Phrases & Expressions

To slow down or stop while walking or running; usually used in the negative to mean continuing without a pause.

• He ran past without breaking stride.
• She didn't break stride when she heard the news.

The tendency for chicken owners to always want more chickens, regardless of space or resources.

• I told myself I only needed six, but chicken math always wins.
• She bought two more hens, falling victim to chicken math again.

Sitting on the saddle while riding a bicycle or a horse.

• She stayed in the saddle for the whole climb.
• He spent six hours in the saddle on the first day of the tour.

Exactly what was needed or wanted in a particular situation.

• Martin wanted something hot after skiing all day — a cup of cocoa was just what the doctor ordered.
• Our trip to Florida was so relaxing — it was just what the doctor ordered.

Extremely difficult to do, especially when it requires great effort to get someone to cooperate.

• It's like pulling teeth getting Max to talk about his girlfriend.
• Kyle hates to study — it's like pulling teeth getting him to do his homework every night.

In fly fishing, to use a fly that looks like the insects fish are eating at that moment.

• Matching the hatch finally turned a slow morning around.
• Matching the hatch is part observation, part trial and error.

Not even for a huge reward; used to say you would never do something.

• Not for all the tea in China would I move there!
• She wouldn't sell her car for all the tea in China.

Not long ago; in recent times.

• He's been busy of late.
• Of late, things have changed.

Riding a bicycle while standing up on the pedals, usually for more power.

• He rode out of the saddle to climb the steep hill.
• Riding out of the saddle uses more energy but gives extra power.

Extremely wealthy; having a lot of money.

• Susan and Bob don't need to work anymore — they're rolling in dough.
• Adam will be able to retire young; he's rolling in dough.