Phrases & Expressions

To make employees feel more confident, enthusiastic and positive about their work.

• Small gestures, like thanking people publicly, can boost staff morale more than an expensive party.
• The manager hoped that a four-day week would boost staff morale after a difficult year of job cuts.

To make the economy stronger and help it grow faster, for example by encouraging spending.

• Investing in high-speed internet for rural areas could boost the economy by helping small firms reach new customers.
• Hosting the Olympic Games is often said to boost the local economy, but the evidence is mixed.

To make you feel more sure of yourself and your abilities.

• Small successes at work can boost your confidence and make bigger challenges feel less frightening.
• Winning the debate competition really boosted her confidence, and she now participates much more actively in class.

To fail to do what you firmly decided or solemnly promised to do.

• I broke my resolution to stop eating junk food within a week of making it.
• She broke her New Year's resolution to go to the gym every day.

To cause something to change, often gradually over a period of time.

• Many young people believe that online campaigns can bring about change faster than traditional street protests.
• The internet has brought about huge changes in the way people work, shop and communicate.

A relationship with many difficult periods, which keeps changing between good and bad times.

• They had a bumpy relationship for years before finally deciding to get married.
• The band's singer and guitarist have had a bumpy relationship, splitting up twice before reuniting.

To take organised action over a period of time in order to achieve a political or social aim.

• Parents are campaigning for safer cycle lanes near the town's primary schools.
• She spent her whole career campaigning for equal pay for women in the film industry.

To officially agree that money owed does not have to be paid back.

• Several wealthy nations agreed to cancel the debt of countries hit hardest by the earthquake.
• The bank agreed to cancel the debts of farmers whose crops had been destroyed by drought.

To do a careful, organised study of a subject in order to discover new facts or information.

• Psychologists are carrying out research into how social media use affects teenagers' sleep patterns.
• Before introducing the new policy, the government should carry out research to find out whether it will actually work.

A short advertising or campaign phrase that sticks in people's minds because it is simple, clever or rhythmic.

• The campaign's catchy slogan was printed on T-shirts and quickly spread across social media.
• A catchy slogan can get people talking, but voters also want to see detailed policies.