Charades for Adults

Clean cards about bills, errands, in-laws and the commute: hand the actor the phone and press Play a 1-minute round.

Charades for Adults

Fly fishing

1 of 210

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How it works

Charades for adults here means for grown-ups: 210 clean cards about adult life, such as Parallel parking, Jury duty and Visiting the in-laws. There are no film or song titles to know. Press Play a 1-minute round and hand the actor the phone.

Read the full guide

Ten topics from grown-up life

Press Topic to fit the room. Work and the commute and Money and paperwork suit colleagues; Family life and Cooking and hosting suit a dinner table. Sayings grown-ups use holds 30 idioms, such as Burning the midnight oil, and every one is Hard.

Easy, Medium and Hard

Easy cards are one action, such as Pumping gas. Medium cards take two or three beats, such as Looking for your car in a parking garage. Hard cards have no obvious gesture: A layover, Overtime, A staycation. The list under the deck gives an acting hint for every card.

Tips
  • For a saying, act the picture and not the meaning: for Wearing many hats, swap one hat for another, faster and faster.
  • These charade phrases for adults are short on purpose, so the guessers can shout the exact words.

Questions and answers

Is adult charades here clean?

Yes. Adult means the cards are about grown-up life: bills, commutes, in-laws and hosting. Nothing is rude and no card involves a drink, so it is safe with relatives in the room. Younger players have their own charades generator for kids.

What are good charades game ideas for adults who have never played?

Start on Easy in Errands and the car: Pumping gas, Getting a haircut, Scraping ice off the windshield. Each is one action everyone has done, so new players get a guess in the first few seconds.

Where are the funny charades for adults?

In their own deck: funny charades ideas is scenes where something goes wrong. This deck is the straight one, short words and sayings from adult life in three levels, for a room that wants to guess fast.

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All 210 charades ideas for adults

Money and paperwork 20

  • Applying for a loan Slide papers across a desk and wait, hands clasped.
  • Balancing the budget Weigh two invisible piles and move a little across.
  • Checking the bank balance Peek at the phone through your fingers.
  • Clipping coupons Snip small squares and stack them in a neat pile.
  • Comparing two insurance quotes Hold a paper in each hand and look from one to the other.
  • Counting out exact change Dig coins from a pocket one at a time.
  • Filing a tax return Shuffle receipts, punch a calculator, sign with a sigh.
  • Filling out a form in triplicate Write the same line on three sheets, pressing hard.
  • Haggling at a yard sale Offer a number on your fingers, shake heads, meet halfway.
  • Jury duty Sit in a row, listen hard, then raise a hand to vote.
  • Opening the electric bill Tear the envelope, read, clutch your chest.
  • Paying at a parking meter Feed coins in one by one and check your watch.
  • Reading the fine print Bring the page closer and closer, then turn it sideways.
  • Renewing a passport Pose for a photo without smiling, then fill in a form.
  • Setting up a new password Type, get refused, add more and more keys.
  • Signing a lease Flip page after page and initial every one.
  • Signing for a package Scribble on a tiny screen with one finger.
  • Standing in line at the post office Shuffle forward one step at a time with a parcel.
  • Tipping the delivery driver Take the box, pat your pockets, hand over a bill.
  • Waiting on hold Phone to your ear, nod along to music, slump lower.
Show all 210 charades ideas for adults (190 more)

Errands and the car 20

  • Backing a trailer into a driveway Turn the wheel the wrong way, stop, start again.
  • Bagging your own groceries Scan, beep, bag, and the eggs go on top.
  • Changing a flat tire Crank a jack, spin off the nuts, roll the spare over.
  • Checking the blind spot A quick look over each shoulder before you move.
  • Dropping off a package Carry a box to a counter and wave goodbye to it.
  • Getting a haircut Sit very still under a cape while scissors snip.
  • Going through a car wash Sit still while brushes roll over you from front to back.
  • Jump-starting a car Clip two cables, turn a key, cross your fingers.
  • Looking for your car in a parking garage Press the key fob and listen in every direction.
  • Merging onto the highway Check the mirror, speed up, slide over with a wave.
  • Parallel parking Look over your shoulder, turn the wheel, inch back and forward.
  • Picking a paint color Hold small cards up to the wall and step back.
  • Picking up the dry cleaning Hand over a ticket and take back a suit on a hanger.
  • Pumping gas Squeeze the handle and watch the numbers climb.
  • Returning a sweater without the receipt Hold it up, search every pocket, smile hopefully.
  • Rush hour Grip the wheel, creep forward, stop, creep forward.
  • The school drop-off line Roll forward, wave a child out, roll forward again.
  • Scraping ice off the windshield Short hard strokes, then blow on your hands.
  • Taking a driving test Hands at ten and two, check every mirror twice.
  • Waiting for an oil change Sit with a magazine and keep looking at the garage door.

