always seeking perfection that she could never reach.
  Other Ways to Say: Pursuing the impossible, chasing dreams, striving for unattainable goals

10. The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow

Meaning: A reassurance that, no matter how bad things seem, better times are ahead.
In a Sentence:

• After hearing the bad news, he reminded her that the sun will come out tomorrow, and things will get better.
• Things are tough right now, but remember, the sun will come out tomorrow.
  Other Ways to Say: Better days are coming, things will improve, tomorrow is another day

11. Make Hay While the Sun Shines

Meaning: To take advantage of an opportunity while it lasts.
In a Sentence:

• The weather’s perfect for a picnic, so let’s make hay while the sun shines.
• With the market doing well, they decided to make hay while the sun shines and invest in new projects.
  Other Ways to Say: Seize the opportunity, act quickly, capitalize on the moment

12. A Ray of Sunshine

Meaning: A person or thing that brings happiness, joy, or positivity to others.
In a Sentence:

• Her smile was like a ray of sunshine, brightening up the whole room.
• He’s always a ray of sunshine in the office, lifting everyone’s spirits.
  Other Ways to Say: A source of joy, a bright light, uplifting presence

13. Chasing the Sun

Meaning: To pursue something that may be unattainable or fleeting, often related to chasing dreams or desires.
In a Sentence:

• She was chasing the sun, always looking for the perfect love story.
• He spent years chasing the sun, searching for the ultimate career achievement.
  Other Ways to Say: Pursuing dreams, unattainable goals, striving for something elusive

14. A Sun-Kissed Glow

Meaning: A healthy, glowing complexion that comes from spending time outdoors in the sun.
In a Sentence:

• After the vacation, she returned with a beautiful sun-kissed glow.
• He had that sun-kissed glow after spending the day at the beach.
  Other Ways to Say: Tanned, radiant, bronzed

15. Sunshine and Rainbows

Meaning: A metaphor for a perfectly happy, carefree, or idealistic situation.
In a Sentence:

• Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, but we can make the best of it.
• After their wedding, everything seemed like sunshine and rainbows.
  Other Ways to Say: Perfect, idyllic, flawless

16. The Sun Never Sets on (Something)

Meaning: Refers to something that is so vast or widespread that it’s always “daytime” somewhere, often used to describe something that operates globally or never stops.
In a Sentence:

• The global company has so many branches that the sun never sets on its operations.
• The British Empire once claimed that the sun never set on its territories.
  Other Ways to Say: Always active, global presence, never stops

17. Walk on Sunshine

Meaning: To feel extremely happy and carefree, as if everything is going well.
In a Sentence:

• Ever since they got engaged, she’s been walking on sunshine.
• After getting the promotion, he’s been walking on sunshine, unable to stop smiling.
  Other Ways to Say: Be on cloud nine, feel elated, full of joy

18. Sunny Side Up

Meaning: To approach a situation with optimism and a positive attitude, or it can refer to cooking eggs in a particular style.
In a Sentence:

• Despite the challenges, she always looks at the sunny side up and remains hopeful.
• I like my eggs sunny side up for breakfast, with the yolk still soft and runny.
  Other Ways to Say: Optimistic, positive, hopeful

19. The Sun Shines for You

Meaning: A phrase used to express that good things are happening or will happen, typically indicating that someone is fortunate or deserving of happiness.
In a Sentence:

• After all the hard work, it feels like the sun shines for you now, with everything falling into place.
• After her success, it’s like the sun shines for her—she’s unstoppable.
  Other Ways to Say: You’re lucky, good fortune, deserving of happiness

20. Chase the Sun

Meaning: To pursue something elusive or idealistic, often related to searching for happiness, success, or the perfect moment.
In a Sentence:

• He spent his youth chasing the sun, hoping to find the perfect career.
• They moved from city to city, always chasing the sun, never settling down.
  Other Ways to Say: Pursue dreams, reach for the stars, follow your aspirations

21. Make Hay While the Sun Shines

Meaning: To take advantage of an opportunity while it lasts.
In a Sentence:

• The weather’s perfect for a picnic; let’s make hay while the sun shines.
• The stock market is doing well, so they decided to make hay while the sun shines.
  Other Ways to Say: Seize the opportunity, take advantage of the moment, act quickly

22. The Sun Always Shines on the Righteous

Meaning: A belief that good things will happen to good people, and justice will prevail.
In a Sentence:

