Phrases & Expressions

To have fun and enjoy yourself, often by joking with other people.

• We had a good laugh together at the party.
• My colleagues are great, and we always have a laugh at work.

To be loyal to someone and support them, especially in difficult times.

• Don't worry, I've got your back.
• She always has her friends' back.

To be very busy; to have too many tasks to do.

• I have my hands full with this project.
• She has her hands full with three young children.

To have or enjoy two good things that cannot exist together.

• You can't have your cake and eat it too.
• He wants a promotion but not more work; he can't have his cake and eat it.

To learn news or information through informal communication, often from one person to another.

• I heard it on the grapevine that they are getting married.
• Nobody told me officially; I just heard it on the grapevine.

A very kind and generous nature.

• She always helps others; she has a heart of gold.
• He's a bit rough, but he has a heart of gold.

To start a journey.

• It's late, time to hit the road.
• Let's hit the road early tomorrow.

To stop yourself from saying something that you want to say.

• Hold your tongue! You'll regret saying that.
• I wanted to tell her the truth, but I held my tongue.

To remain silent and not say anything.

• I wanted to argue, but I decided to hold my tongue.
• He had to hold his tongue.

To start doing something quickly, usually said as an order.

• The boss wants this done, so hop to it!
• Come on, everyone, hop to it! The guests arrive in an hour.