House and yard 20

  • Bleeding a radiator Turn a tiny key, hold a rag under it, wait for the hiss.
  • Bringing in the trash cans Drag two wheeled bins back up the drive.
  • Carrying a couch up the stairs Two steps up, tilt, get stuck on the corner.
  • Changing the smoke alarm battery Reach up from a chair while it chirps at you.
  • Cleaning the gutters Up a ladder, scoop out handfuls and drop them.
  • Defrosting the freezer Chip at ice and catch the drips in a towel.
  • Finding a stud in the wall Knock along the wall and listen for the change.
  • Fixing a leaky faucet Tighten with a wrench and watch for the next drip.
  • Hanging a picture straight Step back, tilt your head, nudge one corner.
  • Hanging wallpaper Smooth a long strip down and chase out the bubbles.
  • Painting a ceiling Roll paint overhead and flinch when a drop lands.
  • Pressure washing the driveway Sweep a strong jet slowly from side to side.
  • Raking the yard Long pulls toward your feet, then bag the pile.
  • Reading the instructions last Build it wrong first, then unfold the paper.
  • Reading the water meter Lift a lid in the ground and copy down the numbers.
  • Resetting the circuit breaker Lights out, feel your way to a panel, flip a switch.
  • Taking out the recycling Carry a clinking bin to the curb.
  • Unclogging a drain Plunge hard, peer down the hole, plunge again.
  • Weeding the flower bed Kneel, pull, shake off the soil, toss it behind you.
  • Winterizing the house Wrap the pipes, seal the window, stack the wood.

Work and the commute 20

  • A business trip Roll a small case, flash a badge, shake three hands.
  • A lunch break Unwrap a sandwich at your desk with one eye on the clock.
  • A performance review Sit across a desk while someone reads down a list.
  • A retirement party Open a gift, shake hands down a line, wave goodbye.
  • Asking for a raise Knock, clear your throat, hold up a hopeful number.
  • Calling in sick Cough into the phone, then relax the moment you hang up.
  • Carpooling Four people squeeze into one car and buckle up.
  • Clocking in Slide a card through a machine, then yawn.
  • The first day at a new job Get walked around, wave at everyone, forget every name.
  • Giving a presentation Click to the next slide and point at a chart.
  • Missing the train Sprint, reach out, watch the doors close.
  • Networking Trade cards with stranger after stranger.
  • The night shift Head to work as everyone else goes to bed.
  • Overtime Everyone leaves; you keep typing under one light.
  • Packing up your desk Put a plant, a mug and a photo into one box.
  • Running late for a meeting Jog in with a bag, mouth sorry, find a seat.
  • Shaking hands on a deal Sign, stand, shake, smile for the photo.
  • Standing on a crowded bus Hold a strap and sway into your neighbors.
  • Waiting outside a job interview Sit on the edge of a chair, straighten your tie, check the time.
  • Working from home Type at a table in slippers and a smart shirt.

Cooking and hosting 20

  • A slow cooker Lift a lid, breathe in, put it back and wait hours.
  • Baking a birthday cake Level the flour, crack an egg, lick the spoon.
  • Bringing a dish to share Carry a covered dish in both hands and find a gap on a full table.
  • Carving a roast Steady it with a fork and slice thin.
  • Checking the expiration date Read the carton, sniff it, decide.
  • Cleaning out the fridge Pull out a jar from the back and hold it at arm's length.
  • Clearing the table Stack plates up one arm and gather the forks.
  • Doubling a recipe Count on your fingers, then pour everything in twice.
  • Following a recipe Read a line, stir, read the same line again.
  • Grilling burgers Flip with a long spatula and step back from the smoke.
  • Hosting a dinner party Open the door, take coats, run back to the oven.
  • Kneading dough Push with the heel of your hand, fold, turn.
  • Leftovers Tip tonight's dinner into a box and stack it in the fridge.
  • Loading the dishwasher Fit the last plate in like a puzzle piece.
  • Meal prep for the week Fill a row of boxes with the same three things.
  • Packing lunches Line up boxes and drop the same things into each.
  • Seasoning to taste A pinch, a stir, a sip from the spoon, another pinch.
  • Setting off the smoke alarm Wave a towel at the ceiling with a pan in one hand.
  • Sharpening a knife Draw the blade along a steel, one side then the other.
  • Writing a grocery list Open the fridge, look, write, open a cupboard, write.

