Have you ever mistaken a stranger for a friend because of their similar hairstyle? Or assumed someone was unfriendly—only to later discover they were just shy? In English, we say you took them for someone else or something they’re not. This useful phrasal verb means to believe that someone or something is a particular type…

When we want to say something is certain or we strongly agree with someone, we need clear words to express this. In English, we often use the phrase for sure to show complete certainty or strong agreement. This casual idiom is very common in everyday conversations. What Does “For Sure” Mean? “For sure” means definitely,…

Before we buy something new or join a new activity, we often want to test it first. In English, we say we want try out new things. This idiom is perfect for describing experiments and tests in daily life. What Does “Try Out” Mean? “Try out” means to test something to see if you like…

Old buildings get demolished, and sometimes people criticize others harshly. In English, we use the phrase tear down for both these actions. This idiom helps describe physical destruction and verbal criticism in daily life. What Does “Tear Down” Mean? “Tear down” has two main meanings. It can mean to demolish or destroy a building or…

Paper gets ripped, eyes get watery during sad movies, and old buildings get demolished. In English, we use the phrase tear up for all these different situations. This common idiom has several meanings you’ll encounter in daily life. What Does “Tear Up” Mean? “Tear up” has three main meanings. It can mean to rip something…

Have you ever double-checked a list before a trip, rehearsed a presentation with a friend, or accidentally spent more money than you planned? In English, you’d likely say you went over the list, went over your lines, or went over your budget! This versatile phrasal verb has several common meanings: (1) to review or examine…

Have you ever reached for milk only to find the carton empty? Or typed furiously on your laptop—only for the battery to die at 1%? In English, you’d say you ran out of milk or battery! This everyday phrasal verb means to use up all of something so that none is left. What Does “Run…

Have you ever met someone who seems tough on the outside—but you quickly realize they’re deeply kind? Or known a busy city lawyer who dreams of living on a quiet farm? In English, you might say they’re at heart a kind person or a country soul. This warm idiom is used to describe someone’s true,…

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…

Have you ever said “yes” to too many tasks at once—like agreeing to organize an event, finish a big project, and help a friend move all in the same week? Later, you realize you’re overwhelmed and can’t handle it all. In English, you might say you bit off more than you could chew! While “bite…

Have you ever looked at identical twins and couldn’t figure out who was who? Or tried to choose between two smartphones that looked almost the same? In English, if you can’t see the difference between two similar things or people, you might say, “I can’t tell them apart!” This practical phrasal verb means to recognize…

Have you ever finished a movie that had a slow start but an amazing ending—and said, “Well, it was worth watching”? Or looked back on a busy, messy week and realized it actually went pretty well? In English, you can wrap up those mixed experiences with the phrase all in all! This helpful expression is…