Like riding a bicycle

Although the meanings of the words in them do not make any sense when examined one by one, the word groups that are shaped according to the cultural roots of the language and that make sense as a whole are called idioms. Like riding a bicycle meaning, in what situations is it used?

Meaning of "Like riding a bicycle"

Meaning

The idiom "like riding a bicycle" is used to describe something that has been learned and is so embedded, that it can never be forgotten. It expresses the idea that when one masters a skill, it is remembered and can be recallable at any time, despite a period of time having passed where the skill may have been neglected. After relearning the skill, the person can continue as if they had never stopped.

Etymology

The origins of this phrase can be traced back to England in the mid-1800s. At this time, the phrase was used to explain that competence in an activity required practice, and once it was learned, it was never forgotten. Over time, the phrase was also used to indicate that certain tasks never seem to become difficult, despite the amount of time it’s been since a person last did it. The concept of “not forgetting” and “always available” likely came from the idea that a person could just “hop on a bicycle” and it would become second nature again.

Usage

The phrase “like riding a bicycle” is used most frequently when talking about skills or activities that were once learned and were never forgotten. It has come to mean that, despite the amount of time elapsed, these skills can still be recalled. One can use the phrase to express their ability to do something or to explain why a certain task is still possible despite the lapse of time. In other scenarios, the phrase is used to demonstrate the idea that when one masters a skill, they never forget it.

Example Sentences

• “It’s like riding a bicycle. Once you learn it, you never forget.”
• “Even though I haven’t skated in years, it’s like riding a bicycle. I can still do it.”
• “I didn’t practice Spanish for years, but it was like riding a bicycle. I picked it up quickly.”

The universal role of idioms

"Kill two birds with one stone" is an English idiom that means to accomplish two things with a single action. In French, the similar idiom is "Faire d'une pierre deux coups," which translates to "To kill two birds with one stone." This idiom highlights the efficiency of completing two tasks with one action.