Phrases & Expressions

Used to say that something should not be completely believed.

• You should take his promises with a pinch of salt.
• That rumour should be taken with a pinch of salt.

A person or thing that makes other people feel happy and cheerful.

• His smile was a ray of sunshine.
• She's a ray of sunshine in our office.

A very short distance away.

• The shop is just a stone's throw away from here.
• Luckily, the station was a stone's throw away.

Listening very carefully and with full attention.

• Go on, I'm all ears.
• Tell me what happened; I'm all ears.

To be available and supportive, especially emotionally.

• Thank you for always being there for me.
• My friends are always there for me.

In a way that the public does not see or know about.

• Many people worked behind the scenes to make the event a success.
• Talks between the two companies are going on behind the scenes.

To spoil or ruin an opportunity, usually through carelessness or a mistake.

• The actress got nervous and forgot her lines — she really blew it.
• I'll give you one more chance, but don't blow it this time!

A person's or company's main source of income.

• Writing articles is my bread and butter.
• Wedding photos are the bread and butter of our studio.

To start sweating because of physical effort.

• Run until you break a sweat.
• I only walked for ten minutes, but I broke a sweat.

To cause someone to feel very sad or disappointed.

• It broke my heart to see her cry.
• Don't break your parents' heart.