Phrases & Expressions

To stop suddenly, often because of surprise or fear.

• The car stopped short of the wall.
• He stopped short when he saw the snake on the path.

Information received directly from the person who knows it best.

• I heard the news straight from the horse's mouth.
• The manager told me herself, so it's straight from the horse's mouth.

To remove all or most of your clothes.

• It was hot, so he stripped down to his t-shirt.
• We need to strip down the old machine for parts.

To remove clothing quickly or completely.

• He stripped off his wet clothes.
• It was so hot that the children stripped off and ran into the sea.

To find something or meet someone by chance.

• I stumbled across this book in a second-hand shop.
• We stumbled across an amazing restaurant.

To understand a subtle suggestion or indirect warning.

• I yawned twice, but he couldn't take a hint and stayed.
• He can't take a hint.

To sit down and rest, especially after working hard.

• Come in and take a load off.
• Let me take a load off my feet.

To observe or examine something carefully and for a significant amount of time.

• Take a long look at the painting; you might learn something.
• He took a long look at himself in the mirror.

To deal with a difficult or surprising situation calmly and without becoming upset.

• She took the news in stride.
• He takes criticism in stride and keeps working hard.

Providing someone with the skills to support themselves, rather than just giving them temporary help.

• Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
• We should teach a man to fish, not just give him money.