Phrases & Expressions

To signal to a vehicle or person to stop, often by waving your hand.

• We tried to flag down a taxi outside the station.
• We had to flag down a bus.

To switch off a light or machine quickly by pressing a switch.

• He flicked off the light and went to bed.
• Don't forget to flick off the TV before you leave.

To turn the pages of a book or magazine quickly without reading carefully.

• She flicked through the magazine while she waited.
• I flicked through the report quickly before the meeting started.

For time to pass very quickly.

• The holiday flew by too quickly.
• The years fly by once you have children.

To leave a place by flying.

• The bird flew off when it saw the cat.
• The pigeons flew off as soon as the children ran towards them.

To pass very quickly, especially used about time or vehicles.

• The weeks just fly past when you are busy.
• A motorbike flew past us at high speed.

To waste time by doing unimportant things or behaving in a silly way.

• Stop fooling about and finish your homework.
• The children were fooling about in the garden.

To prepare for an activity or event that needs effort or planning.

• The team is gearing up for the championship game.
• Businesses are gearing up for the holiday shopping season.

To find something very amusing or enjoyable.

• I get a kick out of watching old movies.
• She gets a kick out of surprising her friends.

To lose concentration or focus on something.

• I get distracted easily when I study.
• Try not to get distracted by your phone while driving.