Phrases & Expressions

Very close to a deadline or the time something is due to happen.

• He booked his flight at the last minute.
• They changed the venue at the last minute.

To make someone notice something or become interested in it.

• Her unusual science project soon attracted her teachers' attention, and she was invited to join a university summer programme.
• I waved my arms to attract the waiter's attention, but he walked past without seeing me.

To be completely out of cash, usually just for a short period.

• Students who are broke can often apply for emergency grants from their university's hardship fund.
• Sorry, I can't come to the concert on Saturday — I'll be broke until payday.

To be pregnant and waiting for your child to be born.

• My manager is expecting a baby in March, so she will start her maternity leave in February.
• In many countries, it is illegal to refuse a job to a woman just because she is expecting a baby.

To like someone very much, often with warm feelings that have grown over time.

• The children were fond of their old music teacher and visited her long after leaving school.
• Most of the staff are fond of the new head teacher because she always makes time to listen.

To treat someone in an unkind or cruel way.

• Some children are mean to classmates who look or dress differently, which is why schools need anti-bullying policies.
• He apologised the next day for being so mean to me during the argument.

To feel annoyed and tired of something because you have had too much of it.

• Local residents are sick of the noise from the building site starting at six every morning.
• Lots of teenagers say they are sick of being told that their generation spends too much time online.

To be unable to move forward because the roads are full of slow or stopped vehicles.

• In some large cities, commuters can be stuck in traffic for more than an hour every morning.
• Sorry I'm late — I was stuck in traffic for forty minutes on the ring road.

To take a bottle of wine or another drink with you when invited to a party or meal.

• We were asked to bring a bottle, so we picked up some wine on the way to the party.
• In Britain, guests often bring a bottle when they are invited to someone's home for dinner.

To use up the energy that you get from food by being physically active.

• Even everyday activities such as gardening and climbing stairs burn calories.
• Some people burn calories faster than others because of their age, size and genes.