Idioms

Have you ever heard someone say they left college before graduating? Or quit a sports team, training program, or competition early? In English, we say they dropped out of it. This straightforward phrase is used whenever someone leaves a formal activity, course, or group before it’s complete—and it’s important to use it correctly. What Does…

Everyone feels sad sometimes. When a friend is feeling down, we want to help them feel better. In English, we say we want to cheer up someone. This is a warm and friendly idiom you can use every day. What Does “To Cheer Up” Mean? “To cheer up” means to make someone feel happier or…

Good relationships require cooperation. Sometimes you get what you want, and sometimes you let others have their way. This balance is called give and take. Understanding this idiom is key to successful friendships, family life, and work relationships. What Does “Give and Take” Mean? “Give and take” means a fair exchange where everyone compromises a…

Have you ever watched a lawyer prepare a contract? Or seen a taxi pull right up to the curb in front of you? In English, both situations use the phrase draw up. This useful phrasal verb has two main meanings—and once you know them, you’ll spot it in business talks, movies, and everyday life. What…

Have you ever spoken up when someone was being treated unfairly? Or defended your beliefs, even when it was hard? In English, we say you stood up for what’s right. This powerful phrasal verb means to support, defend, or speak in favor of someone or something—especially when they’re being criticized, attacked, or overlooked. What Does…

Have you ever agreed to manage a new project at work, decided to learn a difficult skill, or hired a new team member? In English, you can say you took on the project, the challenge, or the employee. This versatile phrasal verb has two main meanings: (1) to accept a task, role, or challenge, and…

Have you ever removed a poster from a wall, defeated an opponent in a game, or quickly written notes during a lecture? In English, all of these actions can be described with the phrase take down! This versatile phrasal verb has several meanings depending on the context—most commonly: (1) to remove something from a surface,…

Have you ever argued with a friend but finally agreed just to end the fight? Or said “yes” to your child after they asked for ice cream ten times? In English, we say you gave in. This everyday phrase describes the moment you stop resisting, arguing, or holding your ground—and accept what someone else wants….

Many things around us produce something we can sense. A flower produces a smell, a lamp produces light, and a person can produce a certain feeling. In English, we say these things to give off something. This is a very useful idiom for daily description. What Does “To Give Off” Mean? “To give off” means…

Have you ever handed out flyers at an event, shared someone’s phone number, or had a machine stop working from overuse? In English, all these situations can use the phrase give out. This practical phrasal verb has a few key meanings—and knowing them helps you speak more naturally in everyday life. What Does “Give Out”…

Have you ever had a big disagreement with a friend, coworker, or family member—and decided it was time to talk things through honestly? In English, we often say you need to have it out with that person. This phrase describes a direct, often emotional conversation to clear the air, settle a problem, or end tension…

Have you ever refused to give in during a tough negotiation? Or seen someone offer a gift with their hand extended? Maybe you’ve kept going through a hard week, hoping things will improve? In English, all these situations can use the phrase hold out. This flexible phrasal verb has a few key meanings—and once you…