Have you ever said no to a party invitation, declined a job offer, or lowered the volume on your speaker because it was too loud? In English, all of these actions can be described with the phrase turn down! This versatile phrasal verb has two main meanings: (1) to refuse or reject something, and (2)…

When we talk about what we own, need to do, or must accomplish, we often use casual phrases in conversation. In English, have got is a common way to express possession, obligation, or necessity in everyday speech. This versatile idiom makes your English sound more natural and conversational. What Does “Have Got” Mean? “Have got”…

When something is very important or absolutely necessary, we need strong words to express this urgency. In English, we often use have got to to show strong obligation or necessity. This common idiom adds emphasis to things you must do. What Does “Have Got To” Mean? “Have got to” means must or have to, but…

In our fast-moving world, we often need to stay current with news, trends, or the pace of others. In English, we use the phrase keep up with to describe maintaining this pace or staying informed. This practical idiom is essential for talking about modern life challenges. What Does “Keep Up With” Mean? “Keep up with”…

When we consider different sides of an issue or compare alternatives, we need phrases to show contrast. In English, we use on the other hand to introduce an opposing or different viewpoint. This helpful idiom makes your conversations and arguments more balanced and thoughtful. What Does “On the Other Hand” Mean? “On the other hand”…

When chances are equal, costs are shared equally, or responsibilities are divided down the middle, we need a simple way to express this. In English, we use the term fifty-fifty to describe these perfectly equal situations. This idiom is very common in daily decisions and agreements. What Does “Fifty-Fifty” Mean? “Fifty-fifty” means divided equally into…

Have you ever tried to fix a laptop that crashes every 30 seconds, convince someone set in their ways to change their mind, or revive a plant that’s completely dried up? At some point, you might decide it’s just not worth the effort. In English, we call that a lost cause! This honest idiom describes…

People enter buildings illegally, interrupt conversations, and wear new shoes until they’re comfortable. In English, we use the phrase break in for all these situations. This versatile idiom appears frequently in daily conversations. What Does “Break In” Mean? “Break in” has three main meanings. It can mean to enter a building illegally by force. It…

When we have many things to consider, one factor is often the most important. In English, we use the phrase above all to highlight this top priority. This idiom helps you emphasize what matters most in any situation. What Does “Above All” Mean? “Above all” means most importantly or more than anything else. Think of…

Sometimes we must manage when we don’t have something we need or want. In English, we say we have to do without that thing. This practical idiom describes coping with absence or shortage in daily life. What Does “Do Without” Mean? “Do without” means to manage or survive without having something you usually have or…

Have you ever said, “The weather app says it’ll rain tomorrow,” or “My teacher says the test is on Friday”? In English, you can express that more formally by saying, “According to the weather app…” or “According to my teacher…” This useful phrase is used to show where information comes from—whether it’s a person, a…

Some future events are almost certain to happen based on current situations. In English, we say these things are bound to occur. This useful idiom helps you talk about predictable outcomes and near-certain future events. What Does “Be Bound To” Mean? “Be bound to” means something is very likely or certain to happen. Think of…