Phrases & Expressions

To open or close the curtains over a window.

• She drew the curtains to block out the morning sun.
• He drew the curtains before going to bed.

To cook something by carefully following written instructions.

• She followed a recipe to bake her first cake.
• He rarely follows a recipe exactly.

To be delayed because of heavy road traffic.

• They got stuck in traffic on the way to the airport.
• She was late because she got stuck in traffic.

(British English) To take someone somewhere in your car.

• He offered to give her a lift to the station.
• Can you give me a lift home tonight?

(British English) To take a place at the end of a line of waiting people.

• They joined a queue outside the cinema.
• She joined a queue at the checkout.

To leave a place untidy or dirty.

• The children made a mess in the kitchen.
• He made a mess while trying to fix the sink.

To turn off the sound on your phone so it doesn't ring or beep.

• Please put your phone on silent during the film.
• He put his phone on silent before the meeting.

A clever or original idea, sometimes used sarcastically about a bad plan.

• Painting the fence at midnight was not a bright idea.
• She had a bright idea for the school project.

A noticeable way of pronouncing words that shows where a speaker is from.

• He speaks English with a strong accent.
• She has a strong accent from growing up abroad.

A meal made up of a starter, a main dish, and a dessert.

• The restaurant offers a three-course meal for a fixed price.
• They enjoyed a three-course meal to celebrate their anniversary.