Phrases & Expressions

To behave in an uncontrolled way because nobody is in charge.

• The children ran wild in the garden.
• Rumours started to run wild in the office.

To increase something to the highest possible level or intensity.

• The band turned the volume up to eleven.
• The new horror film turns the tension up to eleven.

To start living in a new home and arrange it with furniture and belongings.

• They got married and set up house in a small flat.
• After college, she moved to London to set up house.

To organize all your tasks, plans, or affairs in a neat and orderly way before starting something important.

• We need to get our ducks in a row before the meeting.
• She spent the weekend getting her ducks in a row for the new project.

To find fault with a gift or something received for free.

• They gave us a free ticket, so don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
• She complained about the colour, but you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.

To admit you were wrong and apologize humbly.

• He had to eat humble pie after his prediction failed.
• She had to eat humble pie and ask for forgiveness.

Special food given to hens to help them lay eggs.

• The chickens need layer feed.
• This layer feed improves egg quality.

A humorous name for beans, because eating them can cause wind.

• My grandma warned me about the musical fruit.
• Are beans really the musical fruit?

Everything that is possible or available; the complete set of something.

• The wedding had flowers, music, photographers — the whole nine yards.
• They bought a new house, a car, new furniture, the whole nine yards.

Used humorously to describe someone who is starting to lose hair on the top of their head.

• He's getting a little thin on top.
• Don't worry about being thin on top.