Phrases & Expressions

In a very favorable position, especially financially.

• After selling his company, he was sitting pretty for the rest of his life.
• With two goals in the first half, the team was sitting pretty.

Pretending that something you wanted but could not get is not worth having.

• He says he doesn't want the job, but it's just sour grapes.
• Her criticism of the award sounded like sour grapes.

The fundamental skills and techniques needed to fly an aircraft.

• New pilots must master stick-and-rudder skills before learning automation.
• Flying requires more than just stick and rudder.

To take time to appreciate the pleasant things in life.

• Don't work too hard; stop and smell the roses.
• It's important to stop and smell the roses sometimes.

To copy someone's good behaviour or methods because you admire that person.

• You should take a leaf out of her book and start saving money.
• He needs to take a leaf out of his brother's book and be more organized.

Used to say that something unfortunate has happened and there is nothing you can do about it.

• I studied for weeks but still failed the test. That's the way the cookie crumbles.
• He wanted to go to the party, but he got sick. That's the way the cookie crumbles.

Excellent, wonderful, or highly admirable.

• Her performance was the bee's knees.
• He thinks his new car is the bee's knees.

Used to accept that something bad has happened and cannot be changed.

• My flight was cancelled and I missed the wedding. Those are the breaks.
• He lost his job right before retirement. Those are the breaks.

The vast, open ocean, far from land.

• The ship sailed out into the deep blue.
• Many mysteries lie within the deep blue.

To have only small plans or limited ambitions.

• If you think small, your business will stay small.
• Don't think small; this project could change the whole industry.