Phrases & Expressions

To spend time living simply in the countryside, away from modern city life.

• Camping holidays let busy families get back to nature and spend time together without screens.
• Many people who move to the countryside say they wanted to get back to nature after years of city life.

To be treated with special care and attention, like a very important guest.

• Guests who book the premium package get the VIP treatment, including a private driver and free spa access.
• At the conference, the keynote speakers got the VIP treatment while everyone else queued outside in the rain.

To shake someone's hand strongly and confidently when you meet them.

• When the interviewer came to collect her from reception, Ayşe stood up, smiled and gave him a firm handshake.
• My father always told me to look people in the eye and give a firm handshake when meeting them.

To make someone feel happy, satisfied or entertained.

• Reading to young children at the local library gives her enormous pleasure, so she volunteers every week.
• Gardening gives my grandfather a lot of pleasure, and he spends every sunny afternoon among his vegetables.

To officially allow a plan or project to start.

• The health ministry finally gave the go-ahead for the vaccine trial after months of delay.
• Once the bank gives the go-ahead for the loan, we can start building the extension.

To return to the town, region or country that your ancestors originally came from.

• After twenty years in Germany, many retired workers decide to go back to their roots in rural Anatolia.
• My grandparents emigrated from Scotland, so this summer I'm going back to my roots and visiting their village for the first time.

To start having the pains and contractions that show a baby is about to be born.

• She went into labour two weeks early while she was still at work.
• Many hospitals ask women to phone the maternity ward as soon as they go into labour.

To enter a period when economic activity falls and many people lose their jobs.

• Economists warn that the country could go into recession if energy prices keep rising.
• When the economy went into recession, thousands of graduates struggled to find their first job.

To walk through the streets with a large group of people as a public protest.

• Thousands of teachers went on a march through the capital to protest against low pay.
• My grandparents went on a march for women's rights when they were students in the 1970s.

To give someone a wide smile that shows your teeth.

• The little boy grinned at me proudly as he held up his first painting.
• When the results were announced, the winning team grinned at the cameras and waved to their fans.