Sexual expression is an essential part of human life, and as such, we often rely on idioms and phrases to describe it in a more subtle, humorous, or creative way. These idioms help convey intimate or sensual thoughts in a way that’s socially acceptable and fun. Whether you’re looking to communicate playfully or make a delicate conversation lighter, knowing these idiomatic expressions can add richness to your vocabulary. In this article, we explore 35 idioms for sex, offering examples and explanations so you can confidently use them in the right context.
What is an Idiom for Sex?
An idiom for sex is a phrase or expression that conveys sexual activity in a less direct, often more playful or euphemistic way. These idioms have evolved over time, shaped by culture, humor, and societal norms. They allow people to talk about sensitive topics without being too explicit, making conversations about intimacy more comfortable and lighthearted.
1. Hit the Sheets
Introduction: A playful way to say “go to bed” or “have sex.”
Definition: This idiom refers to going to bed, often with the implication of having sexual intercourse.
In Sentence: After a long day, they were ready to hit the sheets and relax.
Example: “We were both exhausted and just wanted to hit the sheets early.”
Explanation: This expression humorously connects the bed (sheets) to the idea of intimacy, often implying both rest and sex in the same context.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Make love
- Go to bed
- Sleep together
- Get intimate
- Hit the sack
2. Get It On
Introduction: A casual way to suggest initiating sexual activity.
Definition: This idiom is used to describe the act of starting or engaging in sex.
In Sentence: They decided to get it on after a romantic dinner.
Example: “We had an amazing night, just decided to get it on when the moment felt right.”
Explanation: “Get it on” is an energetic and informal way to refer to sex, often used in a playful context.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Hook up
- Make love
- Get busy
- Have a romp
- Do the deed
3. Under the Sheets
Introduction: Refers to sexual activity that takes place under the covers.
Definition: This expression alludes to intimacy occurring in bed, often with the covers as a symbol of privacy.
In Sentence: They spent the entire night under the sheets.
Example: “They were under the sheets for hours, enjoying each other’s company.”
Explanation: “Under the sheets” evokes a sense of privacy and intimacy, often suggesting something more than just sleep.
Other Ways to Say It:
- In bed
- Between the sheets
- In the sack
- Under the covers
- Getting cozy
4. Do the Horizontal Tango
Introduction: A playful and less direct way to refer to sex.
Definition: This idiom humorously describes the physical act of sex, comparing it to a dance.
In Sentence: After their romantic evening, they decided to do the horizontal tango.
Example: “We were both feeling the spark, so we did the horizontal tango until morning.”
Explanation: The use of “horizontal” adds a playful touch, suggesting the sexual act occurs while lying down, much like a dance.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Get it on
- Make love
- Get busy
- Have a roll in the hay
- Do the deed
5. Knock Boots
Introduction: A slangy and humorous way to refer to having sex.
Definition: This idiom is a playful way to describe the act of sex, often used in casual contexts.
In Sentence: They were ready to knock boots after a fun night out.
Example: “They couldn’t wait to knock boots when they got home.”
Explanation: The phrase “knock boots” comes from the idea of the physical movement during sex, humorously using the image of boots.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Have a romp
- Hook up
- Get busy
- Sleep together
- Make love
6. Get Some Action
Introduction: Refers to engaging in sexual activity.
Definition: “Get some action” is a euphemistic way to say you’re going to have sex.
In Sentence: They were hoping to get some action after the party.
Example: “He was really looking forward to getting some action on their anniversary.”
Explanation: This idiom uses the word “action” to make the topic of sex sound less explicit and more casual.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Get it on
- Make love
- Have fun
- Hook up
- Get intimate
7. Screw Around
Introduction: A lighthearted and less serious way to refer to casual sexual encounters.
Definition: This idiom suggests engaging in sexual activity in a carefree or casual manner.
In Sentence: They were just screwing around and having fun.
Example: “They weren’t looking for anything serious; they were just screwing around.”
Explanation: “Screw around” implies a non-committal approach to sex, often used in casual or humorous contexts.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Hook up
- Fool around
- Get busy
- Have a fling
- Sleep around
8. Do the Deed
Introduction: A euphemism for engaging in sexual activity.
Definition: “Do the deed” refers to the act of having sex in a somewhat casual way.
In Sentence: After a few drinks, they decided to do the deed.
Example: “They were both in the mood and ready to do the deed.”
Explanation: “The deed” is a colloquial way of referencing sex, implying a discrete or understated action.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Hook up
- Get it on
- Have relations
- Make love
- Do it
9. Get Lucky
Introduction: A playful way to refer to having sex, especially in the context of an unexpected or fortuitous encounter.
