Phrases & Expressions

Used to tell someone to accept a difficult situation that cannot be changed.

• The train is always late, so you'll just have to live with it.
• Your hair will never be straight — just live with it.

To summarize a long explanation or series of events briefly.

• Long story short, we missed the flight.
• Long story short, he said no.

To watch an event or situation without becoming involved.

• The crowd looked on as the argument grew.
• He just stood there and looked on.

To do something good to balance something bad, lost or missing.

• He worked all weekend to make up for the lost time.
• Nothing can make up for the loss of a parent.

To disappear gradually and completely.

• Watch your worries melt away in the heat.
• After a long walk, the stress seemed to melt away.

To lose an opportunity to do something because you are too slow to act.

• You'll miss the boat if you don't decide soon.
• I missed the boat on that investment.

To fail to understand what is important.

• You're missing the point entirely.
• He missed the point of the joke.

Very old, worn out, or close to failing or collapsing.

• My old car is on its last legs.
• This computer is on its last legs; it needs replacing.

After reconsidering something; used to change a decision.

• On second thought, I'll have tea instead.
• On second thought, let's stay home.

Used to add more information, especially something negative or surprising, to what was just said.

• On top of that, the food was terrible.
• And on top of that, I got fined.