Have you ever met someone named after a grandparent, a famous scientist, or a beloved family friend? In English, we say a person (or even a place or pet) is named after someone when their name is chosen to honor or remember that person. It’s a warm, meaningful phrase used across cultures—and it comes up…

Sometimes you find something unexpectedly, or someone makes a particular impression on you. In English, we use the phrase to come across for both these situations. This common idiom helps describe discoveries and perceptions in daily life. What Does “To Come Across” Mean? “To come across” has two main meanings. It can mean to find…

When you try to achieve something difficult, you might wonder about your possibility of success. In English, we talk about whether you stand a chance of winning, succeeding, or achieving your goal. This idiom is very common in competitive situations and daily challenges. What Does “To Stand a Chance” Mean? “To stand a chance” means…

Have you ever wanted someone to send you a quick text, email, or note—just to say hello or share a short update? In English, you can say, “Drop me a line!” This warm, old-fashioned phrase is still widely used today to ask for a brief message in a friendly, relaxed way. What Does “Drop a…

Have you ever seen someone double-check every detail of a document, rehearse a speech dozens of times, or go out of their way to make guests feel welcome? In English, we say they take pains to do something. This formal but elegant phrase means to make a careful, deliberate effort to ensure something is done…

Have you ever admired a teacher, a family member, a leader, or even a celebrity because of their kindness, courage, or success? In English, we say you look up to them. This heartfelt phrasal verb means to admire and respect someone—usually because of their qualities, achievements, or how they treat others. What Does “Look Up…

Have you ever clapped along to a song and stayed perfectly in rhythm? Or shown up to every meeting exactly on schedule? In English, both actions can be described with the phrase keep time! This versatile expression has two main meanings: (1) to maintain a steady musical rhythm, and (2) to be punctual or arrive…

Have you ever tried a new dish and said, “This tastes of garlic!”? Or talked about getting “a taste of success” after a small win? In English, the phrase taste of has two main uses: (1) to describe the flavor of food or drink, and (2) to describe a small but real experience of something—like…

The phrase “to take off” appears in many situations in English. Planes do it, careers can do it, and you do it with your shoes. This idiom has several common meanings that are useful in daily conversation. What Does “To Take Off” Mean? “To take off” has three main meanings. It can mean when an…

Sometimes you try something difficult and succeed against the odds. In English, we say you managed to pull off something impressive. This idiom is perfect for talking about successful achievements in work, school, and daily life. What Does “To Pull Off” Mean? “To pull off” means to succeed in doing something difficult or unexpected. Think…

Have you ever been on a phone call when someone says, “Hold on—I’ll be right back”? Or felt like giving up during a tough week, but a friend said, “Just hold on—it’ll get better”? In English, hold on is a versatile phrase you’ll hear daily. It can mean “wait a moment,” “stay strong,” or even…

When a woman has a baby, we use a special phrase in English. We say she will give birth to the child. This idiom is also used for new ideas and projects. It’s an important phrase for both personal and creative conversations. What Does “To Give Birth To” Mean? “To give birth to” means to…