Back in the day
In those days, in the past. Sometimes refers to a period we look back on with fondness.
“Back in the day, we used to go hiking every weekend.”
31/05/2019
Digital footprint
The trail of data we leave when surfing the net
“We can’t predict what the effects of our digital footprint might be.”
30/05/2019
Entitled to (your opinion)
Having the right or permission to do something, in this case, the right to having your opinion
“Regardless of the fierce opposition you are meeting, you are entitled to your opinion.”
29/05/2019
Back to square one
Start again without any progress made
“The latest discoveries made their work irrelevant and they are back to square one.”
28/05/2019
In its infancy
At an early stage, still developing
“Research on Augmented Reality in nursing still in its infancy, according to the BMC website.”
27/05/2019
Forward-thinking
Favouring development and innovation.
“The company’s philosophy is based on forward-thinking and breaking new ground.”
24/05/2019
Follow suit
To do the same that somebody else has done; copy, imitate.
“In the final scene of the movie Dead Poets Society one student stands on the desk in rebellion and others follow suit.”
23/05/2019
Pave the way for
To do something that will lead to a situation in which something is made possible
“Yesterday’s meetings with politicians will pave the way for changes in the animal welfare laws in the UK.”
22/05/2019
For the sake of
Bearing in mind someone’s benefit
“They stay together for the sake of the children.”
Note: (Also) To achieve a purpose
“Let’s all respect each other for the sake of peace.”
21/05/2019
Nerve-racking
A situation that creates anxiety and makes you feel tense.
“The candidate couldn’t explain his strenghts in a nerve-racking interview thad made him feel uncomfortable and insecure.”
20/05/2019
A glimmer of hope
A small optimistic sign that indicates that something will get better
Also: a ray of hope
“The testimony of the new witness gave the defendant a glimmer of hope.”
17/05/2019
Lower the bar
Reduce the standards of quality.
“Lowering the bar will allow more candidates to have access but no doubt have a negative impact on the overall service.”
16/05/2019
A rule of thumb
A rough or practical principle which is based on experience rather than exact calculations or theory
“As a general rule of thumb, the more a person lives in the present, the happier they are.”
15/05/2019
Take it the wrong way
Misunderstand or misinterpret a message or situation and be offended by it.
“We had to be extremely careful to use the right wording with her so that she wouldn’t take it the wrong way and be upset without any grounds.”
14/05/2019
In the wrong
Responsible for something bad
“The driver admitted to be in the wrong and accepted to compensate the cyclist for the damage.”
13/05/2019
Leave a lasting impression
To create a feeling or effect that continues for a long time.
Also Make a lasting impression
“Mandela’s message left a lasting impression on his fellow citizens and across the world.”
10/05/2019
Rise to the challenge
To manage to succeed when confronted with a difficult situation
Also Rise to the occasion
“The firm suffered a terrible blow when the crisis hit hard, but eventually managed to rise to the challenge and stay afloat.”
09/05/2019
It takes all sorts
Short for It takes all sorts to make a world, this phrase is said to indicate that there are all kinds of people in the world hinting at the idea that we should tolerate their own differences.
Frequently used in the the abbreviated version:
UK – It takes all sorts
US – It takes all kinds
“Sunbathing for hours is not my thing, but I guess it takes all sorts.”
08/05/2019
In the back of my mind
If you have something in/at the back of your mind, you intend to do it but you don’t actively think about it or take any action.
“It’s been in the back of my mind to reply to your wedding invitation for two weeks but I haven’t got round to doing it until now.”
07/05/2019
By all means
Certainly, indeed
“Can I give you my answer in a few days? – Yes, by all means.”
06/05/2019
Set in stone
If something is set in stone, it has been decided and it is very difficult to change.
“We have drawn up a plan for the holiday but nothing is set in stone yet.”
03/05/2019
It’s (all) downhill (from here)
Much easier after a period of dealing with difficult work/things.
“You’ve finished the research for your thesis and given it a structure. It’s all downhill from here.”
Note: It’s downhill can also mean to “get worse” in another context:
“The first chapters are gripping but it’s all downhill after that and I lost interest in the book.”
02/05/2019
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