Have you ever heard someone say, “He finally came to after fainting,” or “The bill came to $45”? In English, the phrase come to has several important meanings—and context tells you which one is being used. Whether it’s about waking up, making a decision, or adding up a total, “come to” is a flexible phrase…

Have you ever demanded justice after a wrong was done, said a recipe needs three eggs, or gone to a friend’s house to pick them up for a movie? In English, all of these situations use the phrase call for! This versatile phrasal verb has three main meanings: (1) to demand or ask for action,…

When facing difficult challenges or important responsibilities, we need to assess whether we or others can handle them successfully. In English, we describe capable people as being up to the task. This practical idiom helps evaluate readiness and competence. What Does “Up to the Task” Mean? “Up to the task” means having the necessary ability,…

Have you ever tried to convince someone to change their mind, fought for a cause with little support, or worked toward a goal that felt nearly impossible? In English, you can say you’re facing an uphill battle. This vivid idiom describes any situation that’s extremely difficult to win or overcome—like pushing a heavy cart up…

Have you ever been in a negotiation where you knew the other side needed your offer more than you needed theirs? Or watched a team dominate a game because of better strategy and skill? In English, we say they have the upper hand! This powerful idiom describes a position of advantage, control, or superiority over…

Have you ever considered a new job, a move to another city, or even buying a pet—and weighed the good parts against the bad? In English, you can talk about the upside and downside of any decision. This simple, balanced phrase helps you see both sides of a situation—just like saying “pros and cons,” but…

Have you ever passed a bakery and smelled fresh bread as you strolled past? Or seen a friend across the street but kept walking because you were running late? In English, you’d say you walked by the bakery or your friend. This simple phrasal verb means to go past someone or something while walking—without stopping…

People sometimes walk without a specific destination, explore new places casually, or move aimlessly while thinking. In English, we say they wander around. This descriptive idiom captures the feeling of relaxed, undirected movement. What Does “Wander Around” Mean? “Wander around” means to walk or move without a specific destination or purpose, often exploring or enjoying…

Have you ever heard a parent say, “Go wash up before dinner!”? Or seen someone cleaning dishes after a party? In American English, wash up usually means to clean your hands and face—or to clean dishes. But in British English, it can also mean the end of something, like a TV show or career. Knowing…

Have you ever noticed your favorite shoes getting scuffed, your phone screen getting tiny scratches, or your car’s tires thinning after years of driving? In English, we call this kind of everyday damage wear and tear! This useful phrase describes the natural, gradual deterioration of something caused by regular use over time—not by sudden accidents…

Patience decreases with repeated annoyances, excuses become less convincing over time, and materials deteriorate with use. In English, we say these things wear thin. This descriptive idiom helps talk about gradual weakening and diminishing effectiveness. What Does “Wear Thin” Mean? “Wear thin” means to gradually lose effectiveness, strength, or patience through overuse or repetition. Think…

Have you ever sorted through job applications and only kept the strongest ones? Or cleaned out your closet and donated clothes you no longer wear? In English, you’d say you were weeding out the weak candidates or the old clothes! This useful idiom means to remove people, things, or ideas that are not wanted, not…