Phrases & Expressions

To misunderstand each other because each person thinks the other means something different.

• The designer and his client had clearly got their wires crossed, because the finished logo was nothing like her brief.
• The two departments got their wires crossed, and both of them ordered the same expensive equipment.

To choose to trust what someone says although you have no proof that it is true.

• He said his train had been cancelled, so the teacher gave him the benefit of the doubt and accepted his late essay.
• The new employee's excuse for missing the meeting sounded strange, but the manager decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.

To be so closely connected that one exists or happens together with the other.

• Researchers have repeatedly found that poor health tends to go hand in hand with low income.
• Economic growth does not always go hand in hand with greater happiness for ordinary people.

To happen exactly as planned, smoothly and without any problems.

• Thanks to months of careful planning, the international student conference went like clockwork.
• The wedding went like clockwork, and the guests said everything was perfect.

Of an event or plan, to happen exactly as intended with no problems at all.

• Despite fears about the weather, the outdoor graduation ceremony went off without a hitch.
• Months of careful planning ensured that the international conference went off without a hitch.

To be completely forgotten or abandoned, used about plans, rules or qualities.

• With three deadlines in one week, my healthy eating plan has completely gone out of the window.
• When budgets are cut, quality often goes out of the window.

Your brain or intelligence (used humorously).

• Logic puzzles are a great way to give your grey matter a workout on a rainy afternoon.
• This crossword is hard, so you will need to use your grey matter.

To make an attempt at something new or difficult; mainly British.

• None of us had ever put up a tent, but we had a crack at it anyway.
• Why don't you have a crack at fixing the bike yourself before paying someone to do it?

To face a hard struggle in order to achieve or protect something.

• If the council wants to close the village school, it will have a fight on its hands.
• We're two goals down at half-time, so we really have a fight on our hands now.

To have a strong and often unusual liking or dislike for something.

• My grandfather has a thing about punctuality – he gets annoyed if anyone is even a minute late.
• I've always had a thing about old maps, so I could happily spend hours in that museum.