Phrases & Expressions

(Slang) To be fired from a job.

• After Chris got canned, it took him a year to find a new job.
• Lisa is a terrible secretary — she deserves to get canned.

To suddenly lose courage or confidence to do something you had planned.

• She got cold feet right before the wedding.
• Don't get cold feet now; we're almost there.

To get into trouble or a difficult situation.

• He got into hot water for being late again.
• If you break the rules, you'll get into hot water.

To annoy or irritate someone, often repeatedly.

• My neighbor's dog barks all night — it really gets on my nerves.
• Please stop whistling — it's getting on my nerves!

To make someone feel irritated.

• His constant humming gets on my nerves.
• Stop it, you're getting on my nerves!

To organize your life or work effectively.

• You need to get your act together if you want to pass the exam.
• After the crisis, the company finally got its act together.

To commit completely to an endeavor, investing all effort and resources.

• She decided to go all in on her new business.
• They went all in for the championship.

To become extremely angry, excited, or crazy.

• My mom went bananas when she saw the mess.
• The crowd went bananas when the team scored.

To try to achieve the highest possible level or success.

• The team is going for gold in the competition.
• She's been going for gold since she started.

To repeatedly do the same thing without making any progress or reaching a solution.

• We've been discussing this for hours and are just going in circles.
• If we keep going in circles, we'll never finish the project.