Phrases & Expressions

To have a real chance of winning or getting something.

• Only three teams are still in the running for the top prize in this year's national science competition.
• Her latest novel is in the running for several major literary awards.

To be doing something you enjoy and are good at, so that you feel completely comfortable.

• Put Selin in front of a class of lively teenagers and you will see that she is in her element.
• As a keen gardener, my father is in his element when he volunteers at the community garden.

To be free from a difficult situation or a responsibility you were worried about.

• My colleague offered to give the presentation instead of me, so I'm off the hook this time.
• The police have caught the real thief, so my brother is finally off the hook.

To be fully prepared to deal with a sudden danger or emergency.

• Emergency services are on red alert after forecasters warned of severe flooding along the coast.
• During the festival, police were on red alert for pickpockets in the crowded streets.

To be quick to understand and react to things, and well prepared.

• You have to be on the ball in this job, because customers expect immediate answers to their questions.
• The receptionist was on the ball and spotted the double booking before the guests arrived.

To be in very poor condition and likely to stop working or die soon.

• Many hospitals are still using equipment that is on its last legs because there is no money to replace it.
• The town's only cinema has been on its last legs for years and will probably close next spring.

To have got through the most difficult or dangerous part of a situation.

• The economy is growing again, but experts warn that we are not out of the woods yet.
• After two difficult years of falling sales, the airline finally seems to be out of the woods.

To be squashed tightly together with many other people in a crowded place.

• The hostel had been overbooked, so backpackers were packed in like sardines in every dormitory.
• The lecture hall only holds 200, but 300 students turned up, so everyone was packed in like sardines.

(informal, often humorous) to be considered too old to do things you once did well.

• My kids think I'm past it, but I can still beat them both at tennis.
• Many people assume older workers are past it, but experience is often more valuable than speed.

To be extremely rich, or to suddenly have far more money than usual.

• Since her online business took off, she has been rolling in it and has just bought a house by the sea.
• Footballers at top clubs are rolling in it, while players in the lower leagues often need second jobs.