Idioms

Have you ever been stuck in heavy rain that finally slowed down? Or felt stressed at work—until things got a little easier? In English, we say the rain, stress, or pressure started to let up. This helpful phrase describes when something intense—like weather, pain, criticism, or effort—begins to decrease or ease off. What Does “Let…

Have you ever heard that a company is cutting jobs because of budget cuts, a slow season, or economic trouble? In English, we say they’re laying off employees. This common phrasal verb describes when an employer temporarily or permanently stops employing workers—not because of poor performance, but usually due to business needs. What Does “Lay…

Sometimes a meeting gets extended, or a popular movie stays in theaters longer. In English, we say these things to hold over. This idiom describes continuing something past its original end date. It’s a practical phrase for schedules and plans. What Does “To Hold Over” Mean? “To hold over” means to extend or continue something…

Have you ever seen someone become more confident in a group? Or watched a restaurant serve dessert after dinner? Maybe you’ve heard that a new phone model just launched? In English, we often say something or someone brings out a quality, product, or dish. This useful phrasal verb appears in conversations about people, food, business,…

Have you ever returned a library book, given back a borrowed jacket, or suddenly remembered a childhood summer? In English, you can use the phrase bring back for both! This versatile phrasal verb has two main meanings: (1) to return something to its original place or owner, and (2) to cause someone to remember something…

Have you ever stayed awake late at night because you were expecting someone to come home? Maybe your child had a late event, your partner was traveling, or a friend was coming back from a trip. In English, you can say you waited up for them! This warm, everyday phrase means to stay awake later…

Have you ever stayed awake late at night because someone was coming home? Maybe a parent waiting for their teenager, or a roommate expecting a friend? In English, we say you’re waiting up for that person. This warm, everyday phrase is perfect for talking about care, concern, or simple plans after dark. What Does “to…

Have you ever needed quiet time to focus, or seen someone bothering a pet, a broken appliance, or a sleeping baby? In English, you might say, “Please leave it alone” or “Leave me alone!” This direct but common phrase means to stop touching, disturbing, or interfering with someone or something. What Does “Leave Alone” Mean?…

Have you ever said something is too hard—and then added that an even simpler thing is also impossible? In English, we use the phrase let alone to show that if the first thing can’t happen, the second thing is even less likely. It’s a powerful way to add emphasis in everyday conversations, writing, or even…

Have you ever ended a phone call abruptly, stopped a conversation mid-sentence, or decided to end a relationship or engagement? In English, you can say you broke off the call, the talk, or the relationship. This useful phrasal verb means to end something suddenly or intentionally—especially a connection, communication, or formal relationship. What Does “Break…

Have you ever been in a situation where the outcome was completely unpredictable—like waiting for medical test results, watching a close sports match, or driving through a storm? In English, we say it’s touch and go! This dramatic idiom describes a moment or situation that is extremely uncertain, risky, or balanced between success and failure—often…

Have you ever gone to the gym, tried to solve a problem, or hoped a plan would succeed? In English, we often say to work out for all these situations! This useful phrase shows up in chats about health, daily life, and even relationships—so it’s great to know how to use it right. What Does…