Phrases & Expressions

To suddenly become very rich or successful, often by chance.

• She hopes to strike it rich in the oil business.
• Many people dream of striking it rich with a lottery win.

To carry someone or something away with great force.

• The flood swept away several houses near the river.
• The strong current swept him away from the beach.

To explain something to someone step by step.

• Let me talk you through the process.
• The nurse talked me through the exercises.

Used to express surprise or annoyance at something extreme or outrageous.

• He forgot my birthday and my anniversary? That takes the cake!
• After all that, he expects a raise? That takes the cake.

A saying that encourages people to go outside regardless of the weather.

• Remember, there is no bad weather, only inadequate clothing.
• My grandmother always says there is no bad weather, only bad clothes.

Used in "vanish into thin air" to say that something disappears completely and mysteriously.

• The suspect vanished into thin air.
• My keys seem to have disappeared into thin air.

To fill a container that is already partly full right up to the top.

• Can you top off my drink?
• We stopped to top off the tank before the long drive.

Used to introduce a statement that reveals a surprising or difficult truth.

• Truth be told, I wasn't really listening.
• Truth be told, I'm a little scared.

Living or existing together in the same place or situation.

• The whole family lives under one roof.
• Can two competing companies really work under one roof?

To wait patiently for something unpleasant to end or pass.

• We decided to wait out the heavy rain.
• Let's wait out this difficult period.