2020

January

It’s on everyone’s lips

It’s talked about. It’s a frequent topic of conversations.

“The Coronavirus is on everyone’s lips these days.”

31/01/2020

Easier said than done

Quite self-explanatory. We use this phrase when we think that talking about something, or giving advice about it, is easier than actually doing it.

“I go on and on about how much vocabulary students would learn if they found some time to read in English everyday but considering their busy lives, I know it’s easier said than done.”

30/01/2020

Familiarity breeds comtempt

A losss of respect that happens after having known someone for a long time, including their bad qualities.

“There is an African proverb that says that familiarity breeds comtempt and distance brings respect.”

29/01/2020

Get on with your life

To overcome something bad that happened and go back to living a normal life again.

“Stop thinking about the past and get on with your life.”

28/01/2020

Strike up a conversation

Start talking to somebody.

“Striking up a conversation with a stranger on the bus was never an issue for her.”

27/01/2020

Wake up and smell the coffee

Don’t be naive.

“Stop pretending nothing is going on. She’s leaving. Wake up and smell the coffee.”

24/01/2020

Go with the flow

Be relaxed and let things happen rather than trying to control what’s happening around you.

“We didn’t have a say in the planning so we just went with the flow.”

23/01/2020

Have a say

To be able to give an opinion and have some influence.

“When students have a say, the learning process becomes more relevant for them.”

22/01/2020

Have high standards

To have an expectation of excellence and good quality in what you do

“The literature programme “Página 2″ has high standards and never disappoints their loyal audience.”

21/01/2020

Nip in the bud

If you nip something in the bud, you put a stop to something soon after it has started. For example, a bad habit or a problem. A bud is a young flower that has not blossomed yet.

“Doing overtime is what is expected of workers in this office since the arrival of the new manager. Let’s nip it in the bud before it becomes a habit.”

20/01/2020

Be out of step

If people or things are out of step, they do not agree or move at the same rate

“It is said by some that Japan is quite out of step with other countries on transgender issues but the country currently has three transgender politicians in government who are campaigning for greater acceptance.”

17/01/2020

Have your brain in gear

Thinking clearly and effectively.

“My brain is not in gear today. Going for a walk will help me think more clearly.”

16/01/2020

Lighten the load

To help someone who is very busy, upset or overwhelmed

“Is there anything I can do to lighten the load while your mum is in hospital?.”

15/01/2020

It takes two to tango

Used when two people are involved in a situation and both must take responsabitity for it.

“It takes two to tango. Don’t put all the blame on your partner. You both took the decision to set up the business.”

14/01/2020

Get ahead of yourself

To act too early, before your are prepared.

“Give it more time until you know how to handle this situation properly. Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

10/01/2020

A shock to the system

An unpleasant feeling you experience when there is a sudden change in your life.

“Coming back to the winter after a month of summer weather is inevitably a shock to the system.”

09/01/2020

February

Under your belt

Something achieved that has now become part of your experience.

“With twenty years of teaching experience under my belt, I am glad to say that I still find this job incredibly motivating and rewarding. 

28/02/2020

Spill the beans

Reveal secret information.

“He shouldn’t have been let in on the secret just before going to the pub. All it took was a few beers for him to spill the beans. 

27/02/2020

You can’t have it both ways

You can’t benefit from two things at the same time.

“Students have the time and freedom to travel but less money to do so. You can’t have it both ways.

26/02/2020

Be a weight off your mind

To stop worrying about something

“Great to know you can take care of my dog while I am away. That’s a weight off my mind.

25/02/2020

Be down with the kids

Try to be in tune with the younger generations by showing interest in what they like, think or do .

“Oh, so now, you are taking up skateboarding with your daughter. I hope trying to be down with the kids doesn’t cause any injuries.

24/02/2020

Be all ears

If you tell someone that you are all ears, it means you are ready to pay attention to what the other person has to say, to listen intently.

“Tell me more. I’m all ears.”

21/02/2020

Give someone the cold shoulder

To ignore someone and keep away from them

“No wonder everyone in the office is giving him the cold shoulder. So much gossip got him to this point.”

