Phrases & Expressions

A safety rule: if you are unsure about something, it is better to discard it.

• When in doubt, throw it out, especially with wild mushrooms.
• The chef followed the rule: when in doubt throw it out.

To go directly across an area, making the journey shorter.

• We cut across the field to save time.
• The children cut across the park on their way to school.

Extremely tired, especially when standing or working.

• I've been on my feet all day; I'm dead on my feet.
• After the long shift, she was dead on her feet.

Wearing very smart, elegant clothes, especially for a special occasion.

• Everyone was dressed to the nines for the wedding.
• She arrived at the party dressed to the nines.

Things, especially money, obtained without effort are often lost just as easily.

• He spent it all — easy come, easy go.
• Easy come, easy go, I guess.

Vague, not paying attention or not making sense.

• He's totally out to lunch today.
• Are you out to lunch? That's the wrong way.

To start a process or feeling that will slowly develop into something bigger later.

• The teacher sowed the seeds of curiosity in her students.
• That small argument sowed the seeds of doubt in his mind.

When too many people work on the same task, the result will be of poor quality.

• After Bob and Susan edited Nicole's college applications, they were worse than when she started — too many cooks spoil the broth.
• You don't need to help — we have enough people already and too many cooks spoil the broth.

Talking nonsense or making empty promises without real substance.

• Don't listen to him; he's full of hot air.
• My neighbour says he will fix everything, but he's full of hot air.

To make someone feel worried or suspicious that something bad might happen.

• His strange behavior set off alarm bells.
• The sudden silence set off alarm bells in my head.