Phrases & Expressions

A lifestyle characterized by peace, quiet, and lack of stress or excitement.

• They moved to the country for a quiet life.
• She dreams of a quiet life away from the city.

To fold a sleeve or trouser leg upwards several times to make it shorter.

• He rolled up his sleeves and started washing the dishes.
• Roll up your trousers before you walk into the sea.

To explain, read or practise something quickly from beginning to end.

• Let's run through the plan again.
• The actors ran through the last scene one more time.

Continuing to work or function, often when tired, by drinking a lot of coffee.

• I'm running on coffee and sheer willpower today.
• He was running on coffee after staying up all night.

To do something extremely important or difficult, often used humorously to exaggerate the effort or significance of a task.

• He acts like he's saving the planet just by doing the dishes.
• You don't have to save the planet; just finish your report.

To ask someone to come, or ask for something to be brought to you.

• They had to send for more supplies.
• Send for the doctor immediately.

To start living in a new home and arrange it with furniture and belongings.

• They got married and set up house in a small flat.
• After college, she moved to London to set up house.

To stay seated without moving.

• Please sit still while I take your picture.
• The child found it hard to sit still for long.

To leave a place secretly or without being noticed.

• They decided to sneak out of the party early.
• He sneaked out of his room when his parents were asleep.

To absorb a liquid.

• The towel soaked up all the spilled water.
• Let's sit here and soak up the atmosphere.