20/02/2020

The ins and outs 

The small details and facts about something. Knowing the ins and outs of something gives you an insight into how it works.

“In my blogpost “The ins and out of collocations” published in May last year, I went through the various collocation word combinations.”

19/02/2020

Short of

Not having enough of it.

 “Being short of money, they will have to make do with a staycation* this summer.”

* Stacation: a holiday within your own country.
18/02/2020

Move with the times

To be modern and adapt to the changes that new times bring.

 “The professor received a letter jointly written by his students in which they asked him to move with the times and start using gender-neutral language in the classroom.” 

17/02/2020

Give or take

Approximately, it could be a bit more or a bit less.

“During the intensive course, there will be pauses of half an hour, give or take a few minutes.”

14/02/2020

Never a dull moment

There are exciting things happening all the time. Dull is a synonym for boring so it is another way to say something or someone is far from boring.

“With three kids and two pets at home, there is never a dull moment.”

13/02/2020

Like-minded people

People with whom you have things in common, for example in terms of lifestyle or the way you spend your free time, Also, people with similar opinions or tastes.

“In my experience, small youth hostels are an ideal place to meet like-minded travellers and make friends.”

12/02/2020

Sugar the pill

Imagine you have to deliver bad news. You could say it bluntly or you could try to make it more palatable, less harsh by sugaring the pill (also, sweetening the pill).

“Let’s sugar the pill and tell them it was a minor incident. They don’t need to know all the graphic details about the road ambush.”

11/02/2020

Keep it to a minimum

Use/do/keep as little of something as possible

“In China, people are trying to keep social gatherings to a minimum due to the virus scare.”

10/02/2020

Stock up on something

To buy a lot of it.

“Before the snowstorm, families in remote mountain villages stocked up on food and drink in view of a week of blocked roads.”

07/02/2020

In full swing

Fully operational.

“It took them a few months to get things sorted but by now, the new dancing school is in full swing.”

06/02/2020

Not mince words

If you don’t mince your words, you say what you think directly and not worried that you might offend someone.

“Being so frank and unable to mince his words creates some awkward situations but everybody knows where he stands.”

05/02/2020

A closed book

Someone you don’t know much about because they are very private and don’t reveal any information about themselves. Also, someone you can’t figure out or understand.

“He’s such a closed book. We don’t know anything about his private life. All our conversations revolve around work.”

04/02/2020

Pump money into

Invest a lot of money to make something work successfully.

“China is pumping billions of yuans into the economy to counteract the devastating effects of the Coronavirus outbreak.”

03/02/2020

March

In a nutshell

Summing up; briefly

“Tomorrow will be a full working day, everything back to back from morning to evening. In a nutshell, don’t call me.

30/04/2020

It’s not my cup of tea

It’s not my thing; I don’t really like it.

“Tarantino is not my cup of tea. Let’s watch something else.

29/04/2020

Push your luck

Say that you have been lucky but you want more of that, taking more risks and perhaps ending up losing it all.

“You’ve got my word that I will help you once a week, but you keep asking for more. You are pushing your luck. I hate to say this but, if you don’t stop insisting, I might stop helping altogether.

28/04/2020

Take the mickey (out of someone)  

(informal)

Make fun of someone; tease them.

“No way, you can’t be serious! Are you taking the mickey?.

27/04/2020

A steady job

A job that you can rely on because it is going to last.

“Thankfully, Kate had landed a steady job before the pandemia crisis started so her financial situation will not be a problem.

24/04/2020

A blessing in disguise

When a negative situation brings with it a positive outcome, which was not expected.

“Losing his job proved to be a blessing in disguise as it gave him the time and energy to write and become a published author.

23/04/2020

Pressed for time

In a hurry.

“Could you call me back later? I’m pressed for time now.

22/04/2020

Just the ticket

Just what is needed.

“This mouth-watering chocolate cake is just the ticket now.  Thank you!.

