Phrases & Expressions

To feel extremely happy and confident, usually because things are going well.

• Getting a place at my first-choice university, after months of waiting, made me feel on top of the world.
• Regular exercise doesn't just improve your health; on a good day it can make you feel on top of the world.

To stop feeling angry with someone for what they did and behave as if it never happened.

• After years of not speaking, the two brothers decided to forgive and forget for the sake of their mother.
• Their friendship survived the argument because both of them were willing to forgive and forget.

To go somewhere peaceful so that you can forget about work and everyday pressures.

• More and more city dwellers are renting rural cottages to get away from it all at the weekend.
• I just want to switch off my phone and get away from it all for a week.

To start organising yourself and doing something positive to achieve what you want.

• If I don't get it together soon, I'll never finish my dissertation on time.
• After failing two exams, Emre finally got it together and started studying every evening.

To tell someone that they have done something well, in order to encourage them.

• The manager gave the whole team a pat on the back for finishing the project ahead of schedule.
• You passed your driving test at the first attempt? You should give yourself a pat on the back!

To give permission for a plan or activity to go ahead.

• Regulators have given the green light to self-driving taxis in several major cities.
• My manager gave the green light to my plan to work from home two days a week.

To fail to do something that you clearly promised to do.

• Residents felt betrayed when the council went back on its word and closed the local swimming pool.
• I told the kids we would go camping this weekend, and I don't want to go back on my word.

To make a special effort to help someone or do something, even when it is inconvenient for you.

• The hotel staff went out of their way to make our elderly parents feel comfortable and welcome.
• Our tutor always goes out of her way to support students who are struggling with the course.

To pay for medical treatment yourself instead of using the free state health service.

• Faced with a year-long wait for a hip operation, more and more patients decide to go private.
• We couldn't afford to go private, so my mother waited six months for her eye operation.

(of prices or amounts) to rise very fast to a very high level.

• House prices in the capital have gone through the roof, making it almost impossible for young people to buy.
• Energy bills went through the roof last winter, and many families struggled to heat their homes.