Author: HelloEnglish

  • Had Better – Meaning and Examples

    Sometimes we need to give strong advice or warn about potential consequences. In English, we use the phrase had better to express urgent recommendations. This practical idiom helps convey important advice in daily conversations. What Does “Had Better” Mean? “Had better” means should or ought to do something, often with a sense of urgency or…

  • Would Rather – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever had to choose between two options—like pizza or pasta, staying in or going out—and wanted to say which one you prefer? In English, you can use the phrase would rather. This common and polite expression is used to show your preference between two actions, people, or choices—and it’s essential for sounding natural…

  • Call It a Day/Night – Meaning and Examples

    We constantly consider options, recall memories, and form opinions about people and things. In English, we use the phrase think of to describe these mental activities. This essential idiom appears in many daily conversations and decisions. What Does “Think Of” Mean? “Think of” has several related meanings. It can mean to consider or have an…

  • Figure Out – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever stared at a tricky math problem until the answer clicked? Or finally understood why your friend was upset after replaying the conversation in your head? In English, you can say you figured it out. This everyday phrasal verb means to solve, understand, or work something out through thinking, effort, or trial and…

  • Be About To – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever been just seconds away from leaving the house when the phone rings? Or watched a pot of water start bubbling the moment you turned your back? In English, you’d say you were about to leave—or the water was about to boil! This useful phrase describes something that is going to happen immediately…

  • Think Of – Meaning and Examples

    We constantly consider options, recall memories, and form opinions about people and things. In English, we use the phrase think of to describe these mental activities. This essential idiom appears in many daily conversations and decisions. What Does “Think Of” Mean? “Think of” has several related meanings. It can mean to consider or have an…

  • Turn Around – Meaning and Examples

    Objects rotate, situations improve dramatically, and tasks get completed quickly. In English, we use the phrase turn around to describe these various changes. This versatile idiom appears in both physical and metaphorical contexts. What Does “Turn Around” Mean? “Turn around” has three main meanings. It can mean to rotate physically to face the opposite direction….

  • Take Turns – Meaning and Examples

    When sharing resources, playing games, or having conversations, people often need to participate one after another. In English, we say they need to take turns. This fair and practical idiom is essential for talking about sharing and alternating in daily activities. What Does “Take Turns” Mean? “Take turns” means to do something one person after…

  • Pay Attention To – Meaning and Examples

    In our busy world, we often need to focus on important information, notice details, or be mindful of our surroundings. In English, we say we need to pay attention to these things. This essential idiom helps talk about focus and awareness in daily life. What Does “Pay Attention To” Mean? “Pay attention to” means to…

  • Brush Up On – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever prepared for a job interview by reviewing your Spanish? Or practiced piano before a family gathering because you hadn’t played in years? In English, you can say you’re brushing up on a skill or subject. This friendly, useful phrase means to review or improve something you already know—but haven’t used in a…

  • Over and Over – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever heard a song so many times that you know every word? Or been told the same advice again and again—even when you’ve already listened? In English, you’d say it happened over and over! This simple, rhythmic phrase means something repeats many times, often more than necessary or expected. What Does “Over and…

  • Wear Out – Meaning and Examples

    Have you ever had a pair of shoes that got holes after months of walking? Or felt so tired after a long day that you couldn’t stay awake another minute? In English, both situations use the phrase wear out. This practical phrasal verb describes either (1) something becoming damaged from repeated use, or (2) someone…