21/04/2020

It does (exactly) what it says on the tin

When you buy a product or a service that does what it says on the tin, you know what to expect and that is what you will get.

“When you stay at a YHA hostel, you don’t get any nasty surprises. It does exactly what it says on the tin.

20/04/2020

Stand the test of time

If something stands the test of time, it remains popular and strong, regardless of the passage of time.

“Appealing to adults as well as younger audiences, the Harry Potter saga has stood the test of time.

17/04/2020

To be on the cards

Something is very likely to happen.

“Major changes are on the cards in the coming months.

16/04/2020

Give credit to someone

Acknowledge an accomplishment.

“Not enough credit was given to the sherpas that led the first Himalayan expeditions.

15/04/2020

Go under the knife

To be operated on; to undergo surgery.

“He put off going under the knife for as long as he could, but his knee was more and more painful and he had to face up to it.

14/04/2020

At a loose end

If you find yourself at a loose end, you have nothing to do.

“You surely have some plans for the weekend but if you find yourself at a loose end, give me a call and we’ll organise something.

13/04/2020

Between a rock and a hard place

In a situation where both alternatives are unpleasant or undesirable.

“In the Bridges of Madison County, Francesca found herself between a rock and a hard place, having to decide between losing her family or losing Robert.

10/04/2020

Reinvent the wheel

Try to do something that has already been done.

“We don’t need to reinvent the wheel to solve this problem; there are systems in place that we can follow.

09/04/2020

In the same boat

In the same unpleasant situation

“This pandemic has proved that we are in the same boat.”

08/04/2020

Sweeping changes

Radical changes

“Never have we undergone so many sweeping changes in such a short period of time.”

07/04/2020

In the pipeline

Ready to be made available soon.

“The podcaster announced that he had several episodes in the pipeline, but wouldn’t release them all at once.”

06/04/2020

At length

In great detail and for a long time.

“The discussed it in length over the weekend, but no agreement was reached.”

03/04/2020

So much so

It indicates that something is true to a great degree.

“The doctor was convinced of her view, so much so that she recorded a video in the hope that it would get viral.”

02/04/2020

Business as usual

When you continue doing what you normally do regardless of difficult circumstances.

“Barely anybody can now say, it is business as usual seeing how our lives have been so disrupted.”

01/04/2020

May

To little effect

Not producing much change or a good result.

“He won’t answer the phone. We’ve been trying to reach him all day to little effect.

29/05/2020

Cultural references

Ideas that relate to the culture of a country.

“Cultural references make understanding series and films a lot more challenging.

28/05/2020

Guess what!

You can use this to attract people’s attention before saying something surprising.

“Guess what! My book has been published.

27/05/2020

A hard-and-fast rule

A strict rule, not to be broken.

“New Zealand has hard-and-fast rules when it comes to what you can bring into the country.

26/05/2020

Burn the candle at both ends

Having so much to do that you have to get up very early and go to bed late in order to finish it.

“Go home and get some rest. Burning the candle at both ends day after day is going to make you ill.

25/05/2020

Music to my ears

Something you are very pleased to hear.

“You passed your test with flying colours! That’s music to my ears.

22/05/2020

With flying colours

If you pass a test with flying colours, you have had a high score.

“I couldn’t wait to tell you that I have passed the test with flying colours.

21/05/2020

It goes without saying

There is no need to say it because it is obvious.

“Thank you for putting me up this week! It goes without saying that you can come over and stay with me when you visit my country.

20/05/2020

Set a low bar 

Not demanding a lot from something or someone.

“I know you are desperate to find a job. Any job! But, don’t set a low bar and end up being exploited in a crappy place.

19/05/2020

Go out of your way

To make an extra effort in order to help someone.

“A group of care workers have gone out of their way to help the residents of a care-home on the Isle of Wight stay safe from the coronavirus. How? By moving in with them.

18/05/2020

Jazz up something

To add something that makes it more interesting or exciting.

“Lately, I’ve been trying to jazz up my meals by experimenting with the aromatic flavours of some Asian recipes.

15/05/2020

Go overboard

Apart for falling off a boat, going overboard means do too much; more than is necessary or reasonable.