• They may be going through tough times now, but remember, the sun always shines on the righteous.
• He lived his life with honesty, knowing the sun always shines on the righteous.
  Other Ways to Say: Good things happen to good people, justice will prevail, good karma

23. Everything Under the Sun

Meaning: Refers to everything, without exception.
In a Sentence:

• They offer everything under the sun, from gadgets to home appliances.
• He’s interested in everything under the sun, from cooking to skydiving.
  Other Ways to Say: All things, everything imaginable, anything and everything

24. Like a Breath of Fresh Air

Meaning: Something or someone that is refreshing, new, and revitalizing, like the feeling you get from sunshine and openness.
In a Sentence:

• Her positive attitude was like a breath of fresh air, lifting the spirits of everyone around her.
• The new project felt like a breath of fresh air, bringing new energy to the team.
  Other Ways to Say: Refreshing, revitalizing, rejuvenating

25. The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow

Meaning: A reminder that after difficult times, better days will come, often used to encourage optimism.
In a Sentence:

• Things are tough now, but remember, the sun will come out tomorrow.
• Even after the rough times, she knew that the sun would come out tomorrow.
  Other Ways to Say: Better days ahead, things will improve, hope is on the way

26. Under the Sun

Meaning: Refers to everything that exists or is possible.
In a Sentence:

• They’ve tried every solution under the sun to fix the issue but can’t seem to find the right answer.
• The new product promises to do everything under the sun for home entertainment.
  Other Ways to Say: Everything available, all possibilities, everything imaginable

27. A Place in the Sun

Meaning: A situation in which someone is happy, successful, or comfortable.
In a Sentence:

• After years of hard work, she finally found her place in the sun with a well-deserved promotion.
• He was able to build his dream home, securing his place in the sun.
  Other Ways to Say: A happy spot, a successful position, a place of contentment

28. Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

Meaning: A moment of happiness or positivity in an otherwise difficult or gloomy situation.
In a Sentence:

• Her smile was like sunshine on a cloudy day, lifting the mood of everyone in the room.
• The good news was sunshine on a cloudy day, making them forget about all the stress.
  Other Ways to Say: A bright moment, a glimpse of happiness, an uplifting experience

29. The Sun Never Sets on (Something)

Meaning: Something that is so vast or widespread that it’s always “daytime” somewhere, or always active.
In a Sentence:

• The empire was so expansive that the sun never set on it.
• The company operates globally, and the sun never sets on its operations.
  Other Ways to Say: Always active, never-ending, continuous

30. Like the Sun Rising Over the Horizon

Meaning: A new beginning, something that brings hope or clarity after a difficult time.
In a Sentence:

• Her return to work was like the sun rising over the horizon, bringing new hope to the team.
• Their victory in the final match was like the sun rising over the horizon, signaling a new chapter.
  Other Ways to Say: New beginnings, a fresh start, hope on the horizon

31. Chasing the Sun

Meaning: To pursue something unattainable, idealistic, or something that is difficult to catch.
In a Sentence:

• He spent his life chasing the sun, always striving for perfection but never quite getting there.
• She was chasing the sun, trying to make a name for herself in an industry that’s nearly impossible to break into.
  Other Ways to Say: Pursuing the impossible, striving for unattainable goals, chasing dreams

32. Caught in the Sunlight

Meaning: To be in the spotlight or under intense scrutiny.
In a Sentence:

• He was caught in the sunlight after his big promotion, receiving praise and attention from everyone.
• When the rumors surfaced, she found herself caught in the sunlight, with all eyes on her.
  Other Ways to Say: In the spotlight, under scrutiny, the center of attention

33. When the Sun Goes Down

Meaning: The end of the day or the closing of an opportunity.
In a Sentence:

• When the sun goes down, it’s time to pack up and head home for the night.
• We need to make a decision before the sun goes down; the deadline is approaching.
  Other Ways to Say: The end of the day, closing time, the day is over

