Phrases & Expressions

What people do matters more than what they say.

• Actions speak louder than words — show me!
• Remember, actions speak louder than words.

It's wise to be cautious.

• Take an umbrella — better safe than sorry.
• Better safe than sorry, lock the door.

A question asked when someone is unusually silent and not speaking.

• What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?
• Speak up! Cat got your tongue?

To be extremely expensive.

• A college education in America costs an arm and a leg.
• All of the furniture in that store costs an arm and a leg!

Don't judge by appearance.

• Don't judge a book by its cover — he's actually very kind.
• Never judge a book by its cover.

To be in the same difficult or unpleasant situation as someone else.

• We're all in the same boat with this problem.
• Don't worry, we're in the same boat.

To watch someone or something carefully.

• Can you keep an eye on the kids?
• Keep an eye on the weather.

To stay in contact with someone.

• Let's keep in touch after you move.
• We've kept in touch for years.

The final thing that makes you lose patience.

• That was the last straw.
• His rude comment was the last straw, so I left the meeting.

To help someone with a task, often physical work or a difficult situation.

• Can you lend a hand with these bags?
• We should lend a hand to our neighbors.