“Can we try to not go overboard with the food next Christmas, mum?

14/05/2020

All eyes are on 

To say that all eyes are on somebody or something means that this person or thing is the centre of attention.

“Some world leaders are finding it hard to accept that all eyes are on epidemiologists and their opinions based on expertise.”

13/05/2020

Nothing to write home about

Not exciting or special.

“I stayed till the end of the play, out of respect, but their version of Orwel’s 1984 was nothing to write home about.”

12/05/2020

A catch-22

If you are in a catch-22 situation, you are in a no-win situation with contradictory rules.

“Ok, so I need to have experience to get the job but there is no way I can gain experience without working. A catch-22!”

11/05/2020

To skyrocket

To rise sharply

“I’ve heard that the Amazon sales of home improvement materials  have skyrocketed over the last few weeks in the UK. It seems there is a lot of DIY happening during the lockdown.”

08/05/2020

Turn a blind eye (to something)

To pretend you don’t notice something, as if it wasn’t happening.

“Correcting every single mistake was detrimental so she had to turn a blind eye to some of them.”

07/05/2020

Tick along or tick over

Continue working but making very little progress.

“How is your business doing, Mark?” “Ticking along, really.”

06/05/2020

Push someone’s buttons

Make someone angry.

“No wonder she avoids visiting her parents. Her mum knows exactly how to push her buttons.

05/05/2020

To be high-maintenance

Something or someone that requires a lot of time, attention, work, money, etc.

“The hair style you are suggesting is high-maintenance. I’d rather not have to use straighteners every day.

04/05/2020

June

A long shot

When something is very unlikely, but you still give it a try.

“It’s a long shot, but if you happen to be free on Saturday you could join us for a walk in the mountains.

30/06/2020

Have a grasp of something

Understand it well.

“You have a good grasp of English grammar. Can you help your classmate with the relative clauses homework?

29/06/2020

Pick your brain

Ask for information to someone who knows about a certain subject.

“Can I pick your brain about web design?

26/06/2020

The elephant in the room

Something obvious that no-one wants  to bring up or talk about, and therefore remains ignored.

“Their grandfather’s racist behaviour had been the elephant in the room for years, but now it was time to address it.

25/06/2020

Better late than never

Done late, but at least done.

“Sorry I didn’t remember yersterday, but better late than never. Happy birthday!.

24/06/2020

Come to nothing

When something comes to nothing, it fails.

“Our plans to spend a week on the Isle of Wight came to nothing.

23/06/2020

The cherry on the cake

One last thing that makes something good, even better.

“They all reunited for lunch in the garden after a long period apart, and the sunny weather was the cherry on the cake.

22/06/2020

Undivided attention

Complete attention

“Despite my wish to explain my view, I gave him my undivided attention until he finished speaking.

19/06/2020

Off-the-grid

Not connected to the main electricity grid or other public supplies such as gas.

“They are working towards their objective to move into a sustaible off-the-grid home in the country.

18/06/2020

Out of your depth

To feel like you don’t belong because you are not prepared to deal with what is happening in a certain situation or with a group of people.

“During the first month of her educational exchange in Boston, she felt out of her depth in most classes, but it all changed when she got used to the American system.

17/06/2020

Out of character

Not behaving as one usually does; uncharacteristic.

“Crying in public was totally out of character for her, always so calm and in control.

16/06/2020

See the back of

This phrase can be followed by someone or something and it means that your are glad and relieved that you will not have to deal with it/him/her… any more.

“Seeing the back that unispiring desk job was a moment of pure joy.

15/06/2020

A turning point 

A time of significant change that will affect the future.

“Inheriting a farm in the south was a turning point in his life.

12/06/2020

A wealth of

A large amount.

“If one takes the time to think about it, there is a wealth of things to be thankful for every single day.

11/06/2020

That’s not to say (that) 

We can use this phrase to correct what we just said. It means: it doesn’t mean (that).

“The book is dense and full of complex ideas, buy that is not to say she didn’t understand it.

