Phrases & Expressions

Constantly making small, often unnecessary, adjustments to stay on course.

• Stop chasing the needle; make a small correction and then wait.
• He was chasing the needle during the final turn.

To complete the financial accounts for a month or year.

• We need to close the books by Friday.
• Accountants work late at the end of the year to close the books.

To falsify financial records, usually illegally.

• The accountant was accused of cooking the books.
• They cooked the books to hide their losses.

To dance with great energy and enthusiasm, often in a lively social setting.

• The music was great, so we decided to cut a rug.
• They really cut a rug at the wedding reception.

To admit you were wrong and apologize humbly.

• He had to eat humble pie after his prediction failed.
• She had to eat humble pie and ask for forgiveness.

To be present for someone and support that person without judging or trying to fix things.

• I will hold space for you while you talk.
• The therapist held space for her client's grief.

A small, simple and often hidden restaurant, shop or office.

• It's just a hole in the wall, but the food is amazing.
• Their first office was a hole in the wall above a shoe shop.

Used to say that people in a group, especially autistic people, are all different from each other.

• They say if you've met one autistic person, you've met one.
• Remember, if you've met one, you've met one.

To enjoy yourself a lot, often by spending money on parties and luxuries.

• The lottery winners were living it up on a yacht in the Caribbean.
• After the promotion, she went out to live it up with friends.

A humorous name for beans, because eating them can cause wind.

• My grandma warned me about the musical fruit.
• Are beans really the musical fruit?