Phrases & Expressions

Clever methods or shortcuts learned through experience in a particular job or activity.

• The new teacher learned some tricks of the trade from Mrs. Blackstone, who'd been teaching for 40 years.
• My new job will get easier once I learn some tricks of the trade.

To increase something to the highest possible level or intensity.

• The band turned the volume up to eleven.
• The new horror film turns the tension up to eleven.

To swap positions so that the weaker side gains the upper hand.

• The underdog team turned the tables in the final minutes.
• She managed to turn the tables on her opponent.

To increase the pressure on someone or the intensity of a situation.

• The police turned up the heat on the suspect.
• The manager is turning up the heat to get the project finished on time.

To cross the stage at a graduation ceremony to receive your diploma.

• She will walk the stage next month.
• He was proud to walk the stage.

To ignore or forget past mistakes or problems and start again.

• They agreed to wipe the slate clean and move on.
• Let's wipe the slate clean and start our relationship anew.

Feeling mentally alert and anxious, but physically exhausted and unable to relax.

• After too much coffee, I felt wired and tired.
• The approaching deadline left him wired and tired all week.

Said to mean that something you already have is better than something you might get.

• Take the job offer now; a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
• I'll accept the smaller offer today. A bird in the hand, as they say.

Family relationships and loyalties are the most important.

• Remember, blood is thicker than water.
• He helped his cousin, because blood is thicker than water.

Whatever difficulties happen; used to say that you are determined to do something.

• I'll finish this, come hell or high water.
• Come hell or high water, we'll win.