Phrases & Expressions

To be heard but not paid attention to; information is ignored or forgotten quickly.

• My advice went in one ear and out the other.
• He never listens; it's all in one ear and out the other.

To regularly give someone the latest news or information about something.

• Keep me posted about your summer plans — if you'll be at your lake cottage, I'd love to visit.
• Good luck selling your house — keep me posted about how much you get for it.

A phrase used to tell someone to stay positive during a difficult time.

• Keep your chin up — things will get better.
• She told her son to keep his chin up before the exam.

To understand what you are able to do and not try to do too much.

• He's a good swimmer, but he knows his limits and stays near the shore.
• Know your limits when driving in snow.

To spend time relaxing and doing very little, often in a lazy or idle way.

• On Sundays, I like to just laze around the house.
• He spent the afternoon lazing around by the pool.

Very similar in appearance or character.

• The twins are like two peas in a pod.
• My brother and I are like two peas in a pod; we love the same things.

To follow a particular set of rules or principles in your life.

• My grandfather lived by one simple rule: always tell the truth.
• He tries to live by the values his parents taught him.

To be in a very fortunate or successful situation.

• He travels the world and gets paid for it; he's living the dream.
• After retiring, she moved to the coast and is now living the dream.

Used to say that you should think carefully about the results before you act.

• You should look before you leap when making big decisions.
• He invested all his money without checking. Look before you leap!

To visit someone briefly, often to check if they are okay.

• I'll look in on Grandma on my way home.
• Please look in on the children before you leave.