Phrases & Expressions

Other people's situations often seem better than your own, even if they are not.

• Remember that the grass is always greener on the other side.
• She wants her friend's life, but the grass is always greener.

A lifestyle characterized by luxury, wealth, and pleasure.

• She moved to Monaco to experience the high life.
• He always dreamed of the high life, with fast cars and fine dining.

A saying meaning that more people make an event more enjoyable.

• Can I bring my cousin? Sure, the more the merrier!
• The invitation said 'the more the merrier'.

To get rid of something unwanted, such as an illness or people following you.

• He finally threw off his cold.
• She managed to throw off the reporters who were following her.

To turn very quickly and sharply in a small space.

• The race car turned on a dime.
• This small car can turn on a dime in narrow streets.

Midnight, or the middle of the night, when magic and ghosts are said to appear.

• They told ghost stories until the witching hour.
• At the witching hour, the old house was completely silent.

A natural ability to make plants grow well.

• She has a green thumb, so her garden is always full of flowers.
• His grandmother had a green thumb.

Used to tell someone to be careful and slow when doing something.

• Easy does it — that vase is very old and fragile.
• Easy does it, lift the box slowly onto the table.

To be very helpful or effective in achieving something.

• A little kindness goes a long way.
• This advice will go a long way in your career.

To begin or do something too soon, before the appropriate time.

• Nicole jumped the gun by writing her speech too early.
• The store jumped the gun, selling the book early.