Family life 20

  • A parent-teacher conference Sit on a chair far too small and nod.
  • A school bake sale Set out trays on a table and make change.
  • Assembling a crib Bolt rail to rail while reading the sheet upside down.
  • Checking on a sleeping baby Creep to the door and listen without breathing.
  • Childproofing the cabinets Fit a latch, then fail to open it yourself.
  • Cleaning up after a birthday party Pop balloons and peel streamers off the wall.
  • Driving the carpool Look in the mirror at a full back seat and count heads.
  • Helping with math homework Count on your fingers, erase, count again.
  • Hiring a babysitter Point to the list, the fridge, the clock, then wave.
  • Installing a car seat Thread a belt, kneel on the seat and pull tight.
  • Packing the car for a family trip Fit the last bag in, then close the trunk with your whole body.
  • Packing the diaper bag Count out what you need, then add two more of each.
  • Playing tooth fairy Tiptoe in, slide a hand under the pillow, swap and sneak out.
  • Pushing a stroller Push with one hand and pick up a dropped toy with the other.
  • Reading a bedtime story Turn pages quietly and do the voices.
  • Rocking a baby to sleep Sway, hum, tiptoe to the crib and lower very slowly.
  • Taking the family photo Set a timer, run back, and smile too late.
  • Teaching a teenager to drive Brace the dashboard and press a brake that is not there.
  • Visiting the in-laws Ring the bell, straighten your shirt, smile wide.
  • Walking the dog in the rain Leash in one hand, umbrella in the other, get pulled.

Travel and time off 20

  • A bed and breakfast Wake in a quilted bed and come down to a set table.
  • A carry-on that will not fit Push a bag into a space above your head again and again.
  • A layover Sit with your bags and watch the board change.
  • A long weekend Cross off one extra day and put your feet up.
  • A red-eye flight Board in the dark, fail to sleep, land at sunrise.
  • A staycation Pack nothing and lie down on your own couch.
  • Airport security Shoes off, arms up, turn around slowly.
  • Asking for directions Show a map, follow a pointing arm, go the wrong way.
  • Checking in to a hotel Ring a little bell, take a key card, find the elevator.
  • Checking the weather before a trip Look at the sky, look at the phone, pack a coat anyway.
  • Choosing the window seat Shuffle past two pairs of knees and press your nose to the glass.
  • Hailing a taxi Step to the curb with one arm up and whistle.
  • Holding a map the wrong way up Turn it, turn yourself, turn it again.
  • Missing a connecting flight Run through the airport and reach the gate as the door shuts.
  • Passport control Hand it over, stand very still, get stamped.
  • Reclining your seat Lean back an inch and look pleased.
  • Renting a car Walk around it, point at a scratch, sign.
  • Sightseeing Look up, look at the guidebook, take a photo.
  • Souvenir shopping Spin a rack of postcards and try on a silly hat.
  • Waiting for lost luggage Watch the belt go round until it is empty.

Hobbies and weekends 20

  • A flea market Walk slowly between tables and pick things up.
  • A golf swing Line it up, swing, shade your eyes and watch it go.
  • A pottery class Hold wet clay on a spinning wheel as it wobbles.
  • A sourdough starter Feed a jar, check it, feed it again the next day.
  • A yoga class Roll out a mat and wobble on one leg.
  • Antique shopping Turn things over to look underneath.
  • Bowling night Three steps, a smooth release, a hopeful lean.
  • Choosing the next book club book Hold up two books to a circle and count the hands.
  • Doing the crossword Count squares with a pen and tap your teeth.
  • Fly fishing Whip the line back and forward over your head.
  • Karaoke night Hold a microphone, read the screen, give it everything.
  • Learning a language Repeat after a voice in your headphones, slowly.
  • Line dancing Step, step, turn, clap, all together in rows.
  • Repotting a houseplant Ease it out, settle it into a bigger pot, pat the soil.
  • Restoring an old car Polish the chrome and listen to the engine.
  • Running a marathon Pin on a number, pace yourself, grab a cup on the run.
  • Season tickets Sit in the same seat, week after week, and cheer.
  • Trivia night Huddle, whisper, write one answer, cross it out.
  • Tuning a guitar Pluck one string, turn a peg, listen, pluck again.
  • Volunteering Hand out the same thing to a long line with a smile.

