Phrases & Expressions

Very quickly or suddenly.

• He was gone in a flash, before I could speak.
• Time passes in a flash when you're having fun.

Briefly; in a few words.

• In a nutshell, it's a love story.
• That's the situation in a nutshell.

In a very serious or difficult situation.

• He's in deep trouble with his parents.
• We're in deep trouble now.

To form an opinion or make a decision quickly without having all the facts.

• Don't jump to conclusions before you hear the whole story.
• He always jumps to conclusions.

To make a written or electronic record.

• Keep a record of your expenses.
• They keep records of all transactions.

To keep a message or talk short.

• I'll keep it brief.
• Try to keep your speech brief.

To do what you promised.

• He always keeps his word.
• You promised — keep your word.

To understand a situation or environment well, including its rules and how things work.

• You need to know the lay of the land before starting the project.
• She quickly learned the lay of the land in her new job.

To put something or someone down on a surface.

• She laid down her bag and sat on the bench.
• He laid down his tools and went home for lunch.

To experience and survive a difficult or unpleasant period or event.

• They managed to live through the harsh winter.
• She lived through a period of great change.