Like riding a bicycle

Like riding a bicycle is an idiom used by many writers. When idioms are used in the right place, they open the doors of effective communication and increase your descriptive power. In this way, you will be better understood. The meaning of the expression Like riding a bicycle is also remarkable in this respect.

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.”

Idioms have a common language

"The early bird catches the worm" is an English idiom that means that those who wake up early and start their day early are more likely to succeed. A similar idiom in Spanish is "El que madruga, Dios le ayuda," which translates to "God helps those who rise early." This idiom emphasizes the importance of starting the day early in order to achieve success.