Phrases & Expressions

An event or situation that makes you realize you need to change something important.

• Losing his job was a real wake up call for him.
• The accident was a wake up call to drive more carefully.

To try to understand someone's feelings or situation by imagining you are them.

• You should walk a mile in their shoes before judging.
• Try to walk a mile in their shoes; it's not easy.

To start sweating, usually from physical effort or heat.

• We were working up a sweat during the hike.
• Running fast makes you work up a sweat.

Remaining calm and relaxed, even in a difficult or stressful situation.

• She stayed as cool as a cucumber during the crisis.
• He was as cool as a cucumber before his big presentation.

In disagreement with someone, or not matching something.

• My brother and I are often at odds.
• Their plans are at odds with ours.

To cost very much.

• This trip will break the bank.
• A weekend in the countryside doesn't have to break the bank.

To earn money for the family.

• He works hard to bring home the bacon for his kids.
• She wants to bring home the bacon and support her family.

To do something that makes it impossible to go back to a previous relationship or situation.

• Don't burn your bridges with your old company; you may need them later.
• He burned all his bridges when he left his job so rudely.

To be in charge and make all the important decisions.

• In this house, my grandmother calls the shots.
• Who calls the shots here?

A complicated situation that causes many new problems once you start dealing with it.

• Changing the rules now would open a can of worms.
• Don't open that can of worms, or the meeting will never end.