Phrases & Expressions

To describe events in a way that makes them seem better for you or fits your opinions.

• After the election, both main parties put their own spin on the results and claimed they had done well.
• He always puts his own spin on the story so that he looks like the hero.

To become extremely intense, excited or emotional.

• Public anger over rising energy bills reached fever pitch last winter, with protests in several cities.
• Excitement in the stadium reached fever pitch when the home team scored in the final minute.

To meet and spend time socially with important or famous people.

• At the film festival, young directors get the chance to rub shoulders with some of the industry's biggest names.
• Working at the embassy, she regularly rubbed shoulders with politicians, diplomats and business leaders.

To do something meant to help yourself that actually damages your own position.

• The airline scored an own goal with its new baggage fees, which drove thousands of customers to its rivals.
• He scored an own goal by posting angry complaints about his employer online, and was soon fired.

To judge situations too simply, as if everything were either completely right or completely wrong.

• Teenagers often see things in black and white, but with experience they learn that most problems are complicated.
• Good judges should never see things in black and white; they must consider the circumstances of each case.

To praise someone or something with great enthusiasm, often again and again.

• My cousin has been singing the gym's praises ever since she lost ten kilos there.
• Reviewers have been singing the praises of the new electric car, especially its long battery range.

To do something that causes a particular situation or feeling to start developing later.

• Cutting funding for youth centres may sow the seeds of serious social problems in poorer neighbourhoods.
• Her first part-time job at a bakery sowed the seeds of a lifelong interest in running her own business.

To talk in public without planning in advance what you are going to say.

• In Part 3 of the IELTS speaking test, candidates have to speak off the cuff in answer to questions they cannot predict.
• The minister was criticised for speaking off the cuff about tax rises that had not yet been agreed.

To deal with something in a very strict way and refuse to make any compromises.

• The new head teacher has taken a hard line on bullying, and several pupils have already been suspended.
• Some countries take a hard line on drug offences, while others focus more on treatment.

To feel offended or annoyed by something and object to it strongly.

• Many readers took exception to the article's suggestion that young people are lazy and unwilling to work.
• The minister took great exception to being described as out of touch with ordinary voters.