10/06/2020

A quick fix

A quick solution to a problem that will only solve it temporarily, but is not effective in the long term.

“This stone wall will work for now, but it’s only a quick fix. We will need to build something more solid if we want to  prevent landslides.

09/06/2020

Be all very well

To indirectly show that you disagree with something.

“That dream of becoming a farmer is all very well, but are you aware of the full-time commitment it entails?

08/06/2020

Have it in for someone

You can say that someone has it in for you when they clearly dislike you and make things difficult for you.

“The teacher had it in for her because she had been late for class more than once, even though it hadn’t been her fault at all.

05/06/2020

Work wonders

Have a beneficial effect. Also, do wonders.

“Swimming regularly works wonders for your health.

04/06/2020

Free up time

Find time to do something

“We are both busy. but let’s free up some time next week to go for a long walk and catch up.

03/06/2020

Behind closed doors

Done in private.

“On the surface, they looked like a happy couple but what happened behind closed doors remained a mystery.

02/06/2020

Take your mind off something

Stop worrying or thinking about something unpleasant

“Let’s go for a walk. That will help you take your mind off things.

01/06/2020

July

Get the picture

To say informally that you understand the idea.

“I don’t neet to hear any more. I get the picture.

17/07/2020

Get to the bottom of something

To discover the truth.

“Nobody knows who is behind the hate comments but we’ll get to the bottom of it.

16/07/2020

Pay close attention

To concentrate and give all your attention to something you are doing.

“If you pay close attention to the explanation in class, you will do the exercises without any difficulties.

15/07/2020

In (one’s) own right

If someone has or is something in their on right, they have earned it by themselves.

“Her parents being actors has little to do with her success. She is an accomplished actress in her own right.

14/07/2020

Test the water(s)

Before diving into a swimming `pool, we sometimes test the water temperature. Likewise, we can observe or study something in order to decide whether it will be succesful.

“A limited number of the product has been launched in a small community. Just enough to test the waters.

13/07/2020

Reap the benefits

To obtain something as a result of your effort

“They have been working hard this year and now it is time to reap the benefits.

10/07/2020

To be up in the air

To be uncertain

“She would like to make a career change, but in the current situation everything is up in the air.

09/07/2020

At the latest

No later than

“Please, send me your confirmation by Tuesday at the latest.

08/07/2020

So much so

To a great extent

“She was determined to stay in her country, so much so that she was ready to split up with her partner.

07/07/2020

To have strings attached

When something you are offered or you want to achieve comes with certain less desirable conditions or obligations that you also have to accept as part of it.

“The offer to move into a more spacious office at the top of the building was very tempting, but we decided to turn it down because we realised it had strings attached. The price was lower but we had to commit to a five-year rental agreement.

06/07/2020

Give me a break! 

Don’t be ridiculous!

“Are you saying I can’t do it myself? Give me a break!.

03/07/2020

In check

Under control

“Speaking English everyday keeps your fluency in check.

02/07/2020

Next to nothing

Very little

“On the way back from work, I used to buy books in the second-hand bookshop for next to nothing.

01/07/2020

September

Take it easy

Relax

“This weekend I am just going to take it easy. It’s been a hectic week.

30/09/2020

The tip of the iceberg

When we can only see a part of something much bigger.

“The school soon realised that misbehaviour among the kids in that group was only the tip of the problem when they found out that they were cases of bullying.

29/09/2020

On the flip side

A good alternative to “on the other hand”.

“The job will offer me excellent opportunities for promotion. On the flip side, I am sure that doing overtime will be the rule rather than the exception .

28/09/2020

Have second thoughts

When someone starts having second thoughts about a decision they made, they may be reconsidering it.

“They were about to move in together, but after a bitter argument over money, she started having second thoughts.

25/09/2020

Hold your horses

If you tell someone to hold their horses, you are asking them to wait; especially to convey the idea that they need to stop a bit and think.

“Hold your horses! Let me finish my point before you jump to conclusions.

