Phrases & Expressions

To summarize a long explanation or series of events briefly.

• Long story short, we missed the flight.
• Long story short, he said no.

To suggest doing something because it is the most logical or easiest choice in the situation.

• You may as well stay for dinner.
• We may as well go.

A performance level that is satisfactory and meets the required standards.

• His work meets expectations.
• This rating means meets expectations.

To suggest doing something because it is the most logical or easiest choice in the situation.

• We might as well start now.
• You might as well try.

Used to say that you or someone else has done something perfectly.

• You finished the project on time? Nailed it!
• She gave the presentation flawlessly. She really nailed it.

Used to introduce something that is so obvious it hardly needs to be said.

• You have a test tomorrow morning — needless to say, you can't stay out late tonight.
• Needless to say, you shouldn't have waited until Christmas Eve to do your shopping — the stores will be packed.

Used to firmly say that one will definitely not do something.

• You want me to sit in that sauna for an hour? Not on your life!
• Thanks for offering me a job in Siberia — am I going to take it? Not on your life!

Used to firmly refuse a request or reject an idea.

• You want me to buy the Golden Gate Bridge from you for a million bucks? Nothing doing!
• You want me to write your paper on Catherine the Great? Nothing doing!

To have no connection with someone or something.

• My decision to leave has nothing to do with money.
• The delay had nothing to do with the bad weather.

Happening or existing sometimes, but not regularly or continuously.

• It rained on and off all day.
• They dated on and off for years.