Phrases & Expressions

Very clever and cunning, often in a dishonest way.

• He's sly as a fox when making deals.
• Don't trust him; he's sly as a fox.

To start a process or feeling that will slowly develop into something bigger later.

• The teacher sowed the seeds of curiosity in her students.
• That small argument sowed the seeds of doubt in his mind.

To be the most impressive or entertaining part of a performance or event.

• The young singer stole the show with her amazing voice.
• His witty remarks stole the show at the dinner.

The idea that the living things or people best suited to their conditions survive and succeed.

• In business, it's often survival of the fittest.
• The harsh climate meant survival of the fittest.

Used to say that it is impossible to explain why different people like different things.

• Ted likes to put sugar on his spaghetti — I guess there's no accounting for taste.
• Tiffany has a tattoo of a squirrel on her leg — there's no accounting for taste.

To become extremely angry or upset and lose control.

• My dad will throw a fit if he sees this mess.
• She threw a fit when her flight was cancelled.

So large or important that its failure would cause major problems for others.

• The bank was considered too big to fail.
• Is any company truly too big to fail?

Acting as if you are better or more important than others.

• He thinks he's too cool for school.
• She acts too cool for school and never joins our games.

When too many people work on the same task, the result will be of poor quality.

• After Bob and Susan edited Nicole's college applications, they were worse than when she started — too many cooks spoil the broth.
• You don't need to help — we have enough people already and too many cooks spoil the broth.

To boast about your own abilities or achievements.

• He's always tooting his own horn about his success.
• She never toots her own horn, even though her work is excellent.