Phrases & Expressions

The most important person in a group or organization; the leader.

• She's the top banana in the marketing department.
• Who's the top banana around here?

A meme format showing a choice between two options, often with difficulty.

• This is a classic two buttons situation.
• He faced the two buttons meme dilemma.

Something you buy without seeing it or knowing what it is like.

• Don't buy a pig in a poke.
• It turned out to be a pig in a poke.

A feeling of relief because a worry or problem has gone.

• Passing the exam was a weight off my mind.
• Finishing the project was a huge weight off her shoulders.

A brief hint or warning that is easily understood by intelligent people.

• Don't be late again. A word to the wise.
• A word to the wise: book your tickets early.

Something that causes a dispute.

• After their father died, the family house became the apple of discord.
• The will was the apple of discord.

To fly faster than the speed of sound.

• The experimental jet was designed to break the sound barrier.
• Many pilots dreamed of being the first to break the sound barrier.

To overcome an invisible barrier that prevents advancement, especially in a career.

• She hopes to break through the glass ceiling in her field.
• Many women are still trying to break through the glass ceiling.

To harm oneself in an attempt to punish or annoy someone else.

• He quit his job to spite his boss, cutting his nose to spite his face.
• Refusing the offer is cutting your nose to spite your face.

Used on the radio to say that a signal is received loud and perfectly clear.

• Your transmission is five by five.
• Read you loud and clear, five by five.