Phrases & Expressions

raining very heavily

• It's raining cats and dogs outside.
• We can't go out — it's raining cats and dogs.

To warn people about a danger or problem.

• They had to raise the alarm about the fire.
• A neighbour saw the smoke and raised the alarm immediately.

You will get the same results from your actions as you put into them.

• He cheated his friends for years, and now he is reaping what he sowed.
• If you never study, you will fail; you reap what you sow.

Excessive bureaucracy or adherence to official rules and formalities, often causing delays.

• There's too much red tape to get the permit.
• We need to cut through the red tape.

To have a lot of money, more than is needed.

• After selling his company, he's rolling in money.
• They bought a yacht and a private jet; they must be rolling in money.

Having no energy left; exhausted.

• After the marathon, I was running on empty.
• I have worked late every night this week and I am running on empty.

To finally understand or accept something, often after a long time of resisting it.

• After years of doubt, he saw the light.
• She finally saw the light and changed her plan for the project.

Permanent and unchangeable.

• The plans for the new building are not set in stone yet.
• His decision to leave was set in stone.

To correct a misunderstanding or provide the true facts about something.

• Let me set the record straight: I did not say that.
• She wanted to set the record straight about her role in the project.

To establish the mood or atmosphere for an event or situation.

• Her cheerful greeting set the tone for the day.
• The opening speech set the tone for the whole conference.