Phrases & Expressions

Fundamentally good, honest, and reliable people who are essential to society.

• My grandmother was truly the salt of the earth.
• We need more people like him; he's the salt of the earth.

To continue performing or working, even if there are problems or difficulties.

• The lead actor was sick, but the show must go on.
• We had technical issues, but the show must go on.

The situation is improving or becoming more positive.

• Elizabeth found a wonderful new job and just moved into a beautiful apartment — things are looking up for her.
• Things are looking up with the economy.

Occupied; busy with something that prevents you from doing other things.

• Sorry, I can't talk now, I'm tied up.
• She's tied up with a big project at work.

Used to say that you are going to tell only the main point of a story, without all the details.

• To make a long story short, we missed the train.
• To make a long story short, she said yes.

To contact someone briefly to give or get the latest news about something.

• Let's touch base next week to discuss the project.
• I just wanted to touch base about the new proposal.

To rely on your feelings or instincts rather than logic.

• If something feels wrong about the offer, trust your gut.
• She decided to trust her gut about the deal.

To deliberately ignore something wrong or unpleasant that you know is happening.

• The manager turned a blind eye to the employees' rule-breaking.
• You can't just turn a blind eye to injustice.

Working together with others is often more effective than working alone.

• We need to finish this report by tomorrow. Two heads are better than one.
• Let's ask Sarah for help; two heads are better than one.

Very close to you and obvious, but you do not notice it.

• The answer was right under my nose the whole time.
• How could I miss it? It was right under my nose!