Phrases & Expressions

The principle that those who cause pollution should pay for the costs of its cleanup or prevention.

• The polluter pays principle is widely accepted.
• Companies must follow the polluter pays rule.

A period when someone is very successful or performs especially well.

• The artist is in a purple patch, producing amazing work.
• This team is going through a purple patch this season.

To cause surprise, disapproval, or mild shock.

• His sudden resignation raised eyebrows among colleagues.
• The unusual decision raised eyebrows at the board meeting.

To speak loudly and angrily, often in an uncontrolled way.

• A customer in the video rental store was ranting and raving that the DVD he rented was broken.
• Please stop ranting and raving — let's discuss this issue calmly.

A day that is especially important or memorable because of a happy event.

• Her graduation was a real red-letter day for the family.
• We consider the day we opened our business a red-letter day.

Extremely wealthy; having a lot of money.

• Susan and Bob don't need to work anymore — they're rolling in dough.
• Adam will be able to retire young; he's rolling in dough.

To behave in an uncontrolled way because nobody is in charge.

• The children ran wild in the garden.
• Rumours started to run wild in the office.

Of a vehicle: having almost no fuel left.

• The car is running on fumes; we need petrol soon.
• We were running on fumes when we finally found a petrol station.

A colloquial way of saying that someone is dead and buried.

• I heard he died last year. He's six feet under now.
• Grandpa says he'll keep working until he's six feet under.

A product, remedy or idea that is falsely sold as a solution to a problem.

• That miracle cure is just snake oil.
• Don't fall for their snake oil promises.