Phrases & Expressions

Worthless, stupid, or not worth considering.

• That movie is for the birds; don't waste your time.
• His advice on the matter was completely for the birds.

To be received with great enthusiasm and approval by an audience or group of people.

• The new play went down a storm with the critics.
• The band's latest album went down a storm.

To stare at someone with intense anger or hatred, as if you want to hurt them.

• She looked daggers at him when he arrived late.
• The two rivals looked daggers at each other across the room.

To look extremely ill, pale, and exhausted.

• You look like death warmed up! Have you slept?
• After the long journey, he looked like death warmed up.

Beyond the limits of what is permitted or acceptable.

• Discussing salary is out of bounds in this meeting.
• That kind of language is out of bounds.

To spoil someone's plans, excitement, or enjoyment.

• I hate to rain on your parade.
• Don't rain on my parade.

To cause people to start talking and gossiping about something, often something surprising or scandalous.

• Her sudden resignation set tongues wagging.
• That unusual event set tongues wagging all over town.

To start living in a new home and arrange it with furniture and belongings.

• They got married and set up house in a small flat.
• After college, she moved to London to set up house.

You are in a position to take advantage of all opportunities in life.

• You're young — the world is your oyster.
• With your talent, the world is your oyster.

A situation where it is impossible to know which of two things caused the other.

• We can't hire staff until we get funding, but we can't get funding without staff. It's a chicken-and-egg situation.
• Is it the economy causing unemployment, or unemployment causing the bad economy? It's a chicken-and-egg situation.