Life events 20

  • A baby's first birthday Light one candle and clap for someone very small.
  • A block party Carry a table into the street and wave to every door.
  • A class photo twenty years on Stand in the same row and hold the same pose.
  • A first date Pull out a chair, fidget with the menu, laugh too soon.
  • A graduation speech Adjust the cap, grip the podium, toss the cap.
  • A high school reunion Read a name tag, then pretend you knew all along.
  • A housewarming Hand over a plant and get the tour.
  • An anniversary dinner Light a candle and reach across the table.
  • The best man's speech Tap a glass, unfold a paper, wait for the laugh.
  • Blowing out forty candles Take a deep breath and need a second one.
  • Carrying someone over the threshold Scoop, stagger, turn sideways through the door.
  • Cutting a ribbon Giant scissors, one snip, applause.
  • Getting fitted for a suit Arms out while someone measures and pins.
  • Meeting the new neighbors Carry a plate next door and knock.
  • Moving day Tape a box, label it, carry it bent-kneed to the truck.
  • Picking up the keys to a first home Take the keys, hold them up, hug the doorframe.
  • Proposing Drop to one knee and open a small box.
  • Signing the guest book Wait for the pen, write a line, step aside.
  • Waving a child off to college Pack the car, hug too long, wave until it is gone.
  • Writing thank-you notes Write one, lick the envelope, shake out your hand.

Sayings grown-ups use 30

  • A drop in the bucket One drip falls, you look in, and shrug.
  • Biting off more than you can chew Take a huge bite and struggle with it.
  • Breaking even Snap something in two and weigh the halves, level.
  • Bringing home the bacon Come through the door holding up the prize.
  • Burning the candle at both ends Light one end, then the other, and yawn.
  • Burning the midnight oil Work by one small light while everyone else sleeps.
  • Climbing the corporate ladder Climb rung by rung in a tie with a briefcase.
  • Cutting corners Snip the corners off a square, then hurry on.
  • Dotting the i's and crossing the t's Write one word, then go back over it with great care.
  • Footing the bill Read the check, gulp, put your foot on it.
  • Getting a foot in the door Wedge one shoe in a closing door and smile through the gap.
  • Getting your ducks in a row Nudge small things into a neat line and count them.
  • Hitting the ground running Land from a jump already sprinting.
  • Jumping through hoops Hold up hoop after hoop and leap through each.
  • Keeping up with the neighbors Look over the fence, then copy what you see.
  • Keeping your head above water Tread water, chin up, while more and more lands on you.
  • Learning the ropes Copy someone tying a knot until you get it.
  • Living paycheck to paycheck Get paid, pay it all out, show empty pockets.
  • Making ends meet Stretch two ends of a rope until they just touch.
  • Moving the furniture around Push, step back, frown, push it back again.
  • On the back burner Slide a pot to the back of the stove and leave it.
  • Passing the buck Hand the problem to your neighbor and step away.
  • Pulling strings Work a puppet from above.
  • Putting all your eggs in one basket Pile egg after egg into one basket, then trip.
  • Reading between the lines Trace two lines of text and peer at the gap.
  • Sleeping on it Look at the problem, put it under the pillow, lie down.
  • Thinking outside the box Draw a box in the air and step out of it.
  • Tightening your belt Pull the belt in a notch and look at a thin wallet.
  • Too many irons in the fire Juggle more and more hot handles.
  • Wearing many hats Swap one hat for another, faster and faster.

How this list was compiled: Written by the Game Night Generator editors for this page on 2026-09-30. Every card is something from grown-up life that a person can act without props or speech: bills and paperwork, errands, the house, work, cooking for guests, family life, travel, hobbies, life events and the sayings adults use. The deck keeps to the site's family-safe rule: nothing sexual, no alcohol or drugs, nothing about bodies, no real people, no brand names and no film, show, book or song titles. Difficulty is an editor's judgment: Easy is one action a room names at once, Medium takes two or three beats, Hard has no obvious gesture. The line under each card is the editors' acting hint, not a rule. Overlap with the rest of this site was counted on 2026-09-30 with a leading a, an or the dropped: 13 of the 210 cards (6%) have the same text as a card in the site's main charades deck, such as Parallel parking and Hailing a taxi, no other list shares more than 6, and no card is in the funny charades deck. Licence: own work