Definition: To “get lucky” is an idiomatic way of describing the success of a sexual encounter, often by chance.
In Sentence: After a fun night out, he was hoping to get lucky.
Example: “They were both hoping to get lucky after a night of dancing.”
Explanation: “Get lucky” often implies a sense of fortune or chance, as if the outcome was unexpected or the result of good luck.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Hook up
- Score
- Make love
- Have a roll in the hay
- Get intimate
10. Take it to the Next Level
Introduction: Refers to escalating a relationship to a more intimate, often sexual, stage.
Definition: This phrase means moving from a platonic relationship to a more physical or sexual one.
In Sentence: After months of dating, they were ready to take it to the next level.
Example: “They felt a strong connection and decided to take it to the next level.”
Explanation: This idiom suggests progressing a relationship from casual to more serious or intimate, often involving sex.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Get intimate
- Move things forward
- Make love
- Elevate the relationship
- Go further
11. Bump Uglies
Introduction: A humorous and crude way to refer to sex.
Definition: This idiom playfully describes the act of sex by implying that two bodies are “bumping” together.
In Sentence: They couldn’t keep their hands off each other and ended up bumping uglies.
Example: “I heard they were bumping uglies all night after the party.”
Explanation: The phrase humorously describes physical intimacy, using “uglies” as a playful way to refer to private parts.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Get busy
- Do the deed
- Knock boots
- Fool around
- Hook up
12. Have a Roll in the Hay
Introduction: A country-style phrase for having sex, often suggesting playfulness.
Definition: This idiom implies having spontaneous or passionate sex, often in a lighthearted way.
In Sentence: They were feeling wild and decided to have a roll in the hay.
Example: “After a few drinks, they sneaked away to have a roll in the hay.”
Explanation: The phrase comes from old rural settings where hay was common bedding, making it a metaphor for passion.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Get intimate
- Hook up
- Have a romp
- Make love
- Fool around
13. Get Busy
Introduction: A modern and simple way to imply sexual activity.
Definition: “Get busy” is often used as a casual euphemism for engaging in sex.
In Sentence: They went back to his place to get busy.
Example: “Once they were alone, things heated up, and they started to get busy.”
Explanation: “Get busy” suggests physical action, making it a subtle way to refer to intimacy.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Hook up
- Make love
- Do the deed
- Knock boots
- Get some action
14. Jump in the Sack
Introduction: A lighthearted way to say “go to bed” with someone.
Definition: This idiom means engaging in sexual activity, often in a playful or casual way.
In Sentence: They had undeniable chemistry and ended up jumping in the sack.
Example: “He didn’t expect things to move so fast, but they jumped in the sack on the first date.”
Explanation: “Sack” represents the bed, making it an easy way to talk about sex indirectly.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Get intimate
- Make love
- Fool around
- Hit the sheets
- Do the deed
15. Go All the Way
Introduction: A more traditional way to say two people had sex.
Definition: This idiom means completing the act of sex.
In Sentence: After months of dating, they finally went all the way.
Example: “They had been waiting for the right moment, and last night, they went all the way.”
Explanation: “Going all the way” refers to the final stage of intimacy in a romantic relationship.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Get intimate
- Make love
- Take it to the next level
- Do the deed
- Hook up
16. Give It Up
Introduction: Refers to someone agreeing to have sex.
Definition: This phrase suggests someone is allowing a sexual experience to happen.
In Sentence: He was hoping she would give it up on their anniversary.
Example: “They had been dating for a while, and she finally felt ready to give it up.”
Explanation: “Give it up” implies a decision to have sex, often with a focus on consent and readiness.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Go all the way
- Get intimate
- Make love
- Hook up
- Do the deed
17. Lay Some Pipe
Introduction: A slang phrase that refers to a man having sex.
Definition: This idiom humorously describes sexual intercourse, often from a male perspective.
In Sentence: He was bragging about how he was going to lay some pipe.
Example: “He said he had a great night because he finally got to lay some pipe.”
Explanation: This phrase comes from construction work, using “pipe” as a metaphor for male anatomy.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Get busy
- Knock boots
- Do the deed
- Get lucky
- Get it on
18. Have a Go
Introduction: A British-inspired way to describe a sexual encounter.
Definition: This phrase means engaging in sex, often in an experimental or spontaneous way.
In Sentence: They decided to have a go after flirting all evening.
Example: “Neither of them planned it, but they were in the moment and had a go.”
Explanation: “Have a go” suggests trying something, making it a casual way to describe sex.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Hook up
- Get it on
- Fool around
- Do the deed
- Get busy
19. Hit a Home Run
Introduction: A sports-inspired way to describe sex.
