Phrases & Expressions

To do what you promised.

• He always keeps his word.
• You promised — keep your word.

To understand a situation or environment well, including its rules and how things work.

• You need to know the lay of the land before starting the project.
• She quickly learned the lay of the land in her new job.

A final option or solution used when all other possibilities have failed.

• David was locked out of his house and knew that, as a last resort, he could always break a window.
• I don't like taking medicine — I'll only take it as a last resort.

To gain knowledge or skill through difficult or unpleasant experiences.

• He had to learn the hard way about saving money.
• She learned the hard way not to trust strangers.

A person who is lively and entertaining at a party.

• He's always the life of the party.
• She was the life of the party with her jokes.

Feeling uncomfortable or awkward because you are in an unfamiliar situation.

• He felt like a fish out of water at the formal party.
• Starting a new job can make you feel like a fish out of water.

To become angry, upset, or lose control of one's emotions.

• He lost his cool when they criticized his work.
• Try not to lose your cool during the argument.

To lose an opportunity to do something because you are too slow to act.

• You'll miss the boat if you don't decide soon.
• I missed the boat on that investment.

Used to emphasize that what you are saying is true and serious.

• No cap, I saw him there yesterday.
• This is the best pizza I've ever had, no cap.

You say this to customs officers when you have no goods to pay tax on.

• The customs officer asked, 'Anything to declare?' I said, 'Nothing to declare.'
• He walked through the green channel, saying 'Nothing to declare'.