Phrases & Expressions

To describe the situation, place, or time before starting a story or event.

• The book begins by setting the scene in ancient Rome.
• Let me set the scene for you before the movie starts.

To visit several shops or compare prices before buying something.

• It's worth shopping around before you buy a new laptop.
• I always shop around for the best deals.

To sign a document, especially a contract or agreement.

• Please sign on the dotted line to accept the offer.
• He signed on the dotted line without reading the contract.

To lean back in a seat and relax.

• Sit back and enjoy the show.
• He sat back in his chair and closed his eyes.

To stay in bed later than usual.

• I love sleeping in on weekends.
• He slept in until noon.

To leave a place quietly without being noticed.

• He managed to slip out of the meeting early.
• We slipped out before the speeches started.

An idiom used to describe someone or something that moves or happens extremely slowly.

• He's slower than molasses when he gets ready in the morning.
• The traffic moved slower than molasses.

Very smooth, or happening easily without any problems.

• The landing was smooth as silk.
• Her skin felt smooth as silk after the treatment.

To make a sharp sound by quickly bringing your thumb and one finger together.

• He snapped his fingers to get the waiter's attention.
• Don't snap your fingers at me like that.

To speak smoothly without pauses.

• She speaks English fluently.
• He hopes to speak fluently soon.