Phrases & Expressions

To get to the main point.

• Cut to the chase, please.
• Let me cut to the chase.

Very common and therefore not special or valuable.

• Reality TV shows are a dime a dozen these days.
• There are so many Starbucks in Manhattan that they're a dime a dozen.

A very small amount of something compared to what is needed or expected.

• $100 is a drop in the bucket.
• The donation helped, but it was only a drop in the bucket.

Almost every item imaginable, especially a large number of things.

• She packed everything but the kitchen sink.
• The book includes everything but the kitchen sink.

It is your turn to decide or act.

• I've done my part — the ball is in your court.
• The ball is in your court now.

The largest part of something.

• He took the lion's share of the profit.
• The lion's share went to the eldest son.

To give up.

• After many attempts, he threw in the towel.
• Don't throw in the towel yet!

Used to say that something makes a bad situation even worse.

• And to add insult to injury, he laughed at me.
• To add insult to injury, they raised prices.

Used to introduce an additional problem or difficulty that makes a bad situation even worse.

• To make matters worse, it started snowing.
• To make matters worse, he lost his keys.

the first time a baby or young child walks.

• She took her first steps today!
• We celebrated his first steps.