Phrases & Expressions

A small amount of food that is easy to digest and not heavy.

• I prefer a light meal for lunch.
• We had a light meal before the long journey.

a very easy decision or task

• Taking the job was a no-brainer.
• It's a no-brainer — go for it!

An error with bad consequences.

• That was a serious mistake.
• She made a serious mistake at work.

A small amount of time.

• He left a short while ago.
• Wait a short while, please.

A clever action.

• That was a smart move.
• Buying now is a smart move.

A very short distance away.

• The shop is just a stone's throw away from here.
• Luckily, the station was a stone's throw away.

Listening very carefully and with full attention.

• Go on, I'm all ears.
• Tell me what happened; I'm all ears.

Suddenly and unexpectedly.

• All of a sudden, it started to rain.
• All of a sudden, he stopped talking.

Very soon; in a very short time.

• He should arrive any minute.
• The rain could start any minute.

Used to add information, often surprising, or to correct what was just said.

• We need more milk? As a matter of fact, I was just about to go to the store.
• This isn't the first time Andy got in trouble — as a matter of fact, he was suspended last month.