Sometimes, we want to say that there is a large amount of something. Instead of using plain words like “a lot” or “many,” people often use special phrases called idioms. Idioms are groups of words that mean something different from the exact words. They make speaking and writing more fun and interesting.
In this article, you will learn about 30 idioms that mean “a lot.” These idioms help us talk about many things in different ways. Understanding them will make your language richer and easier to enjoy. Let’s explore these idioms and see how to use them in sentences.
Idioms for A Lot
1. A dime a dozen
Meaning: Very common or easy to find.
Samples: Toys like these are a dime a dozen at the store. / Complaints about homework are a dime a dozen.
To Put it Another Way: There are many of them. / You can find these everywhere.
2. A ton of
Meaning: A very large amount of something.
Samples: She has a ton of books in her room. / We ate a ton of pizza at the party.
To Put it Another Way: A whole lot. / More than enough.
3. Loads of
Meaning: Many or a lot of something.
Samples: There were loads of people at the school fair. / I have loads of homework tonight.
To Put it Another Way: Tons of. / A big amount.
4. Bucketload of
Meaning: A large quantity of something.
Samples: He brought a bucketload of snacks for the picnic. / She got a bucketload of presents for her birthday.
To Put it Another Way: A big pile. / A lot all at once.
5. A wealth of
Meaning: A large amount or supply of something useful.
Samples: The library has a wealth of information about animals. / She has a wealth of ideas for the project.
To Put it Another Way: Plenty of. / Full of useful things.
6. A pile of
Meaning: A large amount stacked or gathered together.
Samples: There was a pile of dirty clothes on the floor. / He made a pile of papers on his desk.
To Put it Another Way: A heap of. / Many stacked together.
7. Tons of
Meaning: A very big amount of something.
Samples: We have tons of fun at the amusement park. / She got tons of compliments on her drawing.
To Put it Another Way: A huge amount. / Loads of.
8. A boatload of
Meaning: A very large quantity.
Samples: The store sold a boatload of candy during Halloween. / He has a boatload of ideas for his story.
To Put it Another Way: A lot, like a big boat full. / A great amount.
9. A mountain of
Meaning: A very big amount, like a mountain.
Samples: She has a mountain of homework to do tonight. / There was a mountain of snow after the storm.
To Put it Another Way: A huge pile. / A big amount that looks tall.
10. More than you can shake a stick at
Meaning: More than you can count or handle.
Samples: There are more cookies than you can shake a stick at. / He has more toys than he can shake a stick at.
To Put it Another Way: A very large number. / Too many to count.
11. A sea of
Meaning: A large amount spread out like the sea.
Samples: There was a sea of yellow flowers in the field. / The crowd looked like a sea of faces.
To Put it Another Way: A wide spread of many things. / Like a big ocean of something.
12. A slew of
Meaning: A large number or amount.
Samples: The teacher gave us a slew of assignments this week. / She has a slew of ideas for the science fair.
To Put it Another Way: A bunch of. / Many at once.
13. A flood of
Meaning: A large amount that comes quickly.
Samples: After the game, a flood of fans rushed to the field. / She received a flood of letters from her friends.
To Put it Another Way: A big rush of. / Many are coming fast.
14. A heap of
Meaning: A big pile or large amount.
Samples: There was a heap of leaves in the backyard. / I have a heap of chores to finish today.
To Put it Another Way: A pile of many. / Lots stacked together.
15. A stack of
Meaning: Many things are placed one on top of another.
Samples: He has a stack of books to read. / There was a stack of pancakes on the plate.
To Put it Another Way: A tall pile. / Things are put one above another.
16. A great deal of
Meaning: A large amount or number.
Samples: She spent a great deal of time on her homework. / There was a great deal of excitement at the party.
To Put it Another Way: A lot of. / Many or much.
17. A handful of
Meaning: A small but noticeable amount.
Samples: He picked a handful of berries from the bush. / She had a handful of questions for the teacher.