Definition: This baseball metaphor means successfully having sex.
In Sentence: After a great date, he felt like he might hit a home run.
Example: “He was hoping their date would lead to something more, and by the end of the night, he hit a home run.”
Explanation: In baseball, a “home run” is the final achievement, making it a perfect metaphor for sex.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Score
- Get lucky
- Go all the way
- Hook up
- Do the deed
20. Do It
Introduction: The simplest and most universal phrase for sex.
Definition: “Do it” is a general euphemism for having sex.
In Sentence: They had been dating for months before they decided to do it.
Example: “She wasn’t sure if she was ready, but eventually, they did it.”
Explanation: The phrase is vague but widely understood, making it one of the most common ways to refer to sex.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Make love
- Hook up
- Get intimate
- Go all the way
- Do the deed
21. Ride the Hobby Horse
Introduction: A playful and old-fashioned way to refer to sex.
Definition: This idiom describes engaging in sexual activity, comparing it to riding a toy horse.
In Sentence: They were so in love that they couldn’t wait to ride the hobby horse.
Example: “He whispered in her ear, asking if she wanted to ride the hobby horse tonight.”
Explanation: The motion of riding a hobby horse humorously parallels the act of sex, making this phrase a cheeky euphemism.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Get it on
- Knock boots
- Do the deed
- Have a romp
- Make love
22. Sink the Submarine
Introduction: A humorous phrase that suggests engaging in sex.
Definition: This idiom, often used by men, implies sexual activity in a playful way.
In Sentence: After their romantic dinner, he hoped to sink the submarine.
Example: “The chemistry was strong, and he was ready to sink the submarine.”
Explanation: The phrase uses military or naval imagery to describe the act of intimacy.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Lay some pipe
- Get busy
- Do the deed
- Score
- Get it on
23. Go to the Bone Yard
Introduction: A slangy and somewhat crude phrase for sex.
Definition: This phrase refers to having sex, particularly in a rough or passionate way.
In Sentence: They were both eager to go to the bone yard.
Example: “After weeks of flirting, they finally went to the bone yard.”
Explanation: The term “bone” is often used in sexual slang, making this a more direct and playful phrase.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Knock boots
- Do the deed
- Get lucky
- Hit the sheets
- Fool around
24. Butter the Biscuit
Introduction: A Southern-style idiom for sex.
Definition: This phrase uses food imagery to describe intimacy.
In Sentence: They were ready to butter the biscuit after a romantic evening.
Example: “With the right mood and setting, they were both eager to butter the biscuit.”
Explanation: The phrase suggests an act of pleasure and indulgence, much like spreading butter on a biscuit.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Get busy
- Have a roll in the hay
- Fool around
- Get it on
- Do the deed
25. Take a Trip to Pleasure Town
Introduction: A lighthearted way to describe a passionate experience.
Definition: This idiom refers to engaging in sexual activity, emphasizing enjoyment.
In Sentence: They were excited to take a trip to Pleasure Town.
Example: “After weeks apart, they were ready to take a trip to Pleasure Town together.”
Explanation: The phrase highlights sex as an enjoyable experience, likening it to an exciting journey.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Get it on
- Have a romp
- Do the deed
- Make love
- Hook up
26. Park the Car in the Garage
Introduction: A metaphor for sex, often used humorously.
Definition: This idiom suggests intimacy by comparing the act to putting a car into a garage.
In Sentence: They were both ready to park the car in the garage.
Example: “He joked that it was finally time to park the car in the garage.”
Explanation: The phrase humorously likens the physical act of sex to a vehicle being parked.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Get busy
- Lay some pipe
- Do the deed
- Hit the sheets
- Get lucky
27. Tango in the Sheets
Introduction: A romantic and playful way to describe sex.
Definition: This phrase refers to sexual intimacy, using the dance metaphor for sensual movement.
In Sentence: They couldn’t resist each other and ended up tangoing in the sheets.
Example: “They turned down the lights and started to tango in the sheets.”
Explanation: The tango is a passionate dance, making this phrase a perfect metaphor for making love.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Make love
- Get intimate
- Do the deed
- Get it on
- Knock boots
28. Rock the Boat
Introduction: A subtle and playful way to describe intimacy.
Definition: This phrase implies movement and rhythm, much like sex.
In Sentence: They were up all night rocking the boat.
Example: “The neighbors heard them rocking the boat until morning.”
Explanation: The phrase suggests movement and excitement, making it a creative way to talk about sex.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Get it on
- Make love
- Have a romp
- Do the deed
- Fool around
29. Give the Bed a Workout
Introduction: A humorous way to describe passionate sex.
