Phrases & Expressions

The newest style of clothes, hair or other things that is popular at the moment.

• Teenagers often feel pressure to wear the latest fashion, even when they cannot afford it.
• Influencers on social media show off the latest fashions to millions of followers every day.

To follow the progress of something you have bought online until it is delivered.

• I tracked my order online and saw that the parcel had been stuck at customs for a week.
• Food delivery apps let customers track their orders on a map as the driver gets closer.

To travel in the most expensive and comfortable part of a plane or train.

• My grandparents saved for years so that they could travel first class on their anniversary trip.
• Rail passengers who travel first class get wider seats, free Wi-Fi and complimentary drinks.

To hurt your ankle by turning it awkwardly in the wrong direction.

• Several runners twisted their ankles on the muddy course, so the organisers have promised to improve the track.
• If you twist your ankle, rest it, put ice on it and keep it raised.

To be given money for your studies because of excellent academic results or ability.

• She won a scholarship to study medicine abroad, which covered her tuition and most of her living costs.
• He won a scholarship to a music college after impressing the judges at a national competition.

To be given a prize or honour for an achievement or for the quality of your work.

• Her first novel won an award for the best debut by a young writer.
• The school won an award for its recycling programme, which cut its waste by half in one year.

To work during the night as part of a system in which groups of workers take turns.

• Nurses who work the night shift often sleep during the day with blackout curtains and earplugs.
• My dad worked the night shift at the factory, so we only saw him properly at weekends.

To do your job well even when you are stressed, short of time or facing many demands.

• Journalists must be able to work under pressure, especially when a major story breaks late at night.
• Air traffic controllers are trained to work under pressure and make quick decisions without panicking.

A change that makes a situation worse than it was before.

• Many teachers see the decision to cut music lessons as a backward step for education.
• Reopening the old coal mine would be a backward step in the fight against climate change.

An error that makes you lose a lot of money, time or opportunities.

• Choosing a university course without researching career prospects can be a costly mistake.
• Forgetting to back up my files turned out to be a costly mistake when my laptop crashed before the deadline.