Idioms

Have you ever watched the sun dip below the horizon until daylight slowly disappears? Or noticed a song growing quieter until you can barely hear it? In English, we say it fades away. This gentle phrasal verb describes something that gradually disappears, becomes weaker, or loses attention over time—whether it’s sound, light, feelings, or even…

The phrase “to make out” can mean different things in different situations. You might need to see something clearly, or understand what someone is saying. This idiom is very common in casual English, but its meaning depends on the context. What Does “To Make Out” Mean? “To make out” has a few common meanings. It…

Have you ever heard that a language is no longer spoken by young people? Or that an old tradition isn’t celebrated anymore? Maybe you’ve read about endangered animals at risk of vanishing forever. In English, we say these things are dying out. This gentle but powerful phrase describes how something slowly disappears—not all at once,…

Have you ever seen a new law change how people live, a leader inspire a movement, or a small decision lead to big consequences? In English, we say those actions brought about the change. This formal phrasal verb means to cause something—especially a significant event, result, or transformation—to happen. What Does “Bring About” Mean? “Bring…

Have you ever trained slowly for a race, saved money over months, or felt tension grow before a big meeting? In English, we say you’re building up to something. This useful phrasal verb describes how things grow, strengthen, or increase little by little—whether it’s muscle, trust, pressure, or excitement. What Does “Build Up” Mean? “Build…

Loud noises don’t last forever. Strong winds eventually become calm, and excitement slowly decreases. In English, we say these things to die down. This idiom is perfect for describing when something becomes quieter or less intense. What Does “To Die Down” Mean? “To die down” means to become gradually less strong, loud, or active. Think…

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately noticed someone with a unique style? Or read a resume that was so well-written it caught your attention right away? In English, we say that person or thing stands out! This useful phrasal verb describes someone or something that is noticeably different—in a good or striking…

Plans don’t always work perfectly. Machines break, and events don’t happen as we expect. In English, we say these things to go wrong. This idiom helps you talk about problems and mistakes in a natural way. What Does “To Go Wrong” Mean? “To go wrong” means to not happen as planned or expected. Think of…

Have you ever needed a break from work, stress, or daily routines? Maybe you dreamed of a beach vacation, a quiet weekend in the mountains, or even just stepping outside for fresh air. In English, you might say you need to get away! This versatile phrasal verb means to leave a place, situation, or responsibility—often…

Have you ever read instructions that were totally confusing? Or heard someone explain an idea so clearly that everything clicked? In English, we say the first example “doesn’t make sense,” and the second one “makes perfect sense.” The phrase make sense is one of the most useful—and frequently used—expressions for talking about whether something is…

Have you ever walked with a fast friend and had to hurry so you wouldn’t fall behind? Or tried to stay current with news, trends, or schoolwork? In English, we say you’re trying to keep up. This everyday phrase is all about matching speed, maintaining effort, or staying informed—and it’s used constantly in real-life conversations….

Have you ever trusted someone’s potential even when they doubted themselves? Or stood by a cause like honesty, equality, or hard work? In English, we say you believe in them. This heartfelt phrasal verb means to have faith, trust, or confidence in someone’s abilities—or to support an idea, value, or principle as true and important….