Practice Exercise

1. After facing so many difficulties, I know that ___________—better days are ahead.
2. The team felt ___________ as they finally achieved their goal after months of hard work.
3. She always greets everyone with a ___________, spreading happiness wherever she goes.
4. They’re ___________ with their startup, always pursuing that big breakthrough idea.
5. He’s been working hard, but it’s time to ___________ and get some rest.
6. You can try everything ___________, but if it’s not meant to be, it won’t happen.
7. He’s ___________ with his pursuit of the perfect career, never satisfied with anything.
8. We need to ___________ and enjoy the moment while we still have the opportunity.
9. He felt as if ___________ after receiving the unexpected compliment.
10. Their friendship is ___________, always strong and dependable.
11. Their love was like ___________, always growing stronger each day.
12. It’s not always ___________; sometimes life has challenges, but it’s how you face them that counts.
13. She entered the room with such energy that she was ___________, bringing joy to everyone.
14. After all the setbacks, they managed to ___________ and get everything back on track.
15. Every job you can imagine exists ___________, from the mundane to the extraordinary.
16. His words ___________ during the meeting, cleverly avoiding any responsibility.
17. She’s been a great friend and truly a ___________ in my life.
18. His idea of perfection is ___________, but he keeps chasing it, never quite reaching it.
19. They looked for success ___________, but never found what they were hoping for.
20. The company is so vast, ___________—it operates around the world, never resting.
21. There’s always ___________ for someone who keeps working hard and staying positive.
22. We should take a break now, ___________, and relax before starting again.
23. The sun never sets on their business; it’s constantly active, no matter where you are.
24. Her attitude is always so upbeat, ___________, no matter what life throws her way.
25. She has ___________, making her the center of attention at every party.
26. His journey was ___________, filled with excitement and challenges along the way.
27. He wanted to escape the city, ___________, and find peace in nature.
28. After their wedding, everything felt like ___________, full of joy and perfection.
29. His decision to take the job was like ___________, giving him everything he’d dreamed of.
30. Their story was ___________, full of exciting moments and surprises.
31. When ___________, we need to make sure everything is in place for the meeting.
32. She decided to ___________ and avoid the drama of the office.
33. After receiving the news, he felt ___________, unable to stop smiling.

Answer Key

1. r) The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow
2. h) A Bright Future
3. s) A Ray of Sunshine
4. v) Chasing the Sun
5. n) Call It a Night
6. q) Everything Under the Sun
7. v) Chasing the Sun
8. b) Make Hay While the Sun Shines
9. k) Like a Breath of Fresh Air
10. t) Like a Fire Burning Bright
11. u) Like a Rose in Full Bloom
12. m) Sunshine and Rainbows
13. k) Like a Breath of Fresh Air
14. g) Throw Shade
15. q) Everything Under the Sun
16. y) Throw Shade
17. s) A Ray of Sunshine
18. v) Chasing the Sun
19. w) Sun-Kissed Glow
20. l) The Sun Never Sets on (Something)
21. p) The Sun Shines for You
22. n) Call It a Night
23. l) The Sun Never Sets on (Something)
24. p) The Sun Shines for You
25. s) A Ray of Sunshine
26. z) The Sun Shines for You
27. k) Like a Breath of Fresh Air
28. m) Sunshine and Rainbows
29. p) The Sun Shines for You
30. t) Like a Fire Burning Bright
31. w) Sun-Kissed Glow
32. y) Throw Shade
33. s) A Ray of Sunshine

Conclusion

The 33 idioms for the sun explored in this article provide a rich and creative way to express a variety of emotions and ideas, from optimism and hope to passion and intensity. The sun is often used as a symbol of brightness, warmth, and possibility, and these idioms reflect the way we see the world around us. Whether we are “making hay while the sun shines” or “chasing the sun,” these expressions help us capture the essence of both literal and metaphorical light in our lives. In addition to the sun, the vast sky above us also inspires language rich with meaning. The exploration of 25 idioms related to the sky further complements our understanding of the natural world and the emotions it evokes. Together, these idioms create an expansive narrative that captures our aspirations and experiences, allowing us to articulate our feelings through symbols that resonate deeply with our shared human experience. Furthermore, exploring language that encapsulates our thoughts and beliefs also leads us to discover idioms that express truth, revealing insights into our collective wisdom. These expressions not only enhance our communication but also deepen our connections with others by conveying universal experiences. As we delve into the beauty of language, we recognize how idioms serve as bridges between our inner worlds and the external realities we face.

Using sun-related idioms enriches our language, allowing us to convey the complexities of our experiences in a simple yet evocative way. The next time you need to describe hope, passion, or even the challenges of life, remember that you can always find a fitting sun-related idiom to brighten your conversation.