Phrases & Expressions

Something whose ideas, values or style clearly reflect the period when it was created.

• The building's grey concrete style is very much a product of its time, when architects valued function over beauty.
• Like many old textbooks, this 1960s history book is a product of its time, ignoring the lives of ordinary people.

A sudden series of similar, usually unpleasant, events within a short time.

• Following a rash of cyberattacks on hospitals, the government promised to spend more on online security.
• The airline faced a rash of complaints after cancelling dozens of flights during the holidays.

A special, memorable day on which something important or very pleasant happens.

• Getting my university acceptance letter was a red-letter day for my whole family.
• The opening of the new children's hospital will be a red-letter day for the town.

Something ugly, such as a building or quarry, that spoils the natural beauty of an area.

• Environmental campaigners describe the abandoned quarry as a scar on the landscape.
• Planners insisted that the new solar farm be surrounded by hedges so that it would not become a scar on the landscape.

(disapproving) someone who always wears whatever is fashionable, even if it is uncomfortable or expensive.

• My sister is a slave to fashion and buys new shoes every time a trend changes.
• Advertising encourages young people to become slaves to fashion, spending money they don't have.

A person who gives you a lot of emotional support during a difficult time.

• Throughout my father's long illness, my older sister was a tower of strength for the whole family.
• During his long recovery from the operation, his wife proved to be a tower of strength.

To accept that two people have different opinions and stop trying to persuade each other.

• My father and I never agree about politics, so we have learned to agree to differ.
• When the two scientists could not resolve their dispute, they decided to agree to differ and publish separate papers.

(of two or more people) extremely close and friendly, often sharing secrets that others do not know.

• Those two are as thick as thieves; whenever I walk in, they stop whispering and start laughing.
• At primary school my cousin and I were as thick as thieves, but we drifted apart as teenagers.

So tired, worried or annoyed that you cannot deal with any more problems.

• After three sleepless nights, I was at the end of my tether.
• The builders kept making mistakes, and she was at the end of her tether.

Plenty of something, especially time, room, energy or money.

• Don't rush the reading section – you'll have bags of time to check your answers at the end.
• The new office has bags of space, so everyone finally has a proper desk.