Phrases & Expressions

Used to say that something is likely to happen or be true.

• Book early, because the chances are the cheapest seats will sell out within hours.
• The chances are that you will change careers at least once during your working life.

Something that is completely unwelcome because it would make a bad situation even worse.

• The last thing struggling families need is another rise in energy prices this winter.
• I've got three essays due on Friday, so the last thing I need is a broken laptop.

Used to say that someone is unlikely to succeed or that something is unlikely to happen.

• The odds are against our team winning the cup this year, but the players are determined to do their best.
• The odds are against anyone winning the lottery, so it makes more sense to save your money.

Said when the main machine that a network depends on is temporarily out of action.

• Students cannot upload their essays when the server is down, so the university usually extends the deadline.
• Sorry, the online booking system isn't working — the server is down for maintenance until noon.

Used to move from one topic to the next in a talk or piece of writing.

• Many families simply cannot afford private tutors, and this brings me to my next point: the rising cost of education.
• So far I have discussed the benefits of remote work, and this brings me to my next point, which is its effect on teamwork.

Getting two things or benefits for the cost or effort normally needed for only one.

• This week the bookshop is selling all its dictionaries at two for the price of one.
• Cycling to work is two for the price of one: you save money and get fit at the same time.

Used to say that something is annoying, boring or inconvenient.

• “The bus is cancelled, so we'll have to walk all the way.” “What a pain!”
• We have to fill in the same form again because they lost the first one. What a pain!

Used when you wonder about someone's life since you last had any news of them.

• I often wonder what became of the shy boy who sat next to me in primary school.
• The documentary tries to find out what became of the children who were sent abroad alone during the war.

Used to tell someone that you can no longer follow or understand what they are explaining.

• Sorry, you've lost me — could you explain again how the interest on a student loan is calculated?
• I'm afraid you've lost me; could you give an example of what you mean by 'soft skills'?

The most sensible thing to do, or the option most likely to succeed in a situation.

• If you want to improve your listening skills quickly, your best bet is to watch English films with subtitles.
• For reliable data on literacy rates around the world, the UNESCO website is probably your best bet.