Phrases & Expressions

A situation or person that is too difficult or dangerous to manage.

• This problem is too hot to handle.
• He found the case too hot to handle.

To go back to an earlier time or undo past events.

• If only I could turn the clock back to my youth.
• You can't turn the clock back; you have to accept what happened.

To invent and tell a story, often one that is long or imaginative.

• The old man loved to weave a tale for the children.
• He could weave a tale about his adventures.

To do something without preparation, hoping that things will work out.

• I didn't have time to prepare, so I just winged it.
• He decided to wing it during the interview.

Someone who thinks they are clever and makes annoying or sarcastic remarks.

• Don't be a wise guy; just answer the question.
• The clerk was a wise guy, making fun of my accent.

A polite or old-fashioned way to say that a woman is pregnant.

• We were delighted to hear she is with child.
• The announcement that she was with child surprised everyone.

Used to mean very successfully, especially in a test or competition.

• She passed the exam with flying colours.
• He came through the interview with flying colours.

An improv technique where you accept a statement and add to it.

• In improv, we use the 'yes and' rule.
• Her response was a perfect 'yes and'.

A state of general prosperity and well-being for everyone.

• The politician promised a chicken in every pot.
• They dreamed of a time with a chicken in every pot.

Fixing a small problem immediately prevents it from becoming a bigger one later.

• Repair the leak now; a stitch in time saves nine.
• Get that small crack fixed today. A stitch in time saves nine.