Phrases & Expressions

To avoid getting into trouble or doing anything illegal.

• He's been keeping his nose clean since leaving prison.
• Keep your nose clean at school.

To move or head in a particular direction.

• The ship made for open water.
• Good planning makes for a smooth trip.

To do or say something that upsets a stable situation or causes trouble.

• Don't rock the boat; we need to keep things calm.
• He doesn't want to rock the boat before his promotion.

Very clean, tidy and in good condition.

• After cleaning, the house was spick and span.
• Her uniform was always spick and span.

Used to describe an unexpected event that happened very quickly.

• The next thing I knew, I was in the hospital.
• The next thing I knew, she was gone.

Extremely wonderful, desirable, or delicious.

• This cake is to die for.
• Her dress is to die for.

Used to say that something is impossible and will never happen.

• Will Ted teach Nicole how to play the guitar? When pigs fly!
• Sure, I'll give you my new laptop — when pigs fly!

Water that has not had anything added to it, like flavorings or minerals.

• Just give me plain water, please.
• She drank a glass of plain water.

To bite something many times until it is in small pieces or damaged.

• The puppy chewed up my shoe.
• The machine chews up plastic and turns it into pellets.

An expression used to tell someone to hurry up.

• Chop chop, we're going to be late!
• The boss wants the report now, chop chop!