When you look at your monthly bills, you add up the costs. But sometimes, a story someone tells you doesn’t add up. This common idiom has two meanings. It can mean to calculate a total. It can also mean that facts or information seem logical and consistent. Learning add up will help you talk about…
Your doctor says, “You need more sleep,” and you go to bed earlier that night—you’ve just **acted on** their advice. Or your friend warns you about a scam, and you delete the email—again, you **acted on** a warning. The phrasal verb act on is used whenever you respond to something by doing something about it….
Have you ever seen a wobbly ladder or a messy, cluttered staircase? That is an accident waiting to happen. This common idiom describes a very dangerous situation where something bad is very likely to occur. Learning accident waiting to happen will help you warn others about potential dangers. What Does “Accident Waiting to Happen” Mean?…
Has a coworker ever helped you so much that they did more than required? They went above and beyond. This common idiom describes doing more than what is expected or required. Learning above and beyond will help you praise exceptional effort and dedication. What Does “Above and Beyond” Mean? “Above and beyond” means exceeding normal…
When you drive, you must follow the traffic laws. You must abide by them. This common idiom means to accept and follow a rule, decision, or agreement. Learning abide by will help you talk about obedience and respect for rules in formal situations. What Does “Abide By” Mean? “Abide by” means to act according to…
Have you ever seen just a small piece of the moon in the sky? That is a tiny sliver. This common idiom describes a very small, thin piece of something or a very small amount. Learning a tiny sliver will help you describe small quantities and thin pieces in a vivid way. What Does “A…
You finally finish one part of a project and feel happy. Saying a step forward is a great way to show progress. This phrase helps you talk about small but real improvements in work, school, or life. What Does “A Step Forward” Mean? “A step forward” means a small move toward a goal. It is…
Imagine you open your phone and see a slew of messages from your friends. This idiom in lowercase is very common in daily English. It helps you talk about a large number of things in a simple, natural way. What Does “A Slew of” Mean? “A slew of” means a very large number of something….
You’ve been studying English every day, and your friend says, “It’s only a matter of time before you’re fluent!” Or maybe your phone battery is at 2%—you sigh and say, “It’s just a matter of time before it dies.” The phrase a matter of time is used when something is certain to happen, even if…
Have you ever seen a movie that nobody liked? It was probably a flop. This common idiom describes something that fails completely, especially in business or entertainment. Learning a flop will help you talk about disappointments and unsuccessful projects. What Does “A Flop” Mean? “A flop” means a complete failure. It is often used for…
Has a friend ever asked to try your video game? They might say, “Can I have a crack at it?” This common idiom means to try to do something, especially for the first time or to see if you can succeed. Learning a crack at will help you talk about attempts and opportunities to try…
Was your last test very simple? You can say it was a breeze! This common idiom compares an easy task to a gentle, easy wind. Learning a breeze will help you describe things that require very little effort. What Does “A Breeze” Mean? When we say something is “a breeze,” we mean it is very…
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