Phrases & Expressions

To evoke a feeling of happiness or excitement; a key concept in the KonMari method.

• Does this old souvenir still spark joy for you?
• Keep only the items that truly spark joy.

To share secret or private information, often gossip.

• Come on, spill the tea! What happened at the party?
• She spilled the tea about their breakup.

To be extremely attractive or impressive.

• Her new car is so stylish it could stop traffic.
• The actress looked stunning; she could stop traffic.

To deal with dangerous, ruthless people, especially in business.

• Investing in that company felt like swimming with sharks.
• He's used to swimming with sharks in business.

To accept criticism, punishment, or unpleasant situations bravely and without complaining.

• He had to take it on the chin when his project failed.
• The team took it on the chin but vowed to come back stronger.

To be the most surprising, extreme, or unacceptable thing.

• His rudeness really takes the cake.
• That story really takes the cake!

Very drunk.

• After four beers, Bob was three sheets to the wind.
• Someone needs to make sure Greg gets home safely — he's three sheets to the wind.

To punish someone as severely as possible.

• When Ted failed his chemistry test for the second time, his teacher really threw the book at him.
• The judge threw the book at Matt for stealing a football — he'll be in jail for six months.

Feeling physically exhausted but mentally unable to sleep or calm down.

• She was tired but wired after the long flight.
• He felt tired but wired all night.

To treat someone in a very disrespectful or unkind way.

• No one was surprised when Nicole's boyfriend broke up with her, since she treated him like dirt.
• I feel sorry for Jeffrey — the kids at school treat him like dirt.