Definition: This phrase refers to intense intimacy, suggesting that the bed is involved in the activity.
In Sentence: They were so passionate that they gave the bed a workout.
Example: “After their honeymoon, they spent days giving the bed a workout.”
Explanation: This idiom humorously describes passionate sex by implying the bed is being used extensively.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Knock boots
- Get busy
- Fool around
- Rock the boat
- Hit the sheets
30. Shake the Sheets
Introduction: A playful way to describe intimacy.
Definition: This phrase suggests movement and excitement in bed.
In Sentence: They couldn’t keep their hands off each other and ended up shaking the sheets.
Example: “After a long-awaited reunion, they finally got to shake the sheets.”
Explanation: The phrase suggests movement in bed, making it a lighthearted way to talk about sex.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Do the deed
- Have a romp
- Make love
- Get intimate
- Knock boots
31. Hop on the Good Foot and Do the Bad Thing
Introduction: A humorous and playful way to talk about sex, made famous by musician James Brown.
Definition: This phrase describes engaging in sexual activity, using a fun and rhythmic expression.
In Sentence: They had been flirting all night and finally decided to hop on the good foot and do the bad thing.
Example: “After a romantic dinner, they couldn’t resist hopping on the good foot and doing the bad thing.”
Explanation: The phrase suggests movement and fun, making it a creative way to describe intimacy without being too direct.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Get it on
- Do the deed
- Knock boots
- Make love
- Fool around
32. Light the Fireworks
Introduction: A passionate and exciting way to describe an intimate encounter.
Definition: This idiom suggests that sex is like an explosion of excitement, much like fireworks.
In Sentence: Their chemistry was undeniable, and when they were finally alone, they lit the fireworks.
Example: “The moment was perfect, and when they kissed, it felt like they were about to light the fireworks.”
Explanation: Fireworks symbolize passion, excitement, and celebration, making this phrase a great metaphor for an intense romantic encounter.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Get hot and heavy
- Make love
- Get busy
- Heat things up
- Set the night on fire
33. Play Hide the Sausage
Introduction: A cheeky and humorous euphemism for sex.
Definition: This phrase describes sexual activity in a playful and suggestive way.
In Sentence: They disappeared into the bedroom, clearly ready to play hide the sausage.
Example: “She laughed at his bad joke about playing hide the sausage, but they both knew where the night was headed.”
Explanation: The phrase uses food imagery in a playful manner, making it a lighthearted and informal way to refer to sex.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Do the deed
- Get lucky
- Knock boots
- Have a roll in the hay
- Get it on
34. Do the Mattress Mambo
Introduction: A fun and rhythmic way to describe sexual activity.
Definition: This idiom compares sex to dancing, particularly a lively and energetic one like the mambo.
In Sentence: They turned down the lights and got ready to do the mattress mambo.
Example: “The night was young, the mood was right, and soon they were doing the mattress mambo.”
Explanation: By using the metaphor of dance, this phrase suggests passion, rhythm, and movement, much like an intimate experience.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Get it on
- Shake the sheets
- Rock the boat
- Hit the sheets
- Make love
35. Ride the Pony
Introduction: A playful and widely recognized phrase for engaging in sex.
Definition: This idiom suggests intimacy, comparing the act to riding a pony in a fun and cheeky way.
In Sentence: They had been teasing each other all evening, and it was clear they were ready to ride the pony.
Example: “With a wink and a smile, he asked if she wanted to ride the pony tonight.”
Explanation: This phrase is lighthearted and fun, using an animal-related metaphor to describe the physicality of sex.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Get busy
- Knock boots
- Fool around
- Have a romp
- Do the deed
Final Thoughts
Using idioms for sex can make conversations about intimacy more playful, subtle, and entertaining. Whether for humor, flirting, or creative storytelling, these expressions offer a fun way to talk about one of life’s most natural experiences.
FAQs
1. Are these idioms still commonly used today?
Some are, while others are more old-fashioned. It depends on the region and social context.
2. Are these phrases considered offensive?
Most are meant to be playful, but context matters. Some might be inappropriate in formal settings.
3. Why do people use idioms for sex instead of being direct?
Idioms make conversations more fun, avoid blunt language, and add humor to discussions.
4. Can I use these idioms in professional writing?
Generally, no. These are best suited for informal or creative writing.
5. Do other languages have similar euphemisms for sex?
Absolutely! Many cultures have their own unique and humorous ways of referring to intimacy.
Emma Brooke is the writer and founder of Grammer Guru, a platform designed to help individuals refine their grammar, writing, and communication skills. With a deep love for language and a talent for simplifying complex grammar rules, Emma provides insightful tips and practical guidance for writers, students, and professionals
