Phrases & Expressions

To try doing something, especially something you have not done before.

• I'd never played golf before, but my friends finally persuaded me to have a go at it.
• Even if you are not sure of the answer, have a go at every question, because wrong answers lose no marks.

To try to do something, especially when you are not sure you will succeed.

• I'd never written a poem before, but I decided to have a shot at the creative writing competition.
• If you don't know the answer, have a shot at it anyway — there's no penalty for wrong answers.

To include both good and bad periods over time.

• Every career has its ups and downs, so it's important not to give up after one bad year.
• Studying abroad has its ups and downs, but for most students the good moments far outweigh the bad.

To enjoy yourself enormously during a particular period or event.

• My son had the time of his life on the school exchange trip to Spain last spring.
• Volunteers say they had the time of their lives working at the international sports festival.

To have the chance to give your opinion about something before a decision is made.

• Everyone in the family got to have their say before we finally decided where to go on holiday.
• Students should be allowed to have their say about how their school spends its budget.

To suddenly become an important news story that everyone is talking about.

• The small town hit the headlines when a rare dinosaur skeleton was found in a local quarry.
• Plastic pollution has hit the headlines again after a new report on ocean waste.

To suddenly become extremely angry.

• Our landlord hit the roof when he discovered we'd been keeping a cat in the flat.
• If the manager finds out we've missed the deadline again, she'll hit the roof.

Very quickly or very soon.

• This soup is easy to make, and it'll be ready in a jiffy.
• Hold on, I'll be with you in a jiffy.

To watch someone or something carefully, especially to notice any problems.

• Doctors will keep a close eye on the patient for twenty-four hours after the operation.
• Investors are keeping a close eye on interest rates, which could rise again later this year.

To treat something as much more important or serious than it really is.

• The teacher made a big thing of my tiny spelling mistake, which was really embarrassing in front of the class.
• Some parents make a big thing of exam results, which puts enormous pressure on their children.