24/09/2020

Make/do a U-turn

When a car makes a u-turn, it turns and goes back in the direction it came from. It can also be used to express a complete change of ideas or strategy.

“The UK government has made a U-turn encouraging telework whenever possible in contrast with his call for people to go back into their offices a few weeks ago.

23/09/2020

Know-it-all (or know-all)

Someone who acts as if they know everything; more than other people.

“He’s such a know-it-all. And of course, he won’t listen to any different views. Hard to put up with him.

22/09/2020

About time too

To indicate that something should have happened earlier. For example when someone should have arrived earlier.

“Oh here you are. About time too!.

21/09/2020

Get it over with

To do something your were dreading so that you don’t have to think about it any more.

“The first day in a new school is always tricky. Come on, let’s get it over with! You will feel more at home tomorrow.

18/09/2020

Bits and bobs

Random  small objects. Also, many different types of little jobs.

“I have to sort out a few bits and bobs at the office but I’ll join you at the pub later.

17/09/2020

Think the world of

Have a high opinion of something or someone

“Her followers think the world of her and the views of her videos on youtube keep growing exponentially.

16/09/2020

Get the hang of something

When you get the hang of something, you learn how to do it.

“I know learning how to use a smart phone at your age is tough, but with a bit of daily practice you will get the hang of it soon.

15/09/2020

Pushed for time

To have very little time.

“He does his best work when he is pushed for time.

14/09/2020

Bring to a standstill

Cause something or someone to stop

“The sudden death of one of the committee members brought the negociations to a standstill.

11/09/2020

Leave it alone 

Don’t touch or change something.

“Leave it alone! This lamp is very fragile and it could easily break. Go and play with something else.

10/09/2020

Home at last

We use this phrase to express our joy when arriving home (e.g. after a long time away or perhaps a tiring or uncomfortable journey home).

“It’s back to school on Monday. Have you got everything you need?.

09/09/2020

Back to school

The summer holiday is over and the school year starting.

“It’s back to school on Monday. Have you got everything you need?.

08/09/2020

October

In the nick of time

Just in time.

“I made it to the bus station just in the nick of time. A minute later would have meant missing the only bus that travelled north that day.” 

30/10/2020

Know (a place) like the back of your hand

In Spanish, we would say that we know a place like the palm of your hand when we know it very well but in English, it is the other side, the back of your hand.

“He has been holidaying in the same area year after year so by now he knows it like the palm of his hand.” 

29/10/2020

A jack-of-all-trades

A handy person who can do a lot of different jobs. It can have a negative connotation implying that the person is good enough at several things but without a level of excellence at any of them.

“I need help with lots of different little jobs around the house so I think I’ll hire him. I was told he is a jack-of-all-trades.” 

28/10/2020

Cost an arm and a leg

To be very expensive.

“Travelling to New Zealand with British Airways would have cost me and a leg.” 

27/10/2020

To be in someone’s shoes

To imagine what it must be like to be in that person’s situation.

“If I were in your shoes, I would ask for a second opinion.” 

26/10/2020

The nitty-gritty

The basic facts.

“I’ll give you a brief overview before getting down into the nitty-gritty.” 

23/10/2020

A night owl

Someone who is more active at night than during the day.

“They couldn’t have different rhythms. She is a morning person while he is a night owl.”

22/10/2020

Can’t make head nor tail of

You can’t understand it.

“After reading his poem several times, I still couldn’t make head nor tail of it.”

21/10/2020

A needle in a haystack

If you think something is exceedingly difficult to find you could say that it is like trying to find or looking for a needle in a haystack.

“We would need hours to find that tiny ear-ring you lost in the street. It is like looking for a needle in a haystack.”

20/10/2020

Get off to a good start

To begin something well

“I didn’t get off to a very good start by arriving late on the first day.”

19/10/2020

On top of the world

Extremely happy

“The prospect of seeing her again made him feel on top of the world.”

16/10/2020

Speak for yourself

Use this expression if you want to distance yourself from another person’s comment in which they included you,

“We found the movie terribly disappointing.” “Speak for yourself! I thought it was quite entertaining and uplifting.”