To Put it Another Way: Some, but not a lot. / Enough to hold in one hand.
18. Loads upon loads
Meaning: Very many or a huge amount.
Samples: They brought loads upon loads of gifts for the festival. / We ate loads upon loads of popcorn at the movie.
To Put it Another Way: More and more. / A very big amount.
19. A raft of
Meaning: Many or a large group.
Samples: The school had a raft of new students this year. / She has a raft of good ideas for the project.
To Put it Another Way: A big group. / Many gathered together.
20. A bunch of
Meaning: Many things grouped together.
Samples: I have a bunch of pencils in my bag. / She picked a bunch of flowers for the teacher.
To Put it Another Way: A group of many. / Several or more than a few.
21. More than enough
Meaning: A quantity that is more than what is needed.
Samples: We have more than enough snacks for the party. / There were more than enough chairs for everyone.
To Put it Another Way: Too much. / Plenty to share.
22. A basketful of
Meaning: As much as a basket can hold.
Samples: She picked a basketful of apples from the tree. / The picnic had a basketful of sandwiches.
To Put it Another Way: A full basket. / Lots inside a container.
23. A truckload of
Meaning: A very large amount, like what fits in a truck.
Samples: They delivered a truckload of supplies to the school. / We saw a truckload of toys at the store.
To Put it Another Way: A big delivery. / A large amount was transported.
24. A garden of
Meaning: A large number or amount of plants or things.
Samples: The park has a garden of colorful flowers. / She has a garden of ideas for her story.
To Put it Another Way: Many like a garden full. / A big collection.
25. A pile-up of
Meaning: A large amount gathered or piled together.
Samples: There was a pile-up of leaves in the corner of the yard. / He has a pile-up of homework to finish.
To Put it Another Way: Things stacked together. / Lots grouped in one place.
26. A load of
Meaning: A large amount.
Samples: She brought a load of clothes for the trip. / We have a load of work to do.
To Put it Another Way: Much or many. / A big quantity.
27. A mass of
Meaning: A large amount gathered together.
Samples: There was a mass of people at the concert. / The garden had a mass of green leaves.
To Put it Another Way: A big group or amount. / Lots joined together.
28. A sea of
Meaning: A large, spreading amount that looks like the ocean.
Samples: There was a sea of blue balloons at the party. / The stadium had a sea of cheering fans.
To Put it Another Way: A widespread of many. / Like a big ocean of things.
29. A great many
Meaning: A large number of things or people.
Samples: There are a great many stars in the sky. / She has a great many friends at school.
To Put it Another Way: Lots of. / Many in number.
30. A wealth of
Meaning: A large amount or supply of something useful.
Samples: The museum has a wealth of old paintings. / She shared a wealth of knowledge with the class.
To Put it Another Way: Plenty of. / Full of useful things.
Find the Topics: Idioms for A Lot
Last Friday, the school was buzzing with excitement for the big Valentine’s Day party. Emma brought a bucketload of chocolates to share with her friends. The gym was decorated with loads of red and pink balloons, making it look like a sea of colors.
At the snack table, there was a mountain of cookies and cupcakes. Everyone was talking about the party because there were tons of fun games to play. Liam showed up with a truckload of balloons that he had blown up himself.
Later, the teacher handed out a pile of Valentine’s cards to the students. It was clear that the kids had received more than enough treats to enjoy all day long.
Can you find and list all 8 idioms for a lot in this story? Underline or write them down.
Answer Key
- Bucketload of
- Loads of
- Sea of
- Mountain of
- Tons of
- Truckload of
- Pile of
- More than enough
Conclusion
Idioms for a lot help us talk about big amounts in a fun and easy way. Using these phrases makes our speaking and writing more interesting. When you want to say “a lot” in different ways, these idioms give you many choices. They help make your words clearer and more lively. Try using some of these idioms next time you want to describe a big amount.