15/10/2020

On your toes

If something or someone keeps you on your toes, you are forced to stay alert and prepared for something that might happen.

“Having such an unpredictable boss keeps us on our toes.

14/10/2020

No pain, no gain

In order to obtain real benefits, one must make an effort.

“If you want to excel in English, you will have to do more than attend lessons. Homework is part of the process. No pain, no gain.

13/10/2020

Every Tom, Dick and Harry

Anyone. Random people. 

“Every Tom, Dick and Harry wants to win the lottery, but with that bring them happiness?.

09/10/2020

Have up your sleeve

Keep an idea or strategy secret, ready for use when needed.

“Amateur teachers were told to always have an activity up their sleeve in case the lesson plan didn’t work or they run out of material.

08/10/2020

You can’t beat

There is nothing better.

“When it comes to “tapas”, you can’t beat a good Spanish omelette.

07/10/2020

Not (your) strong point

If something is not your strong point, you don’t possess that ability.

“I’ll try to help you with the homework but physics is not my strong point so you might to end up asking someone else.

06/10/2020

Live in a dream world

To have unrealistic ideas of the world that surrounds you.

“You are living in a dream world, and I don’t think we can have a meaningful conversation until you see reality for what it is.

05/10/2020

Right up your street (UK)

Right up your alley (US)

If something is right up your street, it is the type of thing you are interested in.

“Why don’t we go to that folk festival in Whitby? It looks right up your street.

02/10/2020

It beats me (slang)

I don’t get it.

“It beats me how he manages to tell blatant lies and get away with it.

01/10/2020

November

Put out fires

Having to solve problems in a hurry. This expression also might imply that the problems are the result of somebody else’s incompetence or lack of planning.

“If I spend the day putting out fires, how do you expect me to have time to do creative work?.”

30/11/2020

My compliments to the chef

This is a phrase you would say to the waitress or waiter in a restaurant when you have enjoyed your meal and want to praise the chef. It could be preceded by “pay” or “pass on” or used as it is.

“Have you enjoyed your meal?” “Indeed. My compliments to the chef!”

27/11/2020

Get worked up about something

Become angry or anxious.

“When the receptionist failed to find his reservation, he got all worked up and started shouting.” 

26/11/2020

The coast is clear

Imagine that you want to do something without being seen or heard by anybody. You could use this expression to communicate that no-one is looking.

“Come on! Jump over the fence. The coast is clear!.” 

25/11/2020

A knowing wink/smile/look

A person gives you a knowing wink, smile or look, to show that they know what you are thinking.

“She gave me a knowing wink that nobody else noticed.”

24/11/2020

Not live up to my expectations

If something doesn’t live up to your expectations, it is not as good as you expected it to be.

“Having recently returned from Japan, the film “Lost in translation” didn’t live up to my expectations the first time I watched it.” 

23/11/2020

That makes two of us

You subscribe to what the other person has said. 

“In this gorgeous weather, I’d prefer to go for a walk rather than sit in a café.” “That makes two of us.”

20/11/2020

A chip off the old block

If someone tells you that you are a chip off the old block, it means that you resemble your father or mother in character or appearance.

“Soon after I met her father, it was clear to me that she is a chip off the old block. ” 

19/11/2020

That’s beside the point

What you are saying is irrelevant to our conversation.

“I know your listening skills are remarkable, but that is beside the point. You want to keep working on your writing.” 

18/11/2020

Better to be safe than sorry

You can use this phrase when you want to convey the idea that taking risks in a certain situation might lead to regret.

“If you have a hunch that this organisation that contacted you is not trustworthy, stop the communication immediately. Better to be safe than sorry.” 

17/11/2020

Beat around the bush

To avoid getting to the point, for example when talking about something unpleasant.

“Stop beating around the bush and tell me exactly what it is you want.” 

16/11/2020

A sharp rise

A sudden and dramatic increase.

“After a sharp rise in its usage, the term “lockdown” has been chosen as word of the year by Collins Dictionary.” 

13/11/2020

Feel run-down

Tired and lacking energy.

“After a 24-hour shift, he was feeling run-down and went to bed as soon as he arrived home.” 

12/11/2020

Put all your eggs in one basket

Concentrate and make efforts in one single area, perhaps neglecting others, which might not be a good strategy.

“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. If that fails, you will end up with nothing.” 

11/11/2020

Between the devil and the deep blue sea

(also: between a rock and a hard place)

In a situation where both alternatives are unpleasant or undesirable.

“She can’t bring herself to lay him off after all these years, but keeping him will cause more trouble. She is stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea.” 

10/11/2020

A long way to go

There is still a lot to be done.

“The podcast has a considerable number of listeners now but there is a long way to go before it becomes profitable.” 

09/11/2020

Not something I’ve given much thought to

A way of giving yourself a little time to think when they ask you a question that you don’t know how to answer.

“My biggest achievement? It’s not something I’ve given much thought to. Let me see…” 

06/11/2020
Mean the world to you

It is very important.

“Her grandchildren meant the world to her. She would do anything for them.” 

05/11/2020

A double-edged sword

Something that has a positive side but also a negative side associated with it.

“When her book became a best-seller, she couldn’t help fearing that it might be a double-edged sword.” 

04/11/2020

Word of mouth

Information that is transmitted by people telling one another.

“Freelance teachers get a lot of their work through word-of-mouth recommendations in this city.” 

03/11/2020

Drive up the wall

Make you angry.

“Your double standards drive everyone around you up the wall.” 

02/11/2020

December

A head start

If you get a head start in something, you start with an advantage. For runners in a race, for instance, it could be to start some minutes earlier.

“Having private lessons in French before moving to Paris gave her a head start in her learning.”

23/12/2020

Digital detox

If we decide to go on a digital detox, we stay away from our devices, such as our mobile phone or tablet and disconnect from social media platforms. Detox o detoxification means to get rid of toxins.

“Going on a digital detox every now and then can be liberating.”

22/12/2020

Be in a huff

You are angry and show it with your facial expression, body language or bad manners.

“If you leave in a huff every time we disagree on something, we will never move on.”

21/12/2020

One last push

One final effort.

“One last push! A couple of school days to go to the Christmas hols.”

18/12/2020

Reinvent the wheel

When we waste time, money or energy on trying to create something that already exists.

“Hiring a professional will be way more effective; no need to reinvent the wheel.”

17/12/2020

Cement a relationship

To make it stronger.

“We hit it off from the start but travelling together is what cemented our relationship.”

16/12/2020

Far from

You can use this phrase to express that something is not what people think it is. In the example, it emphasizes that It is not over.

“Don’t raise your hopes. We are in a better place now, but this is far from over.”

15/12/2020

Spread yourself thin

Try to do too many different activities which might result in not doing them well.

“There are times in life when you just have to spread yourself thin to cope with everything but it is far from ideal.”

14/12/2020

Play by the rules

If you play by the rules, you do what is accepted as the right thing.

“Remember! No cheat notes. Study, play by the rules and show me what you really know.”

10/12/2020

Cherry-pick

To be selective about what you choose.

“If you cherry-pick the information that supports your point of view and ignore the rest, your conclusions will be far from objective.”

09/12/2020

Give your undivided attention

When you give your undivided attention to what someone is saying or to what you are doing, you fully concentrate on that without distraction.

“He gave her his undivided attention and understood her reasons for having kept the secret.”

04/12/2020

Your significant other

Your partner.

“You and your significant others are all invited to join us “

03/12/2020

No one in their right mind would…

It is like saying that something is very unreasonable and you would have to be crazy to do that.

“No one in their right mind would believe that drinking bleach can kill a virus.”

02/12/2020

The last straw 

(Shortened version: the last straw that broke the camel’s back)

You can use this phrase to tell someone that you won’t put up with something any more. What has just happened might be a minor thing but added up to previous grievances, it is just too much.

“He made an unpleasant comment about her new job and that was just the last straw. She left him that same day.”

01/12/2020